Racetrack Campground And Picnic Area

Star4.50
7 reviews
88 Business Loop Philipsburg, MT 59858

Quick Facts

5,160 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Open seasonally, May...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Pintler Ranger District site

Official Website
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Racetrack Campground And Picnic Area
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Overnight use fee is $15 per single site per night. Additional vehicle fee is $5/night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes apply a 50%...
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Standard Site Fee$15.00
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

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USFS
Provider
406-859-3211
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What Campers Say

4.50

Recommended

Based on 7 reviews

2 Google reviews

Most mentioned

sites

"User feedback highlights Racetrack Campground as a picturesque and peaceful camping destination. The natural surroundings, including Racetrack Creek and mature Douglas Fir trees, are highly appreciated. There are, however, mentions of rough access roads and a lack of cell phone reception."

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Campground Map

88 Business Loop Philipsburg, MT 59858

Racetrack Campground And Picnic Area

88 Business Loop Philipsburg, MT 59858

Driving directionsFrom Deer Lodge, MT, take Interstate 90 (Business) south 0.9 miles to Interstate 90. Continue onto Interstate 90 east 6.9 miles to Racetrack exit (Exit 195). At the end of exit ramp, turn right and go 1 mile to 'T' intersection. Turn left at intersection onto 'Yellowstone TR' (a dirt road) and go 0.8 miles to another 'T' intersection and campground sign. Turn right at sign and go 9.3 miles, following campground signs, to Racetrack Campground sign. Turn left into campground.
The road is described as rough, with worsening conditions further along. Fire roads and trails are accessible but road conditions may pose challenges for larger vehicles. Maximum trailer length recommended is 22 feet.
Nearby places
Deer Lodge: approximately 11 miles south
Philipsburg: approximately 88 miles.
Nearby supplies
Waste station available at Indian Creek Campground in Deer Lodge, behind the Conoco gas station on Hallenback Rd. Fee is $3 for waste disposal and includes water tank fill-up. Grocery stores and supplies are available in Deer Lodge.

Best Time to Camp at Racetrack Campground And Picnic Area

From late May through September, Racetrack Campground transforms into an outdoor enthusiast's dream, with warm days perfect for creek-side relaxation and cool nights ideal for campfire stories. As autumn arrives, the Douglas Firs paint the landscape in golden hues before winter blankets the area in pristine snow. While the colder months bring a magical winter wonderland, freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall can make access challenging, turning this summer retreat into a snow-covered sanctuary accessible only to the most adventurous souls.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Late May–September is peak season; reviews call summer ideal for creek-side relaxation.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open through mid-September; early fall likely pleasant but season ends early.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.5 / 5

Opens mid/late May; spring access limited and weather-dependent.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed in winter; seasonal operation May–September.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally, May through September, weather permitting.

About Racetrack Campground And Picnic Area

Nestled along the babbling waters of Racetrack Creek, this intimate 12-site campground offers the perfect escape for those seeking tranquility in Montana's wilderness. Each thoughtfully placed campsite comes equipped with modern conveniences including restrooms, fresh drinking water, picnic tables, and grills, allowing you to enjoy nature without sacrificing comfort. The winding approach road and compact sites (best suited for trailers under 22 feet) ensure that Racetrack remains a hidden gem, preserving its peaceful atmosphere and giving each visitor their own private slice of mountain paradise.
Racetrack Campground is a traditional US Forest Service campground offering spaces for tent camping and smaller RVs, given the maximum recommended trailer length of 22 feet. It does not support RV pull-through sites or glamping options.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Please limit your stay to 16 days.

Amenities available

Potable water
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground provides limited recreational activities focused on enjoying nature. Activities include fishing and picnicking. Racetrack Creek, which flows near the campground, offers opportunities for trout fishing.
FishingFishing is available in Racetrack Creek, which is 'full of brookies,' as noted by user Toni Guay. This suggests a good quality of fishing for brook trout.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRoad conditions deteriorate further along Forest Road 169; caution is advised for trailers and larger vehicles.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Racetrack Campground And Picnic Area

Reviews

4.5
7 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Racetrack Campground And Picnic Area is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User feedback highlights Racetrack Campground as a picturesque and peaceful camping destination. The natural surroundings, including Racetrack Creek and mature Douglas Fir trees, are highly appreciated. There are, however, mentions of rough access roads and a lack of cell phone reception.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews

What Campers Love

1. Beautiful natural surroundings and the presence of a creek. 2. Large campsites. 3. Opportunities for trout fishing. 4. ATV trails and fire roads for exploration.
Based on 7 reviews

Common Concerns

1. Rough, deteriorating access road conditions. 2. Lack of cell phone reception. 3. Absence of garbage services requiring campers to pack out their own trash.
Based on 7 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

1. Bring cash or checks for payment, as the campground does not accept credit cards. 2. Pack in all necessary supplies, including trash bags, as there is no garbage service or camp store. 3. Be...
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Based on 7 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest summer months are the best time to visit due to more favorable weather conditions. The campground operates only from mid-May to mid-September, and off-season visits are not possible.
Based on 7 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautiful National Forest campground with free dispersed options before and after the campground.' - Matt Fisher 2. 'Beautiful area. Large campsites. Creek is full of brookies. Great ATVing. One...
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Based on 7 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific reviews of individual sites are not provided in the source materials.
Based on 7 reviews

Accessibility Features

While vault toilets are described as wheelchair-friendly, no user reviews specifically address the accessibility experience.
Based on 7 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Reviews do not mention pet policies or experiences for pet owners.
Based on 7 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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