Water access and proximity to Red Lodge make Palisades Campground a practical base for exploring the Beartooth Highway corridor. This free Forest Service campground sits along a creek just outside town, offering seven sites with bear boxes, fire rings, and picnic tables.
The sound of flowing water carries through the campground from the nearby stream. Sites vary in size and levelness, with some reviewers noting the spots can be "small and rough" and not recommended for large RVs or trailers. Site spacing provides privacy between neighbors, though weekend day hikers sometimes increase activity levels. Clean pit toilets serve the campground.
The campground fills quickly due to its free status and limited capacity. joel G. found site #3 "next to a creek" particularly appealing. Cell service reaches the area, and alcohol is permitted. The ten-minute drive into Red Lodge provides access to supplies and dining options.
Campers appreciate the combination of creek sounds, bear-safe food storage, and proximity to both wilderness access points and town amenities. The campground works best for tent campers and smaller RVs seeking an affordable overnight spot while exploring the region.
Description
Palisades Campground is a free campground, located at the end of Palisades Road #2010 near Red Lodge, just below Red Lodge Mountain Ski Resort and the palisades geological formation. The Willow Creek Trail (# 105) and the Palisades Trail (# 109) both leave from the western end of the campground.Camp sites: 6Max Trailer Length: 16ftHost: NoAccessible Facilities:Vault toiletsTrash Pickup: NoFirewood: No.__ Don't move firewood to other areas or bring in outside firewood.Prevent the spread of tree-killing insects by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it there.Reservations:No Reservations: This campground does not use a reservation system, it is managed on a first-come, first-served basis. Be aware the campground may fill up on weekends & holidays during the summer months and you should arrive in the early afternoon to ensure there is a space available for the night. There is a 16 day stay limit.__ Some sites equipped with bar resistant food storage lockers.Directions from Beartooth Ranger District office:Drive north on US Hwy 212 towards Red Lodge for 0.3 miles. Turn left (west) onto the West Fork Rd and drive 1.1 miles. Turn right onto Palisades Campground Rd (unpaved). Drive 1.5 miles to Palisades Campground.*Please be advised that dogs are allowed on Willow Creek year-round, but the Palisades Trail (#109), which intersects with the Willow Creek Trail a short distance up the trail, has restrictions on dogs. Due to wintering moose habitat, dogs are not allowed on the Palisades Trail between Dec. 1- July 1, except for dogs used for legal hunting purposes.Information:Beartooth Ranger District6811 US Hwy 212Red Lodge, MT 59068(406) 446-2103
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPalisades Campground is located in Montana near Red Lodge
Coordinates
45.171504 N
109.308559 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/10/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 6/10/26- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/10/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/10/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 6/10/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/10/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 15 min from Billings, MT
- 2 hrs 17 min from Bozeman, MT
- 3 hrs 41 min from Helena, MT
- 5 hrs 31 min from Idaho Falls, ID
