Morning Star Lake Campground

For those Montanans who truly seek solace and a deeper connection with the untouched beauty of Glacier National Park, Morning Star Lake Campground offers a unique and intimate backcountry experience. Nestled along the Continental Divide, this campground provides a tranquil escape from the more bustling areas of the park, inviting campers to embrace the quiet grandeur of the mountains. It's a destination for the prepared adventurer, promising clean sites and stunning natural scenery for a truly memorable overnight stay.

Morning Star Lake Campground is known for its peaceful ambiance and its relatively small, intimate setting. Unlike larger, more developed campgrounds, Morning Star Lake emphasizes a minimalist approach to camping, allowing the natural surroundings to be the main attraction. Reviewers often highlight its clean sites and the feeling of seclusion, making it an ideal spot for those looking to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the high-country wilderness. While wildlife sightings might not be abundant right at the campsites, the journey to and from the lake offers plenty of opportunities to witness the diverse ecosystems of Glacier National Park.

This campground holds a special appeal for local Montanans who value accessible wilderness and appreciate the opportunity to experience Glacier National Park beyond the main roads and popular viewpoints. It’s a testament to the park’s vastness, offering a glimpse into its quieter corners. For a quick overnight stay, as one local reviewer noted, it’s "perfect," providing just enough comfort to enjoy the unparalleled stargazing and crisp mountain air before continuing your exploration of the Continental Divide or returning to the front country.

Morning Star Lake Campground is situated deep within Glacier National Park, at Continental Dv, East Glacier Park, MT 59434, USA. Its address indicates its remote nature, as this is a backcountry campground, meaning it is not accessible by vehicle. Reaching Morning Star Lake requires a significant hike, making it a destination for backpackers and experienced hikers.

The typical access to Morning Star Lake Campground is via a trail that often begins from the Cut Bank area of Glacier National Park. The hike to Morning Star Lake can be a considerable journey, with some routes being around 13.4 miles (21.6 km) round trip with an elevation gain of approximately 900 feet (270 meters). The trail usually follows North Fork Cut Bank Creek, winding through varied terrain that includes flower meadows and forested sections. As you progress, the valley may narrow, alternating between canyon-like areas and open meadows, before finally leading you to the lake, which sits tucked against towering cliffs.

Hikers should be well-prepared for a long day on the trail, with appropriate gear, navigation tools, and an understanding of backcountry safety. While the trail might offer beautiful vistas, it’s important to acknowledge that this is a wilderness area with no services along the way. Weather conditions in Glacier National Park can change rapidly, even in summer, so carrying layers and rain gear is essential. Due to its backcountry location, wilderness permits are required for overnight stays at Morning Star Lake Campground, and these must be secured in advance through Glacier National Park's wilderness permitting system. It's also important to be aware of bear activity in the area and take all necessary precautions for food storage.

As a designated backcountry campground within Glacier National Park, Morning Star Lake Campground offers very basic, minimalist services. The focus is on preserving the wilderness environment and supporting self-sufficient camping.

• Designated Campsites: The campground features a limited number of designated camping spots, typically three, which are "fairly spread out" as per a customer review. These are primitive, cleared areas suitable for tent camping, designed to minimize impact on the surrounding delicate alpine ecosystem.
• Pit Toilet: A basic pit toilet is available for waste disposal. This is a standard amenity in backcountry campgrounds and helps manage human waste responsibly in remote areas. A reviewer confirmed the presence of a "pit toilet."
• Food Storage: While not explicitly mentioned in the provided reviews, it is standard practice and a mandatory regulation in Glacier National Park's backcountry campgrounds to provide bear-resistant food storage, often in the form of a pole or cable system. Campers are required to secure all food, garbage, and scented items to protect both human and wildlife safety.
• Natural Water Source: The campground is located by Morning Star Lake, which serves as the water source. However, campers must bring their own water filters or purification tablets, as the lake water is not treated and is not safe for direct consumption.
• Minimal Amenities: Beyond these essentials, campers should expect no other services such as potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, or trash collection. The principle of "Pack It In, Pack It Out" is strictly enforced, meaning everything you bring into the campground, including all garbage, must be carried out.

Morning Star Lake Campground, despite its primitive nature, offers several distinct features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for a specific type of camper.

• Serene and Secluded Setting: One of the primary highlights is the profound sense of peace and solitude it offers. With only three camping spots, the campground ensures that visitors have ample space and quiet, allowing for a truly immersive wilderness experience away from crowds.
• Clean Sites: A customer review explicitly mentions "Clean site," indicating that despite its primitive nature, the campground is well-maintained and respected by users and park staff. This contributes significantly to a positive camping experience.
• Small, Picturesque Lake: The campground is situated by Morning Star Lake itself. While described as "quite small" by a reviewer, its alpine setting, often reflecting the surrounding mountains, creates a beautiful and tranquil focal point. The lake's clear waters are characteristic of high-altitude glacial lakes.
• Proximity to Continental Divide Trail: Morning Star Lake sits at the base of cliffs along the Continental Divide Trail, making it an excellent stop for backpackers traversing this epic route between St. Mary and Two Medicine. This location also offers the chance to see how sunrise and sunset transform the surrounding landscape.
• Opportunities for Reflection and Photography: The calm environment and stunning natural backdrop, particularly when the lake's surface is still and reflects the forest and distant peaks like a mirror, provide perfect conditions for photography and quiet contemplation.
• True Backcountry Experience: For those seeking an authentic wilderness adventure, Morning Star Lake delivers. It requires self-sufficiency, preparation, and a willingness to embrace the wild, offering a rewarding sense of accomplishment.

As Morning Star Lake Campground is a backcountry site within Glacier National Park, there is no direct contact number for the campground itself. All inquiries, permit applications, and general park information should be directed to the main Glacier National Park administrative offices.

Address: Continental Dv, East Glacier Park, MT 59434, USA (This is the geographical location of the campground, not a mailing address for correspondence.)

Phone: (406) 888-7806 (Glacier National Park General Information Line)

It is highly recommended that you contact Glacier National Park directly or visit their official website (nps.gov/glac) for the most current and essential information regarding wilderness permits, trail conditions, weather advisories, bear safety guidelines, and any specific regulations for backcountry camping in the area. Securing a wilderness permit is mandatory for overnight stays and often requires advance planning. Please be aware that cell phone service is typically non-existent in this remote part of the park, so all preparations and communications must be completed before embarking on your trip.

For Montanans who are drawn to the pristine and often challenging beauty of their home state's wilderness, Morning Star Lake Campground offers an ideal, albeit primitive, escape. This small, secluded backcountry gem in Glacier National Park resonates deeply with the local ethos of self-reliance and appreciation for unspoiled nature. While it demands a significant hike and a commitment to minimal-impact camping, these very aspects are what make it particularly appealing to those who seek a truly authentic Montana outdoor experience.

The quietude and isolation of Morning Star Lake provide a profound sense of tranquility, a rare commodity in today's fast-paced world. For a local, it represents a chance to shed the distractions of daily life and fully immerse oneself in the grandeur of Glacier's high country. The satisfaction of earning your campsite through a challenging hike, and then being rewarded with clean, spread-out sites and breathtaking views of the Continental Divide and the serene lake, is a deeply gratifying experience.

Furthermore, the emphasis on Leave No Trace principles aligns with the strong conservation values held by many Montanans. Camping here is not just recreation; it's an act of stewardship, contributing to the preservation of this incredible ecosystem for future generations. For a quick "one night" stay, as one local reviewer found, Morning Star Lake Campground is "perfect" – offering a concentrated dose of wilderness that recharges the spirit and reinforces the profound connection locals have with Montana's unparalleled natural landscapes. It’s an accessible challenge that leads to an unforgettable peaceful retreat.

Morning Star Lake Campground

Continental Dv, East Glacier Park, MT 59434, USA