How much does camping cost at Basin Montana Campground?

Camping fees at Basin Montana Campground are $20 - $33.97/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Basin Montana Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Basin Montana 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 Basin Montana Campground before I book?

Yes! Basin Montana Campground has 32 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 Basin Montana Campground?

Basin Montana Campground is open May 01 to September 30. 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 Basin Montana Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Basin Montana Campground?

Fire policies at Basin Montana Campground: Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org. Firewood bundles can be purchased from the camground host.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Basin Montana Campground have?

Basin Montana Campground has 30 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Basin Montana Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Basin Montana Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Basin Montana Campground?

Basin Montana Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Basin Montana Campground?

Popular activities at Basin Montana Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Basin Montana Campground

4.59

231 reviews

FOREST ROAD 2071, RED LODGE, MT 59068, USA

B+Report Card

Featured in:Family-Friendly Campgrounds Montana RV Camping Montana Best Campgrounds Montana

Quick Facts

6,906 ft

Price

$20 - $33.97/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Opening and closing ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation Resource Management of America Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,906 ft

Price

$20 - $33.97/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Opening and closing ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation Resource Management of America Official Website

Get Directions

Basin Montana Campground

$20.00 - $33.97 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $33.97; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$20.00

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Provider

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Campground Map

FOREST ROAD 2071, RED LODGE, MT 59068, USA

Basin Montana Campground

FOREST ROAD 2071, RED LODGE, MT 59068, USA

Nearby places

Red Lodge (7 miles, approximately 15 minutes by car)

Weather at Basin Montana Campground

Current alerts(8)

Bears frequent the area; please obey all food storage rules and regulations. Check with your host for details.
Click here for more information on the Custer National Forest
Extra Vehicles: Cannot be paid for in advance - upon arrival coordinate with the host for payment and where to park.
FIRST COME FIRST SERVE sites must be booked in person. DO NOT call to determine availability, as they are only available on-site.

Best Time to Camp at Basin Montana Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the fullest range of activities — expect long, sunny days with daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F (18–24°C) and cool nights around the low 30s to mid-40s°F (0–7°C) at 6,900 ft. Trails are dry and singletrack & day-hiking opportunities into the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness are at their peak, while West Fork Rock Creek supports excellent fly-fishing and small-boat outings. Wildflower meadows (revitalized after the 2008 Cascade Fire) are彩 Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season (May–Sep): full trail, fishing and wildflower displays; most positive reviews in summer.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Opening and closing dates are weather permitting, please call 928-537-8888 for more information.

About Basin Montana Campground

Basin Montana Campground sits at 6,900 feet in the Custer Gallatin National Forest, just outside Red Lodge along West Fork Rock Creek. Operated by Recreation Resource Management of America, this small mid-elevation forest campground serves as a staging point for day hikes into the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. Campers fish the creek, bike forest roads, and return to well-maintained sites with vault toilets and potable water.

Basin Campground provides standard non-electric campsites suitable for tent camping, RVs, and trailers. It also includes three accessible sites.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the fullest range of activities — expect long, sunny days with daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F (18–24°C) and cool nights around the low 30s to mid-40s°F (0–7°C) at 6,900 ft. Trails are dry and singletrack & day-hiking opportunities into the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness are at their peak, while West Fork Rock Creek supports excellent fly-fishing and small-boat outings. Wildflower meadows (revitalized after the 2008 Cascade Fire) are彩 Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation6906 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe West Fork of Rock Creek runs through the campground, providing a constant water soundtrack and creek access at select sites. The 2008 Cascade Fire opened the forest canopy, creating expansive meadows where wildflowers. Lupine, Indian paintbrush, balsamroot. Bloom in summer among granite outcroppings. The burn also increased wildlife visibility. Moose browse the meadows at dawn. The open terrain offers unobstructed views of surrounding peaks.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not offer hotel-style lodging accommodations. Nearby Red Lodge, Montana, provides lodging options.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no cultural or educational programs explicitly offered at Basin Campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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 camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations are available through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThree campsites are fully accessible, along with vault toilets. The Basin Lakes Trailhead just across the road is mentioned as an accessible recreational opportunity.

Site 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.

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 SitesSite 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 CampsitesSites 5-7 sit closest to the creek and receive consistent recommendations for their water access and views. Sites 9 and 12 also offer scenic features. Site 9, however, places campers very close to neighbors. Site 19 has an awkward picnic table and fire pit layout.

Need help booking Basin Montana Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Basin Campground, located 7 miles west of Red Lodge, Montana, offers a variety of amenities. Each campsite includes a picnic table, campfire ring with grill, and food storage lockers. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water (via hand pump) are available on-site. Trash collection is provided. The campground features back-in spurs of medium length, making it accommodating for most vehicles. Specific reviews mentioned that the vault toilets are generally clean and well-maintained, although at times during peak use, some toilets were reported to be full or closed. Firewood bundles can be purchased from the campground host.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Basin Montana Campground

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.

Hiking4.0/5

Fishing4.0/5

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Frequent moose and other wildlife sightings reported; meadow/forest habitat supports viewing.

Biking3.0/5

Mountain biking permitted on Basin Lakes and Ingles Creek trails and local forest roads.

Water Sports3.0/5

Nearby Wild Bill Lake supports non-motorized craft such as kayaks and canoes.

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5High elevation, remote forest setting suggests good dark-sky potential (inferred).

Photography4.0/5Wildflowers, creek, granite outcrops and wildlife (moose) provide strong photo subjects.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsThe campground does not have flush toilets. Accessible vault toilets are provided, which are generally clean and well-stocked, though occasional maintenance issues have been reported during peak times.

Food Storage RequiredFood lockers are available at each site to comply with bear safety regulations. Lockers are spacious and conveniently located near picnic areas.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

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

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From Booking Sources

4.6

231 reviews

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 231 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 231 reviews.

Site #9Mentioned
Site #9 was described as lacking privacy.
site #19Issues noted
Specific site reviews include complaints about layout issues at site #19 and praise for creek-side sites #5-7.

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 231 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 231 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...

Based on 231 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 231 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...

Based on 231 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 231 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

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

Based on 231 reviews

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Basin Montana Campground

$20.00 - $33.97 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $33.97; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$20.00

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

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-587-9054camping@rrmofa.com

Go if

You want a clean, managed base camp for Beartooth hiking and fishing with summer access.

Skip if

You need hookups, quiet hours enforcement, or private sites shielded from generator noise.

Nearby Campgrounds

FOREST ROAD 2071, RED LODGE, MT 59068, USA

Cascade sits high in the Custer Gallatin National Forest near Red Lodge, where the West Fork of Rock Creek runs through a landscape shaped by the 2008 fire. Recreation Resource Management of America operates this small alpine campground with vault toilets, potable water, and sites for tents and RVs. Visitors hike, fish, bike, boat, and watch wildlife in terrain that opens into wildflower meadows during summer.

Basin Montana Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Basin Montana Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Basin Montana Campground

Current alerts(8)

Best Time to Camp at Basin Montana Campground

Planning Tips

About Basin Montana Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Basin Montana Campground?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Basin Montana Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

Go if

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How campers graded it

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Overview

About the campground

Seasons & access

Facilities

RV information

Directions

Featured in these camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Basin Montana Campground

Current alerts(8)

Best Time to Camp at Basin Montana Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Basin Montana Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Basin Montana Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns