Greenough Lake Campground

Montana, the "Treasure State," lives up to its name with an abundance of natural wonders and breathtaking landscapes. For locals seeking an authentic outdoor escape, particularly in the majestic Beartooth Mountains, Greenough Lake Campground near Red Lodge offers a picturesque and tranquil setting. Nestled at the base of these impressive peaks and alongside the peaceful Rock Creek, this Forest Service campground provides a convenient and scenic stopping-off point for those exploring the region or embarking on adventures further into the mountains and toward Yellowstone National Park. It's a place where the fresh mountain air and stunning vistas invite you to slow down and embrace nature's serenity.

Greenough Lake Campground is characterized by its "beautiful surroundings" and its accessibility to both the charming town of Red Lodge and the world-renowned Beartooth Highway. While some visitors note that it's best suited for "1-2 nights" rather than "long stays" due to limited on-site activities, its strategic location makes it an excellent base camp. The campsites are generally "nice" and offer a blend of natural appeal with essential amenities. As with many mountain campgrounds, vigilance regarding wildlife is key, and the presence of bear-resistant food storage options is a practical and welcome feature.

The essence of Greenough Lake Campground lies in its peaceful atmosphere and immediate proximity to both Rock Creek and Greenough Lake. While the lake itself is noted more for "scenery" than for "good fishing" of large fish, it is regularly stocked with catchable rainbow trout, making it a pleasant spot for a casual cast, especially for families. The variety of campsites, some with more "tree cover" and others more open, allows campers to choose a spot that best suits their preference for sun or shade. The overall sentiment from visitors highlights its beauty and quietude, making it a favored spot for those looking to unwind in a natural setting.

For residents of Montana, Greenough Lake Campground offers an accessible and economically sound option for enjoying the state's spectacular mountain environment. It caters to those who appreciate a well-maintained, yet rustic, camping experience and serves as an ideal gateway to the vast recreational opportunities of the Beartooth Mountains and the nearby Custer Gallatin National Forest.

Greenough Lake Campground is located at Red Lodge, MT 59068, USA, specifically within the Custer Gallatin National Forest. It is situated approximately 12 miles south of Red Lodge, along the banks of the Main Fork of Rock Creek. To reach the campground from Red Lodge, visitors typically take US Highway 212 south (the beginning of the scenic Beartooth Highway). After about 11 miles, you'll turn west onto Forest Road 2421 (also known as Rock Creek Road or Main Fork Rd), and the campground entrance will be on your left after about 0.5 to 1 mile. The roads leading to and within the campground are generally well-maintained and accessible for most vehicles, including RVs and trailers up to 60 feet.

The campground’s location is a significant highlight, nestled "at base of beartooth mountains" and "just off the scenic Beartooth Highway." This makes it an incredibly convenient "stopping off point before jumping into northeast Yellowstone" or for simply exploring the breathtaking sections of the highway itself. Greenough Lake, the campground's namesake, is a small but "beautiful" lake located only "0.2 miles" or "less than 1/4 mile" from the campground, easily accessible via an "easy walk" on a "very well maintained" trailhead. This proximity provides excellent opportunities for scenic enjoyment, non-motorized boating, and casual fishing.

While Red Lodge is "near," it's about a 15-20 minute drive, making the campground feel sufficiently immersed in nature while still offering access to town amenities for supplies or dining. The surrounding area is popular for fishing, hiking, and scenic driving, with several other campgrounds and trailheads nearby, including those leading into the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. The strategic placement of Greenough Lake Campground offers a perfect blend of natural seclusion and practical accessibility for local adventurers.

Services Offered:

• 18 single-family campsites available for tents, trailers, and RVs (up to 60 ft max length).
• Each site equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring.
• Accessible vault toilets (pit toilets) available throughout the campground, noted as "clean."
• Potable drinking water from a single hand-pumped source.
• Bear-resistant food storage lockers at many, though not all, campsites.
• Dumpsters for trash disposal.
• Camp host on site during peak season for assistance.
• Firewood bundles available for purchase from the camp host.
• Campsite reservations available via Recreation.gov (recommended, can be booked up to 6 months in advance). Some sites may also be available first-come, first-served.
• Pet-friendly (standard Forest Service leash rules apply).

Greenough Lake Campground provides essential services designed for a comfortable yet authentic Forest Service camping experience. Each of the 18 single-family campsites is thoughtfully equipped with a picnic table and a campfire ring, facilitating traditional outdoor living. Crucially, given its location in bear country, "bear-resistant metal food storage bins are included with the campsites" at many sites, allowing for safe and responsible food storage, though campers should confirm functionality upon arrival.

For sanitation, the campground offers accessible vault toilets (pit toilets), which are frequently praised by visitors for being "clean" and well-maintained. Potable drinking water is available from a communal hand-pumped source, alleviating the need to bring in all your water supply. Trash disposal is made convenient with the presence of dumpsters. During the operational season, a camp host is typically on site, providing assistance, information, and selling firewood bundles, which adds to the ease of your stay.

Campsites can be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov, which is highly recommended, especially during peak season, although some sites may also be available on a first-come, first-served basis. While individual hookups for water or electricity are not provided, these core services ensure a functional and enjoyable camping experience amidst the beautiful Montana wilderness.

Features / Highlights:

• Nestled "at base of beartooth mountains" with stunning scenic views.
• Proximity to Greenough Lake (0.2 miles from campground) for scenic enjoyment, canoeing/kayaking, and rainbow trout fishing.
• Located just off the scenic Beartooth Highway, a popular route for scenic driving.
• Direct access to Rock Creek, a popular fishing stream for various trout species.
• Sites with varying levels of "tree cover" (some more shaded, others open).
• Inclusion of bear-resistant food storage lockers at many sites.
• Clean and accessible vault toilets.
• Trailhead access to hiking trails, including the Parkside National Recreation Trail and wilderness trails (Hellroaring, Glacier Lake, Lake Fork).
• Quiet and peaceful atmosphere, ideal for relaxation.
• Generally spacious campsites for tents, trailers, and RVs.

Greenough Lake Campground boasts numerous features that elevate the camping experience for Montanans. Its most striking highlight is its location, "nestled at base of beartooth mountains," offering truly "beautiful surroundings" and panoramic views of this iconic range. The campground's namesake, Greenough Lake, is just a short, "easy walk" away, providing a picturesque spot for enjoying the scenery, non-motorized boating, and casual rainbow trout fishing, as the lake is regularly stocked.

Strategically positioned "just off the scenic Beartooth Highway," the campground serves as an excellent starting point for one of America's most famous drives, providing endless opportunities for scenic exploration. Anglers will appreciate the proximity to Rock Creek, which flows past the campground and offers more challenging fly fishing for wild trout. The campground's design includes sites with varying "tree cover," allowing campers to choose between natural shade and more open, sunnier spots. The crucial provision of "bear-resistant cabinets" at many sites is a key safety feature, ensuring responsible food storage in this wildlife-rich area.

Despite being rustic, the "vault toilets" are noted for their cleanliness, and potable water is accessible. Furthermore, the campground offers direct access to a network of hiking trails, including the Parkside National Recreation Trail and several trailheads leading into the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. This combination of stunning scenery, essential amenities, and abundant recreational opportunities makes Greenough Lake Campground a compelling choice for a memorable Montana outdoor adventure.

Contact Information:

Phone: (928) 537-8888 (This number often appears as a general Forest Service line or recreation.gov reservation line, not a direct campground line.)

Mobile Phone: +1 928-537-8888 (Same as above).

Address: Red Lodge, MT 59068, USA (Located within Custer Gallatin National Forest)

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding Greenough Lake Campground, including current conditions, operating dates (typically early May to September, weather dependent), fire restrictions, and specific site availability, it is highly recommended to contact the local U.S. Forest Service office for the Custer Gallatin National Forest, specifically the Beartooth Ranger District, which oversees this area.

Beartooth Ranger District (Red Lodge) Phone: (406) 446-2103

For reservations, please visit Recreation.gov or call their toll-free number (1-877-444-6777), as Greenough Lake Campground offers reservable sites. It is always wise to confirm details directly with the managing agency before your trip to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Conclusion: Why Greenough Lake Campground is Suitable for Locals

For residents of Montana, Greenough Lake Campground near Red Lodge stands as an exceptionally suitable and appealing destination for a mountain getaway. Its strategic location at the base of the Beartooth Mountains and just off the iconic Beartooth Highway makes it incredibly accessible for locals, allowing for quick escapes into some of Montana's most stunning landscapes without extensive travel. This convenience is key for Montanans seeking to maximize their time enjoying the outdoors.

While often recommended for shorter stays, its role as a "stopping off point" is invaluable for those embarking on longer journeys into Yellowstone or deeper into the Beartooth Wilderness. It offers a well-maintained, rustic camping experience with essential amenities like clean vault toilets, potable water, and, crucially, bear-resistant food storage, ensuring a safe and comfortable stay. The availability of reservable sites provides peace of mind for planning, a significant advantage for popular destinations.

The campground's direct access to Greenough Lake and Rock Creek provides diverse recreational opportunities, from scenic strolls around the lake and non-motorized boating to a range of fishing experiences. The "beautiful surroundings" and the quiet atmosphere offer a perfect antidote to daily stresses, allowing locals to fully immerse themselves in the natural tranquility. Greenough Lake Campground embodies the spirit of Montana's accessible wilderness, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, recreational potential, and practical amenities for a memorable local outdoor adventure.