Rattin Campground
4.3726 reviewsFOREST ROAD 379, RED LODGE, MT, 59068, USA
Quick Facts
Price
$18/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
7 campsites
Season
Campground is open f...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$18/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
7 campsites
Season
Campground is open f...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsRattin Campground
$18.00 - $18.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard and tent-only nonelectric sites are $18 per night during all seasons. Additional charges apply for second vehicles ($10, collected on-site).
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
Total Campsite Fees$18.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider928-537-8888camping@rrmofa.com
What Campers Say
4.37
Recommended
Based on 26 reviews
25 Google reviews
Most mentioned
viewscleanspaciousfriendly
Some mention
mosquitoes
"User reviews for Rattin Campground generally highlight its cleanliness, scenic location, and friendly camp hosts. Negative aspects include heavy mosquito presence, lack of privacy at certain sites, and road-related issues. Seasonal reviews suggest better experiences during cooler months to avoid bugs and heat."
Fees & Passes at Rattin Campground
$18/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Maximum stay limit is 16 consecutive nights.
Cancellation: Cancellations can be made prior to the day of arrival, subject to a $10 cancellation fee. Late cance...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Recreation Resource Management of America website.
Best Time to Camp at Rattin Campground
Summer transforms Rattin Campground into a sun-dappled paradise where warm days averaging 74.5°F invite endless outdoor adventures, while cool nights dipping to 50.1°F ensure perfect sleeping weather under star-filled skies. The region's famously dry climate means you'll enjoy mostly clear, brilliant days ideal for hiking and fishing, with only occasional afternoon showers to refresh the forest. Morning dew sparkles on wildflowers before evaporating in the gentle mountain breeze, and the comfortable humidity levels make even the warmest afternoons pleasant. Come prepared with insect repellent during the warmer months when mosquitoes join the evening chorus—a small price to pay for camping in this pristine ecosystem.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: Peak season runs from May 23rd to September 11th.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Campground is open for reservations from May 23rd to September 11th. The facility operates on a first-come, first-served basis from September 12th to September 30th. It is closed entirely from October through early May.
- Current Alerts: The south bridge is now operational, providing easier access. However, previous bridge washouts may have affected road conditions.
About Rattin Campground
Tucked away in the pine-scented wilderness just 7 miles south of Red Lodge, Montana, Rattin Campground offers an intimate escape along the melodic waters of Rock Creek. Here, where towering pines mingle with quaking aspens, campers find themselves immersed in a living postcard of the Northern Rockies. The gentle rush of Rock Creek provides the soundtrack to your stay, while the dappled sunlight filtering through the forest canopy creates an ever-changing tapestry of light and shadow. This is wild country—home to majestic grizzly bears, graceful elk, and white-tailed deer that might wander through camp at dawn. Whether you're casting a line into the crystal-clear creek, setting off on a mountain trail, or simply breathing in the crisp mountain air, Rattin delivers the authentic Montana wilderness experience.
Rattin Campground offers tent and RV camping. Primitive camping is not explicitly mentioned, and there are no cabins or group-specific sites.
Historical SignificanceYour journey to Rattin follows the legendary Beartooth Highway, immortalized by broadcaster Charles Kuralt as "the most beautiful drive in America"—a designation that becomes immediately apparent as you wind through this spectacular mountain corridor. The nearby town of Red Lodge pulses with Western heritage, where the thunder of hooves at the annual Home of Champions Rodeo echoes the frontier spirit that built these mountain communities. Each summer, the town's Festival of Nations transforms the streets into a vibrant celebration of the diverse cultures that shaped Montana's mining history, from Scandinavian settlers to Italian stoneworkers. This rich tapestry of tradition and natural wonder makes the area around Rattin Campground not just a destination, but a journey through the living history of the American West.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Rattin Campground into a sun-dappled paradise where warm days averaging 74.5°F invite endless outdoor adventures, while cool nights dipping to 50.1°F ensure perfect sleeping weather under star-filled skies. The region's famously dry climate means you'll enjoy mostly clear, brilliant days ideal for hiking and fishing, with only occasional afternoon showers to refresh the forest. Morning dew sparkles on wildflowers before evaporating in the gentle mountain breeze, and the comfortable humidity levels make even the warmest afternoons pleasant. Come prepared with insect repellent during the warmer months when mosquitoes join the evening chorus—a small price to pay for camping in this pristine ecosystem.
ElevationNestled at a mountain elevation that delivers crisp, pure air and cool summer nights, Rattin Campground occupies that sweet spot where the forest thrives and the climate remains comfortable throughout the camping season.
Natural Features and SceneryPerched on the banks of Rock Creek with the mighty Beartooth Range rising like ancient sentinels in the distance, Rattin Campground showcases nature's artistry at every turn. The crystal-clear waters of Rock Creek tumble over smooth stones, creating perfect pools for native trout and refreshing spots for wading on warm afternoons. Above, a living cathedral of pine and aspen creates an intimate forest setting where shafts of sunlight pierce the canopy like natural spotlights. In autumn, the aspens burst into flames of gold, transforming the campground into a photographer's dream. This serene pocket of wilderness offers front-row seats to nature's daily performances—from the morning mist rising off the creek to the alpenglow painting the Beartooth peaks at sunset.
Geological RegionRattin Campground rests in the dramatic embrace of the Beartooth Range, where ancient geological forces sculpted one of North America's most spectacular mountain landscapes. These peaks, among the oldest on the continent, tell a story written in granite and limestone layers over billions of years. The campground's location along Rock Creek places you at the intersection of mountain and water, where the persistent flow has carved a verdant corridor through the rugged terrain. The surrounding forest of pine and aspen represents the classic Northern Rockies ecosystem—a complex web of life that supports everything from the smallest wildflowers to the mighty grizzly bears that rule these mountains. This is quintessential Greater Yellowstone country, where the raw power of geological time meets the delicate balance of mountain ecology.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityVault toilets are accessible. No other specific disability-related amenities are mentioned.
Sites SizeSites are described as spacious and accommodating tents and camping units. Specific size measurements are not provided.
Sites PrivacyReviews mention varying levels of privacy: some campsites are close to the road with limited privacy, while others are more secluded with tree coverage to enhance privacy.
Total Campsites7 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor campers seeking shade and stream access, Sites #5 and #6 are recommended. Visitors desiring privacy should consider Site #7, but be aware of its proximity to private residences.
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 14:00 local time.
Check-out
Check-out is at 12:00 local time.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 16 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Standard single-family sites allow one camping unit
- additional vehicles are charged separately.
Groups
Group camping is not explicitly mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of seven single-family sites spread along Rock Creek and shaded by trees. Trailers are prohibited past Site #3 due to limited turnaround space.
Open and Closed SeasonCampground is open for reservations from May 23rd to September 11th. The facility operates on a first-come, first-served basis from September 12th to September 30th. It is closed entirely from October through early May.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via recreation.gov and their mobile app.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability is offered from September 12th to September 30th annually. These sites must be booked in person and are not available for remote inquiry.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made prior to the day of arrival, subject to a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations (starting from midnight one calendar day before scheduled check-in) also forfeit the first night's recreation use fee. No refunds available after the check-in date begins.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Rattin Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities including fishing, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives. The nearby Beartooth Wilderness and trailheads offer more extensive hiking opportunities.
Hiking
The campground is near several trailheads such as Hellroaring and Lake Fork, as well as the Parkside National Recreation Trail. Hiking trails vary in difficulty and provide access to scenic views, wildlife, and natural features.Fishing
Rainbow trout fishing is available in Rock Creek, which runs adjacent to the campground. Greenough Lake, located 8 miles away, is popular for fishing and non-motorized boating such as canoeing and kayaking.Biking
Mountain biking is available on the Parkside National Recreation Trail and Hellroaring Road, which also supports off-road vehicle use.Boating
Greenough Lake, located 8 miles from the campground, supports canoeing and kayaking.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife in the area includes grizzly bears, deer, elk, and moose. User reviews also mentioned seeing moose tracks and a small bear.Winter Activities
Winter recreation is not mentioned in the authoritative content or user reviews.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as canoeing and kayaking are available at Greenough Lake nearby.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfire rings with grills are provided at each site. Firewood must be purchased locally to prevent the spread of invasive pests.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazardsBears frequent the area, requiring strict adherence to food storage regulations. Mosquitoes are described as 'thick' during warm months. The road leading to the campground may pose hazards due to potholes and rough terrain.
Active alertsThe south bridge is now operational, providing easier access. However, previous bridge washouts may have affected road conditions.
Weather at Rattin Campground
21
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 45%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.2 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
Weather History
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Emergency Services
Emergency services are available in Red Lodge, MT, which has facilities for medical care, police, and fire rescue.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season runs from May 23rd to September 11th.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available, but recycling facilities are not specifically mentioned. One user review noted some garbage left by previous campers at their site.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located directly along Rock Creek, with accessible water features at each campsite. Greenough Lake is located 8 miles away and is popular for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.
Common complaintsRecurring complaints include mosquitoes, lack of privacy due to proximity to the road, shared fire pits between campsites, and rough road terrain leading into the campground.
HostCamp hosts are praised for their friendliness and cleanliness, with specific mentions of hosts Bruce Lee and Wally maintaining immaculate facilities and providing helpful advice.
Campground Map
FOREST ROAD 379, RED LODGE, MT, 59068, USA
Driving directionsRattin Campground is located 60 miles northeast of Cooke City, MT, and the northeast gate to Yellowstone National Park. It is 7 miles south of Red Lodge, MT. On U.S. Highway 212, turn off at Rattin Campground Road (Forest Road 379; formerly Eastside Road) and proceed 0.5 miles to the campground entrance on the left. THE SOUTH BRIDGE IS OUT!
Entrance to the campground is now open via the southside bridge. Trailers are prohibited past Site #3 due to a lack of turnaround space. The road to access the campground includes rough terrain, with reports of potholes and damage requiring slow travel speeds around 15 miles per hour. Private residences at the end of the road may create additional traffic.Nearby places
Red Lodge, MT (7 miles
approximately a 15-minute drive)
Cooke City, MT (60 miles
approximately a 1.5-hour drive)
Yellowstone National Park Northeast Entrance (60 miles)
Nearby supplies
Supplies including groceries, gas, and camping essentials are available in Red Lodge, MT, located 7 miles north of the campground.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.4
26 reviews
Rattin Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Rattin Campground generally highlight its cleanliness, scenic location, and friendly camp hosts. Negative aspects include heavy mosquito presence, lack of privacy at certain sites, and road-related issues. Seasonal reviews suggest better experiences during cooler months to avoid bugs and heat.
Review Summaries
Based on 26 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean vault toilets, friendly and helpful camp hosts, scenic views adjacent to Rock Creek, and spacious campsites with tree coverage are frequently praised.
Based on 26 reviewsCommon Concerns
Mosquitoes are a frequent issue; some campsites lack privacy or are close to the road. Traffic from private cabins and poor road conditions (potholes, rough roads) are also mentioned.
Based on 26 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring mosquito repellent. Choose campsites closer to Rock Creek for better views and noise reduction. Site #5 or #6 are recommended for shade and proximity to the stream. Avoid traveling during peak...
Based on 26 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer months see heavy mosquito activity and warmth; Memorial Day may be cooler and less buggy due to snow. Winter or late spring is recommended for fewer bugs and pleasant temperatures.
Based on 26 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'The pit toilet was the cleanest and best smelling one I've ever used.' 2. 'The campground itself was immaculate and the river is accessible from each site.' 3. 'Mosquitoes were thick. Definitely...
Based on 26 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #5 is noted for shade and proximity to the stream but lacks privacy. Site #6 is praised for cleanliness and quietness. Site #7 is at the end of the road and offers seclusion but may experience...
Based on 26 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Vault toilets are accessible, but no other specific accessibility features are mentioned. No reviews explicitly address experiences of disabled users.
Based on 26 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are mentioned as frequently present and well-controlled by their owners; the campground seems pet-friendly.
Based on 26 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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