Established Camping
Cascade Campground-Custer National Forest
Cascade Campground, near Red Lodge, Montana, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without the distractions of modern life. With its basic yet comfortable sites, you’ll find a peaceful retreat right by the Clark Fork River, perfect for relaxing or enjoying a good book.
This campground is all about the great outdoors, featuring clean vault toilets and hand-pumped fresh water. Campers have noted the beauty of the area, with large, private sites that offer a chance to spot wildlife like moose and deer right from your campsite. One visitor mentioned, “You’re just left in awe of your surroundings,” which sums up the experience pretty well.
For adventure seekers, there’s a hiking trail nearby that leads to a stunning waterfall, making it a great way to spend your day. Just remember, this is bear country, so be sure to use the provided bear boxes to keep your food safe. The dirt road leading in can be a bit rough, but it’s manageable if you take it slow.
With no cell service to distract you, this campground is ideal for those wanting to disconnect and enjoy the natural beauty of Custer Gallatin National Forest. Whether you’re pitching a tent or parking your RV, Cascade Campground offers a refreshing escape into the wild.
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.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (928) 537-8888.
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.
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
Cascade Campground-Custer National Forest is located in Montana
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-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Detours Nearby
Custer National Forest Rattin Campground
41 min away
Limber Pine
48 min away
Drive Time
- 1 hr 44 min from Billings
- 2 hrs 45 min from Bozeman
- 4 hrs 9 min from Helena
- 5 hrs 59 min from Idaho Falls
Connectivity
- 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
