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

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

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.

Red Shale Campground

4.38

83 reviews

Stargazing

Featured in:Primitive 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

3,150 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Ashland District Office 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

3,150 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

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

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

(406) 784-2344

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Red Shale Campground

45.5725, -106.1478

Nearby places

Ashland (6 miles

approximately 10 minutes)

Weather at Red Shale Campground

Best Time to Camp at Red Shale Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and easiest access — expect warm days in the mid-70s to low-80s°F (24–28°C) and cool nights in the 40s–50s°F (4–12°C), which are ideal for hiking, stargazing, and extended wildlife viewing. Trails and gravel access roads are generally clear, campsites are comfortable without the need for heavy winter gear, and the red shale and prairie grasses are at their most photogenic. Daytime conditions maximize outdoor activity options while nights are typically calm Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

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

Planning Tips

About Red Shale Campground

Red Shale Campground sits in the foothills of Custer Gallatin National Forest near Ashland, Montana, operated by the Ashland District Office. This small campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables spread across quiet, well-spaced loops. Campers come for stargazing, wildlife viewing, and easy highway access with minimal road noise.

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 SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and easiest access — expect warm days in the mid-70s to low-80s°F (24–28°C) and cool nights in the 40s–50s°F (4–12°C), which are ideal for hiking, stargazing, and extended wildlife viewing. Trails and gravel access roads are generally clear, campsites are comfortable without the need for heavy winter gear, and the red shale and prairie grasses are at their most photogenic. Daytime conditions maximize outdoor activity options while nights are typically calm Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation3150 ft above sea level

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.

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

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as reservations are not required.

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

I manage this campground

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.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

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.

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.

Trip Planning Tools

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

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 83 reviews.

Site 2Loved
Site 2 and Site 4 are noted for their excellent views.
Site 7Loved
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 reception.

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

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a small, well-spaced campground for stargazing and wildlife viewing without crowds.

Skip if

You need trash service or rely on Apple Maps for precise GPS directions.

Nearby Campgrounds

PO BOX 168 2378 HWY 212, Ashland, MT, 59003, USA

Whitetail Cabin sits in mid-elevation forest within Custer Gallatin National Forest near Ashland, Montana, operated by the Ashland Ranger District. This premium cabin rental offers electric hookups, vault toilets, and a peaceful setting for small groups seeking a quiet forest retreat. Guests use the site as a base for hiking and biking nearby trails, with spring bringing active wildlife and wildflower displays.

$65.00 - $65.00 / night

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Holiday Spring Campground sits in the Custer Gallatin National Forest near Ashland, Montana, managed by the Ashland District Office. This very small, primitive site offers three secluded spots in a mid-elevation forest recovering from past wildfires, with vault toilets and fire rings. Visitors come for solitude, bird watching, and proximity to hunting lands, though cattle from adjacent grazing allotments sometimes wander through.

Blacks Pond Campground

Custer Gallatin National Forest

Blacks Pond Campground sits in the Custer Gallatin National Forest foothills near Ashland, Montana, operated by the Ashland District Office. This very small primitive campground offers first-come, first-served tent sites with vault toilets and access to pond fishing. The setting blends prairie and montane scenery at an elevation that delivers warm summer days and cool nights, with no trash service so pack-it-in, pack-it-out rules apply.

Diamond Butte Lookout

PO BOX 168 2378 HWY 212, ASHLAND, MT 59003, USA

Diamond Butte Lookout sits in the Custer Gallatin National Forest near Ashland, Montana, offering panoramic views from a restored fire lookout tower equipped with propane amenities. Managed by the US Forest Service, this remote rental serves hikers, bikers, and wildlife watchers seeking solitude in mid-elevation forest country. Spring brings wildflowers, migrating birds, and clear skies for stargazing from the tower's wraparound deck.

1 campsites

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$45.00 - $45.00 / night

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Red Shale Campground

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 33% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 54 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. A means campers loved it, not that it beat other campgrounds. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade A+.Value
Grade A+.Campsites
Grade A+.Scenery

Watch-outs

Grade C-.Bugs & weather
Grade C.Facilities
Grade C.Rules & policies

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Grades are absolute - from what campers wrote, on a fixed scale. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

See how Montana grades overall