Free and accessible directly off Highway 212 about six miles east of Ashland, Red Shale Campground sits within Custer National Forest and runs two loops totaling roughly 14 to 15 sites. Each site has a fire ring and one of the more unusually large picnic tables campers are likely to encounter, reportedly measuring around 12 feet long. Vault toilets are positioned in each loop. No water, electrical hookups, or trash service is provided, so as one reviewer put it, "come prepared and pack out your trash." The campground is free, with a stay limit of up to 10 days, and runs from mid-April through the end of November.
Shade varies by site. Pine trees cover portions of both loops, and reviewers suggest choosing a site deliberately depending on when you want sun or shade during the day. The back loop tends to draw more interest for its distance from highway noise and its open sightlines toward the surrounding landscape. Lori T. notes that "any road noise heard during the day was gone by nightfall," which reflects a pattern across reviews: proximity to Highway 212 is noticeable but not disruptive once traffic thins. Site spacing is generous, giving campers a reasonable degree of separation from neighbors.
RV access is workable for many rigs. Reviewers in 35-foot fifth wheels and Class C motorhomes have reported no significant trouble, and road conditions in both loops are generally described as wide and in fair shape. Not all sites are level, and there are no pull-through options, so larger rigs should arrive early enough to have choices. Weekends draw more visitors, with one loop sometimes filling while the other stays open. Weeknight stays tend to be much quieter. Cell coverage via AT&T has registered 2 to 3 bars LTE for some campers, enough for basic work tasks.
Campers should be aware of two natural hazards noted in reviews: poison ivy in the surrounding brush and the possibility of rattlesnakes in the area. A geocache near the campground entrance adds a minor activity for those interested. The nearest resupply point is Ashland, though its grocery options are limited, so arriving stocked is the practical approach. Campers exploring campgrounds around Custer National Forest will find Red Shale among the more accessible and well-maintained no-cost options along this corridor. Nearby alternatives include Holiday Spring Campground to the northeast.
Red Shale makes the most sense for travelers passing through on Highway 212 who want a free, low-effort overnight stop with functional facilities, or for campers comfortable with dry camping who want a base in the Custer National Forest corridor without paying for a developed site.
Description
A campground on the Ashland Ranger District.__Camp sites: 14 Trash Pickup: NoFirewood: NoNo 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 10 day stay limit.Information:Ashland District OfficeBox 168, Hwy 212Ashland, MT 59003(406) 784-2344
Reservation Info
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 10 day stay limit.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsRed Shale Campground & Geocache Site is located in Montana near Colstrip
Directions
From Ashland, MT go 6 miles east on US 212. Campground will be on your left.
Coordinates
45.5725 N
106.1477778 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 7/1/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 11 usersLast on 7/1/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/1/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 7/1/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 11 usersLast on 7/1/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/1/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 1 min from Billings, MT
- 2 hrs 57 min from Rapid City, SD
- 3 hrs 33 min from Casper, WY
- 3 hrs 49 min from Bozeman, MT



















































