How much does camping cost at Red Cliff Campground?

Camping fees at Red Cliff Campground range from $26-$35/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Red Cliff Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Red Cliff Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Red Cliff Campground before I book?

Yes! Red Cliff Campground has 5 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Red Cliff Campground?

Red Cliff Campground is open May 15 to September 25. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Red Cliff Campground?

Red Cliff Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Are dogs allowed at Red Cliff Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Red Cliff Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Red Cliff Campground?

Red Cliff Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Red Cliff Campground?

Popular activities at Red Cliff Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Red Cliff Campground

4.47

371 reviews

Fishing

Featured in:Spring Camping Montana

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,200 ft

Price

$26 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on Rocky Mountain Recreation Company Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,200 ft

Price

$26 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on Rocky Mountain Recreation Company Official Website

Get Directions

Red Cliff Campground

$26.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD ELECTRIC: $35.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $26.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-646-1012dhagey@goexplorus.com

I manage this campground

Been here recently?

Campers like you keep our info accurate. Fix a detail in under 30 seconds.

Plan a trip to Red Cliff Campground

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

Red Cliff Campground

45.1742, -111.2417

Nearby places

Bozeman (46 miles north)

West Yellowstone (45 miles south)

Big Sky (10 miles).

Weather at Red Cliff Campground

Best Time to Camp at Red Cliff Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable warm weather and full campground services, with daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F (18–29°C) and cool nights in the 40s–50s°F (4–12°C). This is prime time for river recreation — fishing, rafting/boating, and hiking the high trails — and wildlife viewing along the Gallatin River is at its peak. Expect busier campgrounds and reservation demand from late June through August; plan and book early and be prepared for occasional wildfire smoke or road- & Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Peak season: best temps, fishing, rafting and hiking; high demand for sites in summer.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to September 25. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground is open from May 16 to September 27 for reservations, with peak season running June 23 to September 27.

About Red Cliff Campground

Red Cliff Campground sits along the Gallatin River in Custer Gallatin National Forest, operated by Rocky Mountain Recreation Company. The mid-elevation forest setting offers spacious, private sites with electric hookups at select locations, vault toilets, and potable water. Campers fish and boat the river, hike nearby trails, and watch for wildlife along the water corridor during the summer season.

Red Cliff Campground accommodates various camping styles, including tent sites, RV spots, and primitive camping. Electric hookups are offered in select sites.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable warm weather and full campground services, with daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F (18–29°C) and cool nights in the 40s–50s°F (4–12°C). This is prime time for river recreation — fishing, rafting/boating, and hiking the high trails — and wildlife viewing along the Gallatin River is at its peak. Expect busier campgrounds and reservation demand from late June through August; plan and book early and be prepared for occasional wildfire smoke or road- & Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation6200 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe Gallatin River runs through camp, bordered by pine and fir forest at 6,200 feet elevation. Dramatic red rock cliffs rise above the canyon, the product of ancient geological forces that carved this corridor through the mountains. Moose wade through marshy bends in the river. Black bears move through the hillsides. Bald eagles patrol overhead. Meadows open between the trees, offering mountain views. The river provides constant background sound. Some sites sit close enough to the water for direct access. Others are set back in the forest, where the trees provide shade and buffer highway noise.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations or cabin lodging are provided at this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 16 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Camping fee covers up to two vehicles or RV/trailer with a tow vehicle. Additional vehicles incur a $9 fee.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations are available through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilitySeveral campsites are accessible. The campground includes a gravel road system for easier navigation.

Site SizeSites vary in size, ranging from small tent spaces to larger areas for RVs. "Some dry bed sites are spacious," noted one reviewer.

PrivacySites are generally well-spaced and private. However, electric sites tend to be closer together. "No neighbors on one side of Site 025," commented a reviewer.

Recommended SitesCampers recommend riverside sites for views and ambient river noise. Sites near the trailhead offer privacy and direct access to hiking trails.

Need help booking Red Cliff Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

There are NO Shower facilities available at this campground. No RV Dump Station is located in any of the USFS campgrounds managed by ExplorUS in the Custer-Gallatin National Forest.

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Located next to the Gallatin River, Red Cliff Campground offers a variety of recreational activities including fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, rafting, kayaking, and horseback riding. Trailheads like the Elkhorn Creek Trail start from the campground, providing access to scenic routes.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Vault toilets are provided instead.

Food Storage RequiredBear boxes are available at campsites for food storage, given bear activity in the area.

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.5

371 reviews

Recommended

Red Cliff Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews generally praise the scenic setting, friendly camp hosts, clean facilities, and access to recreational activities. Some complaints include highway noise and limited amenities like showers or sewer hookups.

Review Summaries

Based on 371 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 371 reviews.

Site 025Loved
Site 025 is praised for its privacy.
Site 012Loved
"Perfect site next to the river." Site 012 is noted for proximity to water and cleanliness.
Site 045Loved
Site 045 offers electric hookups but limited shade.

What Campers Love

Clean vault toilets; friendly and accommodating camp hosts; access to the Gallatin River; beautiful natural surroundings; spacious and private campsites.

Based on 371 reviews

Common Concerns

Highway noise; lack of sewer hookups and showers; issues with maps and site numbering; occasional overcrowding; barking dogs.

Based on 371 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a water container, as potable water is mostly available near the entrance. Be prepared for road noise and consider earplugs. Use bear-proof storage boxes for food. Book reservations early, as...

Based on 371 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Users note that the campground is particularly busy in summer months, with high demand for sites with electric hookups. Cooler months offer fewer bugs but may bring muddy conditions.

Based on 371 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The cleanest restrooms I have ever experienced," "Hosts were amazing," "Beautiful setting by the Gallatin River," "Road noise is noticeable but does not outweigh the positives," "Loved sitting by...

Based on 371 reviews