Now, I know it's all national forest land so I can just pitch a tent wherever and sleep there. However, the group I'm going with doesn't seem too keen on that idea. It took enough work to convince them to camp. I don't want to convince them we can just camp on the side of the road. For that reason, I'm looking for a dedicated site where there might be a few other campers.
we had a super hard time finding forest service camping remotely close to glacier. too much driveing in the morning from where we camped. We found Chewing Blackbones campground to be the best @ $20.00 per night.
Go to Polebridge. Best of both worlds: awesome restaurant, grocery store, and pastries AND free beautiful camping down the road. Seriously make it a point to go and you wont regret spending a few extra bucks on coffee, pastries, and local beer.
If you're looking for camping on the east side of the park that is not a road pull off, look into sites on the Black Feet Nation http://blackfeetfishandwildlife.net/recreational-activity/ you have to buy a permit but its all very inexpensive, supports the original locals, and is closest to Many Glacier: which is the 'crown jewel' of the park.
Be bear aware.
Feel free to shoot me a message if you have other questions, I worked at the Many Glacier Hotel for two years.