Are you the owner for this park? Make it a featured listing and be seen in the top search results!
Glacier/Rising Sun
Overview
Rising Sun Campground offers a quintessential National Park experience on the stunning east side of Glacier National Park. Positioned strategically along the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, this park provides immediate access to some of the most dramatic and photogenic mountain scenery in North America. It is a sought-after spot known for its breathtaking morning light and rugged charm, catering to travelers who prioritize proximity to nature over modern resort luxuries. Because of its popularity and limited space, it remains one of the most iconic places to stay within the park boundaries.
Location & Surroundings
Located just a few miles inside the St. Mary Entrance, the park sits nestled between the towering peaks of the Lewis Range and the turquoise waters of St. Mary Lake. The surrounding landscape is characterized by open meadows and lodgepole pines, offering a wind-swept, alpine feel that is distinct from the park’s western side. Because it sits on the eastern slopes, visitors enjoy a unique vantage point where the vast Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains, creating a dramatic and beautiful transition of ecosystems right at your doorstep.
Amenities & Park Features
As a traditional National Park facility, the amenities here are functional and rustic. The campground provides essential services for those prepared for a more primitive stay. RV travelers should note that site lengths are strictly limited, making it most suitable for smaller campers and vans under 25 feet. Park features include:
- Potable water and flush toilets located throughout the loops.
- Access to token-operated showers at the nearby Motor Inn.
- Proximity to a general store and a casual sit-down restaurant.
There are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups available, so visitors should arrive with full fresh water tanks and empty waste tanks.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw of this location is the immediate access to the Going-to-the-Sun Road, allowing travelers to reach Logan Pass or the Hidden Lake Overlook before the midday crowds arrive. There is no shortage of activity in the immediate vicinity:
- Hiking the Otokomi Lake Trail, which departs directly from the campground.
- Taking a scenic boat tour on the crystal-clear St. Mary Lake.
- Photographing the famous Wild Goose Island lookout, located just a short drive away.
Who This Park Is Best For
This location is best suited for self-contained RVers who enjoy boondocking-style camping in a world-class wilderness setting. It is a perfect match for wildlife photographers chasing the morning light and avid hikers wanting a head start on popular east-side trails. If you prefer a quiet, nature-focused environment and appreciate the simplicity of National Park Service camping, Rising Sun serves as an unforgettable basecamp for exploring the Crown of the Continent.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Satya 7
08-31-2025. We stayed at Rising Sun Motor Inn a lovely stay right inside the National Park! The wooden cabins have a beautiful view of the mountains right from the window. A few trails even start from the area, which is super convenient for hikers. You’ll find plenty of huckleberry bushes nearby, but remember, it’s bear country, so stay alert. The restaurant serves good food, and there’s a general store for essentials and souvenirs. Wifi is only available in the restaurant area, and there’s no phone signal in the cabins or most parts of the park, so make sure to download offline maps in advance. ⭐ Bonus tip: Try waking up early you might spot deer or even elk wandering near the cabins at sunrise! I hope you’ll like my review — I tried to give you a heads-up and a quick glimpse!
Sara Carpenter
For a motor inn these rooms are nice, clean and comfortable. Unfortunately room service didn’t make our beds which was a bummer, especially for the steep $290/night price tag. Alas, a great spot on the east end of the park.
Dana Moriarty
Delightfully casual mountain retreat in East Glacier National Park St Mary’s Lake area. Our motor inn room was cheerfully decorated with a Red Bus theme and very comfy with lots of bed pillows. Really enjoyed our Adirondack chairs on the porch for star gazing and wine sipping. Restaurant on site was good quality and essential. Two gift shops offer a wide selection of fun items plus supplies.
Timothy Odeen
We stopped at Rising Sun for dinner and ate at Two Dog Flats Grill. We did not stay in the hotel or camp site. The restaurant is a little small, so it can fill up quickly. We had a ten minute wait at 5pm, but we were ahead of the dinner rush by 10-15 minutes. Great food options. My wife had a duck special (it was good!), my son had fish nuggets and a salad, I had a pulled pork sandwich (served with coleslaw on the bun, just like I enjoy!), and my daughter had a hamburger from the kids menu. Great view out the windows. Our waitress was fantastic. We had excellent service all night. My 7yo daughter was hangry, but the waitress talked with her and tried cheering her up every time she came to the table. A+++ waitress.
Yiqun Wang
Stayed in the general store motel room. The room has NO sound isolation. You can hear EVERYTHING in the hallway, especially in the morning if you want to sleep-in(which is impossible because you can hear people come and go). The window is also not properly installed, with wind blowing in night, it keeps making banging sounds. No wifi in room, you have to go to the lobby for a very slow wifi.