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.
