Situated on the banks of the West Fork of Rock Creek, in an open landscape abounding with wildflowers due to a past fire.
Popular for hiking, backpacking, and fishing. Nearby Wild Bill Lake for kayaking and canoeing. Access to Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. Bears frequent the area. Firewood bundles can be purchased from the campground host. Fees will increase in 2027.
This is a Custer Gallatin NF campground—one of the Forest Service camps that define Montana camping for travelers who want a fire ring, a picnic table, and quiet timber rather than full-hookup convenience. Amenities are modest by design. Confirm water, trash, and fire restrictions with the local ranger district before you drive in.
Nearest town: Red Lodge. Elevation about 5400 feet.
Campground snapshot
- Agency / unit: USFS — Custer Gallatin NF
- Sites: 28
- Type: Tent/RV
- Fee range: $20.00
- Season: May-Sep
- Reservations: Recreation.gov, FCFS
- Access road: Paved
- Best for: Boulder River
Amenities
Picnic table, campfire ring with grill, accessible vault toilets, drinking water, firewood vendor, food storage locker, trash collection, fire pit, tent pad
How to book
Reservations and site details typically run through Recreation.gov, FCFS. Many Forest Service camps keep first-come, first-served loops; remote camps may be entirely FCFS. Confirm current fees, water status, and fire restrictions before arrival. Official listing: www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232770.
Bear country & campcraft
This stop sits in classic Montana bear country. Store all attractants—food, trash, toiletries, cookware, and pet food—in a hard-sided vehicle, an IGBC-approved container, a provided bear box, or a proper hang. Never bring food or cooking clothes into the tent.
Campfires belong only in provided metal rings when restrictions allow. Drown, stir, and feel the ashes with the back of your hand before leaving or sleeping. In Stage II restrictions, open fires are banned even in developed sites—use a shut-off stove only.
Follow Leave No Trace: camp on durable surfaces, pack out everything you pack in, and leave the site cleaner than you found it.
Plan the rest of the trip
- Camping reference: reservations, bears, and fire rules
- Open this stop on the Backroads Guided Trails map
- Campgrounds directory
Visitor Access
- Nearest town: Red Lodge
- Focus: National Forest
- Coordinates: 46.2636, -112.2433
- Road note: Paved
- Access note: Confirm road conditions, water availability, and fire restrictions before arrival. Mountain weather can drop below freezing even in midsummer.
- Legal reminder: Follow agency food-storage orders, stay within designated sites in developed camps, and respect private land and tribal boundaries.