Hiking Glacier National Park in July: Our Family RV Trip Filled With Waterfalls & Sunrise Views

There are trips you plan… and then there are trips that change something in you. Our July RV trip to Glacier National Park with our kids turned into one of those rare adventures — filled with hikes, waterfalls, wildlife encounters, sunrise views, and a few surprises we didn’t expect.

From the Badlands and Devils Tower to kayaking Lake McDonald and watching sunrise at Logan Pass, this journey reminded us why we love RV travel as a family — and why Glacier now sits at the top of our favorite national parks.

🚐 Road Trip to Glacier National Park: Badlands, Devils Tower & Our First Harvest Host

The road leading north felt like a highlight reel of America’s wild spaces.

Badlands National Park greeted us first with its jagged formations and pastel-striped cliffs. It felt like driving through another planet — one that stretches endlessly beneath a big South Dakota sky.

For more info about our experiences at Badlands National Park, please visit:
https://advrving.com/badlandsnp/ or NP website at https://www.nps.gov/badl/index.htm

 

From there, we continued to Devils Tower, a place that’s impossible to fully understand until you’re standing under it. We set up our campsite with that massive monolith glowing orange in the evening sun. One of those moments where you just stop, breathe, and take it all in.

For more info about Devil's Tower National Monument, please visit: https://www.nps.gov/deto/index.htm

But the real surprise came from our first-ever Harvest Host stay. Quiet. Scenic. Welcoming.
It was such a peaceful reset before the big days ahead — and instantly became something we want to do again and again.

For more info about this Harvest Host, please visit: https://www.wildprairiewinery.com

🏔️ Arriving at Glacier National Park by RV: St. Mary Campground & First Hikes

By the time we reached St. Mary Campground, excitement had officially taken over. There’s something about arriving at Glacier that feels bigger than other parks — the mountains feel closer, steeper, sharper.

We unhooked the trailer, stepped out into crisp alpine air, and it hit us: We finally made it.

"Dry camping" at St. Mary Campground felt like full hookup with our newly installed solar system and 36 gal tote tank😉 - for more information solar system, please visit: https://advrving.com/solarsystem/

For more info about St. Mary's Campground, please visit: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232492

The boys immediately wanted to explore, so we started with a few waterfall hikes on the east side. Rocky trails, wildflowers, rushing water… the perfect way to shake off the miles behind us.

It felt like the official beginning of our Glacier chapter.

For more info about St. Mary Falls Trail, please visit: https://www.nps.gov/places/st-mary-falls-trail.htm

 

🌧️ Driving Going-to-the-Sun Road in the Rain (Yes, It's Worth It)

The next morning, clouds rolled in and rain hit the mountains — but even rain is beautiful in Glacier.

Instead of staying in the trailer, we drove Going-to-the-Sun Road, stopping at every overlook we could. Mist drifted between peaks, waterfalls poured harder than usual, and the valleys looked like scenes from a fantasy movie.

For more info about Going to the Sun Road please visit: https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/goingtothesunroad.htm

We made it to Lake McDonald, stocked up on groceries, grabbed a few souvenirs, and returned to camp for a warm, cozy dinner.

Sometimes rainy days bring out the best memories.

For more info about Lake McDonald please visit: https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/lakemcdonald.htm

 

🌲 Two Medicine: Glacier's Most Underrated Area for Families

If Glacier had a “hidden gem,” Two Medicine would be it.

We started the morning with a peaceful boat ride — the lake calm as glass, mountains towering around us. It’s the kind of view that makes you sit quietly for a moment, just to soak it in.

After the tour, we hiked toward Upper Two Medicine Lake, passing wildflowers, small waterfalls, and picture-perfect viewpoints. It was challenging enough to be fun, but gentle enough that the boys stayed excited the whole way.

For more info about HikingTwo Medicine please visit: https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/hikingtwomedicine.htm

We ended the day with a campfire, tired legs, full hearts, and one of those sunsets that makes you wish time would slow down.

For more info about St. Mary's Campground, please visit: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232492

🌲 Avalanche Lake Hike: One of the Best Family Hikes in Glacier National Park

Some places become crowded for a reason — and Avalanche Lake is one of them.

We started with the magical boardwalk of Trail of the Cedars, then continued into the forested trail toward the lake. When the trees finally opened and revealed the view… it was breathtaking.

For more info about Trail of the Cedars, please visit: https://www.nps.gov/places/trail-of-the-cedars.htm

Pale blue water. Cliffs dropping straight into the lake. Waterfalls pouring from every direction.

It’s hard to believe places like this exist.

For more info about hike top Avalanche Lake, please visit: https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/hike-to-avalanche-lake.htm

The afternoon was slower — kayaking and fishing on Lake McDonald — until the rain returned and pushed us back toward camp. But even that felt like part of the Glacier experience.

For more info about Lake McDonald please visit: https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/lakemcdonald.htm

🌄 Logan Pass at Sunrise: Tips for Families Visiting Glacier in July

We set our alarms for 4:00 a.m., packed the truck half-asleep, and drove the winding road in darkness toward Logan Pass.

We arrived just after 5:00 a.m. The lot was already half full. By 5:40 a.m., it was completely packed.

But the moment the first light touched the peaks… we forgot all about sleep.

For more info about Logan Pass, please visit: https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/loganpass.htm

The Hidden Lake Overlook trail gave us one of the best views of the entire trip — even though the lower trail was closed due to bear activity. Along the way we passed mountain goats, spotted a bighorn ram, and laughed about how fast the boys woke up once wildlife showed up.

For more info about Hidden Lake Trail, please visit: https://www.nps.gov/places/hidden-lake-trailhead.htm

We attempted a portion of the Highline Trail, but turned around at the narrow exposed section when the boys felt uneasy. And that was totally okay. Even the short section we did was unforgettable.

For more info about Highline Trail, please visit: https://www.nps.gov/places/highline-trailhead.htm

🌊 Whitewater Rafting at Glacier National Park: A Family First

Our final full day brought something new: whitewater rafting for the first time. Cold splashes, big laughs, rapid sequences that made everyone scream and smile — it was exactly the kind of wild, joyful adventure Glacier is known for. The boys still talk about it today. It was the perfect way to close out our time in Montana.

For more info about Glacier Raft Co., please visit: https://www.glacierparkcollection.com/activities/glacier-raft-co/#all

🚙 Heading Toward Yellowstone

Packing up on our last morning felt bittersweet. Glacier gave us more memories than we expected — and more moments of awe than we can count.

With the mountains fading in the rearview, we pointed the truck south toward Yellowstone National Park, excited for whatever the next chapter would bring.

⭐ Why Glacier National Park is Perfect for a Family RV Trip

• The dramatic landscapes of the east side
• The calm lakes and forests of the west
• Sunrise views worth waking up in the dark for
• Hikes perfect for families
• Wildlife sightings that never get old
• The unforgettable thrill of rafting
• The balance of adventure and peaceful moments

Glacier became one of our all-time favorite national parks — not just for the scenery, but for the memories we made as a family.

🔖 Glacier National Park RV Trip Tips: What to Know Before You Go

• Start early — everywhere.
Logan Pass fills before sunrise in July.

• Weather changes fast.
Pack layers and rain gear even on sunny mornings.

• East and west sides feel completely different.
Try to experience both.

• Parking can be tough.
Shuttles, early starts, or patience are key.

• Two Medicine is underrated.
Don’t skip it.

• Consider a rafting trip.
Especially if you’re traveling with older kids.

• Harvest Hosts are great for long travel days.

Glacier National Park Family RV Trip - Frequently Asked Questions

Is Glacier National Park good for families with kids?
Absolutely. Glacier offers a wide range of hikes from easy boardwalks (Trail of the Cedars) to moderate trails (Upper Two Medicine Lake) that are perfect for older kids. Wildlife sightings, boat tours, kayaking, and even whitewater rafting make it one of the best national parks for a family RV trip.

When is the best time to visit Glacier National Park in an RV?
July and August are peak season - most trails and Going-to-the-Sun Road are fully open, and the wildflowers are stunning. Logan Pass fills before sunrise in July, so plan to arrive by 5:00 a.m. if you want a parking spot.

Can you dry camp at St. Mary Campground?
Yes - St. Mary is a National Park Service campground with no electrical hookups, but with a properly set-up solar system and a portable water tank, it's very manageable. We ran our trailer comfortably there with our solar setup.

What are the best hikes for families at Glacier National Park?
Our top picks: Trail of the Cedars (easy boardwalk, great for all ages), Avalanche Lake (moderate, stunning payoff), Hidden Lake Overlook from Logan Pass (spectacular views, wildlife), and Upper Two Medicine Lake (quieter, less crowded, beautiful).

How far in advance should I book a campsite at Glacier National Park?
Book as early as possible - 6 months in advance if you can. St. Mary and other NPS campgrounds fill up fast, especially for July and August weekends.