Wyoming Creek runs alongside Parkside Campground, its sound carrying through the two loops that make up this Custer National Forest site about 14 miles from Red Lodge. The campground sits in a valley where mature conifers and deciduous trees shade most sites, with open sightlines toward the surrounding mountains visible when the canopy breaks. Sites are paved, each with a fire ring, picnic table, and bear box.
The layout divides into an upper loop, where some sites sit close to the creek, and a lower loop on the opposite bank. Sites are well-spaced overall, though crowding at peak periods like Labor Day weekend can make the campground feel tighter than usual. Brooks Q. sums up the setup concisely: "steps from creek," with enough room between sites that neighbors stay out of earshot on quieter nights. Noise from the highway is a known factor for sites closer to the road, though the creek muffles some of it. The vault toilets are cleaned regularly by an active camp host, who also sells firewood on-site.
The Wyoming Creek trailhead sits at the campground entrance, making it a practical base for day hikes. UTV trails and backcountry routes are accessible for those with higher-clearance vehicles. Fishing is available along the creek. Cell service is limited to nonexistent, so download maps and trail information before arriving.
Reservations are strongly recommended. The campground fills quickly, with 80 percent of the 28 sites bookable through Recreation.gov and only 20 percent held for first-come, first-served arrivals. The season runs from early May through late September, with nightly fees starting at $20. Tent campers should note that level, rock-free tent pads are scarce; the site layout tends to favor RVs and trailers up to 50 feet. No potable water is available for trail use, so carry enough from camp.
Campers wanting a different configuration can check Limber Pine, a nearby alternative a short distance down the road.
Description
Overview
Parkside Campground is located 12 miles south of Red Lodge, Montana, just off the scenic Beartooth Highway. The area is a popular location for fishing, hiking and scenic driving. Greenough Lake less than a mile away. Glacier Lake, Hellroaring and Lake Fork Trailheads are nearby.
Recreation
The Main Fork of Rock Creek and nearby 5-acre Greenough Lake offer rainbow trout fishing. The lake is also open to canoeing and kayaking. The Beartooth Wilderness can be accessed via the Hellroaring and Lake Fork Trailheads, both nearby. Visitors also enjoy mountain biking and hiking on the Parkside National Recreation Trail. Hellroaring Road is open to off-road vehicles.
Facilities
The campground offers two group sites and several single-family sites, three of which are accessible. Picnic tables and campfire rings are provided, as are accessible vault toilets and drinking water. Trash can be deposited at the Greenough Lake Campground.
Natural Features
The campground sits in the shadow of the Beartooth Range on the banks of Rock Creek. A forest of aspen and pine covers the area. A variety of wildlife, including grizzly bear, deer and elk, make their home in the surrounding area.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (928) 537-8888.
Nearby Attractions
The charming town of Red Lodge, Montana offers a variety of dining and lodging options, galleries, shops and summer events. The Home of Champions Rodeo is held on the Fourth of July weekend, Beartooth Bike Rally and Iron Horse Rodeo in mid-July, Mountain Man Rendezvous in late July and the Festival of Nations in early August. The Beartooth Highway was deemed "the most beautiful drive in America" by the late Charles Kuralt. It snakes across the rugged Beartooth Mountains from Red Lodge to Cooke City, Montana, and is the highest elevation highway in the Northern Rockies. Along the way, visitors are treated to sweeping views and plentiful outdoor recreation opportunities. Yellowstone National Park's Northeast Entrance is 55 miles from the campground via the Beartooth Highway. The park offers unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities, as well as breathtaking scenery and unique geological features.
Charges & Cancellations
Refunds: Refund requests made through www.recreation.gov will be charged a $10 processing fee. This cancellation processing fee is retained by the reservation service contractor along with the non-refundable reservation fee. All requests for the return of the non-refundable reservation fee and the cancellation processing fee will be declined by the campground concessionaire as they did not receive these fees (these are the fees retained by the reservation contractor, a different entity).
Fee Info
The first vehicle is included in the basic fee; A second will be charged an extra $10 fee and collected at the campground, if your site will accomodate it.Two group sites are available: Parkside A: maximum 50 people Parkside B: maximum 25 peopleFirewood bundles can be purchased from the campground host.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
RRM of A and its partner, the US Forest Service, will be increasing the fees at this facility for Single Family sites in 2027. This increase has been approved to offset operational costs and to ensure we bring you the same great level of service you have become accustomed to enjoying. Thank you for your understanding. For questions or comments, please call 928-537-8888.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsParkside Campground is located in Montana near Red Lodge
Directions
From U.S. Highway 212, turn off at Rock Creek Road (Forest Road 2421). Go 0.3 miles to the campground entrance on the right.
Address
FOREST ROAD 2421A
Red lodge, MT 59068
Coordinates
45.0619444 N
109.4088889 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 43 min from Billings, MT
- 2 hrs 44 min from Bozeman, MT
- 4 hrs 8 min from Helena, MT
- 5 hrs 59 min from Idaho Falls, ID
