Map showing campground location near Red Lodge, Montana

Camper submitted image from M-K Campground

M-K Campground

Within Custer National Forest, M-K Campground sits at the end of a rough gravel road that requires careful navigation but rewards visitors with creek-side sites surrounded by dense pine and aspen stands. The Forest Service manages this established campground year-round, though winter access depends on road conditions since plowing is not provided in the off-season.

The campground features both numbered sites near the toilet facilities and numerous dispersed options along the access road, many positioned directly beside the water. Evan H. notes the sites are "huge and has tons of soft flat dirt as well as trees everywhere for you hammock people." The heavy tree cover provides natural windbreaks during storms, while gravel pads accommodate various camping setups. Bear-safe food storage containers are provided at each site.

Multiple trailheads begin from the campground, including access to Glacier Lake, Corral Creek, and Murice Trail. Wildlife sightings include mountain goats and bears, making proper food storage essential. The road crosses the creek three times before reaching a turnaround suitable for larger rigs, though the rough surface challenges low-clearance vehicles.

Campers planning extended stays should note the 16-day limit and pack-it-in, pack-it-out policy since no host is present. Red Lodge provides resupply options about 20 minutes away, making this location accessible for camping near Red Lodge while maintaining a backcountry feel.

Description

M-K is a free campground located 2.6 miles up the Main Fork Rock Creek Road #2421, not far from the Beartooth Highway. Mount Maurice Trail (#6) Corral Creek Trail (#9), Beartrack Trail (#8), Lake Fork Trail (#2), Parkside National Recreation Trail (#103), Hellroaring Plateau Trail (#11), Glacier Lake Trail (#3), Sheridan Campground, Rattin Campground, Parkside Campground, Limber Pine Campground and Greenough Lake Campground are also located in the Man Fork Rock Creek drainage.Camp sites: 10Max Trailer Length: 20ftHost: NoAccessible Facilities: Vault ToiletsTrash Pickup: NoFirewood: No. Don't move firewood to other areas or bring in outside firewood. Prevent the spread of tree-killing insects by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it there.Reservations:No Reservations: This campground does not use a reservation system, it is managed on a first-come, first-served basis. Be aware the campground may fill up on weekends & holidays during the summer months and you should arrive in the early afternoon to ensure there is a space available for the night. There is a 16 day stay limit. Some sites have bear resistant food storage lockers.M-K Campground remains open year-round. In the off-season there are no services, the campground is not maintained, and roads are not plowed. If you visit outside the peak fee season, please bring your own water, toilet paper (outhouse will remain open), and please pack out your trash.Directions from district office:Drive south on US Hwy 212 towards Cooke City for 10.9 miles. Turn right onto the Main Fork Rock Creek Rd (FR #2421). Drive 0.9 miles past Parkside, Greenough and Limberpine Campgrounds. Turn leftjust have to Limberpine Campground to continue on the Main Fork Rock Creek Rd. Drive 2.6 miles to the campground.*Please be advised the Main Fork Rd. is bumpy and rocky, especially beyond M-K campground. High clearance vehicles are recommended.Information:Beartooth Ranger District6811 Hwy 212Red Lodge, MT 59068(406) 446-2103

Reservation Info

Reservations: This campground does not use a reservation system, it is managed on a first-come, first-served basis. Be aware the campground may fill up on weekends & holidays during the summer months and you should arrive in the early afternoon to ensure there is a space available for the night. There is a 16-day stay limit. Some sites have bear-resistant food storage lockers. M-K Campground remains open year-round. In the off-season there are no services, the campground is not maintained, and roads are not plowed. If you visit outside the peak fee season, please bring your own water, and toilet paper (the outhouse will remain open), and please pack out your trash.

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Location

Public Campground

M-K Campground is located in Montana

Coordinates

45.038032 N
109.429744 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

Toilets
Alcohol

Contact

General Info

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Drive Time

1 hr 28 min from Billings, MT
2 hrs 30 min from Bozeman, MT
3 hrs 53 min from Helena, MT
5 hrs 44 min from Idaho Falls, ID

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4.5

out of 5

9 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned the spacious, wooded sites and peaceful forest setting as major highlights. Basic amenities like fire pits and pit toilets meet most needs, though access requires navigating rough dirt roads.

Sam S.

Guide

Reviewed Apr. 30, 2025

Excellent dispersed option with basic amenities

Visited August 2024

This location is much more of a campsite than typical free camps, with toilets and food storage. Pretty full for a summer weekday, but was still able to get a spot in the afternoon. There are abundant options further down this road with more privacy and better views, but this location is great if you don’t have high clearance or would like more basic comforts.

Month of VisitAugust

N I.

Legend

Reviewed Oct. 28, 2021

Small but peaceful

Season open year round in the off season no roads are plowed

Limit: 16 days

Pack it in Pack it out There is no host

Amenities: pit toilets, picnic table, bear safe, gravel sites, gravel road

The sites are small and pads are gravel. Heavy stand of pines and a scattering of aspens. The rod in is very rough but you will enjoy a very beautiful and peaceful site. The road into the campground is line with dispersed camping. The back drop around the campground is so beautiful and makes the trip more than worth it.

LNT

BTWYFI

Travel safe

Month of VisitSeptember

(15) View All

Darla F.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 9, 2021

Dispersed camping around M-K

There are many dispersed campsites along the road before & after the official M-K sites. Most are river front and have fire pits. There is a turn around for large rigs at the end of the road (cross the river 3 times). Decent graded gravel road with some potholes.

Month of VisitJuly

Evan K.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 25, 2021

Awesome Place, 100% recommend

There’s lots of sites along the stream that are beautiful and well spaced out from neighbors. Red Lodge is 20 minutes away in case you need something from town, but it’s far enough to feel secluded. Lots of nearby trails and neighboring campgrounds with bathrooms and dumpsters.

Month of VisitAugust

(5) View All

Kyla

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 10, 2021

BEAUTIFUL scenery!

I like how tucked back into the trees this campground is. There are numbered spots right the the bathrooms and there are TONS of more secluded spots down the road. So much to choose from and a different experience every time. Most spots are right next to the water.

SiteTent

Month of VisitJune

Alan B.

Legend

Reviewed Apr. 30, 2019

Amazing views of the glacier carved valley!

This is a great spot to stay for a while or to use as a base camp for setting off to some of the higher backcountry lakes. Be bear aware at all times and keep your food stored in a bear can or high and away from trees. Stopping here for a night is also a great idea if you're headed towards Yellowstone

Evan H.

Ranger

Reviewed Aug. 26, 2017

Neat little spot

This place seems to be the ultimate in Beartooth Area campgrounds in my opinion. It is tucked away in the forest, you have to drive dirt roads to get there, and the sites are huge with lots of available fun to be had. Just like the other campgrounds in the area there are fire pits, picnic tables, small pull ins, and toilets. One place this campground stands out is the actual campsite. Each site is huge and has tons of soft flat dirt as well as trees everywhere for you hammock people. There was a storm blowing in while I stayed there but due to the trees it was quite peaceful at this campground. If you are into hiking this place is a wonderful jumping off point for tons of hikes such as Glacier Lake.

Month of VisitAugust

(11) View All

Kayla K.

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 1, 2016

Good campground, beautiful lake and good hiking

This campground was great. It had everything that I love in a campsite. Water, hiking and great views. I stayed a few nights, and spent plenty of time in the water, getting dirty while hiking and taking in the great views while laying in my hammock. One hike that I did was called Corral Creek hike, and it was absolutely beautiful! I also did Glacier Lake and Murice Trail. I definitely put in some miles but it was so worth it!! The campground was fine, nothing too fancy. Just your typical campground with basic amentities. You get a fire pit and a picnic table and that's pretty much about it. They do have restrooms, but again they aren't anything fancy. There is a lake, it's not huge but serves its purpose! There are other lakes nearby that you can go to as well but I can't remember the names of them. Bring bug spray and also be on alert for wildlife. On my hike I did see a mountain goat, but did hear some people talking about seeing a bear. Just be on the look out and know that you can see wildlife. Great place, would definitely come back!

(9) View All

Allyson T.

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 1, 2016

Gorgeous scenery and beautiful views on hikes

I picked this campground to stay at because I knew there was good hiking nearby. The campground however was a great spot to stay, it was well maintained and pretty clean. The campsites were fairly close together so that didn't leave much room for privacy. I think I'm kind of used to that from all the camping I do, so it didn't really bother me. The group next to us was a group of guys doing a bachelor party, so they were pretty rowdy but that was understandable. The hiking nearby is awesome! You can't get views like that very often. The mountains seemed to go on forever, it was picturesque. Sometimes I feel like pictures don't do the place justice and that was definitely the case here. I would also say that the road leading up to the campground is pretty rough, but we managed to get there in a small Subaru so I think most cars can make it. Our campsite had a picnic table and a fire pit. I would recommend bringing something to put over the picnic table,like a plastic cloth. The tables were pretty beat up and had sap on them from the trees! Restrooms also are on site, and were fairly clean. If you are a lady I would recommend bringing your own toilet seat covers because they didn't have any so I just squated! Overall, I enjoyed my stay and I would come back.

(8) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is M-K Campground located in Red Lodge, Montana?

M-K Campground is located approximately 20 minutes from Red Lodge, Montana. It's situated in a forested area accessed via gravel roads, requiring you to cross the river three times if you travel to the end of the road. The campground is tucked away in the forest, offering a secluded feel while still being close enough to town for supplies if needed. The campground sits along a stream and is surrounded by pine trees and scattered aspens.

What amenities are available at M-K Campground?

M-K Campground offers basic amenities including pit toilets, picnic tables, and bear-safe food storage containers. The campsites feature gravel pads and fire pits. There's no host on-site, and it operates on a pack-it-in, pack-it-out basis for garbage. The campground is situated along a stream, providing access to water, though visitors should be prepared to treat it before consumption. No hookups or shower facilities are available.

Are there photos of M-K Campground to view before visiting?

Photos of M-K Campground are available online through various camping platforms and forums. These images typically showcase the heavily wooded campsites with pine and aspen trees, the nearby stream, gravel camping pads, and the surrounding forest environment. Searching for M-K Campground photos on camping websites or social media can help you get a visual preview of what to expect before your visit.

Is M-K Campground part of Custer National Forest?

Yes, M-K Campground is located within what was formerly known as Custer National Forest. The forest is now part of the consolidated Custer-Gallatin National Forest system, which manages numerous recreational areas in this region of Montana. The campground follows standard National Forest Service regulations, including proper food storage requirements due to bear activity in the area.

How does M-K Campground compare to other campgrounds in Red Lodge?

M-K Campground offers a more rustic and secluded experience compared to other Red Lodge area campgrounds. It features both established numbered sites near the bathrooms and more remote dispersed camping options along the road. What sets M-K apart is its immediate access to hiking trails and water, making it an excellent base camp for backcountry exploration. While some Red Lodge campgrounds might offer more amenities, M-K provides larger sites with better spacing between neighbors, creating a more immersive forest experience. The campground is open year-round, though roads aren't plowed in winter.

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