Bowman Lake
Polebridge, MT
A long, quiet lake in Glacier’s North Fork, framed by peaks and reached on a rough dirt road. Not suitable for trailers or large RVs.
Bowman Lake is a long lake in the North Fork area of Glacier National Park in Montana, about 6.5 miles (10 km) from the Polebridge Ranger Station and roughly 7 miles (11 km) long. The area counts as a remote corner of the park.
A primitive campground sits at the foot of the lake, where the Bowman Lake Trail also starts; it runs along the lake to Brown Pass (13.8 miles). Another primitive campground lies at the head of the lake. Day hikes lead to Numa Ridge Lookout (5.6 miles, about 3,000 feet of gain) or Akokala Lake (5.8 miles one way). Motorboats are allowed with restrictions; ask the rangers.
For road trippers: the approach from Polebridge is a primitive gravel road, bumpy and very steep in places. Ask a ranger before driving whether your vehicle is suitable; no documented limits for motorhomes or trailers are available. Check current park information beforehand.
- Nearest town
- Polebridge, MT
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 48.8290, -114.2020
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Sonderson Meadow Dispersed CampingCampsite6 mi from Bowman LakeFree
- Big Creek CampgroundCampsite16 mi from Bowman Lake
- Moose Lake CampgroundCampsite16 mi from Bowman Lake · 3 pitchesFree
- Tuchuck CampgroundCampsite19 mi from Bowman Lake · 7 pitchesFree
- Avalanche CampgroundCampsite20 mi from Bowman Lake · 88 pitchesTentsCaravansToilets
- Fish CreekCampsite22 mi from Bowman LakeTentsCaravansDrinking waterWaste disposal
All campsites in Montana · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Bowman Lake?
Bowman Lake is in Polebridge, MT, at GPS 48.8290, -114.2020. It is about 15 mi from Cameron Lake.
Can you camp near Bowman Lake?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Bowman Lake, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 17 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Bowman Lake?
Bowman Lake is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Glacier’s quiet corners: North Fork and Two Medicine.
What is there to see near Bowman Lake?
Places worth a stop nearby: Logan Pass – Going-to-the-Sun Road (24 mi), Many Glacier Campground (24 mi), Conrad Mansion Museum (44 mi) and Two Medicine Lake (45 mi).
When is the best time to visit Bowman Lake?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)