Fishing enthusiasts will find Rattin Campground positioned along Rock Creek in Custer National Forest, where the sound of rushing water provides a constant backdrop. This Forest Service campground accommodates RVs up to 30 feet across seven sites, though the layout favors tent campers and smaller rigs. Sites 1, 2, and 3 cluster near the entrance, while sites 6 and 7 sit together further down the road with separate fire rings and picnic tables.
The campground operates as a dead-end access road to private property, generating occasional traffic through the gate at the far end. Each site includes a bear locker, fire ring, and picnic table, with pit toilets that feature motion-activated lighting for nighttime visits. Cell coverage varies significantly by carrier, with AT&T providing minimal service while Verizon users often find no signal at all.
Road conditions can prove challenging, particularly when accessing from the south where bridge outages force longer routes over rough terrain. Scott V. notes that "if your towing a trailer you will have no place to turn around if all spots are full." The campground stays open from mid-May through late September at $18 per night, with reservations available through the Forest Service system.
Campers seeking more developed facilities might consider Sheridan Campground just over a mile north.
Description
Overview
Rattin Campground is located 7 miles south of Red Lodge, Montana, just off the scenic Beartooth Highway. The area is a popular location for fishing, hiking and scenic driving.
Recreation
The Main Fork of Rock Creek offers rainbow trout fishing. Greenough Lake is 8 miles away and is a popular area for canoeing, kayaking and fishing. The Beartooth Wilderness can be accessed via the Hellroaring and Lake Fork Trailheads, both of which are nearby. Beartrack and Corral Creek Trailheads are close by as well. Visitors also enjoy mountain biking and hiking on the Parkside National Recreation Trail. Hellroaring Road is open to off-road vehicles.
Facilities
This small campground offers single-family sites. Picnic tables and campfire rings with grills are provided, as are accessible vault toilets and drinking water.
Natural Features
The campground sits in the shadow of the Beartooth Range on the banks of Rock Creek. A forest of aspen and pine covers the area. A variety of wildlife, including grizzly bear, deer and elk, make their home in the surrounding area.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (928) 537-8888.
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 the 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. Yellowstone National Park's Northeast Entrance is 60 miles from the campground via the Beartooth Highway. The park offers unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities, as well as breathtaking scenery and unique geological features.
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 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
The USFS and RRM of A are pleased to announce that tremendous progress has been made on the East Side Fire, which was affecting the opening of this facility due to its proximity to the fire. The USFS and RRM of A will be opening the facility for the season on May 22nd, 2026, and reservations will be honored and assume on that date. Please call 928-537-8888 if you need further information.
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 & DirectionsCuster National Forest Rattin Campground is located in Montana near Red Lodge
Directions
Rattin Campground is located 60 miles northeast of Cooke City, MT and the northeast gate to Yellowstone National Park. It is 7 miles south of Red Lodge, MT. On U.S. Highway 212, turn off at Rattin Campground Road (Forest Road 379; formerly Eastside Road) and proceed 0.5 miles to the campground entrance on the left. THE SOUTH BRIDGE IS OUT!
Address
FOREST ROAD 379
Red lodge, MT 59068
Coordinates
45.0830556 N
109.3 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 1 hr 22 min from Billings, MT
- 2 hrs 23 min from Bozeman, MT
- 3 hrs 47 min from Helena, MT
- 5 hrs 37 min from Idaho Falls, ID
