Initial Creek Campground
03 reviewsInitial Creek Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
This campground is free of charge, operating on a first-come, first-served basis year-round.
About this campground
Tucked away along the pristine waters of the West Fork Stillwater River, Initial Creek Campground beckons to those who cherish untamed wilderness and authentic outdoor experiences. This hidden gem offers six primitive campsites where the only sounds you'll hear are rushing water and rustling pine boughs. Best of all, this slice of Montana paradise comes without a price tag – completely free for adventurers seeking an escape from crowded, commercialized campgrounds.
Initial Creek Campground is a small, free, and primitive campground suitable for tent and small trailer campers.
Historical SignificanceInitial Creek Campground serves as your gateway to the legendary Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, a landscape that tells the story of millions of years of geological drama. This protected wilderness encompasses some of North America's most spectacular high country, where ancient granite peaks pierce the sky and pristine ecosystems thrive as they have for millennia. The area represents one of the last intact temperate ecosystems in the world, offering visitors a glimpse into America's wild heritage.
Weather and SeasonsWhile adventurous souls can access Initial Creek year-round, winter transforms this remote haven into a snow-laden wonderland accessible only to the most determined explorers, as roads remain unplowed. The sweet spot for visiting falls between Memorial Day and Labor Day, when regular maintenance ensures easier access and the Montana wilderness shows off its summer splendor. Spring brings wildflower blooms and snowmelt-swollen streams, while autumn paints the landscape in golden hues.
ElevationPerched in the dramatic mountain terrain where the West Fork Stillwater River carves its path through ancient rock, the campground offers a front-row seat to Montana's vertical wilderness. The rugged topography creates a natural amphitheater of stone and forest, providing each campsite with its own unique vantage point of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
Natural Features and SceneryThe West Fork Stillwater River serves as the campground's liquid lifeline, its crystal-clear waters tumbling over granite boulders and creating peaceful pools perfect for quiet contemplation. Towering evergreens – including lodgepole pines, Douglas firs, and Engelmann spruces – form a living cathedral overhead, their branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. Wilderness trails beckon from the campground, leading intrepid hikers into a backcountry realm where mountain goats traverse cliffsides and golden eagles soar on thermal currents.
Geological RegionInitial Creek Campground sits at the intersection of geological wonder and raw wilderness beauty, where the forces that created the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness are on full display. This rugged landscape showcases exposed Precambrian rock formations, some of the oldest on Earth, alongside younger volcanic features from the Absaroka Range. The West Fork Stillwater River continues its patient work of sculpting this ancient terrain, creating a dynamic environment where geological time meets the present moment in spectacular fashion.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground has no accessible facilities or features as listed in the authoritative description.
Sites SizeCampsites vary in size, with a maximum trailer length limit of 20 feet.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended Campsitesnull
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
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Stay Limit
There is a 16-day stay limit for all Beartooth Ranger District campgrounds.
Guests Allowed Per Site
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Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutAll six campsites are primitive and scattered along the riverbank.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. No services are provided during off-season.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservation platforms are available as the campground is first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are available on a walk-up basis. Arrive early during weekends and holidays to secure a spot.
Cancellation PolicyReservations are not applicable as the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground provides opportunities for outdoor recreation in a natural, remote setting. Activities include hiking and possibly wildlife viewing, with nearby access to West Fork Stillwater Trail.
Hiking
The campground is near the West Fork Stillwater Trail (#90), offering access to scenic hiking trails.Wildlife viewing
Potential wildlife viewing opportunities in the surrounding natural area.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings only.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include encounters with wildlife like bears and navigating the rough road to the campground.
Active alertsNo current alerts.
Weather forecast
60
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 28%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 6.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Beartooth Ranger District Office, 6811 US Hwy 212, Red Lodge, MT 59068. Phone: (406) 446-2103.
Good to know
Peak season datesMemorial Day to Labor Day is considered the peak season with regular maintenance.
Trash and recyclingNo trash collection is available; campers must pack out all trash.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near the West Fork Stillwater River.
Common complaintsSome campers have noted the rough condition of West Fork Stillwater Road as a challenge for low-clearance vehicles.
HostThere is no campground host.
Campground Map
Driving directionsDrive north on US Hwy 212 for 2.1 miles. Turn left (west) onto MT-78 and drive 30 miles. Turn left (west) onto MT-419 towards Fishtail. Drive through Nye and for a total of 25.9 miles. Immediately after the Stillwater Mine, turn right (west) onto the West Fork Stillwater Rd (FR 2846). Drive 7.8 miles to the trailhead. *The West Fork Stillwater Rd is a rough road. High clearance vehicles are advised.
The West Fork Stillwater Road is rough and rocky, and is recommended for high-clearance vehicles. The road is not plowed in the off-season, so access may be restricted during winter months.Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Initial Creek Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Users appreciate the solitude and natural beauty of Initial Creek Campground, but caution that the road to the site can be rough and is better suited for high-clearance vehicles.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
"An amazing, primitive campground. Not for the faint-hearted.""Clean restrooms, primitive camp sites, makes this a great getaway campground."
Based on 3 reviewsCommon Concerns
The road leading to the campground is rough and not well-suited for cars. "The road is tight if you meet someone while going up, it will be tough." Trash and water facilities are not provided.
Based on 3 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors are advised to bring their own water and plan to pack out all trash. Arrive early during weekends to secure a campsite. High-clearance vehicles are recommended due to the rough road...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground can be busy during summer weekends and holidays when demand for space increases. It remains open year-round without maintenance during the off-season.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Quotes
"An amazing, primitive campground. Not for the faint-hearted." "High mountain campground is now accessible with the improved Stillwater mine road." "Would not bring a camper or trailer longer than...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Most campsites are basic and primitive, lacking modern facilities. The rough road conditions limit access for larger campers or trailers longer than 16 feet.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
No accessibility-specific reviews are available, and the campground lacks accessible features.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed at the campground; no specific pet-related reviews were found.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025