Kootenai Lake is a backcountry wilderness campsite in the northern reaches of Glacier National Park, accessible only by foot via the Waterton Valley Trail. The site sits near a pair of shallow lakes frequented by moose. An advance wilderness permit is required, obtained through Recreation.gov; camping costs $7 per person per night, plus a $10 non-refundable permit reservation fee. No potable water is available on-site — visitors must treat or filter water from natural sources. A vault toilet is provided. The campsite typically opens around July 1, weather permitting.
Per person per night
Wilderness permit reservation fee (non-refundable)
Open Jul through Sep
Official NPS page for backcountry camping information at Glacier National Park, which covers Kootenai Lake wilderness campsite and all other wilderness sites.
Glacier National Park Wilderness Permits on Recreation.gov. The lottery application fee and the wilderness permit reservation fee are $10. The camping fee is $7 per person, per night.
Lottery application fee: $10 (non-refundable) for both large and standard group lotteries. Camping fees: $7 per person per night.
The Kootenai Lake wilderness campground is set to open July 1, 2026, but can be opened earlier if weather permits.
The hike from the Kootenai Lakes Trailhead to the Kootenai Lakes backcountry campground is a very pleasant hike through a beautiful forest with very little elevation gain along this section of the Waterton Valley Trail. The Kootenai Lakes are particularly well-known for their moose population.
CampgroundTour strives to provide accurate campground information but cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy. Information is subject to change — please confirm details with the agency managing this facility before booking or making travel decisions. See our Terms of Use.
Kootenai Lake is a backcountry wilderness campsite in the northern reaches of Glacier National Park, accessible only by foot via the Waterton Valley Trail. The site sits near a pair of shallow lakes frequented by moose. An advance wilderness permit is required, obtained through Recreation.gov; camping costs $7 per person per night, plus a $10 non-refundable permit reservation fee. No potable water is available on-site — visitors must treat or filter water from natural sources. A vault toilet is provided. The campsite typically opens around July 1, weather permitting.
Per person per night
Wilderness permit reservation fee (non-refundable)
Open Jul through Sep
Official NPS page for backcountry camping information at Glacier National Park, which covers Kootenai Lake wilderness campsite and all other wilderness sites.
Glacier National Park Wilderness Permits on Recreation.gov. The lottery application fee and the wilderness permit reservation fee are $10. The camping fee is $7 per person, per night.
Lottery application fee: $10 (non-refundable) for both large and standard group lotteries. Camping fees: $7 per person per night.
The Kootenai Lake wilderness campground is set to open July 1, 2026, but can be opened earlier if weather permits.
The hike from the Kootenai Lakes Trailhead to the Kootenai Lakes backcountry campground is a very pleasant hike through a beautiful forest with very little elevation gain along this section of the Waterton Valley Trail. The Kootenai Lakes are particularly well-known for their moose population.
CampgroundTour strives to provide accurate campground information but cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy. Information is subject to change — please confirm details with the agency managing this facility before booking or making travel decisions. See our Terms of Use.