Is Palisades Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

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

Are there showers at Palisades Campground?

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

How many campsites does Palisades Campground have?

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

Are dogs allowed at Palisades Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Palisades 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 Palisades Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Palisades Campground?

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

Palisades Campground

4.01

46 reviews

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Featured in:Hiking Camping 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

6,339 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet 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

6,339 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Beartooth Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Palisades Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

(406) 446-2103null

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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Palisades Campground

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Nearby places

Red Lodge: 3 miles

Weather at Palisades Campground

Best Time to Camp at Palisades Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and trail access, with daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F (roughly 60–75°F) and cool, crisp nights in the mid-30s to mid-40s°F. Wildflower displays, dry trails on the Willow Creek and Palisades routes, and long daylight hours make hiking and exploring the palisades safe and pleasant; short drives take you to scenic overlooks and Red Lodge Mountain activities. Expect moderate crowds on holiday weekends (July–early August) but otherwise a l, Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer most reliable: highs in 60s–70s, trails dry, wildflowers bloom; peak season.

Planning Tips

About Palisades Campground

Palisades Campground sits in mid-elevation forest near Red Lodge, operated by the Beartooth Ranger District in Custer Gallatin National Forest. This very small, primitive campground offers free, first-come, first-served sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Hikers and bikers use it as a quiet base for exploring nearby trails, including routes to the palisades formations and Willow Creek.

Palisades Campground offers a primitive camping experience. It is suitable for tent camping and small trailers.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and trail access, with daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F (roughly 60–75°F) and cool, crisp nights in the mid-30s to mid-40s°F. Wildflower displays, dry trails on the Willow Creek and Palisades routes, and long daylight hours make hiking and exploring the palisades safe and pleasant; short drives take you to scenic overlooks and Red Lodge Mountain activities. Expect moderate crowds on holiday weekends (July–early August) but otherwise a l, Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January

Elevation6339 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe palisades formation towers above the campground, ancient cliffs that define the landscape. Dense forest surrounds the six sites, and Willow Creek flows through the area. Elevation at 6,339 feet means cooler temperatures and alpine vegetation. Wildlife is active here. Bears frequent the area, and reviews confirm regular encounters. The terrain is rugged, with mountain peaks visible through the trees and forest valleys extending in multiple directions.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no lodging accommodations, such as cabins or lodges, at this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

There is a 16-day stay limit per reservation period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum guest limits are unspecified per site.

Groups

No designated group camping areas are available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsFirst-come, first-served. Arrival suggested early afternoon during peak times.

AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets are available, but no additional accessibility features are indicated.

Site SizeSites are designed for tents or small trailers up to 16 feet in length.

PrivacyThe campground's layout offers limited privacy, as it is a small area with only six campsites.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended SitesArrive early during peak season to secure a spot. Sites are near the creek and best suited for tents or small vehicles.

Best Campsitesnull

Amenities available

Palisades Campground is a free, first-come, first-served campground located near Red Lodge, Montana. It features six campsites with limited amenities, offering a primitive camping experience. The campground is situated below Red Lodge Mountain Ski Resort and close to geological formations known as the Palisades. Two hiking trails - Willow Creek Trail (#105) and Palisades Trail (#109) - are accessible from the western end of the campground.

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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.

Hiking

Biking

Winter Activities

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 RequiredSome sites equipped with bear-resistant food storage lockers.

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

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

46 reviews

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...

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...

Based on 46 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific site information, such as the best or worst campsites, is not provided.

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...

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...

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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Go if

You want a quiet, no-cost forest base for hiking and biking near Red Lodge.

Skip if

You need guaranteed site availability or want to avoid rough access roads and wildlife.

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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.