Camp at Bowman Lake
Details
Distance
13.5 miles
Elevation Gain
30 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Added by Jason Hatfield
An amazing lake in a remote part of Glacier National Park with hiking, camping, canoeing, and more.
Bowman lake is the 3rd largest lake in Glacier National Park and one of the most remote areas accessible by car. The drive out on a dirt road is slow and bumpy but the reward is an area without crowds and lots of adventure potential. The first-come-first-served campground offers 48 sites near the lake's edge and the perfect basecamp for sunrise/sunset photography on the lake. From the campground, the Bowman Lake Trail is 13.5 miles to the lake's end and back, with numerous other trails available in the area. On the lake itself you can fish, kayak, SUP, canoe, and operate motorized watercraft under 10hp.
Grizzly bears are present in the area so always carry bear spray, travel in groups, and make noise.
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Reviews
Leave a ReviewLots of space
Plenty of space in this camping area. Bring some waders and try your hand at fly fishing for some lake trout. I didn't have too much luck, but if you have a strong cast I wouldn't be surprised if you pulled a few out of the deeper waters.
5.0
Secluded Area to Camp
Bowman Lake offers a secluded area that not many people camp at, especially in the early season (May-June). Fishing is great at the lake; don't forget to bring a canoe or kayak!
5.0
Epic beach views
One of the best backyards to a campground I've ever had... Walk 2 minutes from your tent to the Bowman Lake shore and be amazed! I couldn't stop looking at this amazing view and took hundreds of sunrise, sunset, and blue sky photos.. Far enough away from the main parts of Glacier National Park that if you go here at the right time, you may have the entire lake to yourself!
5.0
hiking , horseback, canoe, fishing
Great campground and outstanding scenery. Close enough for a day trip from whitefish. Mosquitos are prevalent until the end of June.
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.