Located between the Beartooth and Absaroka mountains, Red Lodge sits at approximately 5,568 feet elevation where conditions fluctuate dramatically between seasons. Overnight temperatures can dip below freezing even in summer months while daytime highs reach the 80s. Camping facilities near Red Lodge remain accessible via Highway 212, though the scenic Beartooth Highway often closes seasonally due to snow.
What to do
Fishing access near campgrounds: At Perry's RV and Campgrounds, campers enjoy Rock Creek access. "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," notes Charley K. The creek provides a natural playground for visitors with pets.
Explore mountain highways: Base yourself at Red Lodge KOA for day trips along spectacular mountain routes. "Beartooth hwy was undescribable! Amazing views. Close to Red lodge," writes Michael M., while another camper advises, "Within hour of Billings or Cody. About an hour and half to northern Yellowstone also."
Experience small-town Montana: Reed Point offers a unique glimpse of rural Montana life with just 96 residents. "Basically, downtown in a population 96 town of 4 blocks. Biggest attraction for us was a very nice and friendly little bar in easy walking distance. If you have a quarter, you can hammer it in the wall at the bar and sign your name," shares Clay H. about Old West RV Park.
What campers like
Creek-side camping spots: The lower sites at Perry's RV and Campgrounds provide a more secluded feel. "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," reports Nick M. These sites offer natural water sounds that mask highway noise.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms and showers. At Mountain Range RV Park, a visitor observed, "The women's bathroom is brand spanking, new, and really cool looking which tells me this park is just gonna continue to grow and upgrade." Similar attention to cleanliness appears at multiple facilities.
Kid-friendly amenities: Families appreciate dedicated play areas at select campgrounds. "Safe and clean sites with lots of fun things for the kids! Pool is great with showers close by. Super fun campground to explore!" notes Hailey L. about Red Lodge KOA. Seasonal swimming pools provide welcome relief during warm summer months.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most rv sites near Red Lodge, Montana operate on limited schedules. According to the campground information, Mountain Range RV Park runs from April 15 to October 15, while Old West RV Park operates April 15 through October 31. Red Lodge KOA remains a year-round option for camping near Red Lodge.
Terrain and weather challenges: The mountainous setting brings specific camping conditions. "The tent lawn is incredibly well shaded, with many small trees covering almost every inch in shade. This alone makes this site the best rv tent site I've ever stayed at," reports Caleb J.B., though he notes, "The bugs were bad, but there is nothing the park can do to fix that."
Height restrictions: RV travelers approaching from the east should note infrastructure limitations. When accessing Old West RV Park from I-90, there's a "13' 9" overpass" as noted by one reviewer. Larger rigs may need to plan alternate routes to avoid clearance issues.
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated activity areas: Some campgrounds offer specific recreational options for children. At Red Lodge KOA, one visitor reported, "Bright, friendly, family-style situation 10 minutes north of Red Lodge. The north tentsite side has the benefit of river ambience, while the south side has the kid playground amenities."
Consider cabin options: For families not fully equipped for tent camping, several facilities offer cabin rentals. "The tent sites didn't have electricity but that was fine for us. The price was good & the owner was nice. We just spent a night here heading to Yellowstone," notes Valentina H. about Perry's RV and Campgrounds.
Budget for unexpected fees: Some campgrounds charge additional costs beyond site rental. One camper at Old West RV Park mentioned a "$10 one-time pet fee" that wasn't initially factored into their budget, though it did include "a handy little poop bag holder with a built-in flashlight."
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: RV sites near Red Lodge, Montana offer varying levels of service. At Absaroka Bay RV Park near Cody, Wyoming, "All pull-thru sites. 50, 30 and 20 amp service with water and sewer. Sites are short," reports James L., noting some space constraints that required creative parking solutions.
Consider site locations: RV spots can vary significantly within the same facility. "We were welcomed and taken care of even arriving after hours. Nice pull through sites, clean bathrooms and showers," mentions Melissa C. about Mountain Range RV Park, adding, "Trains can be heard occasionally while outside but inside with our fan running we never heard them."
Seasonal maintenance awareness: Some campgrounds perform regular grounds upkeep that affects RVs. One camper at Absaroka Bay RV Park noted, "The campground waters every night, with very hard water that leaves tough to remove spots on you camper and vehicle. Get them off ASAP."
