Palisades Campground

For Montanans who truly embrace the wild spirit of the Big Sky Country, a camping experience often means seeking out places that offer raw natural beauty, solitude, and direct access to pristine wilderness. While many campgrounds come with a fee and a more developed atmosphere, a unique and highly prized option for those in the know is Palisades Campground. Tucked away in the stunning Custer Gallatin National Forest, just a stone's throw from the charming town of Red Lodge, this free, rustic campground offers an authentic Montana adventure, particularly for those with smaller setups and a love for the untamed outdoors.

Palisades Campground is not your typical RV resort; it’s a small, intimate Forest Service campground designed for those who appreciate primitive camping. As local reviews strongly emphasize, it's a "beautiful but very small free campground," making it a sought-after gem for budget-conscious adventurers. With only a handful of sites, privacy and a deep connection to nature are paramount. The soothing "white noise of rushing water" from the adjacent creek provides a serene backdrop for peaceful nights under the Montana stars, a luxury often unheard of in more developed areas.

However, this rustic charm comes with an important caveat: it's not suitable for large RVs. Reviews consistently warn that anything over "30' max" would struggle due to limited turning space and small sites, recommending teardrops, vans, or smaller campers instead. This makes Palisades Campground particularly appealing to tenters and those with compact setups who are prepared for a more self-sufficient experience. Its reputation for "beautiful, peaceful" surroundings, direct access to hiking and biking trails, and its close proximity to Red Lodge solidify its status as a top choice for Montanans looking for an authentic, no-frills wilderness escape.

Location and Accessibility

Palisades Campground is wonderfully located within the Custer Gallatin National Forest, on Palisades Campground Road, near Red Lodge, MT 59068, USA. This address places it just a few miles from the picturesque mountain town of Red Lodge, which serves as a popular gateway to the Beartooth Mountains and Yellowstone National Park. Its position in the heart of this iconic wilderness region ensures breathtaking scenery and abundant outdoor opportunities.

For Montana locals, the accessibility of Palisades Campground is a mixed bag, primarily due to the condition of the access road, as noted in customer reviews. While it's "just 3 miles from Red Lodge" and only "2 miles from Red Lodge" according to some reviews, the road to the campground, Palisades Campground Road (also known as Forest Road #2010), is described as "very rough" and having "large deep potholes that can't be avoided." This means vehicles, especially those towing campers, will need to "take it slow." However, once navigated, the reward is an "amazing" setting.

Directions typically involve taking US Highway 212 (the Beartooth Highway) south from downtown Red Lodge for about 1 mile, then turning left (west) onto West Fork Road (sometimes referred to as West Fork Rock Creek Rd or Forest Road 2421). After approximately 1 to 1.1 miles on West Fork Road, you turn right onto Palisades Campground Road and continue for about 1.5 miles to reach the campground. Despite the bumpy ride, the close proximity to Red Lodge means easy access to supplies, dining, and other amenities, providing a perfect balance between remote wilderness and convenient town access for adventurers from Billings (about 1 hour away) or Bozeman (about 2 hours away).

Services Offered

Palisades Campground operates as a primitive, free campground managed by the Forest Service, meaning it offers very basic amenities focused on environmental preservation and minimal impact. Based on available public data and customer reviews, here's what you can expect:

• No Fee: A significant advantage, Palisades Campground is a "free campground," making it an incredibly budget-friendly option for campers.
• Vault Toilets: The campground provides "two vault toilets that are well maintained," offering essential restroom facilities, though not flush toilets.
• Picnic Tables: Each of the "six sites" and the "1 tiny group site" are equipped with "fire rings and tables," providing designated areas for outdoor dining and campfires.
• Fire Rings: Fire rings are available at each site, allowing for campfires (subject to current fire restrictions, which campers should always check).
• Bear-Resistant Food Storage: While not at every site, "some sites equipped with bear resistant food storage lockers" are available, and campers are advised to secure all food due to frequent bear sightings.
• No Potable Water: It is crucial to note that "no potable water" is available. Campers must bring all their own drinking and cooking water.
• No Garbage Bins/Trash Service: Campers are required to "pack out what you pack in" as there are "no garbage bins" or trash service.
• Limited RV Size: Sites are small, with a "30' max" recommended for RVs, and smaller campers (teardrops, vans) are generally a better fit due to narrow roads and limited turn-around space.
• Phone Reception: Surprisingly for a remote location, reviews indicate "decent phone reception," which can be a valuable amenity for safety and planning.

Features / Highlights

• Free Camping: As a "free campground," Palisades offers an incredible value for experiencing Montana's natural beauty without a fee.
• Stunning Natural Beauty: The campground is described as "beautiful" and "amazing," nestled in the Custer Gallatin National Forest alongside a "rushing creek," offering picturesque views and a serene atmosphere.
• Creek-Side Sites: "Most of the sites are on the creek," providing the soothing "white noise of rushing water" and direct access to the water for relaxation or exploration.
• Direct Trail Access: "Multiple hiking/biking trails" (Willow Creek Trail and Palisades Trail) lead directly from the campground, offering immediate opportunities for outdoor recreation.
• Proximity to Red Lodge: Despite its rustic feel, the campground is "just 3 miles from Red Lodge," allowing convenient access to town amenities, supplies, and dining.
• Intimate and Secluded Feel: With only 6 regular sites and a small group site, the campground offers a more private and secluded experience compared to larger, busier campgrounds.
• Bear Activity: While requiring vigilance (proper food storage, bear spray), the presence of "a lot of bear sightings" indicates a true wilderness experience and opportunities for wildlife observation (from a safe distance).
• Dark Skies for Stargazing: The remote location away from town lights means excellent conditions for stargazing and enjoying Montana's clear night skies.

Contact Information

Address: Custer National Forest, Palisades Campground Road, Red Lodge, MT 59068, USA

Phone: (406) 446-2103 (This is the phone number for the Beartooth Ranger District office, which manages Palisades Campground. It is the best contact for official information, fire restrictions, and forest conditions.)

Please note that as a free, first-come, first-served campground, Palisades does not take reservations, and direct contact with the campground itself is not possible. All inquiries should be directed to the Custer Gallatin National Forest / Beartooth Ranger District office for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the campground's status and regulations.

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

For Montanans, Palisades Campground near Red Lodge offers an authentic and highly desirable camping experience that truly aligns with the spirit of the state’s outdoor culture. Its primary appeal for locals is its status as a "free campground," providing an accessible and budget-friendly option for regular escapes into the wilderness that many Montanans cherish. Beyond the cost, its location within the stunning Custer Gallatin National Forest, just a few miles from the vibrant town of Red Lodge, strikes a perfect balance between remote tranquility and convenient access to supplies and services.

Locals who are well-versed in primitive camping and mindful of Leave No Trace principles will find Palisades Campground particularly suitable. The intimate size, with its limited number of sites, fosters a sense of peaceful seclusion and a deeper connection to nature, especially for those who secure a coveted "creek-side" spot. The soothing sounds of the rushing water, combined with the clean, well-maintained vault toilets and the presence of fire rings and picnic tables, offer a comfortable yet truly rustic experience.

Furthermore, the direct access to "multiple hiking/biking trails" right from the campground's edge is a significant draw for active Montanans eager to explore their backyard. While bear sightings require responsible food storage and awareness, they also represent the genuine wilderness experience that many seek. For local tent campers and those with smaller, self-contained RVs or vans, Palisades Campground is not just a place to stay; it's a genuine taste of Montana's raw beauty and an ideal basecamp for exploring the Beartooth Mountains and beyond, proving that sometimes, the best experiences are the simplest and most natural.