Is Initial Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Initial Creek Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Are there showers at Initial Creek Campground?

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

How many campsites does Initial Creek Campground have?

Initial Creek Campground has 6 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Initial Creek Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Initial Creek Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Initial Creek Campground?

Initial Creek Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Initial Creek Campground

2.71

7 reviews

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Montana

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

6,211 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Beartooth Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

6,211 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Beartooth Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Initial Creek Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(406) 446-2103null

I manage this campground

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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.

Weather at Initial Creek Campground

Best Time to Camp at Initial Creek Campground

Best season: summer. Late spring through summer offers the most reliable access and the best weather for hiking and wildlife viewing along the West Fork Stillwater River — expect long, mild days with comfortable temperatures. Daytime highs typically range from about 65–75°F with cool nights around 35–45°F, ideal for sitting by the river and exploring nearby granite outcrops without deep snow or muddy roads. Campsites are busiest on summer weekends but still feel remote due to only six primitive sites, and riverside, Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Late spring–summer gives most reliable access and comfortable temps; peak season noted.

Planning Tips

About Initial Creek Campground

Initial Creek Campground sits in mid-elevation forest along the West Fork Stillwater River in Custer Gallatin National Forest, managed by the Beartooth Ranger District. This primitive spot offers vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables for tent and RV campers seeking a true backcountry experience. Visitors come for riverside relaxation, wildlife viewing, and access to nearby granite outcrops, though the rough West Fork Stillwater Road requires high-clearance vehicles.

Initial Creek Campground is a small, free, and primitive campground suitable for tent and small trailer campers.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Late spring through summer offers the most reliable access and the best weather for hiking and wildlife viewing along the West Fork Stillwater River — expect long, mild days with comfortable temperatures. Daytime highs typically range from about 65–75°F with cool nights around 35–45°F, ideal for sitting by the river and exploring nearby granite outcrops without deep snow or muddy roads. Campsites are busiest on summer weekends but still feel remote due to only six primitive sites, and riverside, Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation6211 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe West Fork Stillwater River runs alongside the campground, its waters tumbling over granite boulders and carving through some of Earth's oldest rock. Exposed Precambrian formations meet younger volcanic features from the Absaroka Range, creating a landscape where geological time is visible in the stone itself. Lodgepole pines, Douglas firs, and Engelmann spruces provide shade overhead. Trails lead into the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, where mountain goats and golden eagles inhabit the high country.

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

There is a 16-day stay limit for all Beartooth Ranger District campgrounds.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsNo reservation platforms are available as the campground is first-come, first-served.

AccessibilityThe campground has no accessible facilities or features as listed in the authoritative description.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size, with a maximum trailer length limit of 20 feet.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended Sitesnull

Amenities available

Initial Creek Campground offers a basic and primitive camping experience with limited amenities. It is best suited for self-sufficient campers who do not require water, trash, or firewood services on-site.

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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.

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.

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

2.7

7 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

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

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...

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...

Based on 7 reviews