Custer National Forest in Montana offers both established campgrounds and dispersed camping options for tent and RV visitors. Red Shale Campground features 14 sites across two loops with vault toilets, fire rings, and large picnic tables that reviewers note are "about 14 feet long." Other options include Holiday Spring Campground with free primitive sites, Wayside RV Park with full hookups for larger vehicles, and several forest service cabins such as Diamond Butte Lookout and Whitetail Cabin that provide alternative accommodations for those seeking more shelter.
Many campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with most forest service sites open from mid-April through November. Road conditions vary significantly, with some areas requiring higher-clearance vehicles on gravel and dirt access roads. Summer brings comfortable temperatures, though sudden weather changes can occur. Most dispersed camping in Custer National Forest allows stays up to 14-16 days, while established campgrounds may have different limitations. Cell service exists at many locations but can be spotty in remote areas. A camper noted that while staying at Red Shale Campground, they "had 2-3 bars LTE via AT&T and could work with no issues."
The camping experience near Custer National Forest balances accessibility with remoteness. Campgrounds like Red Shale offer privacy between sites while remaining close to highways, creating what one reviewer called "a peaceful place" with minimal road noise. Wildlife viewing opportunities include cattle grazing in nearby pastures, with one camper mentioning "you can hear herds of cattle moo-ing at night." Several visitors highlight the expansive views and star-gazing opportunities in this less-visited region. Free campgrounds tend to be more primitive with vault toilets and no running water, while private campgrounds provide amenities like showers, Wi-Fi, and hookups. Mixed-use campgrounds throughout the area accommodate various camping styles, though tent campers and smaller RVs have the most options.
"It’s a quiet campground, close to the highway, serviceable. Would definitely stay again!!"
"Free National Forest campground in Custer National Forest. Sites include large picnic table and fire ring. Pit toilets available for use."
"I had been driving for 10 hours and when I got there the sun was setting I was pretty tired and stiff from the drive and I bet my dog was to."
"Three sites in a wooded area with pretty solid views because the area around the campground must have burned not too long ago - dead trees everywhere, so no foliage blocking the horizon."
$45 / night
"Beautiful, easy drive in if the weather's fair. You can drive right up to the lookout and pack your equipment up the stairs."
"Was looking for a place to park for the night near Ashland, Montana on Rt 212. This is just off the highway with an easy 1/4 mi. Drive on a dirt road. Stay up to 16 days. Fire rings, pit toilets."
"Can still walk across. So to get here you have to go down on the west side of the river on powder river rd :) ask anyone in broadus,mt. If unsure how to safely get there."
GuideQuiet spot on National Fotest Lands. Roughly a dozen spaces within a short 4 mile distance. Beautiful views. Road is well maintained. Firewood can be difficult to find nearby but is available on the forest.
GuideHalf a dozen sites along cow creek. There are two outhouse but no other services. Several but not all sites have picnic tables.
GuideCame across by accident. Was looking for a place to park for the night near Ashland, Montana on Rt 212. This is just off the highway with an easy 1/4 mi. Drive on a dirt road. Stay up to 16 days. Fire rings, pit toilets.
ScoutThis campground is very quiet, relaxed, and has actually been my favorite so far (and it's free). There are vault toilets, and it's right off the main road, so it's easy to pick back up if you're passing through.
TravelerNice little spring feed pond, Ada accessible
ScoutWe’re in a class c motor home was able to get to a sight with no problem. Spacing between sights is perfect.
TravelerOn the way to glacier we are looking for dispersed, NF, etc to keep costs down and see more of the country. PROS: easy, quick access from highway 212. Wide roads on both loops. All sites back in, but probably 5 of the 15ish sites could accommodate a 45’ RV or a 35ish’ fifth wheel. Clean vault toilets (one in each loop). Fire rings and tables at almost every site. Each site has a mix of sun and shade…so if you’re focused on solar, there are “good, better,best sites to choose from - but all of the sites have at least some trees. CONS: the easy access from 212 = some traffic noise, even at the furthest site from the road. No hookups at all (could be a plus or minus depending on how you camp)
GuideWas a great visit, scored the lot spot of the night, and the pit toilet was extremely clean! Spacious sight with peaceful, great views.
TravelerWe drive 25’ truck camper with Jeep Rubicon in tow. Camp road has two loops. No pull through so we unhooked. Sites are nice size. One clean pit toilet. Road noise was minimal on second loop. Road going in you cross cattle grate and road is doable with some ruts and pot holes. Nice spot.
Custer National Forest campsites span across southeastern Montana's varied terrain, with elevations ranging from 3,000-4,000 feet in the eastern plains region. The forest encompasses over 1.2 million acres, primarily consisting of ponderosa pine woodlands interspersed with grasslands. Summer nighttime temperatures often drop 30-40 degrees from daytime highs, requiring campers to pack additional warm layers even during summer months.
Fishing access points: At Macnab Pond Campground, visitors can enjoy a spring-fed fishing spot with ADA accessibility features. "Nice little spring feed pond, Ada accessible," notes camper Blaine P.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Near Diamond Butte Lookout, campers can spot various wildlife throughout the day and night. "I heard critters all night," reports Amy D., who stayed at the lookout cabin.
Dark sky stargazing: The remote location offers excellent night sky viewing conditions. At Diamond Butte Lookout, Amy D. noted, "Beautiful, easy drive in if the weather's fair... since it's the plains you can see forever."
Quiet atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the peaceful setting of Custer National Forest campgrounds. Rebecca G. states that Red Shale Campground "is very quiet, relaxed, and has actually been my favorite so far (and it's free)."
Spacing between sites: The generous site spacing allows for privacy. Mike N. confirms this about Red Shale: "Spacing between sights is perfect."
Abundant hammock options: Several campsites in the forest provide ideal hammock camping. Joseph W. mentions Red Shale has "plenty of trees for hammocks and a good pad for tents."
Weather preparedness: Sudden weather changes can occur in this region. Michael M. describes his experience at Holiday Spring Campground: "Arrived late in the evening, I made dinner with a brisk wind. Later that night I experienced a dandy of a lightning storm."
Road access considerations: Some campgrounds require traversing gravel roads. Chelsea J. warns about changed conditions at Moorhead Recreation Site: "Beware for future campers coming from the north to Camp here, they closed the bridge on moorhead rd. The bridge isn't safe enough to cross with a vehicle."
Limited facilities: Most dispersed camping areas have minimal amenities. Quinn Z. notes about Holiday Spring Campground: "Fire pits, a bathroom, and tables... with Verizon I had a weak cell signal. You won't be streaming Netflix here but you can check email, etc."
Animals of interest: Some campgrounds offer unique animal encounters. At Wayside RV Park, Samantha F. explains, "It's a small campground with about 5 sites on a homestead. As long as you don't mind chickens and goats, this place was a great place to stop overnight!"
Exploration areas: Certain areas provide space for children to explore safely. Quinn Z. notes that at Holiday Spring Campground, "the surrounding area looks to have dispersed camping going on, although it is in active pasture land so you might find yourself waking up to curious cows."
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with additional features for children. Jeanine D. appreciates Wayside RV Park because "it's super fun to have a few farm animals on site!"
Site selection for larger vehicles: Not all campgrounds accommodate large RVs. Tom H. provides specifics about Red Shale Campground & Geocache Site: "All sites back in, but probably 5 of the 15ish sites could accommodate a 45' RV or a 35ish' fifth wheel."
Internet connectivity: If you need to work remotely, some sites offer better connectivity than others. Quinn Z. reports about Holiday Spring: "With Verizon I had a weak cell signal. You won't be streaming Netflix here but you can check email, etc."
Leveling requirements: Some campsites may require adjustment for RVs. Tom H. notes about Red Shale Campground: "Each site has a mix of sun and shade…so if you're focused on solar, there are 'good, better, best' sites to choose from."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Custer National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, Custer National Forest offers a wide range of camping options, with 15 campgrounds and RV parks near Custer National Forest and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Custer National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Custer National Forest is Wayside RV Park with a 4.4-star rating from 5 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Custer National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Custer National Forest.
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