Oldman Lake Campground

For Montanans eager to immerse themselves in the wild heart of Glacier National Park, Oldman Lake Campground offers an authentic and unforgettable backcountry experience. Described by those who've made the journey as an "awesome place to spend the night," this remote campground provides a unique blend of challenging accessibility and serene natural beauty. It's designed for adventurers who seek more than just a roadside stop, promising a deep dive into the wilderness where the sounds of nature and the presence of wildlife are paramount.

Oldman Lake Campground is strategically positioned to serve as an excellent base for exploring some of Glacier's most iconic trails, including easy access to Pitamakan Pass. The lake itself, featuring a "little beach access" and confirmed presence of cutthroat trout, adds to the appeal for those who enjoy fishing or simply appreciate a pristine mountain lake. With a limited number of campsites and a robust bear hang system, the campground emphasizes safety and a minimal impact approach to wilderness camping. While encounters with wildlife, including "huge Grizzly Bears," are a distinct possibility, they underscore the genuine wilderness character of this area. Oldman Lake Campground is truly a destination for the prepared and adventurous, offering a profound connection with the untouched grandeur that defines Montana's majestic landscapes.

Oldman Lake Campground is magnificently situated along the Oldman Lake Trail, in the vicinity of East Glacier Park, MT 59434, USA. This specific location places it deep within the eastern section of Glacier National Park, an area renowned for its breathtaking mountain vistas, pristine lakes, and extensive trail network. As a designated backcountry campground, it is not accessible by vehicle; reaching Oldman Lake requires a significant hike, making it a destination for intrepid explorers and backpackers.

The primary access point for Oldman Lake Campground is often from the Two Medicine area. As recounted by a past visitor, starting "the trail from the North Shore trailhead (Two Medicine), and it was about 7 miles to get to the Old Man Lake." This clarifies that while the journey is substantial, it is a well-established route. The 7-mile trek, while potentially long for some, offers a rewarding experience, traversing diverse terrain and providing increasingly spectacular views as one nears the lake. The elevation changes on the trail, while not explicitly described as "brutal" in the provided reviews for Oldman Lake, are characteristic of Glacier's mountainous terrain, implying a moderately challenging but manageable hike for prepared individuals.

For Montanans, this backcountry accessibility is a significant draw. It means escaping the more populated areas of Glacier National Park and venturing into true wilderness, where solitude and natural beauty reign supreme. The effort required to reach Oldman Lake ensures a more exclusive and pristine camping experience, connecting locals deeply with the wild heart of their home state. This journey, ending in a serene lakeside setting, is a testament to the rewards of embracing Montana's rugged outdoor spirit.

• Designated Campsites: The campground features 4 established campsites, ensuring a structured yet primitive overnight experience.

• Bear Hang System: A crucial safety feature, the campground utilizes a bear hang system for proper food storage, protecting both campers and wildlife.

• Lake Access for Water: Oldman Lake provides a natural water source for campers. It is essential to bring a reliable water filter or purification system, as the lake water must be treated before consumption.

• Primitive Toilet Facilities: As a backcountry site, expect basic toilet facilities, likely an outhouse or pit toilet, designed for waste management in a wilderness setting.

• Wilderness Permit Required: Overnight stays at Oldman Lake Campground, like all Glacier National Park backcountry sites, necessitate a wilderness permit obtained in advance from the National Park Service. This manages usage and preserves the wilderness character.

• Strategic Backcountry Location: Oldman Lake Campground is positioned as an "awesome place to spend the night," serving as an ideal overnight stop for longer backpacking trips within Glacier National Park. Its remote location ensures a true wilderness immersion.

• Access to Pitamakan Pass: A significant highlight is the "easy access to Pitamakan Pass from here." This makes the campground a perfect base for hikers looking to conquer one of Glacier's most iconic and scenic high-mountain passes, offering breathtaking panoramic views.

• Cutthroat Trout Fishing Opportunities: The presence of "cutthroat in lake" (confirmed by other campers' catches) offers a fantastic opportunity for anglers. This adds an exciting recreational dimension to the camping experience, allowing for fresh mountain fish.

• Lakeside Beach Access: The campground boasts "a little beach access to the lake." This provides a picturesque spot for enjoying the lake views, taking a refreshing dip (beware, it's "cold though!"), or simply relaxing by the water's edge.

• Stunning Scenery and Rewards: Despite the 7-mile hike from the North Shore trailhead being a commitment, visitors consistently report it was "WELL worth it," indicating the incredible beauty and rewarding experience found at Oldman Lake, surrounded by Glacier's majestic landscape.

• True Wilderness Wildlife Encounters: The potential for spotting "huge Grizzly Bears" and finding "very large tracks north and south of the campground" underscores the genuine wilderness nature of the area. While requiring vigilance, this offers unparalleled opportunities for wildlife observation in their natural habitat, making for truly memorable experiences.

Address: Oldman Lake Trail, East Glacier Park, MT 59434, USA

Phone: (406) 888-7895

Mobile Phone: +1 406-888-7895

It is important for Montanans planning a trip to Oldman Lake Campground to remember that these phone numbers are for the general Glacier National Park information or administrative offices. For specific details regarding backcountry permits, which are mandatory for overnight stays at Oldman Lake, and for the most up-to-date trail conditions (especially regarding snow, closures, or bear activity), visitors should always consult the official Glacier National Park website or contact their Backcountry Permit Office directly. Wilderness permits are often highly sought after and require advance reservation, typically through Recreation.gov.

Oldman Lake Campground is an ideal destination for Montanans seeking to fully embrace the wild grandeur of Glacier National Park. For locals, who often have a deep-seated appreciation for authentic wilderness and challenging outdoor pursuits, this backcountry campsite offers an experience that goes beyond typical front-country camping. Its remote location, accessible via a 7-mile hike from the Two Medicine area, means that only those truly committed to the journey will arrive, fostering a sense of exclusivity and profound solitude that is increasingly rare in popular parks.

The "awesome" experience at Oldman Lake resonates with the Montana spirit of earning your views and enjoying nature in its most raw form. The proximity to stunning features like Pitamakan Pass provides ambitious hikers with a rewarding challenge and unparalleled panoramic views, all directly accessible from their campsite. For those who enjoy fishing, the confirmed presence of cutthroat trout in the lake adds another layer of appeal, offering the quintessential Montana experience of catching your dinner in a pristine mountain setting.

Furthermore, the robust bear hang system and the clear acknowledgment of large grizzly bear tracks underscore the genuine wilderness character of Oldman Lake. While requiring vigilance and adherence to Leave No Trace principles, these elements appeal to Montanans who understand and respect the inherent wildness of their landscape. It’s an opportunity to truly co-exist with nature, observe iconic wildlife from a safe distance, and feel completely immersed in the ecosystem. The "little beach access" to the cold lake offers a picturesque spot for quiet contemplation or a bracing dip, further enhancing the sense of a private mountain oasis.

In essence, Oldman Lake Campground provides Montanans with a quintessential backcountry adventure. It challenges the body, rewards the spirit, and deepens the connection to the magnificent, untamed landscapes that make their state so unique. For those who believe the best experiences are found off the beaten path, and who are ready to embrace the full spectrum of a Glacier National Park wilderness encounter, Oldman Lake Campground is an indispensable and highly recommended choice.

Oldman Lake Campground

Oldman Lake Trail, East Glacier Park, MT 59434, USA