Many Glacier Campground: A Gay Couple's Guide to Instagram-Worthy Camping

Our quest for the perfect Instagrammable campsite in Glacier National Park started the way most of our adventures do: with Daniel meticulously planning every detail, and Michael already craving a post-hike pastry. As a gay couple escaping the hustle of San Francisco, we were looking for a weekend of tranquility, stunning scenery, and, let's be honest, some seriously impressive photos. Many Glacier Campground (48.8013° N, 113.6678° W) promised all of that and more. This is our comprehensive review, covering everything from bear safety to gourmet campfire cooking, all from a slightly… unique perspective. If you're seeking gay camping in Glacier National Park, look no further!

The Road to Many Glacier: Going-to-the-Sun Road

The drive to Many Glacier is an experience in itself. Going-to-the-Sun Road is a masterpiece of engineering, winding its way through the heart of Glacier National Park. Towering mountains, shimmering lakes, and cascading waterfalls greet you at every turn. Be warned, though: securing a vehicle reservation in advance is absolutely crucial during peak season. Daniel's anxiety about capturing the perfect lighting for a landscape photo nearly caused us to miss our reservation window! We barely made it, but the views along the way were more than worth the stress. It truly showcases responsible travel in Glacier National Park.

Campsite Chronicles: Air Mattress Woes and Flamingo Floats

We arrived at Many Glacier Campground eager to set up camp. Thankfully, the designated parking spot was spacious and near the restroom. The biggest challenge wasn't the tent (we're seasoned campers, after all), but Daniel's beloved Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite sleeping pad, which decided to develop a slow leak.

"Michael: Honey, are you sure this isn’t deflating faster than my soufflé in a cold kitchen?" "Daniel: It's fine! It just needs a little… top up. Every. Ten. Minutes.”

(See photo below.)

The hunt for the perfect spot for the inflatable flamingo, however, was a completely different story. As the mandatory viral video shot list suggested, an inflatable flamingo disrupts the order of the otherwise immaculate campsite setup, adding a comedic element.

Bear Aware: A Matter of Life, Death, and Dehydrated Chili

Glacier National Park is bear country, and bear safety is paramount. Daniel, ever the responsible camper, was borderline obsessive about food storage. We're talking bear canisters, hanging food bags, and meticulously cleaning up every crumb.

"Michael: Are you serious? A bear can't even get into my apartment, which has way more delicious smells than this dehydrated chili." "Daniel: (sternly) Bears are opportunistic, Michael. We follow the rules."

Bear spray is a must-have item, easily accessible, and knowing how to use it is important. This topic falls under bear safety in Glacier and should be taken seriously by all campers.

Campground Amenities: Surprisingly Clean and Accessible

The bathroom facilities at Many Glacier Campground were surprisingly clean and well-maintained. The accessible restrooms were a welcome sight, ensuring everyone can enjoy the park's beauty. We were particularly impressed with the accessibility features and the overall cleanliness. This is important, as accessibility makes camping inclusive to more people.

Backcountry Spa Day: Showers Optional (But Recommended)

Many Glacier Campground doesn't have showers, but we found a creative solution. We used a Sea to Summit Pocket Shower and biodegradable soap for a "backcountry spa treatment." Finding a discreet spot for this activity was… an adventure in itself, but the feeling of being clean after a day of hiking was priceless.

Swiftcurrent Lake Kayaking: Paddle Strokes and Photo Ops

Kayaking on Swiftcurrent Lake was a highlight of our trip. We rented kayaks at the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, a short walk from the campground. The views of the surrounding mountains were absolutely breathtaking.

Michael, eager to capture the moment, attempted to photograph Daniel in the kayak. However, Daniel, ever the perfectionist, kept adjusting his posture for the "perfect" shot. Some things never change. This offers the best Glacier National Park campground for kayaking!

Hiking to Grinnell Glacier Overlook: Worth the Sweat

The hike to Grinnell Glacier Overlook is challenging but incredibly rewarding. The scenery is simply stunning, with panoramic views of glaciers, turquoise lakes, and vibrant wildflowers. Even Michael, who usually prefers a leisurely stroll to a strenuous hike, was awestruck.

"Michael: This is amazing! I feel so... connected to nature." "Daniel: (Looking through his camera lens) Almost. Just need a little more contrast."

Gourmet Camping: Duck Breast in the Wilderness

Who says camping food has to be bland? We packed our MSR PocketRocket 2 stove and some gourmet ingredients and prepared a truly unforgettable meal: pan-seared duck breasts with cherry sauce served over wild rice. It was surprisingly easy and incredibly delicious.

Pan-Seared Duck Breast with Cherry Sauce (Campfire Edition)

• Duck breasts (2)
• Dried cherries (1/4 cup)
• Whiskey (2 tbsp)
• Wild rice (cooked)
• Balsamic vinegar (1 tsp)
• Salt & pepper to taste

Rehydrate cherries with whiskey. Sear duck breast skin-side down over medium heat on the MSR PocketRocket 2 stove until crispy. Flip and cook to medium-rare. Deglaze pan with cherry-whiskey mixture and balsamic vinegar. Season. Serve over wild rice.

MSR PocketRocket 2 Stove Review: A Minimalist's Dream

The MSR PocketRocket 2 stove is a game-changer for gourmet camping. Its compact size (it literally fits in the palm of your hand) and rapid boiling time (boils water in under 3.5 minutes) make it perfect for backcountry cooking. The stove offers great stability and ease of use, even for beginner camp chefs.

Compromise and Connection: Finding Balance in the Wilderness

Daniel is obsessed with minimalist camping gear and perfect camp setups, while Michael wants to relax and enjoy the scenery (and post about it on Instagram). Our compromise? Daniel agreed to relax after setting up, and Michael helped Daniel take some aesthetically pleasing photos of our campsite for Instagram. It’s all about finding balance and connection.

Final Thoughts: A Glacier Getaway for the Soul (and the 'Gram)

Many Glacier Campground exceeded our expectations. The stunning scenery, the well-maintained facilities, and the sense of peace and tranquility made it the perfect escape from city life. If you’re looking for gay camping blogs, this is for you! Remember to visit Glacier National Park responsibly, follow all bear safety guidelines, and appreciate the beauty of the natural world. Now, who's ready for a pastry? You can reserve your campground here. And check out affordable kayaks for rent here.

We hope our guide helps you plan your own unforgettable adventure! Let us know what you think in the comments! You can also follow us on Instagram at @DanielDesigns and @MichaelMunchies for more travel inspiration.