Initial Creek Campground

Star3.80
7 reviews
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

6,211 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Beartooth Ranger District site

Official Website
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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
Initial Creek Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
This campground is free of charge, operating on a first-come, first-served basis year-round.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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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Provider
(406) 446-2103null
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What Campers Say

3.80

Mixed Reviews

Based on 7 reviews

7 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanrestroomssites

"Users appreciate the solitude and natural beauty of Initial Creek Campground, but caution that the road to the site can be rough and is better suited for high-clearance vehicles."

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Campground Map

Initial Creek Campground

45.4038, -109.9550

Driving directionsDrive north on US Hwy 212 for 2.1 miles. Turn left (west) onto MT-78 and drive 30 miles. Turn left (west) onto MT-419 towards Fishtail. Drive through Nye and for a total of 25.9 miles. Immediately after the Stillwater Mine, turn right (west) onto the West Fork Stillwater Rd (FR 2846). Drive 7.8 miles to the trailhead. *The West Fork Stillwater Rd is a rough road. High clearance vehicles are advised.
The West Fork Stillwater Road is rough and rocky, and is recommended for high-clearance vehicles. The road is not plowed in the off-season, so access may be restricted during winter months.
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Best Time to Camp at Initial Creek Campground

While adventurous souls can access Initial Creek year-round, winter transforms this remote haven into a snow-laden wonderland accessible only to the most determined explorers, as roads remain unplowed. The sweet spot for visiting falls between Memorial Day and Labor Day, when regular maintenance ensures easier access and the Montana wilderness shows off its summer splendor. Spring brings wildflower blooms and snowmelt-swollen streams, while autumn paints the landscape in golden hues.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season Memorial Day–Labor Day with maintenance; popular on summer weekends.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Forest and mountain setting suggests strong fall colors and fewer crowds than summer.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Accessible in shoulder season but road conditions and higher flows may limit usability.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Open year-round but roads unplowed; winter access difficult and no services provided.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Memorial Day to Labor Day is considered the peak season with regular maintenance.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round. No services are provided during off-season.
  • Current Alerts: No current alerts.

About Initial Creek Campground

Tucked away along the pristine waters of the West Fork Stillwater River, Initial Creek Campground beckons to those who cherish untamed wilderness and authentic outdoor experiences. This hidden gem offers six primitive campsites where the only sounds you'll hear are rushing water and rustling pine boughs. Best of all, this slice of Montana paradise comes without a price tag – completely free for adventurers seeking an escape from crowded, commercialized campgrounds.
Initial Creek Campground is a small, free, and primitive campground suitable for tent and small trailer campers.
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Stay Limit
There is a 16-day stay limit for all Beartooth Ranger District campgrounds.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground provides opportunities for outdoor recreation in a natural, remote setting. Activities include hiking and possibly wildlife viewing, with nearby access to West Fork Stillwater Trail.
HikingThe campground is near the West Fork Stillwater Trail (#90), offering access to scenic hiking trails.
Wildlife viewingPotential wildlife viewing opportunities in the surrounding natural area.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include encounters with wildlife like bears and navigating the rough road to the campground.
Active AlertsNo current alerts.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredBear-resistant food lockers are available at some sites for storing food and scented items.

Weather at Initial Creek Campground

Reviews

3.8
7 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Initial Creek Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Users appreciate the solitude and natural beauty of Initial Creek Campground, but caution that the road to the site can be rough and is better suited for high-clearance vehicles.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews

What Campers Love

"An amazing, primitive campground. Not for the faint-hearted.""Clean restrooms, primitive camp sites, makes this a great getaway campground."
Based on 7 reviews

Common Concerns

The road leading to the campground is rough and not well-suited for cars. "The road is tight if you meet someone while going up, it will be tough." Trash and water facilities are not provided.
Based on 7 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors are advised to bring their own water and plan to pack out all trash. Arrive early during weekends to secure a campsite. High-clearance vehicles are recommended due to the rough road...
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Based on 7 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground can be busy during summer weekends and holidays when demand for space increases. It remains open year-round without maintenance during the off-season.
Based on 7 reviews

Camper Quotes

"An amazing, primitive campground. Not for the faint-hearted." "High mountain campground is now accessible with the improved Stillwater mine road." "Would not bring a camper or trailer longer than...
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Based on 7 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Most campsites are basic and primitive, lacking modern facilities. The rough road conditions limit access for larger campers or trailers longer than 16 feet.
Based on 7 reviews

Accessibility Features

No accessibility-specific reviews are available, and the campground lacks accessible features.
Based on 7 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed at the campground; no specific pet-related reviews were found.
Based on 7 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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