Foot Elizabeth Lake Campground

Introduction / Overview

For us Montanans, Glacier National Park is more than just a park; it's a profound wilderness experience, a place where the majestic beauty of the Rocky Mountains truly comes alive. Foot Elizabeth Lake Campground, nestled deep within this iconic landscape, offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse oneself in the heart of Glacier's backcountry. This isn't a drive-up campground with endless amenities; it's a wilderness campsite, a destination for those prepared for a genuine multi-day hiking and backpacking adventure. What makes Foot Elizabeth Lake Campground particularly special is its breathtaking setting, "looking up towards Ptarmigan Tunnel," providing incredibly "pretty" views. It's designed for hardy adventurers, offering essential facilities like "bear boxes" to ensure safety in this active bear country, and a spacious "food prep area" for multiple groups. The campground provides a serene base for exploring the surrounding pristine wilderness, with easy access to Elizabeth Lake itself, a source for water (requiring filtering). While the journey to this campsite is part of its challenging charm, as noted by experienced hikers, the reward is an intensely rewarding connection with one of Montana's most awe-inspiring natural treasures. For locals seeking a profound wilderness experience away from the front-country crowds, Foot Elizabeth Lake Campground is a truly remarkable destination.

Location and Accessibility

Foot Elizabeth Lake Campground is located on Ptarmigan Trail, within the vast and rugged expanse of Glacier National Park, near West Glacier, MT 59936, USA. It's crucial for prospective campers, especially Montanans, to understand that this is a backcountry campground, meaning it is not accessible by vehicle. Reaching Foot Elizabeth Lake requires a significant hike, typically a multi-day backpacking trip. One common approach is via the Ptarmigan Trail, which offers stunning views but involves substantial elevation changes, including hiking up towards Ptarmigan Tunnel. Another route is from the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn trailhead, involving a considerable elevation gain and loss through the Ptarmigan Tunnel. The campsite is near Elizabeth Lake, which itself is often reached by a moderately strenuous 4.8-mile (7.7 km) round-trip trail with a 1,000 ft (305 m) elevation gain. As one reviewer highlighted, the journey can involve challenging terrain, including a "cable bridge" and "horse ford" crossings where water can be "shin/knee deep and about 30 something degrees." This emphasizes the need for proper preparation, sturdy footwear, and an understanding of the park's wilderness conditions. Access to the trailheads typically begins from the Many Glacier area of the park. For locals, while the drive to the trailhead is accessible, the true journey begins on foot, leading to a secluded and deeply rewarding wilderness experience.

Services Offered

• Designated Tent Sites: The campground offers specific, primitive tent sites within the wilderness area. Camping is strictly permitted only in these designated areas.
• Food Storage Lockers (Bear Boxes): A critical amenity, "bear boxes" (also known as food storage lockers) are provided at the campsite. These are essential for storing all food, lawfully taken fish, garbage, and scented items to protect both campers and the abundant bear population.
• Fire Rings: Designated fire rings are typically available at each site for campfires (contingent on current fire restrictions, which are common in Glacier National Park).
• Picnic Tables: While reviews specifically mention a "food prep area" with "plenty of space for multiple groups," individual picnic tables at each tent site may be minimal or basic, reflecting its backcountry nature.
• Access to Water Source: The campground is located "near the lake for easy access to water for filtering." Campers must filter or treat all water from natural sources before consumption. Potable water is not directly provided.
• No Trash Service ("Pack It In, Pack It Out"): As a wilderness campground, there are no trash disposal facilities. All garbage must be "packed out" by campers, adhering to Leave No Trace principles.
• No Flush Toilets or Showers: Backcountry campgrounds in Glacier National Park typically provide only primitive toilet facilities (e.g., pit toilets or designated latrine areas), and no showers are available.
• Permit Required: This is a wilderness campground within Glacier National Park, and as such, a wilderness permit is required for overnight stays. These permits are typically obtained through a reservation system via Recreation.gov.
• Campsite Capacity: Wilderness campsites have specific capacity limits, often to eight people and two tents per site, to minimize impact on the environment.
• Backcountry Regulations: Campers are required to adhere to all Glacier National Park backcountry regulations, including strict food storage, quiet hours, and proper waste disposal practices.

Features / Highlights

• Stunning Scenic Views: A primary highlight is the "very pretty campground looking up towards Ptarmigan Tunnel," offering breathtaking panoramic views of Glacier National Park's iconic mountains and alpine landscapes.
• Proximity to Elizabeth Lake: The campground's location "near the lake" provides direct access to the beautiful Elizabeth Lake, a serene spot perfect for reflection and photography.
• Bear-Resistant Food Storage: The provision of "bear boxes" is a crucial feature, ensuring effective and safe food storage in active bear country, which is a significant safety and convenience factor for campers.
• Spacious Food Prep Area: The dedicated "food prep area has plenty of space for multiple groups," fostering a communal and practical space for meal preparation.
• True Wilderness Immersion: This is a genuine backcountry experience, offering profound solitude and an escape from front-country crowds, allowing for a deep connection with nature.
• Access to Hiking Trails: The campground serves as an excellent base for exploring a network of trails, including routes towards Ptarmigan Tunnel and other points of interest within the Belly River Valley.
• Opportunity for Fishing: Elizabeth Lake and the surrounding waters may offer opportunities for fishing (check local regulations and permit requirements).
• Wildlife Viewing: Being deep within Glacier National Park, the potential for wildlife viewing, including various species of birds, deer, and even bears (from a safe distance), is high.
• Challenging but Rewarding Journey: While access can be demanding, involving "cable bridge" and "horse ford" crossings, the reward of reaching this pristine location is immense for experienced hikers.
• Secluded and Quiet Atmosphere: The remote nature of the campground ensures a peaceful and quiet environment, disturbed only by the sounds of nature.

Contact Information

Address: Ptarmigan Trail, West Glacier, MT 59936, USA (within Glacier National Park)

Phone: (406) 888-7996

Mobile Phone: +1 406-888-7996

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For us Montanans, Foot Elizabeth Lake Campground in Glacier National Park represents the pinnacle of backcountry adventure and a truly immersive experience in our state's most iconic wilderness. We understand that this isn't a casual car camping spot; it's a destination for those who embrace the challenge of a multi-day hike for the unparalleled reward of solitude and stunning natural beauty. The "very pretty campground looking up towards Ptarmigan Tunnel" is a sight that speaks to our souls, showcasing the dramatic landscapes that define Montana. We, as locals, are well-versed in bear country protocols, and the presence of "bear boxes" at the campsite is a crucial and appreciated safety feature, allowing us to focus on the experience rather than worrying about food storage. The spacious "food prep area" is a practical highlight for backcountry groups, fostering camaraderie even amidst the wild. While the journey can be rigorous, potentially involving "cable bridges" and cold "horse ford" crossings, this is part of the authentic Glacier experience we seek. We are prepared to filter our water from the lake and adhere to strict "Pack It In, Pack It Out" principles, as these are the cornerstones of preserving the pristine environment we cherish. This campground offers a genuine escape from the crowds often found in the front-country areas of Glacier. It provides an opportunity to push our limits, connect deeply with the raw power of the mountains, and witness the park's untouched beauty in a way that few others do. For the Montanan seeking a profound, challenging, and ultimately deeply rewarding wilderness adventure, Foot Elizabeth Lake Campground is not just suitable; it is an essential pilgrimage into the heart of our wild heritage.

Foot Elizabeth Lake Campground

Ptarmigan Trail, West Glacier, MT 59936, USA