The St. Mary Campground on the east side of Glacier National Park, is currently limited to hard-sided camping only.

The campground has had a recent increase in black and grizzly bear activity, although no incidents between people and bears have been reported.

Park rangers and wildlife managers are initiating aversive conditioning to attempt to modify bear behavior near the campground. This conditioning will be ongoing in the area of the campground. It is unknown when the hard-sided camping limit will be lifted. 

Primitive camping is available at the St. Mary Campground through Oct. 31 for a fee of $10 per night. From Nov. 1 through March 31, camping is free with a valid entrance pass at the St. Mary Campground.

Campgrounds in primitive status have pit toilets available, no potable or drinking water and a limited number of sites. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and reminded that any water taken from streams or lakes requires treatment before use.

For more information about camping or hiking in bear country while in Glacier National Park, visit http://www.nps.gov/glac/naturescience/bears.htm. 

For updated information about campgrounds and campground status, go to http://home.nps.gov/applications/glac/cgstatus/cgstatus.cfm or contact the park at 406-888-7800.