Upper Nyack Campground

For those of us fortunate enough to call Montana home, the wild places of Glacier National Park hold a special reverence. We seek out experiences that connect us deeply with nature, offering solitude, challenge, and unparalleled beauty. Upper Nyack Campground, nestled in the vast wilderness near West Glacier, MT, is a prime example of such a place. It's not a conventional drive-up campground, but a true backcountry destination that promises an authentic and evolving wilderness adventure.

Upper Nyack Campground has a unique story of resilience and renewal. Having been impacted by the Thompson Fire in 2015, the campground has undergone a relocation and reimagining, moving closer to the pristine Nyack Creek. This means that for those of us venturing into this area, we can anticipate a "new adventure," as the landscape recovers and new trails and campsites are established. This ongoing evolution is part of what makes backcountry camping in Montana so dynamic and rewarding – every visit offers a chance to witness nature's incredible capacity for recovery. For locals who appreciate the raw, untamed essence of Glacier, Upper Nyack offers a profound opportunity to experience the park's enduring spirit amidst its natural cycles of change. It's a testament to the wild heart of Montana, constantly adapting and offering new perspectives on its majestic beauty.

Upper Nyack Campground is situated in the breathtaking wilderness near West Glacier, MT 59936, USA. As a backcountry wilderness campsite within Glacier National Park, it is not accessible by vehicle directly. Instead, reaching Upper Nyack requires a dedicated hike, making it a destination primarily for experienced backpackers and those seeking a true immersion in the park's remote areas.

The campground is located in the expansive Nyack / Coal Creek camping zone, an area unique within Glacier National Park where, in addition to designated campgrounds, "at-large" or undesignated camping is sometimes permitted with the appropriate permits (though Upper Nyack itself is a designated site). One common approach to the Upper Nyack Campground is via the Nyack Creek - Coal Creek Trail Loop. This route typically involves a ford of the Middle Fork Flathead River, and then the Nyack Creek itself, adding to the adventurous nature of the journey. The trail winds through long, wooded valleys, offering periodic openings with views of impressive peaks like Threesuns Mountain and the magnificent Mount Stimson. The effort required to reach Upper Nyack ensures a more secluded and pristine camping experience, far from the typical park crowds. Hikers should be prepared for various trail conditions, including creek crossings and potentially challenging terrain, making proper planning and equipment essential for a safe and enjoyable trip.

• Designated Campsites: Upper Nyack provides designated campsites within a wild setting, ensuring a structured yet remote camping experience. Each campsite is typically limited to four people.
• Wilderness Use Permits: A wilderness use permit is required for all overnight camping. These permits are valid only for the specified dates, locations, and party size, emphasizing responsible backcountry use.
• Leave No Trace Principles: The campground's regulations are heavily based on Leave No Trace (LNT) outdoor ethics, which guide campers on concentrating impacts (eating, sleeping, human waste disposal) to preserve the broader pristine areas.
• Food Storage Requirements: As with all backcountry sites in Glacier, strict food storage practices are enforced to prevent bear encounters, likely requiring bear-resistant containers or food hanging.
• Pit Toilets: Basic outhouse-style facilities are generally available at designated backcountry campsites for human waste disposal.
• Water Source: Access to natural water sources, such as Nyack Creek, for filtering drinking water is a feature of the area.

• True Backcountry Immersion: Upper Nyack offers an authentic and deep wilderness experience, ideal for those looking to escape the developed areas of Glacier National Park.
• Unique Geological Setting: The campground is located in an area characterized by forested terrain and mountainous landscapes, offering stunning views of surrounding peaks like Mount Stimson, Blackfoot Mountain, and vistas of the Cutbank Pass area.
• Post-Fire Ecosystem Dynamics: As it was affected by the 2015 Thompson Fire and subsequently relocated, visitors can observe the ongoing natural recovery and regeneration of the forest, offering a unique ecological perspective. This also implies a "new adventure" as the area continues to evolve.
• Proximity to Nyack Creek: The campground's relocation closer to Nyack Creek offers enhanced access to this vital water source and potentially more intimate riverside camping experiences.
• Challenging and Rewarding Hiking: The journey to Upper Nyack is part of its appeal, often involving river fords and diverse trail conditions that lead to a truly secluded and pristine destination.
• Opportunities for Solitude: Given its backcountry nature and the effort required to reach it, Upper Nyack provides a higher level of solitude and quiet compared to more accessible campgrounds.
• Strict Wilderness Ethics: The strong emphasis on Leave No Trace principles ensures that the natural integrity of the area is maintained for future generations, reflecting a commitment to conservation.

Address: West Glacier, MT 59936, USA

Please note: As a backcountry campground within Glacier National Park, Upper Nyack does not have a direct phone number for the site itself. All reservations, wilderness permits, and critical information regarding access, trail conditions, and regulations must be obtained through Glacier National Park's official channels.

For the most current information regarding Upper Nyack Campground, including its exact operational status, permit requirements, and trail conditions, please refer to the official Glacier National Park website or contact a park ranger station directly. Backcountry permits are essential for overnight stays in this area.

For us Montanans, Upper Nyack Campground represents the quintessential Glacier National Park backcountry experience—a true test of our adventurous spirit and a profound connection to the wilderness we cherish. While it demands more effort to reach than a front-country campground, this very challenge is what makes it so appealing to those of us who live here and understand the immense rewards of venturing off the beaten path.

The recent relocation closer to Nyack Creek, a consequence of the 2015 Thompson Fire, adds a unique layer to the experience. It offers us a chance to witness firsthand the resilience of Montana's ecosystems and to explore a landscape that is actively regenerating and offering "a new adventure." This dynamic environment provides a deeper appreciation for the cycles of nature that shape our beloved state.

We, as locals, value the solitude and pristine conditions that a backcountry site like Upper Nyack provides. Away from the summer crowds, you can truly hear the whisper of the wind through the recovering forest, the rush of Nyack Creek, and perhaps spot the incredible wildlife that thrives in these remote corners of Glacier. The necessity of obtaining a wilderness permit and adhering to Leave No Trace principles reinforces our collective responsibility to preserve these special places, something Montanans take great pride in.

Choosing Upper Nyack for your next camping trip means embracing a challenging yet incredibly rewarding journey into the heart of one of America's most magnificent national parks. It’s an opportunity to test your backcountry skills, to connect with the raw beauty of Montana, and to create unforgettable memories in a landscape that is constantly renewing itself. For the adventurous spirit within every Montanan, Upper Nyack Campground is an essential experience, promising a truly immersive and inspiring wilderness escape.

Upper Nyack Campground

West Glacier, MT 59936, USA