Map showing campground location near Red Lodge, Montana

Camper submitted image from Horsethief Station

Horsethief Station

A valid Montana conservation license, available online for around $10, is the entry requirement at Horsethief Station, a first-come, first-served fishing access site that also permits overnight camping near Roberts, Montana. Five sites are arranged in a long row along a county road, with no hookups and no privacy screening between spots. Several houses and barns are visible from camp.

Sites include fire pits and picnic tables, and the layout handles RVs without difficulty. Two pull-through spots and dual entrances eliminate the need to turn around, and the flat gravel area works for vans, RVs, and tents alike. Trees on the west side provide some shade in the evening. Verizon users report solid cell coverage. As Allen J. puts it, "views are simple, your basically off a simple county road with lots of grasses."

Rock Creek borders the site, but thick brush along the bank limits access without waders. Anglers should come prepared. Campfires are permitted, pets are welcome, and alcohol is allowed. Campers who want more developed facilities nearby can find options at Red Lodge KOA to the north, or those planning a longer stay in the region can browse places to camp near Red Lodge for a fuller picture of what the area has available.

Horsethief Station works best as a no-frills overnight stop for self-sufficient campers passing through Carbon County.

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Map & DirectionsHorsethief Station is located in Montana near Red Lodge

Public Campground

Coordinates

45.23500004 N
109.22900036 W

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Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 8 users
Last on 9/11/26
Verizon5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 1 user
Last on 7/1/26
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage

Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 8 users
Last on 9/11/26
Verizon5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 1 user
Last on 7/1/26
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Dispersed
Group

Features

For Campers

Phone Service
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Pull-Through Sites
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

1 hr 1 min from Billings, MT
2 hrs 2 min from Bozeman, MT
3 hrs 26 min from Helena, MT
5 hrs 17 min from Idaho Falls, ID

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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Horsethief Station

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.0

out of 5

4 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the spacious sites accommodating various RV sizes with basic amenities like fire pits. However, guests commonly noted the lack of privacy with sites in a row and nearby buildings visible.

Lindsey A.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 14, 2025

Full sun spots, no privacy

You’ll need to get a Montana fishing or hunting license to stay here, which isn’t a problem. However all the sites are in a long row with no privacy between them and multiple houses and barns in view. I wanted more privacy so I moved along. Only three RVs were staying when I arrived around 3pm.

Easy place to park an RV with two pull through spots and and two entrances/exits and no need to turn around.

SiteNone, moved on

Month of VisitAugust

Bart

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 6, 2024

5 sites

5 sites. This is a first come first serve camping area. There is no concrete pads as mentioned in another review. Fire pits and picnic tables at 4 sites. They say it’s a fishing access but unless you have waders there is little access to rock creek on the bank due to thick brush. It is a decent place to stay overnight. No hookups.

Month of VisitJuly

Edward R.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 16, 2024

Great spot

Many spots, you need to have a Montana conservation license $10 which you can purchase online, there is great service with Verizon.

Month of VisitJune

Allen J.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 10, 2021

Simple dispersed camping

Nice long lot with spots to park Van RV or pitch a tent. It's technically a fishing access spot, that allows overnight camping.
There are 5 or 6 concrete pads at each spot with rocks for a campfire. Not many mosquitoes here and trees on the west side provide a little shade in the evening. Views are simple, your basically off a simple county road with lots of grasses.

SiteEnd of lot

Month of VisitJuly

Frequently Asked Questions

I don't have enough information to generate relevant questions.

Horsethief Station is a fishing access area that permits overnight camping with 5-6 sites arranged in a row. Each site features picnic tables and fire rings with rocks. You'll need a Montana conservation license ($10) to stay here, which can be purchased online. The camping is first-come, first-served with no reservations. There's limited shade from trees on the western side during evenings. While technically a fishing access point, reaching Rock Creek can be challenging without waders due to thick brush. Verizon cell service works well in the area. The location offers decent space for various camping setups including tents, vans, and RVs, though privacy between sites is minimal with neighboring houses visible. For current information about facilities and regulations, contact Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

Are fires allowed at Horsethief Station?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Horsethief Station, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Horsethief Station have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Horsethief Station does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Horsethief Station?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is excellent coverage for AT&T, excellent coverage for T-Mobile, and excellent coverage for Verizon.

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