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Camping near Custer National Forest

41 Reviews

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Custer National Forest (14)

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Recent Camping Photos near Custer National Forest

11 Photos of 14 Custer National Forest Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Custer National Forest

41 Reviews of 14 Custer National Forest Campgrounds

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Custer National Forest

    Level sights, light first

    Came 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.

  • R
    Aug. 6, 2025

    Red Shale Campground & Geocache Site

    Quiet and relaxed

    This 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.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 10, 2025

    Macnab Pond Campground

    It’s chill

    Nice little spring feed pond, Ada accessible

  • m
    Jun. 5, 2025

    Red Shale Campground & Geocache Site

    Nice camping spot

    We’re in a class c motor home was able to get to a sight with no problem. Spacing between sights is perfect.

  • tom H.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2025

    Red Shale Campground & Geocache Site

    Great site spacing and easy to stop

    On 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)

  • M
    Oct. 8, 2023

    Red Shale Campground & Geocache Site

    Beautiful, great visit

    Was a great visit, scored the lot spot of the night, and the pit toilet was extremely clean! Spacious sight with peaceful, great views.

  • C
    Sep. 29, 2023

    Red Shale Campground & Geocache Site

    Traveling through

    We 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.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2023

    Red Shale Campground & Geocache Site

    Simple

    This is a dry campground. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring. There are pit restrooms that were clean. We camped in the first loop in a 35’ fifth wheel. We would have been able to fit in most of the sites in the two loops. Access from the highway was easy and the dirt roads are in fairly good condition. We could hear some highway noise, but it wasn’t excessive. We were here the end of August. We were the only ones in this loop. Four rigs in the back loop.

  • R
    Jul. 27, 2023

    Broadus Motels & White Buffalo Campground

    Little More Than A Dirt Field

    Maybe 10 sites total in a vacant lot next to a run down laundromat in a seedy looking trailer park. Chickens running all over. At least my dog had fun chasing them.

    Two of the sites were flooded. The maintenance guy wandered around later in the day and I mentioned it, he said the owner didn't want to spend the money to fix the busted water pipes. That pretty much sums up this place. They got an extra star because the (filthy) shower, believe it or not, had softened water.

    Stayed here one night passing through. Set up the security cameras and kept the pistol on the nightstand.

Guide to Custer National Forest

Camping near Custer National Forest, South Dakota, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or a place to enjoy outdoor activities, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the peaceful hikes. One visitor mentioned, "We spent a couple of nights in our 22’ trailer over July 4th weekend. Lovely spot if you want peace and tranquility, that sky at night is something else!"
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. Campers have spotted various animals while enjoying their stay. A reviewer noted, "If you want to get away from it all, this is the place. It is remote, secluded, and beautiful."
  • Fishing: Try your luck at fishing in nearby rivers and lakes. One camper shared, "Great place for camping, fishing, swimming, shopping, and relaxing."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Miles City KOA said, "My wife thought they had the cleanest and best showers of all the places we stayed for two weeks."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A reviewer mentioned, "The people running the campground were super friendly, and check-in was quick and easy."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peaceful environment. One guest at Red Shale Campground & Geocache Site stated, "Spacious site with peaceful, great views."

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have full hookups or water. A camper at Primitive Camping - Twelve Mile Dam Fishing Access Site noted, "No water, no trash but it’s free!"
  • Seasonal Access: Check the season for each campground. For example, Medicine Rocks State Park Campground is open all year, but others may have limited access.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. One camper shared a story about their experience, saying, "We were hoping for good stargazing, but it was too cloudy—the night sky is very dark, though, so I'm sure it would be breathtaking on a clear night."

Tips for camping with families

  • Bring Activities: Pack games and outdoor toys for kids. A family at Wayside RV Park enjoyed the farm animals, saying, "It’s super fun to have a few farm animals on site!"
  • Plan for Meals: Make sure to bring enough food and snacks. One camper mentioned, "Nothing fancy but it does have bathrooms and a picnic table and power if you need it."
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on children, especially near water. A visitor advised, "The pit toilets were clean and well maintained, and there is a camp host on duty."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A reviewer at Storm Hill BLM Land Dispersed Site said, "There were some pretty hefty ruts so choose your lines carefully."
  • Use Full Hookups: If available, take advantage of full hookups for convenience. A camper at Big Sky Camp & RV Park noted, "The showers were hot, clean, and private."
  • Stay Connected: Check for Wi-Fi availability if you need to stay connected. One visitor mentioned, "Our T-Mobile Wi-Fi was pulling 200 Mb/s! So that was a plus."

Camping near Custer National Forest, South Dakota, provides a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With various campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for your next adventure!

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 14 campgrounds and RV parks near Custer National Forest and 2 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 2 free dispersed camping spots near Custer National Forest.

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