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Best Campgrounds near Red Lodge, MT

483 Reviews

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Red Lodge, Montana (105)

    1. Basin Campground

    21 Reviews
    Red Lodge, MT
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 587-9054

    $20 / night

    "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."

    2. Red Lodge KOA

    11 Reviews
    Red Lodge, MT
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 446-2364

    "Bright, friendly, family-style situation 10 minutes north of Red Lodge. Responsive and friendly hosts make navigating the COVID pandemic easier."

    "Close to Red lodge. It's not perfect by no means but felt safe. Word of advice though, don't try and do everything in Yellowstone from one Basecamp. Spend more time traveling than anything else."

    3. Perry's RV and Campgrounds

    8 Reviews
    Red Lodge, MT
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 446-2722

    $40 / night

    "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."

    4. Parkside Campground

    9 Reviews
    Red Lodge, MT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 587-9054

    $20 - $100 / night

    "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!"

    "Being from Montana, I love finding new campsites that I haven't stayed and doing hikes I've never done. This place was great. The campground was decently sized, very easy to find, and clean."

    5. Palisades Campground — Custer Gallatin National Forest

    4 Reviews
    Red Lodge, MT
    3 miles

    "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

    9 Reviews
    Red Lodge, MT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 587-9054

    $20 / night

    "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."

    7. Horsethief Station

    4 Reviews
    Red Lodge, MT
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 444-2535

    "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

    9 Reviews
    Red Lodge, MT
    14 miles
    Website

    "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

    4 Reviews
    Red Lodge, MT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 587-9054

    $18 / night

    "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!"

    10. Cascade Campground-Custer National Forest

    5 Reviews
    Red Lodge, MT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 587-9054

    $18 / night

    "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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Red Lodge, MT

136 Photos of 105 Red Lodge Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Red Lodge, MT

483 Reviews of 105 Red Lodge Campgrounds

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Soda Butte Campground

    Great Campground (RV and hard side only)

    There is a lot of bear activity (brown and black) so the grounds are hard sided only. No power, no dump. Trash, water and showers are available. There is a river that runs Long the campground. Most sites are semi-secluded.

  • B R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Ponderosa Campground

    Complete campground

    Nice camp, relatively close to center. Possible walk to center cca 20min. 10 min to Buffalo Bill museum. Showers and restrooms very clean. Laundry well equipped with washing machins and dryers.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Old West RV Park

    Cute place

    Super friendly owners, very accommodating. Very clean laundry room. Walkable to local store, bar & grill. Sites were close to each other and overpriced because of location to Yellowstone but cheaper than others in the area n

  • Colby S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Palisades Campground — Custer Gallatin National Forest

    Paid Camping experience for free

    This campground is a 10 minute drive to the near by town of Red lodge. It’s a great place to stay while in the area or after completing the Bear tooth highway. Campground is clean has bear boxes and fire pits at each camp sight and multiple bathrooms on sight. Feels secluded from the near by town and road, but is set up as you would expect a paid camp site to be. Sights are spacious and private though. There is a near by stream that can be heard through the campground.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Island Lake Campground

    Beautiful high mountain lake

    Gorgeous mountain lake, but the campsites are not lake side. It's still a nice campground. The lake is crystal clear and beautiful. No bugs either.

  • Alyssa S.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Beartooth Lake

    Absolutely Gorgeous

    I grew up visiting the Beartooth Mountains every year, but never actually camped there until last weekend and I'm mad I didn't do it sooner. The campground is very clean, with access to water and vault toilets that are well maintained (honestly the only vault toilet I haven't dreaded going into). It was nearly full when my friend and I went and it still felt like we had privacy. There is a creek that runs behind the site we were at which was perfect - we just used my Sawyer squeeze filter with that water and it tasted amazing. The lake was great as well. We brought our kayaks and made a loop around half of the lake. It was absolutely gorgeous and we will definitely be going again! We went labor day weekend and it got down to 29°F at night so bring appropriate gear.

  • Luckybreak R.
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Itch-Kep-Pe Park

    City park on the river

    Mostly level gravel sites, well spaced, some with shade and some sunny. Restrooms are well maintained. Lower campground is 1/2 mile further in and only has a single vault toilet. Will definitely return again.

Guide to Red Lodge

Camping near Red Lodge, Montana, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot by the river or a more developed campground with amenities, there's something for everyone.

What to do

  • Explore the Beartooth Highway: This scenic drive is a must-see. It offers breathtaking views and access to hiking trails. One camper mentioned, "The Beartooth highway starts going up to the west right here. You must drive this route but plan lots of time for photos."
  • Fishing and kayaking: Cooney State Park is great for water activities. A reviewer noted, "Lake is 50 feet deep, clean, great kayaking and fishing."
  • Hiking: There are plenty of trails around, especially near the M-K Campground. A visitor shared, "This is a great spot to stay for a while or to use as a base camp for setting off to some of the higher backcountry lakes."

What campers like

  • Spacious sites: Campers appreciate the roomy spots at places like Parkside Campground. One review said, "The campsites were large and spacious."
  • Clean facilities: Many campgrounds, such as Mountain Range RV Park, are noted for their cleanliness. A camper remarked, "Nice pull-through sites, clean bathrooms and showers."
  • Family-friendly atmosphere: Campgrounds like Red Lodge KOA are welcoming for families. A visitor mentioned, "Bright, friendly, family-style situation."

What you should know

  • Limited amenities at some sites: Campgrounds like Lily Lake don’t have drinking water or electric hookups. A camper warned, "The vault toilet is very rank smelling."
  • Crowded during peak times: Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. One camper at Parkside Campground noted, "The campground was super crowded."
  • Wildlife awareness: Be bear aware, especially in areas like M-K Campground. A reviewer advised, "Be bear aware at all times and keep your food stored in a bear can or high and away from trees."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose campgrounds with activities: Look for places like Cooney State Park that offer swimming and fishing. A family shared, "The lake has nice options for all levels of use."
  • Find shaded spots: Campgrounds like Mountain Range RV Park have plenty of trees. A camper mentioned, "The tent lawn is incredibly well shaded."
  • Plan for noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or other campers. One visitor at Red Lodge KOA noted, "A little noisy because it is right on the main road."

Tips from RVers

  • Check for hookups: If you need electric hookups, places like Perry's RV and Campgrounds offer them. A reviewer said, "The bathroom and shower facility is perfect."
  • Look for easy access: Campgrounds like Basin Campground are easy to get in and out of, which is great for RVs. One camper shared, "Easy in/out."
  • Be prepared for limited services: Some campgrounds may not have stores nearby. A visitor at Cooney State Park mentioned, "There isn’t fuel or food, so pack that in and pack it back out."

Camping near Red Lodge, Montana, has its perks and quirks. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a fantastic outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

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?

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?

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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