Best Campgrounds near Fishtail, MT
Camping near Fishtail, Montana sits at the gateway to the Beartooth Mountains, with options ranging from established campgrounds to dispersed sites on public lands. The area includes Rosebud Isle Fishing Access Site within Fishtail itself, while nearby Basin Campground near Red Lodge and Castle Rock in Nye provide additional developed camping opportunities. These sites offer mountain views and access to the Stillwater River and its tributaries, making them popular bases for fishing, hiking, and outdoor recreation. The proximity to the Beartooth Scenic Byway provides campers with dramatic mountain vistas and alpine meadows characteristic of south-central Montana.
Most campgrounds in the Fishtail area operate seasonally from late spring through fall, typically April through October, with winter closures due to snow and freezing conditions. Many fishing access sites require a Montana Conservation License ($10) for overnight stays. Cell service is limited in remote areas, with better connectivity in established campgrounds near towns. Summer temperatures are moderate at this elevation, but nights can be cool even in July and August. Fire restrictions are common during dry periods, particularly in late summer. Some access roads to remote sites require high-clearance vehicles, especially after rain.
The camping experience varies significantly across the region. Fishing access sites like Cliff Swallow and Rosebud Isle offer more primitive accommodations with basic vault toilets and no potable water, but provide direct river access for anglers. According to reviews, "Most sites are only a rock's throw from water," making them ideal for fishing enthusiasts. For those seeking more amenities, Mountain Range RV Park in Columbus (about 25 miles north) provides full hookups, showers, and dump stations. Basin Campground, though further away near Red Lodge, offers "big spacious sites with picnic tables and fire rings" in a forested setting with mountain views. Visitors should note that many first-come, first-served sites fill quickly during summer weekends and holiday periods.
