Basin Montana Campground
4.6289 reviewsFOREST ROAD 2071, RED LODGE, MT 59068, USA
Quick Facts
Price
$20/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
30 campsites
Season
The campground opera...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$20/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
30 campsites
Season
The campground opera...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsBasin Montana Campground
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The basic nightly rate is $20. Additional charges include $10 for a second vehicle if the site accommodates it. Firewood bundles are available for...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$20.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$20.00
Get Notified When Available
We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.
Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes
167,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications
Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider928-537-8888camping@rrmofa.com
What Campers Say
4.62
Top-Rated
Based on 89 reviews
45 Google reviews
Most mentioned
cleanlocationhikingwell-maintained
Some mention
noise
"Overall, Basin Campground is highly rated for its cleanliness, scenic beauty, and friendly camp hosts. While most reviews are positive, some users have raised concerns about campsite layout, maintenance during peak times, and wildlife-related safety."
Fees & Passes at Basin Montana Campground
$20/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: You may stay up to 16 nights during a single visit at this campground.
Cancellation: Reservations can be canceled online or via the contact center before the scheduled arrival. A $10 ca...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Recreation Resource Management of America website.
Best Time to Camp at Basin Montana Campground
Experience the dramatic dance of Montana's seasons at Basin, where winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland of deep snows and hushed forests. As spring awakens the mountains, wildflowers burst through the warming earth, signaling the arrival of camping season. Summer brings those perfect mountain days—crisp mornings that warm to comfortable afternoons under brilliant blue skies, with dry conditions ideal for outdoor adventures. Plan your visit between late spring and early fall to fully embrace all that Basin has to offer.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 23 - September 11. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: The campground operates seasonally, opening on May 23 and closing on September 11 during peak season. Outside these dates, the campground is unavailable for reservations.
- Current Alerts: Seasonal fire bans and occasional bear activity advisories may be in effect.
About Basin Montana Campground
Nestled in the heart of Montana's wilderness, Basin Montana Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic mountain escape just 7 miles west of the charming town of Red Lodge. This beloved National Forest sanctuary has earned its reputation as a premier basecamp where the gentle murmur of mountain streams mingles with the whisper of pine-scented breezes. Here, hiking enthusiasts discover endless trail networks while anglers cast their lines in pristine waters, all enveloped in the serene embrace of towering peaks that seem to touch the sky.
Basin Campground provides standard non-electric campsites suitable for tent camping, RVs, and trailers. It also includes three accessible sites.
Historical SignificanceThe landscape surrounding Basin tells a powerful story of nature's resilience, forever changed by the dramatic Cascade Fire of 2008 that swept through these mountains. Today, this transformation has created a unique ecosystem where new life flourishes among the memories of the past. Just down the mountain, the legendary Beartooth Highway—often called America's most beautiful drive—winds through alpine splendor. The nearby town of Red Lodge pulses with Western heritage, hosting the thrilling Home of Champions Rodeo and the colorful Mountain Man Rendezvous, where the spirit of the Old West comes alive.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic dance of Montana's seasons at Basin, where winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland of deep snows and hushed forests. As spring awakens the mountains, wildflowers burst through the warming earth, signaling the arrival of camping season. Summer brings those perfect mountain days—crisp mornings that warm to comfortable afternoons under brilliant blue skies, with dry conditions ideal for outdoor adventures. Plan your visit between late spring and early fall to fully embrace all that Basin has to offer.
ElevationPerched at a mountain elevation that offers the perfect balance of accessibility and alpine atmosphere, Basin Campground provides naturally air-conditioned summers where cool mountain breezes offer respite from valley heat. This ideal positioning creates comfortable camping conditions throughout the warmer months while maintaining that authentic high-country feel that makes Montana camping so memorable.
Natural Features and SceneryAlong the pristine waters of West Fork Rock Creek, Basin Campground reveals a landscape both haunting and beautiful. The 2008 Cascade Fire transformed dense forest into sweeping vistas, where purple lupine, Indian paintbrush, and golden balsamroot now paint the hillsides in vibrant summer colors. This open terrain offers unobstructed mountain views and increased wildlife visibility—lucky visitors might spot majestic moose browsing in the meadows at dawn. Creek-side campsites provide the soothing soundtrack of rushing water, creating the perfect ambiance for starlit evenings around the campfire.
Geological RegionBasin Campground serves as your gateway to the magnificent Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, where ancient geological forces carved dramatic peaks and valleys over millions of years. Positioned along the West Fork of Rock Creek, the campground showcases the raw beauty of Montana's high country. The transformative Cascade Fire of 2008 revealed the underlying contours of this remarkable landscape, creating expansive meadows where wildflowers now thrive among granite outcroppings and weathered peaks—a testament to the ever-changing face of these timeless mountains.
Advertisement
Campsite details
AccessibilityThree campsites are fully accessible, along with vault toilets. The Basin Lakes Trailhead just across the road is mentioned as an accessible recreational opportunity.
Sites SizeThe sites are described as medium-sized with back-in spurs. Some are spacious enough to accommodate a camper and tow vehicle. Specific reviews mentioned issues with the layout at certain sites, such as site #19, where the picnic table and fire pit placement were inconvenient.
Sites PrivacyReviews vary on campsite privacy. Some sites are noted as close together, reducing privacy. For instance, site #9 was mentioned as being 'really close to our neighbors.'
Total Campsites30 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 09 offers excellent creek-side views but lacks privacy due to nearby campers. Site 19 is described as having awkward terrain that may be slippery. Sites 5-7 are most recommended for river proximity.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out is by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 16 nights during a single visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The site allows one camping unit per reservation.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is organized into a single loop, offering medium-length back-in spurs. Sites are moderately spaced, though privacy may vary.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground operates seasonally, opening on May 23 and closing on September 11 during peak season. Outside these dates, the campground is unavailable for reservations.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are available through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityDuring specific periods (e.g., May 12-21), first-come, first-served sites are available on-site only and cannot be reserved in advance.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled online or via the contact center before the scheduled arrival. A $10 cancellation fee applies, along with forfeiture of the first night's fee for late cancellations (after midnight the day before check-in).
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Basin Campground offers a variety of recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, and mountain biking. The adjacent Basin Lakes Trailhead provides access to several trails leading into the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. Nearby Wild Bill Lake allows kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Wildlife viewing is also a highlight, with moose sightings reported by visitors.
Hiking
The campground is adjacent to the Basin Lakes Trailhead, which offers access to multiple trails, including Silver Run Plateau, West Fork, and Timberline Lakes Trails. These trails vary in difficulty, providing options for both casual and experienced hikers. One reviewer mentioned, 'Hike the Basin Trail! Very memorable.'Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity along the West Fork of Rock Creek and at Wild Bill Lake. The creek offers opportunities for fly fishing, with species like rainbow and brown trout. A user review highlighted, 'I particularly enjoyed fly fishing in Rock Creek which is adjacent to the campground.'Biking
Mountain biking is permitted on the Basin Lakes Trail and the Ingles Creek Trail, as well as loop trails at Silver Run. A user review noted the variety of biking options available.Boating
Nearby Wild Bill Lake supports non-motorized boating activities such as kayaking and canoeing. An accessible fishing dock is also available.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a highlight, with visitors reporting sightings of moose and other species. One review described, 'Wonderful hiking, scenery, and wildlife including a morning visit by a cow and calf moose.'Winter Activities
The campground does not operate during the winter season, and no specific winter activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking and canoeing are available at nearby Wild Bill Lake.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted unless a fire ban is in effect. Firewood can be purchased from the campground host.
- Quiet hours are generally respected, and no rowdy party crowd has been reported.
Hazards
General hazardsBears frequent the area, requiring adherence to strict food storage rules. Slippery footing is reported on certain campsites due to uneven terrain.
Active alertsSeasonal fire bans and occasional bear activity advisories may be in effect.
Weather at Basin Montana Campground
24
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 44%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 14 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Mainly clear
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
Powered by AI weather analysis
Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Red Lodge offers emergency services including hospitals, police stations, and fire departments approximately 7 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23 - September 11
Trash and recyclingTrash collection facilities are available, but no specific recycling options were mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is situated alongside the West Fork of Rock Creek, providing opportunities for fishing and kayaking. Wild Bill Lake is also nearby.
Common complaintsComplaints include generator noise, lack of privacy in certain sites, and occasional delays in restroom maintenance.
HostCampground hosts have received mixed reviews. Some are praised for their friendliness and upkeep, while others are noted for lack of management.
Campground Map
FOREST ROAD 2071, RED LODGE, MT 59068, USA
Driving directionsFrom US Hwy 212 (Beartooth Scenic Byway), travel to the south end of Red Lodge, MT. Turn west on West Fork Rock Creek Road (Forest Road 2071), and proceed approximately 7 miles to the campground entrance on the right.
The campground is accessible via paved roads all the way to the entrance, making it easily reachable regardless of vehicle type. The roads are well-maintained, but there may be seasonal considerations based on weather conditions.Nearby places
Red Lodge (7 miles, approximately 15 minutes by car)
Nearby supplies
Supplies including groceries, camping essentials, and fuel are available in Red Lodge, MT, located just 7 miles from the campground.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.6
89 reviews
Basin Montana Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, Basin Campground is highly rated for its cleanliness, scenic beauty, and friendly camp hosts. While most reviews are positive, some users have raised concerns about campsite layout, maintenance during peak times, and wildlife-related safety.
Review Summaries
Based on 89 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean and well-maintained facilities, scenic location next to a creek, proximity to hiking trails, and consistently praised camp hosts.
Based on 89 reviewsCommon Concerns
Issues with campsite layout (e.g., site #19), lack of enforcement of quiet hours, occasional maintenance lapses (e.g., overflowing toilets), and wildlife-related concerns such as bear activity.
Based on 89 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Many reviewers recommend bringing bear spray due to wildlife activity. Sites #5-7 are highlighted as the best options for camping near the creek. Visitors also suggest hiking the Basin Trail and...
Based on 89 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is most popular during the summer months, with positive experiences related to hiking and fishing. However, high use during peak season has led to occasional maintenance issues.
Based on 89 reviewsCamper Quotes
'Our favorite place on Earth!' remarked one user, while another shared, 'Wonderful hiking, scenery, and wildlife including a morning visit by a cow and calf moose.' Another noted, 'The camp hosts...
Based on 89 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific site reviews include complaints about layout issues at site #19 and praise for creek-side sites #5-7. Site #9 was described as lacking privacy.
Based on 89 reviewsAccessibility Features
Reviews generally commend the accessibility of the campground, with three accessible sites and vault toilets. However, no specific feedback from users with disabilities was mentioned.
Based on 89 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
There are no detailed reviews addressing pet policies or experiences with pets.
Based on 89 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5
Last updated November 27, 2025
Advertisement