Basin Montana Campground

Star4.62
188 reviews
FOREST ROAD 2071, RED LODGE, MT 59068, USA

Quick Facts

6,906 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

The campground opera...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Recreation Resource Management of America site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Basin 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

Get Notified When Available

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

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
928-537-8888camping@rrmofa.com
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.62

Top-Rated

Based on 188 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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

FOREST ROAD 2071, RED LODGE, MT 59068, USA

Basin Montana Campground

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.

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.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season for hiking and fishing; highly rated but high use can cause maintenance issues.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Early fall likely scenic and quieter, but campground closes Sept 11 limiting full fall season access.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring wildflower emergence noted but campground opens late May; limited spring access.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is seasonally closed (open May 23–Sept 11); winter camping not available.

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.
Advertisement

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.

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.
HikingThe 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.'
FishingFishing 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.'
BikingMountain 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.
BoatingNearby Wild Bill Lake supports non-motorized boating activities such as kayaking and canoeing. An accessible fishing dock is also available.
Wildlife viewingWildlife 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
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears 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.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredFood lockers are available at each site to comply with bear safety regulations. Lockers are spacious and conveniently located near picnic areas.

Weather at Basin Montana Campground

Reviews

4.6
188 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
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 188 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 188 reviews

Common 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 188 reviews

Pro 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...
Show more
Based on 188 reviews

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 188 reviews

Camper 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...
Show more
Based on 188 reviews

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 188 reviews

Accessibility 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 188 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

There are no detailed reviews addressing pet policies or experiences with pets.
Based on 188 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Basin Montana Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Montana

Campgrounds
Custer Gallatin National Forest
Basin Montana Campground