
30
Total Campsites
Campground
24
Reservable Sites
Mixed (reservable + first-come)
6
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
—
Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About BASIN MONTANA CAMPGROUND
Overview Basin Campground is located 7 miles west of Red Lodge, Montana, along Forest Road 2071, which is paved all the way to the campground. The area is a popular location for hiking, backpacking and fishing. Recreation Fishing is a popular activity along the West Fork of Rock Creek and at nearby Wild Bill Lake. The small lake is open to kayaking and canoeing, and an accessible fishing dock is located on the shore. The Basin Lakes Trailhead is just across the road. Silver Run Plateau, West Fork and Timberline Lakes Trails offer access to the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. Mountain bikers enjoy the Ingles Creek Trail and a variety of loop trails at Silver Run. Biking is also allowed on the Basin Lakes Trail. Facilities Fishing is a popular activity along the West Fork of Rock Creek and at nearby Wild Bill Lake. The small lake is open to kayaking and canoeing, and an accessible fishing dock is located on the shore. The Basin Lakes Trailhead is just across the road. Silver Run Plateau, West Fork and Timberline Lakes Trails offer access to the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. Mountain bikers enjoy the Ingles Creek Trail and a variety of loop trails at Silver Run. Biking is also allowed on the Basin Lakes Trail. Natural Features The campground is situated on the banks of the West Fork of Rock Creek. The campground and the area surrounding the campground were burned by the Cascade Fire in 2008, leaving an open landscape abounding with wildflowers. Nearby Attractions The charming town of Red Lodge, Montana offers a variety of dining and lodging options, galleries, shops and summer events. The Home of Champions Rodeo is held on Fourth of July weekend, Beartooth Bike Rally and Iron Horse Rodeo in mid-July, Mountain Man Rendezvous in late July and the Festival of Nations in early August. The Beartooth Highway was deemed "the most beautiful drive in America" by the late Charles Kuralt. It snakes across the rugged Beartooth Mountains from Red Lodge to Cooke City, Montana, and is the highest elevation highway in the Northern Rockies. Along the way, visitors are treated to sweeping views and plentiful outdoor recreation opportunities. contact_info For facility specific information, please call (928) 537-8888. Charges & Cancellations Refunds: Refund requests made through www.recreation.gov will be charged a $10 processing fee. This cancellation processing fee is retained by the reservation service contractor along with the non-refundable reservation fee. All requests for the return of the non-refundable reservation fee and the cancellation processing fee will be declined by the campground concessionaire as they did not receive these fees (these are the fees retained by the reservation contractor, a different entity).
- 30 total campsites listed.
- 24 reservable sites plus first-come options.
- 6 accessible campsites listed.
- Most common site type: standard nonelectric (29).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.


Our Take
What makes BASIN MONTANA CAMPGROUND special
Basin Montana Campground is a rugged mountain basecamp tucked about seven miles west of Red Lodge along Forest Road 2071 in the Custer Gallatin National Forest. This is big-sky Montana at its finest, where the Beartooth Mountains rise sharply on the horizon and the surrounding wilderness feels vast and untamed. The campground is small, rustic, and wonderfully remote, with a limited number of sites set among conifers along a mountain creek. Vault toilets are provided, but there are no hookups or piped water, so pack in everything you need. What the campground lacks in amenities it more than makes up for in access to some of Montana's most spectacular backcountry. Trailheads nearby lead into the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, where alpine lakes, granite peaks, and miles of untracked terrain await hikers and backpackers of all abilities. Red Lodge itself is a charming mountain town with outfitters, cafes, and a lively summer arts scene. The legendary Beartooth Highway, often called the most beautiful drive in America, begins just outside town and climbs to nearly 11,000 feet with jaw-dropping views the entire way. Camping season at this elevation is relatively short, generally mid-June through September, and all sites are typically first-come, first-served. Arrive early and bring layers, as mountain weather can shift quickly. Basin Montana Campground is perfectly suited for adventurers who want a quiet, unplugged launching point into some of the wildest country in the lower 48.
Campsite Inventory
30 sites to choose from
STANDARD NONELECTRIC
24
Reservable
6
Accessible
MANAGEMENT
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
Campfire Allowed
Yes
Site capacity
Single
Check-in time
2:01 PM
Check-out time
2:00 PM
Double Driveway
No, Yes
Driveway entry
Back-in
Driveway Grade
Slight
Driveway length (ft)
24, 27, 28, 30
Driveway surface
Paved
Fire Pit
Fire Pit, Yes
Food Locker
Food Locker, Yes
Max guests
8
Max vehicle length (ft)
24, 26, 27, 28
Minimum guests
Yes
Pets allowed
Yes
Picnic Table
Picnic Table, Yes
Proximity to Water
N/A, Riverfront
Shade
Yes
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
406-587-9054
camping@rrmofa.com
Getting There
From US Hwy 212 (Beartooth Scenic Byway), travel to the south end of Red Lodge, MT. Turn west on West Fork Rock Creek Road (Forest Road 2071), and proceed approximately 7 miles to the campground entrance on the right.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to BASIN MONTANA CAMPGROUND.
How do reservations work for BASIN MONTANA CAMPGROUND?
Reservation availability for BASIN MONTANA CAMPGROUND can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at BASIN MONTANA CAMPGROUND?
BASIN MONTANA CAMPGROUND currently lists STANDARD NONELECTRIC (29), MANAGEMENT (1).
Where is BASIN MONTANA CAMPGROUND located?
BASIN MONTANA CAMPGROUND is in Montana near RED LODGE. Coordinates: 45.1625, -109.3917.
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