Ken H.
Scout
ScoutRiverside City Park
Worst campground I have ever stayed at
Disgraceful, bathroom had no light and no ventilation-horrible! Mosquitos were thick. Just awful and a humiliation for city of Laurel. I want my money back!!
Camping near Red Lodge, MT
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
The small Montana town of Red Lodge has several camping options with the mountains as your backdrop. M-K Campground sits about 14 miles outside town and keeps things simple with toilets and bear boxes for food storage. Parkside Campground, 12 miles from Red Lodge, has bigger sites that work well when camping with kids or friends. If you need an RV park, Mountain Range has clean bathrooms and pull-through spots that make setup easy. You can drive to all these campgrounds without much trouble on decent roads. Many campers take a day to drive the Beartooth Highway while staying here - the road climbs up into the mountains with lots of places to pull over and hike. Cooney State Park isn't far if you want to fish or paddle around in a kayak. Just remember that you might need to bring your own water and generator at some campgrounds since hookups aren't always available. Weekends fill up fast in summer, so book ahead if you can. Watch out for bears, especially at M-K Campground - always lock up your food at night. Red Lodge camping works for both tent and RV campers who want to spend time in the mountains.
Best Campgrounds near Red Lodge (114)
1. Basin Campground
"This is a small but nicely maintained campground about 7 miles from Red Lodge, MT on the West Fork of Rock Creek."
"Basin Campground is just a few miles outside Red Lodge, Montana at the foot of the Beartooth Mountains."
from $20 / night
Check Availability2. Red Lodge KOA
"Bright, friendly, family-style situation 10 minutes north of Red Lodge. Responsive and friendly hosts make navigating the COVID pandemic easier."
"Is a good spot to set up if you're looking to explore Red Lodge or the Beartooth Mountains. Nothing fancy but has more amenities than most tent sites"
3. Perry's RV and Campgrounds
"This family owned and operated campground is located outside of the quaint town of Red Lodge and at the entrance to Beartooth Scenic Byway."
"Nice RV Park with lots of trees and a pretty river running next to the park. Tent camping is ok and there are some small cabins."
from $40 / night
Check Availability4. Parkside Campground
"14 miles from red lodge. Paved sites, table, bear box. No cell service. No services, well pump. Hiking, 4x4 trails. Dispersed camping nearby."
"We had reservations Saturday night but showed up Friday night hoping we could get a walk-up spot. The camp hosts were very accommodating and helpful! The spot we reserved was great!"
from $20 - $100 / night
Check Availability5. Palisades Campground — Custer Gallatin National Forest
"Nice quiet spot we found, #3, next to a creek. Includes bear box, picnic table, fire pit, and close by a clean pit toilet. This is just outside of Red Lodge, MT."
"Very close to red lodge and free! But there are only 7 sites so thwy can go fast"
6. Greenough Lake
"It’s in the trees and very shady and has a lake close by that is really fun to fish with the kids. The campground is completely paved, has bathrooms, and a hand pump water well."
"It's a short 1/4 mile hike to a beautiful mountain lake with great fishing and plenty of boulders for kids to climb."
from $20 / night
Check Availability7. Horsethief Station
"Many spots, you need to have a Montana conservation license $10 which you can purchase online, there is great service with Verizon."
"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."
8. M-K Campground
"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."
"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."
9. Custer National Forest Rattin Campground
"Then up the road to spot 4 (Host), a little further to 5, and down the road a bit more to 6 and 7 that park next to each other but have isolated tables and fire Rings."
"Near a variety of hiking trails and streams. Camp was very clean and quiet with great hosts!"
from $18 / night
Check Availability10. Cascade Campground-Custer National Forest
"This locale epitomizes wild and scenic: that endless Montana stratosphere, an exited mountain river, a dark and humongous mountain range (that people are still skiing on in June), low traffic from a dirt"
"We love to be off the beaten path. Right off MT- 135. It is a one way road. Entrance on one end and exit on the other. The road is dirt, so go slow."
from $18 / night
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Drive Time
- 1 hr 4 min from Billings, MT
- 2 hrs 6 min from Bozeman, MT
- 3 hrs 29 min from Helena, MT
- 5 hrs 20 min from Idaho Falls, ID
Recent Camping Photos near Red Lodge, MT
138 Photos of 114 Red Lodge Campgrounds
Kim B.
Perry's RV and Campgrounds
The Dyrt
Perry's RV and Campground
joel G.
Palisades Campground — Custer Gallatin National Forest
Jayne W.
Red Lodge KOA
Carla S.
Basin Campground
Tim
Custer National Forest Rattin Campground
Tristan D.
Cascade Campground-Custer National Forest
N I.
Parkside Campground
Leah D.
Limber Pine
Art S.
Greenough Lake
Sam S.
M-K Campground
Zeta S.
Cooney State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Red Lodge, MT
558 Reviews of 114 Red Lodge Campgrounds
Heather E.
GuideSoda Butte Campground
What a Gem
Just outside of Yellowstone, right after Cooke City, this little gem of a campground was perfect. One night visit but I will visit again. Sweeping views, quiet and clean, bear lockers, table and fire ring. Didn’t use the bathrooms but they had some.
- MMelissa B.Guide
Beartooth Scenic Byway Camping
Absolutely beautiful!
Perfect spot right on the river, plenty of space for our 25ft trailer. Busy area during the day with local fishermen but very quiet in the evening. There is really only one campsite on this side but there is an open dispersed area across the street with plenty of space and a clean bathroom. Check the camping spots at the top near the trailhead- they have fire rings and bear boxes. Other sites have stone fire rings. Great base camp for exploring Yellowstone and Cooke is close if any supplies are needed. Great trails puppies loved it and swimming in the river. Highly recommend. Bring bear spray - highly active in this area!
- JJoe E.Scout
Basin Campground
Very smoky
This is a nice campground in the trees. The sites are pretty close together. Very friendly campground host. They allow campfires, so it was very smoky.
- Ally H.Guide
Sheep Mountain BLM
Good spot to stay
Stayed there for a night after going to the Cody rodeo on our way to Yellowstone, good place to stop, road is a bit rough but manageable. Nice views, pretty terrain.
- LLeonard N.
TravelerPark County Fairground, Powell, WY
Park County WY Fairgrounds with Camping Sites
The Park County Fairgrounds in Powell, WY has several camp sites with hookups, which they rent by the night, or week (except during Fair week in July). Rates vary based on what hookups you require. The camp sites are on the east, and west sides of the fairgrounds, with the restroom/shower house near the south gate, a 1/4 mile hike from the furthest sites (we did not use the facilities). The sites are gravel/dirt , with a chain-link fence around the perimeter of the fairgrounds. Our site faced an alley, with residential housing on the other side. We were awaken one morning by a noisy garbage truck making pickups in the alley. THIS IS NOT A "CAMPGROUND", but it is a place to stay in your camper if you are visiting someone in town (which we were). Other than Homesteader Park which has NO hookups, and a 2 night stay policy, there are no other camping areas in Powell (that I'm aware of).
- LLeonard N.Traveler
Homesteader Park
City Owned Park/Rest Area with Free 2 Day RV Parking
The City of Powell allows a Free 2 night stay in their Homesteader Park rest area for campers, and semi trucks. There is also a designated tent camping area. There are NO hookups, but there is a dump station, and restrooms. There are no designated sites, so you park on an asphalt lot, with the possibility of a semi truck pulling up next to you (not unlike a highway rest area). There is an auquatic center adjacent to the rest area with a pool, hottub, and showers. A day pass is $5. We stayed for the two hotest days of the year, with our generator and AC running continuously. We were in town during the Park County Fair, and there were 2 other campers staying in the park. During our stay a few semi trucks used the rest area, but were courtious and parked on the far side of the lot. Their engines running were no worse than our generator. Our stay would have been more enjoyable had it not been so HOT! (not the fault of the park, but being parked on black asphalt didn't help). OK for an overnight place to sleep, but definately NOT a destination campground.
Jeanelle B.ScoutOld West RV Park
Great stay!
Just off the freeway and small. Perfect for a night or two. Ivy was great moving our reservation after a mechanical problem with our truck. Great bar/restaurant within walking distance. Definitely would return!
- AAndrew H.Guide
Big Timber-Greycliff KOA
Nice KOA
Nice tent site. However it’s close to I-90 so lots of traffic noise. Plus there is the occasional train horn
Guide to Red Lodge
Camping near Red Lodge, Montana offers options in alpine terrain at elevations ranging from 5,500 to 9,000 feet. Most forest service campgrounds sit along creeks with vault toilets and minimal facilities, while providing quick access to mountain trails and fishing spots. Summer nights drop below 45°F even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s.
What to do
Hiking to alpine lakes: Basin Campground serves as a gateway to several mountain trails. "We used this as a base camp for heading up to Lower and Upper Timberline Lakes last year and were delighted by the quality of the sites. While staying here it's also a good idea to head up and over Beartooth Pass if you haven't already by going to Yellowstone!" notes Alan B.
Fishing in Rock Creek: Multiple campgrounds offer fishing access directly from camp. At Basin Campground, "Waterfront sites right on Rock Creek. Great fishing area makes this site ideal for anglers or anyone that enjoys being right on the water with a stunning view," shares Kayko S.
ATV and mountain biking: Several forest roads branch off from campgrounds for motorized recreation. "This is a great area to go out and ride trails for days. The campground is really forested with water running near by. Very peaceful," says Nick P. about Basin Campground.
Waterfall hikes: From Cascade Campground-Custer National Forest, "There is a hiking trail up to a waterfalls," notes Nancy C., making this spot ideal for day hikes without driving.
What campers like
Cold mountain streams: Campers appreciate the natural water features. At M-K Campground, "There are many dispersed campsites along the road before & after the official M-K sites. Most are river front and have fire pits," reports Darla F.
Well-maintained facilities: Cascade Campground earns praise for cleanliness. "Beautiful campground. Large private sites with many right on the River. Bathrooms were clean. We saw a moose and deer right from the campground," explains Scott B.
Wildlife viewing: Animal sightings enhance the camping experience. At Greenough Lake, "Great hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing!" notes Zeta S.
Cell service gaps: Many campers appreciate the digital disconnect. "We had no cell coverage with T-Mobile and so-so reception with Starlink due to the tree cover," shares Bob R. about Basin Campground, which some consider a benefit for unplugging.
What you should know
Road conditions: Some campgrounds require navigating rough roads. "The road into the campground is line with dispersed camping. The road in is very rough but you will enjoy a very beautiful and peaceful site," notes N I. about M-K Campground.
Bear safety requirements: All forest campgrounds require proper food storage. "The sites have a large pad, a place for my hammock, a nice wooden picnic table, and a GREAT fire ring. The camp hosts had firewood for $5.00 per bundle," explains Tonya Y. at Basin Campground, where bear boxes are provided.
Reservations vs. walk-ups: Most forest service campgrounds fill quickly in summer. At Parkside Campground, "We had reservations Saturday night but showed up Friday night hoping we could get a walk-up spot. The camp hosts were very accommodating and helpful!" shares Brandon N.
Water availability: Most campgrounds offer only hand-pumped water. "The water was available through an easy to use hand pump," explains Tonya Y. about Basin Campground, so bringing containers is essential.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly sites: Some campgrounds specifically cater to families with children. At Red Lodge KOA, "Safe and clean sites with lots of fun things for the kids! Pool is great with showers close by. Super fun campground to explore!" recommends Hailey L.
Fishing with children: Greenough Lake offers family-friendly fishing spots. "It's a short 1/4 mile hike to a beautiful mountain lake with great fishing and plenty of boulders for kids to climb," suggests Ellen L.
Weather preparation: Mountain weather changes rapidly, requiring extra clothes. "It was hot, but we made it work. Tons of bugs because it's close to a river. Bring your bug spray!" advises Sasha W. about Basin Campground.
Secure food storage: All campgrounds in the area require proper food storage due to bears. "We had site 1. The sites are close and not too big. Really the site is small. There is one bear locker, fire ring, and picnic table per site," notes Tim about Rattin Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Not all campgrounds accommodate bigger RVs. At Perry's RV and Campgrounds, "The facility is awesome and the sites at the bottom of the hill by the creek are amazing. Makes you feel like you are in the middle of nowhere," recommends Nick M.
Generator restrictions: Many forest service campgrounds limit or prohibit generator use. "We were tent camping and the site had a large pad, a place for my hammock, a nice wooden picnic table, and a GREAT fire ring. The sites were all very far apart from each other," notes Tonya Y. about Basin Campground.
Road access limitations: RV campers should research road conditions before arrival. "Took off one star for the dirt road coming in, it was pretty rough but ok with the trailer as long as you went slow," warns Scott B. about Cascade Campground.
Dump station locations: No forest service campgrounds offer dump stations. "Very nice place to camp and take the kids. It's in the trees and very shady and has a lake close by that is really fun to fish with the kids. The campground is completely paved, has bathrooms, and a hand pump water well. There is no dump station or electricity but there is a free dump station in near by Red Lodge," advises Lucas S. about Greenough Lake.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far are camping areas from downtown Red Lodge?
How far are camping areas from downtown Red Lodge?
M-K Campground is about 20 minutes from Red Lodge, offering beautiful streamside sites that balance proximity to town with a secluded feel. Park Side Campground sits approximately 15 minutes from town on the Beartooth Scenic Byway, providing gorgeous mountain views. Most camping areas around Red Lodge are within a comfortable 5-20 minute drive, making it easy to access town amenities while enjoying the natural surroundings. Basin Campground is about 7 miles out, Greenough Lake offers a short drive for fishing enthusiasts, and Sheridan provides hiking opportunities with Red Lodge access.
What campgrounds are available in Red Lodge, Montana?
What campgrounds are available in Red Lodge, Montana?
Red Lodge offers several excellent camping options in the beautiful Beartooth Mountains area. Basin Campground is a popular choice with paved, level sites nestled along the West Fork of Rock Creek about 7 miles from town. Palisades Campground — Custer Gallatin National Forest provides a free camping option, though with only 7 sites that fill quickly. Other options include M-K Campground along a stream, Greenough Lake Campground with fishing opportunities, Park Side Campground on the Beartooth Scenic Byway, and Rattin Campground in Custer National Forest. For those seeking amenities, Red Lodge KOA offers a family-friendly environment north of town.
Are there RV camping facilities near Red Lodge, MT?
Are there RV camping facilities near Red Lodge, MT?
Red Lodge KOA is an excellent option for RV campers, located about 10 minutes north of town with friendly hosts and family amenities. The campground offers RV hookups and serves as a good base for exploring the Beartooth Mountains. Mountain Range RV Park provides another dedicated RV option near Red Lodge. Some public campgrounds like Basin accommodate RVs but with limited services. Palisades Campground is not recommended for large rigs as spots are small and rough. Greenough Lake has paved sites but no electricity or dump station, though a free dump station is available in the Red Lodge area.
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