Upper Kintla Lake Campground

For those of us who call Montana home, the raw, untamed beauty of Glacier National Park holds a special place in our hearts. While many flock to its more accessible and famous areas, a true Montanan often seeks out the quieter corners, the places where the wilderness truly embraces you. Upper Kintla Lake Campground is precisely one such place – a remote and pristine gem that offers an unparalleled experience for those willing to venture a little further off the beaten path.

Nestled deep within the North Fork area of Glacier National Park, Upper Kintla Lake Campground embodies the spirit of traditional camping, prioritizing natural immersion over modern conveniences. It's a destination for the discerning outdoor enthusiast, the hiker, the paddler, and anyone yearning for genuine solitude amidst breathtaking scenery. This article is crafted specifically for Montanans, offering a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Upper Kintla Lake Campground. We'll explore its unique, secluded location, the essential services it provides, its distinctive features that make it so special, and why it's an ideal choice for locals looking to experience Glacier National Park in its most authentic, undisturbed form. Prepare to discover a place where the mountains meet the water in spectacular fashion, far from the typical tourist bustle.

Upper Kintla Lake Campground is remarkably situated at the very far end of Upper Kintla Lake, deep within the remote North Fork region of Glacier National Park. While its listed address might be West Glacier, MT 59936, USA, its actual location is far from the main park entrances and developed areas. This campground is the most remote frontcountry (car camping) campground in Glacier National Park.

Accessing Upper Kintla Lake Campground is an adventure in itself. Visitors must navigate the notoriously rough, narrow, and winding dirt road known as the Inside North Fork Road. This approximately 40-mile journey from the west entrance of Glacier National Park (or about 14.3 miles north of Polebridge) is a significant part of the experience. Due to the unpaved and sometimes challenging nature of the road, large RVs and truck-and-trailer combinations are generally not recommended. Standard vehicles and smaller RVs/trailers can typically make the journey, but it requires patience, caution, and a willingness to drive on a less-maintained surface. This challenging access is precisely what contributes to the campground's remote, quiet, and rarely filled nature, preserving a sense of true solitude. For Montanans accustomed to our state's varied road conditions and seeking an uncrowded wilderness experience, the drive to Upper Kintla Lake is a worthwhile effort that promises a unique reward.

Given its remote and rustic nature, Upper Kintla Lake Campground provides essential, yet limited, services to support a true wilderness camping experience. It's designed for campers who are prepared to be largely self-sufficient:

• Campsites: The campground offers a limited number of individual campsites, primarily suited for tents. Each site typically includes a picnic table and a fire ring. The layout is generally well-designed to offer a sense of space and connection with nature.
• Vault Toilets: Basic, well-maintained vault toilets are available for campers. While not flush toilets, they are regularly serviced, providing a necessary convenience in a remote setting.
• Potable Water: Potable water is available via a hand pump. Campers should be prepared to pump their own water and might consider filtering or treating it as an extra precaution, though the water is typically safe.
• Bear-Resistant Food Storage: As this is prime grizzly bear country, each campsite is equipped with bear-resistant food storage lockers. All food, scented items, and cooking equipment must be stored securely in these lockers when not in immediate use to protect both campers and wildlife.
• No Hookups: There are no electric, water, or sewer hookups available at any of the campsites. This is a dry camping experience, emphasizing self-reliance and minimizing environmental impact.
• No Trash Service: Campers are required to "pack it in, pack it out." This means all trash and waste generated during your stay must be carried out of the campground, adhering to Leave No Trace principles.

Upper Kintla Lake Campground is celebrated for several distinctive features and highlights that draw in those seeking an authentic wilderness adventure:

• Ultimate Seclusion and Quiet: This is arguably its most significant highlight. Due to its remote location and difficult access, Upper Kintla Lake Campground rarely fills up, offering an unparalleled sense of solitude and peace. It's a true escape from crowds and noise.
• Spectacular Lakefront Setting: The campground is nestled directly on the shore of Upper Kintla Lake, providing breathtaking views of the pristine waters framed by towering mountains. Many sites offer direct lake access, perfect for swimming, fishing, or simply enjoying the serene landscape.
• Paddler's Paradise: Kintla Lake is a dream for canoeists and kayakers. No motorized watercraft are allowed, ensuring a tranquil paddling experience across the clear, calm waters. The campground serves as an excellent launch point.
• Gateway to Backcountry Hiking: Upper Kintla Lake Campground is the trailhead for some of Glacier National Park's most challenging and rewarding backcountry treks, including the Boulder Pass Trail. This provides incredible opportunities for day hikes or multi-day backpacking trips into the park's remote northern wilderness.
• Abundant Wildlife: Being deep within Glacier National Park, the area around Upper Kintla Lake is rich in wildlife. Campers have increased chances of spotting deer, moose, various bird species, and, importantly, both black bears and grizzly bears. Adhering to bear safety protocols is paramount.
• Well-Maintained for its Remoteness: Despite its rustic nature, visitors often praise the campground for being well-maintained by the National Park Service, showcasing their dedication to preserving this remote gem.
• Exceptional Stargazing: With virtually no light pollution, the night sky at Upper Kintla Lake is incredibly dark, offering spectacular opportunities for stargazing and viewing the Milky Way.

For inquiries regarding Upper Kintla Lake Campground and Glacier National Park, you can use the main park contact information. While there isn't a direct line to the campground itself, the park service can provide information on road conditions, bear activity, and general park policies.

Address: Boulder Pass, West Glacier, MT 59936, USA (within Glacier National Park's North Fork area)

Phone: (406) 888-7800

Mobile Phone: +1 406-888-7800

For Montanans who truly understand and cherish the wild heart of our state, Upper Kintla Lake Campground offers an unparalleled camping experience. It is not for the faint of heart or those seeking glamping amenities; instead, it promises an authentic, rustic immersion into the untouched beauty of Glacier National Park. The journey to get there, along the unpaved Inside North Fork Road, is a testament to its remote allure, deterring crowds and preserving its profound sense of solitude.

Locals who value peace, quiet, and a direct connection with nature will find this campground to be a perfect sanctuary. The absence of modern hookups and the requirement to pack out trash reinforce the Leave No Trace principles that many Montanans embrace. Being nestled directly on the shores of Upper Kintla Lake provides unmatched opportunities for paddling, fishing, and simply soaking in the spectacular views. Furthermore, its role as a trailhead for challenging backcountry hikes means adventure is literally at your doorstep. For those prepared for true wilderness camping, mindful of bear safety, and eager to discover a rarely crowded corner of our beloved Glacier National Park, Upper Kintla Lake Campground is not just suitable; it's an essential Montana experience, offering profound tranquility and breathtaking natural beauty that will leave a lasting impression.

Upper Kintla Lake Campground

Boulder Pass, West Glacier, MT 59936, USA