Cooney State Park

FOREST ROAD 379, RED LODGE, MT, 59068, USA

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.

EAST SIDE ROAD, RED LODGE, MT 59068, USA

Tucked away in the breathtaking wilderness of southern Montana, Sheridan Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic escape along the legendary Beartooth Highway. This intimate, peaceful retreat serves as your gateway to world-class fishing, soul-stirring hikes, and one of America's most spectacular scenic drives. While the journey here requires navigating rustic roads that add to its off-the-beaten-path charm, those who make the trek are rewarded with the kind of pristine solitude that's increasingly rare in today's connected world.

FOREST ROAD 2071, RED LODGE, MT 59068, USA

Nestled in the heart of Montana's wilderness, Basin Montana Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic mountain escape just 7 miles west of the charming town of Red Lodge. This beloved National Forest sanctuary has earned its reputation as a premier basecamp where the gentle murmur of mountain streams mingles with the whisper of pine-scented breezes. Here, hiking enthusiasts discover endless trail networks while anglers cast their lines in pristine waters, all enveloped in the serene embrace of towering peaks that seem to touch the sky.

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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.

FOREST ROAD 2071, RED LODGE, MT 59068, USA

Nestled along the pristine West Fork of Rock Creek, Cascade Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its harmonious blend of riverside tranquility and mountain adventure. Just 11 miles west of Red Lodge via the smoothly paved Forest Road 2071, this southern Montana gem offers thoughtfully spaced campsites that balance privacy with accessibility. Whether you're pitching a tent under the stars or settling in with a small trailer, you'll find yourself at the perfect basecamp for exploring the region's renowned hiking trails, world-class fly fishing waters, and backcountry wilderness. The campground's generous spacing between sites ensures that each visitor enjoys their own slice of Montana's breathtaking landscape.

Custer Gallatin National Forest

Tucked away in a pristine forest beside the shimmering waters of East Rosebud Lake, this enchanting campground serves as your gateway to one of Montana's most celebrated alpine wonderlands. From your campsite beneath towering evergreens, you'll have direct access to three spectacular trails—East Rosebud, Spread Creek, and Phantom Creek—each offering its own unique journey into the breathtaking backcountry that has captivated adventurers for generations.

Jimmy Joe Campground, East Rosebud Creek, East Rosebud drainage

Tucked away in the breathtaking East Rosebud drainage of the Beartooth Mountains, Jimmy Joe Campground offers an authentic wilderness experience without the price tag. This hidden gem provides 12 first-come, first-served sites where adventurers can pitch their tents for free alongside the melodic waters of East Rosebud Creek. Here, morning mist dances above the water as hikers set off on nearby trails, and evenings bring the gentle symphony of rushing water and rustling pines—a true basecamp for those seeking Montana's raw mountain beauty.

6811 US Hwy 212, Red Lodge, MT 59068

Tucked away in Montana's breathtaking wilderness, Emerald Lake Campground offers a pristine escape where two jewel-toned alpine lakes cradle your basecamp in nature's embrace. This forest sanctuary beckons anglers with pristine waters, hikers with endless trails, and anyone seeking solace in the raw beauty of the Beartooth Mountains. Wake to the gentle lapping of lake waters and fall asleep under a canopy of ancient pines and firs.

6811 US Hwy 212, Red Lodge, MT 59068

Escape to Pine Grove Campground, where towering pines whisper secrets above your tent and West Rosebud Creek sings you to sleep each night. This peaceful mountain retreat serves as your gateway to adventure, with the legendary Emerald Lake and West Rosebud Trail beckoning just beyond your campsite. While you'll find essential amenities like vault toilets and bear-resistant dumpsters, the real luxury here is the untouched wilderness at your doorstep. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, rewarding early birds and spontaneous adventurers alike.

FOREST ROAD 2071, RED LODGE, MT 59068, USA

FOREST ROAD 2071, RED LODGE, MT 59068, USA

EAST SIDE ROAD, RED LODGE, MT 59068, USA

Jimmy Joe Campground, East Rosebud Creek, East Rosebud drainage

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6811 US Hwy 212, Red Lodge, MT 59068

420 Barrett Street, Dillon, MT 59725

Nestled along the pristine southern shores of Reservoir Lake, this high-elevation retreat offers an intimate camping experience where 16 thoughtfully placed sites blend seamlessly into the landscape of towering pines and aromatic sagebrush. At 7,000 feet above sea level, Reservoir Lake Campground provides a perfect balance of wilderness solitude and modern conveniences, including fresh drinking water, accessible vault toilets, and bear-resistant food storage to ensure both comfort and safety. Each campsite comes equipped with its own picnic table, while a primitive boat ramp invites anglers and paddlers to explore the tranquil 11-acre lake, where only electric motors disturb the mountain silence.

88 Business Loop Philipsburg, MT 59858

Nestled along the breathtaking Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway, Lodgepole Campground invites you to experience the serene beauty of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. This intimate retreat features 10 thoughtfully designed campsites, each equipped with modern amenities that blend comfort with wilderness charm. Every site comes complete with a picnic table for memorable outdoor meals, a fire pit for evening gatherings under starlit skies, and convenient paved parking. The campground's commitment to accessibility shines through its ADA-compliant restrooms and facilities, while fresh mountain water flows from a traditional hand-pump spigot, adding an authentic touch to your outdoor adventure.

Moose Creek Campground, Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana

Tucked away in the heart of Montana's Little Belt Mountains, Moose Creek Campground offers an intimate escape for those seeking solitude and simplicity. With just six carefully positioned campsites along the babbling waters of Moose Creek, this hidden gem invites anglers and nature lovers to experience the untouched beauty of Montana's backcountry. The winding approach road and compact layout make this destination perfect for tent campers and small trailers up to 20 feet, ensuring that the peaceful atmosphere remains undisturbed by larger RVs. Here, the gentle rush of creek water and the whisper of wind through towering pines create nature's perfect soundtrack.

FOREST ROAD 2421, RED LODGE, MT, 59068, USA

Escape to Limber Pine Campground, where the whisper of wind through ancient pines and the gentle babble of Rock Creek create nature's perfect symphony. Tucked away in the breathtaking Beartooth Mountains along the legendary Beartooth Highway, this hidden gem invites adventurers to cast their lines in crystal-clear waters, explore winding mountain trails, and cruise one of America's most spectacular scenic routes. Each secluded campsite offers an intimate connection with the wilderness, while keeping you within easy reach of the region's most treasured attractions.

WEST FORK RANGER STATION, 6735 WEST FORK RD, DARBY, MT 59829

Nestled along the pristine waters of the Nez Perce Fork of the Bitterroot River, Fales Flat Campground offers a unique group camping experience where history and wilderness converge. This equestrian-friendly haven serves as your gateway to endless trails winding through untouched backcountry, following the same paths once traveled by the Nez Perce Nimi'ipuu people. Gather around the expansive campfire circle under starlit skies, park your rigs on stable gravel surfaces, and enjoy the simplicity of camping with basic amenities including vault toilets. True to its backcountry character, the campground operates without drinking water or trash services, encouraging a leave-no-trace ethos that preserves this special place for generations to come.

10 Hungry Horse Drive, P.O. Box190340

Step back in time at Hornet Lookout, where a historic 1922 fire tower awaits adventurous souls seeking an unforgettable mountain retreat. After a scenic one-mile hike through recovering wildlands, you'll discover this two-story sanctuary floating above the clouds at 6,744 feet. Wake to breathtaking 360-degree vistas stretching from the pristine waters of Kintla Lake to the majestic peaks of Glacier National Park. This rustic hideaway comes equipped with propane cooking facilities, lanterns, and comfortable cots, though you'll need to bring your own water and bedding for this authentic backcountry experience. The journey may test your legs, but the reward—sleeping where forest guardians once kept watch—is pure magic.

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Nestled along the pristine banks of the East Fork Bitterroot River, this intimate riverside retreat offers four thoughtfully positioned campsites where the gentle murmur of flowing water provides nature's soundtrack. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table and fire ring for evening gatherings under Montana's star-filled skies, while an accessible vault toilet ensures comfort during your stay. The campground welcomes RVs and trailers up to 20 feet, making it perfect for couples or small families seeking a peaceful escape into nature's embrace.

WEST FORK RANGER STATION, DARBY, MT 59829, USA

Nestled along the crystal-clear waters of the West Fork of the Bitterroot River, Alta Campground offers an intimate escape into Montana's pristine wilderness. This hidden gem in the Bitterroot National Forest welcomes adventurers with 14 thoughtfully positioned campsites, including three fully accessible sites designed for all visitors. Known for its immaculate grounds and the warm hospitality of its dedicated hosts, Alta provides the perfect basecamp for those seeking authentic mountain experiences without sacrificing comfort.

East Boulder Campground, Big Timber, MT, USA

Discover a hidden gem where the melodic sounds of the East Boulder River create nature's perfect soundtrack for your camping adventure. East Boulder Campground welcomes you with open arms and no fees—a rare find in today's outdoor landscape. Operating on a first-come, first-served basis, this riverside retreat has become a beloved basecamp for anglers casting lines at dawn and hikers setting off on mountain trails. Here, accessibility meets untouched wilderness, offering an authentic Montana experience without the crowds or complications.

Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest

Tucked away in the heart of Lewis and Clark National Forest, Hay Canyon Campground offers an authentic wilderness experience for those seeking solitude and adventure. This intimate campground features seven peaceful sites where the sounds of the South Fork Judith River provide a natural soundtrack to your stay. Whether you're casting a line into the pristine waters, exploring miles of ATV trails that wind through the forest, or simply savoring the tranquility of this year-round retreat, Hay Canyon delivers an escape from the everyday. While the campground embraces its rustic character—there's no potable water on-site—it compensates with 24-hour access and the kind of unspoiled natural beauty that's increasingly rare to find.