Best Campgrounds near Colstrip, MT
Camping near Colstrip, Montana encompasses a mix of established campgrounds and fishing access sites across the eastern Montana prairie landscape. Red Shale Campground, located about 30 miles south of Colstrip, provides free primitive camping with vault toilets in a quiet setting along Highway 39. The Yellowstone River corridor offers several fishing access sites with camping opportunities, including Far West Fishing Access Site near Rosebud and Rosebud East near Forsyth. For those seeking full amenities, Wagon Wheel Campground in Forsyth and Miles City KOA about 60 miles northeast provide developed options with hookups. The area sits within Montana's eastern plains, characterized by rolling grasslands, cottonwood-lined waterways, and expansive skies.
Most campgrounds in the Colstrip area operate seasonally from mid-April through November, with winter closures common due to harsh Montana winters. Red Shale Campground and Holiday Spring Campground are free sites with limited amenities, while fishing access sites typically require a Montana Conservation License ($10) for overnight stays. Summer temperatures can exceed 90°F, while spring and fall bring milder conditions ideal for camping. Cell service varies significantly, with better coverage near towns and spotty reception in remote areas. Fire restrictions are common during dry summer months, particularly in July and August. Many sites fill quickly on summer weekends and during hunting seasons.
The camping options around Colstrip accommodate various preferences and equipment needs. RV travelers will find full-hookup sites at private campgrounds like Wagon Wheel in Forsyth, which one camper noted was "very pet friendly with wonderful amenities" and accommodated their "35-foot fifth wheel with plenty of room." Tent campers have more flexibility with fishing access sites and primitive campgrounds. According to reviews, Red Shale Campground offers "very quiet spots even though it's right off the highway" with "about 12 sites total" in two loops. The campground features large picnic tables and pine trees for shade, making it popular for overnight stays while traveling through eastern Montana. Many sites serve as convenient bases for fishing the Yellowstone River or as stopover points for cross-country travelers.
