Palisades Campground

Star4.19
46 reviews
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Quick Facts

6,339 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet 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
Palisades Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Palisades Campground is free for all visitors.
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

4.19

Satisfactory

Based on 46 reviews

44 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quiethiking

"User reviews highlight the campground's peaceful setting, proximity to hiking trails, and its appeal to primitive camping enthusiasts. Some users noted the presence of bears and the need for proper food storage."

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Campground Map

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Palisades Campground

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Driving directionsDrive north on US Hwy 212 towards Red Lodge for 0.3 miles. Turn left (west) onto the West Fork Rd and drive 1.1 miles. Turn right onto Palisades Campground Rd (unpaved). Drive 1.5 miles to Palisades Campground.
Access is via unpaved roads; seasonal conditions may limit accessibility. Campground road has restrictions on trailers exceeding 16 feet.
Nearby places
Red Lodge: 3 miles
Nearby supplies
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Best Time to Camp at Palisades Campground

Experience the magic of Montana's changing seasons with year-round access to this mountain retreat. Summer transforms the campground into a vibrant basecamp for hikers and nature enthusiasts, with wildflowers painting the meadows and perfect temperatures for outdoor exploration. As winter approaches, the landscape becomes a snow-dusted wonderland, though adventurous souls should come prepared for mountain weather and potentially challenging road conditions that add to the authentic wilderness experience.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season and vibrant basecamp for hikers; busiest in summer weekends and holidays.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Seasonal changes noted, likely pleasant for hiking though fewer explicit fall reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Year-round access; spring offers trails but may be muddy and variable weather.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Open year-round but winter access may be limited by snow and moose habitat restrictions.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Summer months, weekends, and holidays.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Year-round access; peak season during summer months.
  • Current Alerts: No reservations required; campground may fill up during summer weekends and holidays.

About Palisades Campground

Discover a hidden gem where adventure meets serenity at Palisades Campground, where six rustic campsites await beneath the dramatic cliffs of the palisades geological formation. This free camping haven serves as your gateway to alpine adventures, with the renowned Willow Creek and Palisades trails beginning right at the campground's western edge. Just minutes from Red Lodge Mountain Ski Resort, you'll find yourself perfectly positioned to explore Montana's breathtaking high country while enjoying the simple pleasures of traditional tent camping.
Palisades Campground offers a primitive camping experience. It is suitable for tent camping and small trailers.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
  • Arrival anytime
  • no formal check-in process.
Check-out
  • Departure anytime
  • no formal check-out process.
Stay Limit
There is a 16-day stay limit per reservation period.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking trails and proximity to Red Lodge's recreational opportunities. Campers can explore the nearby Willow Creek Trail and Palisades Trail.
HikingWillow Creek Trail (#105) and Palisades Trail (#109) are accessible from the western end of the campground. Note that dogs are not allowed on the Palisades Trail from December 1 to July 1, except for hunting dogs.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife including bears and moose frequent the area. Restrictions on dogs due to wintering moose habitat.
Active AlertsNo reservations required; campground may fill up during summer weekends and holidays.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredSome sites equipped with bear-resistant food storage lockers.

Weather at Palisades Campground

Reviews

4.2
46 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Palisades Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's peaceful setting, proximity to hiking trails, and its appeal to primitive camping enthusiasts. Some users noted the presence of bears and the need for proper food storage.
Review Summaries
Based on 46 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include its proximity to hiking trails, scenic natural surroundings, and the free, first-come, first-served camping policy. Campers appreciated the quiet atmosphere and the rustic...
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Based on 46 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of potable water, the absence of on-site trash services, and potential bear encounters. Some users also mentioned the rough access road and difficulty finding...
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Based on 46 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend arriving early to secure a campsite, bringing sufficient water and trash bags, and being prepared for bear encounters by using bear-proof storage containers. Checking local trail...
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Based on 46 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during summer weekends and holidays. Winter accessibility may be limited due to snow and moose habitat restrictions.
Based on 46 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful, peaceful campground with stream and hiking trails only 2 miles from Red Lodge." - User Review "Nice spot to camp... Lots of grizzlies around though so make sure you don't have food in...
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Based on 46 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific site information, such as the best or worst campsites, is not provided.
Based on 46 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific user reviews addressing accessibility features are available.
Based on 46 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Some users noted that dogs are not allowed on the Palisades Trail between December 1 and July 1 due to moose wintering habitat, except for hunting dogs.
Based on 46 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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