Fishing and floating draw most visitors to Red Mountain, a BLM-managed campground along the Madison River outside Dillon, Montana. The river runs close enough to several sites that campers can watch anglers and canoeists pass by from their chairs. One reviewer notes the Madison is "well suited for floating and fishing," and when water levels cooperate, this stretch sees steady use from tubers and fly fishers alike. Hiking trails are also accessible nearby, giving non-anglers a reason to stay more than one night.
The campground has 17 sites arranged in two loops, one first-come, first-served and one available by reservation. No electric, water, or dump hookups are available at individual sites, but drinking water spigots and vault toilets are maintained throughout. Sites are largely exposed, with minimal shade from small trees, which makes summer afternoons hot. The campground host is active and attentive. Big rigs up to 80 feet can be accommodated, and hosts have helped fifth-wheel campers find appropriate spots. Trash service is provided, and reviewers consistently describe the facilities as well-kept.
Noise from nearby highway truck traffic has been noted by at least one visitor as a persistent presence day and night, which is worth factoring in. Riverside sites fill quickly when fishing conditions are favorable. Campers looking for free dispersed alternatives can cross to the other side of the river, or explore nearby options such as BLM Dispersed off MT 84 — Madison River roughly a mile up the road. At $20 per night with access to moving water and maintained facilities, Red Mountain makes a workable base for anyone moving between Glacier and Yellowstone country.
Description
Overview
The Dillon Field Office is unable to make reservations for you. Please call Recreation.gov (877-444-6777) to book a reservation or book online. Campsites are available for reservation for the Peak-Season times of May 1st through September 15th. From September 16th through April 30th, all sites are first-come-first-serve. Red Mountain Campground is adjacent to the lower Madison River and provides good access for camping, fishing and floating. The campground has 19 camp sites, 11 available for reservations. The campground has a volunteer seasonal campground host.__There is no boat launch available at this site, but there are several in the vicinity. The campground serves as a great central location to access the lower Madison River.__During peak season you can expect the campground to be full on weekends with lighter use during the work week.
Recreation
The Madison River is well known for its robust trout fishery. The lower Madison River is a very popular destination for non-angling floaters (tubers) during the warm summer months.__Red Mountain sits roughly half way between Warm Springs boat launch and Black's Ford Fishing Access Site.
Facilities
19 campsites, 3 accessible vault toilets, drinking water, horseshoe pit, and picnic tables. Firewood is available for purchase when the volunteer campground host is present.
Natural Features
Madison River
Contact Info
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (406) 683-8000.
Nearby Attractions
Lower Madison River, Bear Trap Canyon unit of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness Area, Norris Hot Springs For additional information please visit; https://www.blm.gov/visit/red-mountain-campground
Charges & Cancellations
Failing to arrive on the first night of your reservation will result in a forfeiture of your reservation and your site may be made available to someone else.
Fee Info
$12 per site per night. Additional vehicles are $5 per vehicle. 3 vehicle max per campsite. Truck and camper trailer count as one vehicle. Additional vehicles must be paid for on-site.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsRed Mountain (MT) is located in Montana near Norris
Directions
From Bozeman; Head west on MT Hwy 84 (Norris Road). Continue on MT Hwy 84 for 20.5 miles. Turn right (North) at South Bear Trap Canyon Road. If you cross the Madison River you have just passed the turn. From Norris; Head East on MT Hwy 84 (Norris Road) travel for 8 miles and turn left at South Bear Trap Canyon Road after you cross the Madison River.
Address
BLM- DILLON FIELD OFFICE
1005 SELWAY DRIVE
Dillon, MT 59725
Coordinates
45.609394 N
111.569723 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/1/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/1/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 31 min from Bozeman, MT
- 1 hr 29 min from Helena, MT
- 2 hrs 34 min from Billings, MT
- 2 hrs 41 min from Great Falls, MT
