Cascade

4.39

122 reviews

FOREST ROAD 2071, RED LODGE, MT 59068, USA

Quick Facts

7,575 ft

Price

$18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Peak season: Jun 6 -...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

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

Quick Facts

7,575 ft

Price

$18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Peak season: Jun 6 -...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

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

Cascade

$18.00 - $18.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The nightly fee for standard non-electric campsites is $18 throughout all operating seasons. The first vehicle is included in the fee; a second...

Standard Site Fee$18.00

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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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

928-537-8888gccampgrounds13@gmail.com

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What Campers Say

4.39

Recommended

Based on 122 reviews

34 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanrestroomsspacioushiking

Some mention

reservation

"User reviews generally praise Cascade Campground for its cleanliness, accessibility, and scenic location near the creek. However, complaints include issues with road conditions and water pooling in campsites."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

FOREST ROAD 2071, RED LODGE, MT 59068, USA

Cascade

FOREST ROAD 2071, RED LODGE, MT 59068, USA

Driving directionsFrom U.S. Highway 212, go to the south end of Red Lodge. Turn west onto West Fork Rock Creek Road (Forest Road 2071) and travel 11 miles west. The campground is on the left.

The campground is accessible via Forest Road 2071, which is paved for most of the route. However, some sections are noted as being rough dirt roads, with washboard conditions that can affect vehicle components like headlights and trailers. The road was graded during one reviewer's stay but returned to poor condition shortly thereafter. 'The road getting to the campground was horrible,' and 'A grader went over the road during our stay but it had gone back to the awful washboard condition when we left.'

Nearby places

Red Lodge, MT: approximately 11 miles west with a travel time of about 20 minutes.

Nearby supplies

Groceries, dining, and lodging options are available in Red Lodge, MT, including galleries and shops. Firewood bundles can be purchased from the campground host.

Best Time to Camp at Cascade

Montana's dramatic seasonal shifts paint Cascade Campground in ever-changing hues throughout the year. Summer months from June through September bring warm, golden days ideal for outdoor adventures, though wise campers pack rain gear for the occasional mountain shower. As autumn arrives, crisp air and changing colors transform the landscape into a photographer's paradise. Winter descends with a blanket of snow and temperatures that can plummet to a brisk 7 degrees Celsius, while mountain winds sweep across the open meadows with untamed energy. Each season offers its own rewards for those who come prepared to embrace Montana's dynamic mountain climate.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Peak season Jun 6 - Sep 11; summers well-reviewed for hiking, fishing and mild weather.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Limited first-come-first-served season Sep 12-21, then campground closes for season.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Closed through late May; spring season largely unavailable at the campground.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed Sep 21 - May 22; winter camping not supported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Jun 6 - Sep 11 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Peak season: Jun 6 - Sep 11. First-come, first-served season: Sep 12 - Sep 21. Out-of-season closure: Sep 21 - May 22.
Current Alerts: No active alerts are currently mentioned, but campers should inquire about road conditions and potential flooding of campsites upon arrival.

About Cascade

Nestled along the pristine West Fork of Rock Creek, Cascade Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its harmonious blend of riverside tranquility and mountain adventure. Just 11 miles west of Red Lodge via the smoothly paved Forest Road 2071, this southern Montana gem offers thoughtfully spaced campsites that balance privacy with accessibility. Whether you're pitching a tent under the stars or settling in with a small trailer, you'll find yourself at the perfect basecamp for exploring the region's renowned hiking trails, world-class fly fishing waters, and backcountry wilderness. The campground's generous spacing between sites ensures that each visitor enjoys their own slice of Montana's breathtaking landscape.

Cascade Campground accommodates standard single-family camping with options for tent and RV camping. It features accessible sites and bear-resistant food lockers for safety.

Historical SignificanceThe landscape surrounding Cascade Campground tells a powerful story of nature's resilience and renewal. In 2008, the Cascade Fire swept through this area, dramatically transforming the forest and creating the unique environment visitors experience today. This natural event has become an integral part of the campground's character, offering visitors a firsthand look at how wilderness areas regenerate and thrive following fire, creating new habitats and opportunities for both wildlife and wildflowers.

Weather and SeasonsMontana's dramatic seasonal shifts paint Cascade Campground in ever-changing hues throughout the year. Summer months from June through September bring warm, golden days ideal for outdoor adventures, though wise campers pack rain gear for the occasional mountain shower. As autumn arrives, crisp air and changing colors transform the landscape into a photographer's paradise. Winter descends with a blanket of snow and temperatures that can plummet to a brisk 7 degrees Celsius, while mountain winds sweep across the open meadows with untamed energy. Each season offers its own rewards for those who come prepared to embrace Montana's dynamic mountain climate.

ElevationPerched in Montana's magnificent high mountain terrain, Cascade Campground provides the authentic alpine experience that draws adventurers from around the world. The crisp, clear waters of the cold mountain stream reflect the surrounding peaks, while the thin mountain air reminds visitors they've ascended into a realm where nature reigns supreme. This elevated setting offers cooler temperatures even in summer and spectacular star-gazing opportunities in the pristine mountain atmosphere.

Natural Features and SceneryWhere fire once danced through the forest, nature has painted a masterpiece of renewal at Cascade Campground. The 2008 Cascade Fire created sun-drenched meadows that now burst with vibrant wildflowers each summer, transforming what could have been devastation into a kaleidoscope of color. The West Fork of Rock Creek winds gracefully past the campsites, its crystal-clear waters providing both a soothing soundtrack and excellent fishing opportunities. While some areas offer less shade due to the fire's legacy, the open glades frame spectacular mountain vistas and create perfect spots for wildlife watching and photography. This unique blend of riverine beauty and fire-renewed meadows offers visitors an extraordinary camping experience unlike any other.

Geological RegionCascade Campground serves as your gateway to the legendary Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, one of Montana's most spectacular geological treasures. Positioned strategically in southern Montana along the banks of the West Fork of Rock Creek, the campground sits within a landscape sculpted by millions of years of geological forces. The 2008 Cascade Fire revealed even more of this dramatic terrain, opening vistas to the surrounding peaks and creating meadows where wildflowers now carpet the ancient soils. This unique position offers campers easy access to explore the greater Absaroka-Beartooth ecosystem while enjoying the comfort of a well-situated basecamp.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in begins at 11:00 AM local time.

Check-out

Check-out time is 12:00 PM local time.

Stay Limit

Amaximum of 16 consecutive nights is allowed during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Guests are limited to one camping unit per site, with additional vehicles requiring coordination with the host.

Groups

Group camping is not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative sources.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutTwo loops are present: the left loop offers more tree cover, and the right loop is more open with no shade.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov or by contacting the facility directly.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up sites are available during the first-come, first-served season (Sep 12 - Sep 21). These must be booked in person and cannot be reserved or checked for availability by phone.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee, and late cancellations for individual campsites forfeit the first night's fee. Modifications may also incur a $10 fee if the new reservation dates are entirely different. No-shows are charged a $20 fee and forfeit the first night's fee.

AccessibilityAccessible campsites include Sites 1 and 2, which meet established accessibility standards. Vault toilets are also accessible.

Site SizeSites are reported to be spacious with ample room between neighbors. "Nice, big, sites with distance from neighbors," noted one reviewer.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site, with some offering seclusion. "Felt very private and out of the way," commented one camper.

Total Campsites30 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites with shade for comfort or open sites for better mountain views. Avoid sites prone to flooding (e.g., 024 and 029).

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Cascade Campground offers a rich array of outdoor activities suitable for campers of all interests. Fishing along the West Fork of Rock Creek is popular, with one user describing it as "great fishing and hiking nearby." The nearby Basin Lakes Trailhead provides access to scenic hiking trails such as Silver Run Plateau and Timberline Lakes, which allow exploration of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. Mountain biking trails, including the Ingles Creek Trail and Silver Run loops, cater to cyclists. Canoeing and kayaking at Wild Bill Lake offer tranquil water-based recreation.

HikingMultiple trails are accessible nearby, including Silver Run Plateau and Timberline Lakes trails. "The hike up the West Fork trail is well worth doing," said one camper, noting the area's lack of shade due to fire damage but emphasizing its scenic landscape.

FishingFishing opportunities include catching Brook trout in the West Fork of Rock Creek. "WFRC is a small mountain stream with lots of 6"-8" Brook trout that are fun to catch on dry flies," detailed one user.

BikingMountain biking is allowed on several trails, including the Ingles Creek Trail and loop trails at Silver Run. "Mountain bikers enjoy the Ingles Creek Trail," noted the campground description.

BoatingWild Bill Lake nearby supports boating activities such as kayaking and canoeing. An accessible fishing dock is located on the shore.

Wildlife viewingThe campground's proximity to wilderness areas provides opportunities for observing wildlife. "Watch out for moose," said one camper.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears frequent the area, requiring proper food storage. Some sites are prone to water issues—standing water around fire rings and picnic tables has been reported.

Active AlertsNo active alerts are currently mentioned, but campers should inquire about road conditions and potential flooding of campsites upon arrival.

Food Storage RequiredBear-resistant metal food storage lockers are available at all campsites.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted within designated fire rings. Firewood bundles can be purchased on-site.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 'Scheduled quiet hours are not explicitly mentioned, but some user reviews report that generators run through the night without enforcement.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are accessible in Red Lodge, MT, approximately 11 miles away. Contact numbers for facility-specific inquiries include (928) 537-8888.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are not available within Cascade Campground and must be deposited at nearby Basin Campground.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to the West Fork of Rock Creek; fishing and kayaking opportunities at nearby Wild Bill Lake.

Camp HostCamp hosts are described as friendly and helpful, with clean restrooms maintained regularly. 'The campground host was amazing! He kept the bathrooms super clean and was very nice and helpful.' However, some reviews note management issues with reservations and leash enforcement.

Weather at Cascade

Reviews

4.4

122 reviews

Recommended

Cascade is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews generally praise Cascade Campground for its cleanliness, accessibility, and scenic location near the creek. However, complaints include issues with road conditions and water pooling in campsites.

Review Summaries

Based on 122 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects frequently mentioned include clean facilities, friendly camp hosts, spacious sites, and proximity to hiking trails and fishing opportunities. "Cleanest restrooms ever at a...

Based on 122 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints involve rough road conditions leading to the campground, water pooling in certain campsites, and reports of generator use negatively affecting some campers' experiences. "The road...

Based on 122 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Several users suggest choosing sites carefully due to water pooling issues and bringing a canopy for shade due to limited tree cover after the Cascade Fire. "Beware, there is NO shade," remarked one...

Based on 122 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summers are typically well-reviewed for their mild weather and suitability for fishing and hiking. "The area is great for a nice walk and being right on the creek adds to the great experience," said...

Based on 122 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Breathtaking mountain views even tho there's not a ton of trees," "Bear-resistant metal food storage bins are included with the campsites," "Bathrooms and sites were immaculate," "Road was horrible...

Based on 122 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 5 is accessible. Sites on the left loop offer more tree cover, whereas the right loop has less shade. Site 29 reportedly has water issues, with water running through the fire ring and picnic...

Based on 122 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible campsites (Sites 1 and 2) and vault toilets are provided. "Bathrooms and sites were immaculate," said one user.

Based on 122 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies require dogs to be on a leash. "My dog was on leash 95% of the time," noted one camper who felt targeted for having a dog and left early due to this experience.

Based on 122 reviews

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