How much does camping cost at Red Shale Campground?

Camping fees at Red Shale Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

What is the best time to visit Red Shale Campground?

Red Shale Campground is open Summer months are most popular due to accessibility and crowds.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Red Shale Campground?

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

How many campsites does Red Shale Campground have?

Red Shale Campground has 14 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Red Shale Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Red Shale Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Red Shale Campground?

Red Shale Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Red Shale Campground?

Popular activities at Red Shale Campground include Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Red Shale Campground

Q: Is Red Shale Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Red Shale Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites are first-come, first-serve; arriving early in the afternoon during weekends or holidays is recommended.

Q: Can I have a campfire at Red Shale Campground?

Fire policies at Red Shale Campground: Fire pits are available at all sites. Campers can collect deadwood for fire but there are no firewood provisions.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.38

83 reviews

Stargazing

Featured in:Primitive Camping Montana

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,150 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Ashland District Office Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,150 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Ashland District Office Official Website

Get Directions

Red Shale Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The campground is free to use, with no reservation or camping fees.

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) 784-2344

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What Campers Say

4.38

Recommended

Based on 83 reviews

81 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanspacioussites

Some mention

noiseroad noise

"User reviews for Red Shale Campground are overwhelmingly positive, with many praising its simplicity, cleanliness, and peaceful environment. The no-fee camping is a significant draw, with visitors appreciating the spacious sites and basic amenities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Red Shale Campground

45.5725, -106.1478

Nearby places

Ashland (6 miles

approximately 10 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies are accessible in Ashland, MT (6 miles away), including groceries and essentials.

Best Time to Camp at Red Shale Campground

Summer brings the most reliable conditions. Daytime highs reach the mid-70s to low-80s°F, with nights cooling into the 40s and 50s°F. The gravel access road is clear and sites are comfortable without heavy gear. Spring can deliver late-season snow. Winter sees freezing temperatures and potential snowstorms, but the campground remains open for those prepared for harsh conditions.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer offers most reliable conditions; peak season with comfortable temps.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Summer months are most popular due to accessibility and crowds.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round. Snowstorms may affect access during winter, as mentioned in user reviews.
Current Alerts: No active alerts reported.

About Red Shale Campground

Red Shale Campground sits in the Ashland Ranger District of Custer Gallatin National Forest at 3,150 feet, where ponderosa forest meets Great Plains grassland. The 14 sites are first-come, first-served and free. Each has a picnic table and fire ring. Vault toilets are the only amenity. No water, no hookups, no trash service.

The Red Shale Campground is a simple and free camping spot ideal for both short-term stays and self-contained travelers. It is designed to accommodate a mix of camping styles, from tents to motorhomes.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the most reliable conditions. Daytime highs reach the mid-70s to low-80s°F, with nights cooling into the 40s and 50s°F. The gravel access road is clear and sites are comfortable without heavy gear. Spring can deliver late-season snow. Winter sees freezing temperatures and potential snowstorms, but the campground remains open for those prepared for harsh conditions.

ElevationNestled at an elevation that places it perfectly between the grasslands below and the mountain peaks above, Red Shale Campground offers visitors a unique perspective on Montana's diverse landscapes. The specific elevation creates an ideal microclimate for comfortable camping during the warmer months.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a transition zone between pine forest and rolling prairie. Ponderosa and hardwoods provide shade at the sites. Beyond the trees, grasslands stretch east toward the plains. The red shale formations visible throughout the area are remnants of ancient sediment layers deposited millions of years ago. Reviews consistently mention the dark skies. On clear nights the Milky Way is visible overhead. Deer appear at forest edges during morning and evening hours. Hawks and eagles are common overhead during the day.

Geological RegionRed Shale Campground sits within the fascinating Ashland Ranger District, where the ancient geological story of Montana unfolds beneath your feet. This unique region of the Custer Gallatin National Forest showcases the dramatic meeting point between the Great Plains and the mountain foothills. The landscape tells a tale millions of years in the making, where grasslands roll like ancient seas between islands of pine and hardwood forests. The distinctive red shale formations that give the campground its name hint at the area's prehistoric past, when different climates and ecosystems left their marks in stone. This geological diversity creates the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures, offering both open vistas and sheltered forest camping experiences.

Scenic ViewsSeveral sites (notably #2 and #4 in the first loop) offer views of the valley to the north. Shade and tree cover are present in most sites.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available at the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are noted for this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

10 days maximum stay.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No specific limits mentioned.

Groups

Group sites are not explicitly mentioned in the data.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutTwo loops with six sites each. Reviews describe 200 feet between neighboring sites. The first loop sits closer to Highway 212 and picks up occasional road noise.

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as reservations are not required.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-serve; arriving early in the afternoon during weekends or holidays is recommended.

Cancellation PolicySince reservations are not available, cancellations are not applicable.

AccessibilityPicnic tables are mentioned as handicap accessible, and vault toilets seem easy to access based on user accounts. One reviewer specifically highlighted tables designed for accessibility.

Site SizeSites vary in size, accommodating everything from tents to 38-foot trailers with tow trucks. A reviewer noted, "We have a 31' Class C motorhome and we fit perfectly with room to spare.

PrivacyThe sites provide decent privacy with ample spacing. "There’s 200' between ourselves and the next camper," one reviewer commented, and others noted, "Sites are reasonably spaced for privacy.

Total Campsites14 campsites

Recommended SitesOpt for sites in the second loop to minimize road noise. Site #7 reportedly has cell reception.

Best CampsitesSites 2 and 4 in the first loop offer views of the valley. Site 7 has the best cell reception, though service across the campground is unreliable. Sites accommodate RVs up to 38 feet. One camper fit a 31-foot Class C motorhome with room to spare.

Amenities available

The Red Shale Campground offers basic amenities without additional luxuries. There are 14 campsites available for first-come, first-served use. The campground does not provide trash pickup or firewood, so visitors must pack out their waste and come prepared. Vault toilets are available, and reviews frequently mention their cleanliness and accessibility. Campers should note that there are no hookups for water, electricity, or sewer, and potable water is not available on-site. Sites include picnic tables and fire pits for basic camping needs. "There is an incredible picnic bench at the sites with handicap accessibility and a bonfire pit too," noted one reviewer.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Red Shale Campground offers limited recreational activities, focusing primarily on the natural surroundings and simple camping experiences. Visitors have praised the area's peacefulness and natural beauty, describing it as a serene spot with great opportunities for stargazing.

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo potable water is available; campers must bring their own. The proximity of cows and occasional road noise are noted. Snowstorms may limit access in winter.

Active AlertsNo active alerts reported.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; the campground provides vault toilets instead.

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.

Fire PolicyFire pits are available at all sites. Campers can collect deadwood for fire but there are no firewood provisions.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Quiet ambiance reported; no specific quiet hours mentioned.

Emergency ServicesAshland District Office (406) 784-2344 is the closest known contact for emergencies. Specific hospitals or police stations are not listed.

Trash & RecyclingThe campground does not have trash or recycling facilities. Visitors are reminded to 'Pack it in, pack it out.' Several reviews emphasize the importance of leaving the campground clean.

Water FeaturesNo significant water bodies nearby; dry camping only.

Camp HostNo host or ranger presence mentioned.

Cell CoverageCell phone service may vary, but one reviewer stated, "Campsite 7 got reception." Lack of detailed coverage information suggests unreliable service in general.

Weather at Red Shale Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.4

83 reviews

Recommended

Red Shale Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Red Shale Campground are overwhelmingly positive, with many praising its simplicity, cleanliness, and peaceful environment. The no-fee camping is a significant draw, with visitors appreciating the spacious sites and basic amenities.

Review Summaries

Based on 83 reviews

What Campers Love

"Clean restroom," "spacious sites," "quiet loops," "great solid picnic tables," and "well-spaced sites" are common positive remarks. Many campers also appreciate the proximity to Highway 212 for easy...

Based on 83 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative comments focus mainly on the lack of facilities, such as potable water, trash bins, and hookups. Some reviewers mentioned encountering litter left by previous visitors.

Based on 83 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a site. Bring your own water and firewood. Follow the 'Pack it in, pack it out' rule to maintain the campground's cleanliness.

Based on 83 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is visited year-round, but some reviews highlight challenges during off-season months, such as snow in spring or closures in April. Summer months are noted as busier, requiring early...

Based on 83 reviews

Camper Quotes

1) "Very clean. A welcome surprise for a no fee campground." 2) "Pack it in, pack it out!" 3) "Nice free campground, spots are well spaced, great solid picnic tables, thank you forest service!"

Based on 83 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 2 and Site 4 are noted for their excellent views. One user commented, "First loop sites 2 & 4 have the best view but all the sites are fairly level and large." Site 7 reportedly has cell...

Based on 83 reviews

Accessibility Features

Picnic tables and vault toilets are commended for their accessibility. One user highlighted, "There is an incredible picnic bench at the sites with handicap accessibility."

Based on 83 reviews