Established Camping
Basin Campground
Basin Campground, near Red Lodge, Montana, is a solid choice for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors with a touch of comfort. This spot offers spacious sites, many of which are conveniently located near a flowing creek, providing a soothing soundtrack for your nights under the stars.
The campground is well-kept and features picnic tables and fire rings at each site, making it easy to gather around for meals or evening chats. Visitors have noted the cleanliness of the facilities, including restrooms that are ADA compliant and well-maintained. One camper mentioned, “The sites are big, close to a creek to lull you to sleep,” which captures the essence of the peaceful atmosphere here.
For adventure seekers, Basin Campground is a great base for hiking, with trails just a stone's throw away. The nearby Beartooth Pass offers stunning views and additional outdoor activities, making it a perfect spot for day trips. While some campers have mentioned that the sites can feel a bit close together, the friendly vibe and beautiful surroundings make it a worthwhile destination for families and friends alike.
Description
National Forest
Custer Gallatin National Forest
Overview
Basin Campground is located 7 miles west of Red Lodge, Montana, along Forest Road 2071, which is paved all the way to the campground. The area is a popular location for hiking, backpacking and fishing.
Recreation
Fishing is a popular activity along the West Fork of Rock Creek and at nearby Wild Bill Lake. The small lake is open to kayaking and canoeing, and an accessible fishing dock is located on the shore. The Basin Lakes Trailhead is just across the road. Silver Run Plateau, West Fork and Timberline Lakes Trails offer access to the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. Mountain bikers enjoy the Ingles Creek Trail and a variety of loop trails at Silver Run. Biking is also allowed on the Basin Lakes Trail.
Natural Features
The campground is situated on the banks of the West Fork of Rock Creek. The campground and the area surrounding the campground were burned by the Cascade Fire in 2008, leaving an open landscape abounding with wildflowers.
Nearby Attractions
The charming town of Red Lodge, Montana offers a variety of dining and lodging options, galleries, shops and summer events. The Home of Champions Rodeo is held on Fourth of July weekend, Beartooth Bike Rally and Iron Horse Rodeo in mid-July, Mountain Man Rendezvous in late July and the Festival of Nations in early August. The Beartooth Highway was deemed "the most beautiful drive in America" by the late Charles Kuralt. It snakes across the rugged Beartooth Mountains from Red Lodge to Cooke City, Montana, and is the highest elevation highway in the Northern Rockies. Along the way, visitors are treated to sweeping views and plentiful outdoor recreation opportunities.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (928) 537-8888.
Charges & Cancellations
Refunds: Refund requests made through www.recreation.gov will be charged a $10 processing fee. This cancellation processing fee is retained by the reservation service contractor along with the non-refundable reservation fee. All requests for the return of the non-refundable reservation fee and the cancellation processing fee will be declined by the campground concessionaire as they did not receive these fees (these are the fees retained by the reservation contractor, a different entity).
Fee Info
The first vehicle is included in the basic fee; A second will be charged an extra $10 fee and collected at the campground, if your site will accomodate it.Firewood bundles can be purchased from the campground host.
Location
Basin Campground is located in Montana
Directions
From US Hwy 212 (Beartooth Scenic Byway), travel to the south end of Red Lodge, MT. Turn west on West Fork Rock Creek Road (Forest Road 2071), and proceed approximately 7 miles to the campground entrance on the right.
Address
FOREST ROAD 2071
Red lodge, MT 59068
Coordinates
45.1625 N
109.3916667 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Stay Connected
- WiFiGood
- VerizonGood
- AT&TGood
- T-MobilePoor
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 32 min from Billings
- 2 hrs 34 min from Bozeman
- 3 hrs 57 min from Helena
- 5 hrs 48 min from Idaho Falls