Thirty sites spread through forested terrain along the Clark Fork River, Cascade Campground sits within Custer National Forest, accessed via a dirt road that requires slow speeds and careful navigation. The one-way loop road connects to Montana Highway 135, with an entrance at one end and exit at the other. Several sites sit directly beside the river, while others occupy more open ground back from the water.
The campground accommodates RVs up to 40 feet, though the rough access road demands caution for larger rigs. "Large private sites with many right on the River," notes Scott B., who also observed moose and deer from his campsite. Bear boxes protect food storage in this active wildlife area. Hand-pump water and vault toilets serve the campground, while firewood collection is permitted on surrounding forest land.
The Clark Fork River provides fishing and kayaking opportunities, with water cold enough that campers use it for quick cooling rather than extended swimming. A hiking trail leads uphill from the campground to a waterfall. Cell service remains limited, particularly for AT&T users. The $18 nightly fee covers sites available from June through early September, with reservations accepted for peak periods.
For those wanting easier road access, Basin Campground offers similar river proximity with a shorter approach drive.
Description
Overview
Cascade Campground is located 11 miles west of Red Lodge, in southern Montana. It conveniently sits along Forest Road 2071, which is paved for most of the route. 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 three miles away, across the road from Basin Campground. 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.
Facilities
The campground offers several single-family sites, one of which is accessible (site #5). Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Trash may be deposited in receptacles at nearby Basin Campground.
Natural Features
The campground is situated on the banks of the West Fork of Rock Creek. The area surrounding the campground was burned by the Cascade Fire in 2008, which left many open glades with abundant wildflowers.
Nearby Attractions
The charming town of Red Lodge, Mont., offers a variety of dining and lodging options, galleries, shops and annual summer events. The Home of Champions Rodeo is held on the Fourth of July weekend, Beartooth Bike Rally and Iron Horse Rodeo take place in mid-July, the Mountain Man Rendezvous is in late July and the Festival of Nations happens 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. It is the highest elevation highway in the Northern Rockies. Along the way, visitors are treated to sweeping views and plentiful opportunities for outdoor recreation.
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.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
RRM of A and its partner, the US Forest Service, will be increasing the fees at this facility for Single Family sites in 2027. This increase has been approved to offset operational costs and to ensure we bring you the same great level of service you have become accustomed to enjoying. Thank you for your understanding. For questions or comments, please call 928-537-8888.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsCascade Campground-Custer National Forest is located in Montana near Red Lodge
Directions
From U.S. Highway 212, go to the south end of Red Lodge. Turn west onto West Fork Rock Creek Road (Forest Road 2071) and travel 11 miles west. The campground is on the left.
Address
FOREST ROAD 2071
Red lodge, MT 59068
Coordinates
45.1733333 N
109.4508333 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 1 hr 44 min from Billings, MT
- 2 hrs 45 min from Bozeman, MT
- 4 hrs 9 min from Helena, MT
- 5 hrs 59 min from Idaho Falls, ID
