Red Eagle Lake Head campground

For Montanans, the allure of Glacier National Park is undeniable, and for those who seek to truly immerse themselves in its untamed beauty, Red Eagle Lake Head Campground offers an extraordinary backcountry experience. Located deep within the park near East Glacier Park, MT 59434, USA, this isn't a conventional drive-up campground with extensive amenities. Instead, it’s a remote wilderness campsite, accessible only to adventurous hikers and backpackers willing to journey into the park's pristine interior. Red Eagle Lake Head is renowned for its secluded campsites, surprisingly clean facilities for a backcountry location, and its close proximity to the tranquil Red Eagle Lake. It's a place where the sounds of the wilderness define your stay, and encounters with local wildlife, like the frequent moose visitor, become cherished memories. While a past fire has resulted in less shade than some areas, the open sky offers expansive views and the raw beauty of a regenerating forest. As noted by those who have experienced it, securing a reservation here is highly worthwhile, offering a deeply rewarding and unforgettable stop on any multi-day backpacking trip through Glacier's eastern side. This overview aims to provide essential insights into Red Eagle Lake Head Campground, helping local Montanans plan their next profound adventure in one of our state's most spectacular natural treasures.

Red Eagle Lake Head Campground is located within the vast expanse of Glacier National Park, specifically situated at the head of Red Eagle Lake, near East Glacier Park, MT 59434, USA. This places it on the park's east side, typically accessed from the Two Medicine area. It is crucial to understand that this is a backcountry wilderness campsite, meaning it is not accessible by vehicle. The only way to reach Red Eagle Lake Head Campground is via a significant hike. One common route is the Red Eagle Trail, which can be accessed from the Two Medicine entrance area or from the St. Mary area. From the St. Mary Trailhead, for instance, the hike to Red Eagle Lake Campground (foot) is approximately 7.5 miles, and then continues further to the "head" camp. Another more challenging access point, as noted by a reviewer, is via a hike through Triple Divide Pass, a strenuous but incredibly scenic route. The trails leading to Red Eagle Lake Head can involve diverse terrain, including forested paths, open meadows (which may have less shade due to past fires), and potentially river crossings. For Montanans planning a trip, obtaining a wilderness permit from Glacier National Park is absolutely mandatory for an overnight stay. This permit outlines specific entry and exit points, as well as designated camping nights, and helps manage visitor numbers and preserve the delicate ecosystem. Road conditions and seasonal closures within Glacier National Park, particularly for the Two Medicine and St. Mary entrances, can impact trailhead access, typically limiting the camping season to late spring through early fall. Therefore, meticulous planning, including checking current park conditions and permit availability through the National Park Service website or Recreation.gov, is paramount for a safe and successful trip to this remote and stunning campsite.

As a backcountry wilderness campsite in Glacier National Park, Red Eagle Lake Head Campground offers only the most basic and primitive services. It is designed for self-sufficient backpackers and provides essential elements to support an overnight stay in a wild and protected environment, prioritizing minimal impact on the ecosystem over extensive amenities. Services typically found at this type of campsite include:

• Designated Tent Sites: The campground features well-kept, designated tent pads or areas for pitching tents. These sites are designed to concentrate impact, and reviewers note they offer a good degree of seclusion.
• Pit Toilet (Outhouse): As confirmed by customer reviews, a pit toilet (outhouse) is available. Reviewers frequently praise the cleanliness of these facilities, which is a significant plus for backcountry camping. Campers should bring their own toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
• Food Prep Area: A designated food preparation area is typically provided, often with logs or flat stones for seating and a convenient surface for cooking.
• Food Hanging Station / Bear-Resistant Storage: Given that Glacier National Park is prime bear country, a food hanging station is available, as specifically noted by a reviewer due to the lack of large trees for personal bear bag hanging. This is crucial for safely storing food and scented items away from wildlife.
• Water Access (Untreated): Water is available from Red Eagle Lake. However, it is important to note that this water is untreated. All water from natural sources must be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption to prevent waterborne illnesses. One reviewer mentioned the lake was "very low" during their visit, making filtration difficult, highlighting the importance of personal water treatment methods and potentially carrying extra water.
• Backcountry Permit System: While not a physical amenity, obtaining a wilderness use permit is a mandatory "service" for overnight stays. This permit system helps manage visitor flow and ensures the preservation of the wilderness. A fee is associated with these permits ($10 non-refundable permit fee and an additional $7 per person, per night camping fee).
• No Fires Permitted: Generally, open campfires are not permitted at backcountry sites in Glacier National Park due to high fire danger and Leave No Trace principles. Campers should plan to use backpacking stoves for cooking.
• No Trash Service: Campers are required to practice Leave No Trace principles, meaning all trash, including food scraps and wrappers, must be packed out of the wilderness area.

Campers must be entirely self-reliant, carrying all necessary supplies, including food, cooking equipment, first-aid, and bear spray, as there are no resupply points or modern conveniences beyond the basic provisions mentioned.

Red Eagle Lake Head Campground's true highlights stem from its pristine natural environment and its unique position within Glacier National Park, offering an unparalleled backcountry experience for Montanans. These features make it a memorable destination:

• Secluded Campsites: Reviewers consistently praise the "secluded" nature of the tent pads, providing a sense of privacy and deep immersion in nature. Unlike more crowded front-country campgrounds, sites are not close to each other, allowing for greater tranquility.
• Proximity to Red Eagle Lake: The campsite is "very close to a lake," offering serene views and easy access to a water source (requiring filtration). The presence of the lake enhances the camping experience, though water levels can vary.
• Clean Backcountry Facilities: A notable highlight, as mentioned by a reviewer, is the cleanliness of the pit toilet ("very clean, like most in Glacier National Park"), a welcome feature in a remote setting.
• Designated Food Prep Area: The presence of a dedicated "food prepping station with plenty of seating" (good logs and flat stones) and a reliable food hanging station (due to smaller trees) greatly enhances convenience and safety in bear country.
• Wildlife Sightings: The remote location provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Reviewers noted a "moose during breakfast who is apparently a frequent visitor," emphasizing the chance for unique animal encounters.
• Access to Triple Divide Pass: For adventurous hikers, the camp's connection to trails leading to Triple Divide Pass offers an epic, challenging day hike or a scenic route into the camp itself, reaching a unique geological point where water flows to three different oceans.
• East Side Glacier Experience: Camping on the east side of Glacier National Park offers a different perspective and often more dramatic, rugged mountain views compared to the west side.
• Sense of Accomplishment: The effort and planning required to reach this backcountry site contribute to a profound sense of achievement and a deeper appreciation for the wilderness.
• Peaceful Atmosphere: The combination of seclusion, natural sounds, and limited human impact ensures a genuinely peaceful and restorative camping experience.

While there is "little shade due to a fire that happened in the past," this also allows for open views of the sky and the resilience of a regenerating forest, adding another layer to the unique natural landscape.

Red Eagle Lake Head Campground is a wilderness backcountry campsite within Glacier National Park, meaning there is no direct contact number for the campground itself. All inquiries regarding backcountry camping, permits, and current park conditions should be directed to the official channels of Glacier National Park. The phone numbers provided (406) 888-7800 and +1 406-888-7800 are general park contact lines, which can provide guidance or direct you to the appropriate department for backcountry information.

• Address (General Park Address, not specific to campsite): Waterton Vly, East Glacier Park, MT 59434, USA
• Glacier National Park Headquarters Phone: (406) 888-7800
• Official Wilderness Permit Information: For the most accurate and up-to-date details on how to obtain a backcountry permit for Red Eagle Lake Head Campground, including reservation windows, walk-up permit procedures, fees, and specific backcountry regulations, it is essential to consult the official Glacier National Park website (NPS.gov/glac) under their "Wilderness Camping" section or the Recreation.gov website for booking.
• Backcountry Ranger Stations: Permits are typically acquired online in advance or in person at one of the Backcountry Ranger Stations within the park (e.g., Apgar or Many Glacier).

Montanans planning a trip must thoroughly research and understand the permit requirements, booking windows (which can be competitive), and any necessary vehicle reservations for entering certain park areas during peak season. This advanced preparation is critical for securing a spot at this highly sought-after backcountry destination and ensuring a safe and enjoyable trip.

For Montanans seeking an authentic and deeply rewarding wilderness experience, Red Eagle Lake Head Campground in Glacier National Park stands out as an exceptional destination. This isn't a conventional campground; it’s a secluded backcountry haven that offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse oneself in the raw beauty of our state's most iconic national park. Accessible only by a scenic and challenging hike from areas like Two Medicine or St. Mary, it promises a true escape from the everyday, replacing urban noise with the tranquil sounds of nature and the rustle of wildlife. What makes Red Eagle Lake Head so perfectly suited for locals is its commitment to a primitive, self-reliant camping experience, complete with secluded tent pads, a surprisingly clean pit toilet, and essential bear-resistant food storage, as praised by previous visitors. While the area shows evidence of past fires, this only adds to its unique character, providing open views and a testament to nature's resilience. For those in Montana who crave the challenge of a backcountry trek, the thrill of spotting a moose at breakfast, or the simple joy of a truly quiet night under a vast, star-filled sky, securing a permit for Red Eagle Lake Head Campground is a highly recommended and unforgettable endeavor. It’s an opportunity to connect with the land in its purest form, embracing the wild spirit that defines our beloved Big Sky Country. For a profound and memorable journey into the heart of Glacier's wilderness, Red Eagle Lake Head Campground awaits.

Red Eagle Lake Head campground

Waterton Vly, East Glacier Park, MT 59434, USA