Rattin Campground

For us Montanans, the call of the wild is a familiar melody, and finding a serene spot to truly immerse ourselves in nature's embrace is always a priority. Rattin Campground, nestled alongside the vibrant Rock Creek near Red Lodge, offers just that – a tranquil and incredibly picturesque escape in the heart of the Custer Gallatin National Forest. This isn't your typical bustling RV park; it’s a small, wooded haven where the soothing sounds of "loud rapids" lull you to sleep, and the crisp mountain air invigorates your spirit. As locals, we appreciate places that offer both a sense of solitude and convenient access to our cherished outdoor activities, and Rattin Campground perfectly embodies this balance, providing an authentic Montana camping experience that feels wonderfully removed from the everyday.

Rattin Campground is ideally located at Sheridan Creek, Red Lodge, MT 59068, USA. This puts it approximately 7 miles south of the charming town of Red Lodge, just off the incredibly scenic Beartooth Highway (US Hwy 212). The access to the campground is via the East Side Road (Road 2379), approximately 0.3 miles from its intersection with the highway. While some visitors note the road getting in and out can be "really rough," the consensus is that the peaceful environment and beautiful setting are well worth the journey. For local Montanans, this proximity to Red Lodge means that while you're enjoying the tranquility of the wilderness, you're never too far from supplies, dining options, or the vibrant local events that Red Lodge hosts throughout the year. The campground's position also places it strategically near the gateway to the Beartooth Wilderness and the iconic Beartooth Highway, providing endless opportunities for exploration right from your campsite.

Rattin Campground, managed by the Custer Gallatin National Forest, provides essential services to ensure a comfortable and authentic outdoor experience.

• Single-Family Campsites:

  The campground offers a small number of single-family sites (around 7, with one typically used by the camp host). These sites are suitable for tents, RVs, and trailers up to 20 or 40 feet in length, depending on the specific site and access road.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings with Grills:

  Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, complete with a grill, perfect for cooking meals over an open fire and enjoying traditional campfires. Campfires are allowed when conditions permit.

• Accessible Vault Toilets:

  The campground provides well-maintained and clean vault toilets, ensuring basic sanitation facilities for campers.

• Drinking Water:

  Potable drinking water is available via a shared water pump.

• Food Storage Lockers:

  Given the presence of wildlife, including bears, each campsite includes a bear-resistant food storage locker to help campers keep their food secure.

• Camp Host:

• Trash Pickup:

• Firewood Available:

• Pet-Friendly:

Rattin Campground boasts several features and highlights that make it a truly special place for Montanans seeking a connection with the wilderness.

• Secluded and Quiet Atmosphere:

• Soothing Sounds of Rock Creek:

• Excellent Camp Host:

• Prime Fishing Opportunities:

• Gateway to Beartooth Wilderness and Trails:

• Proximity to Beartooth Highway:

• Wildlife Viewing:

• Forested Setting:

• Max Stay of 16 Days:

For direct inquiries or additional information regarding Rattin Campground, please contact the Red Lodge Ranger District of the Custer Gallatin National Forest.

Address: Sheridan Creek, Red Lodge, MT 59068, USA

Phone: (406) 446-2103

Mobile Phone: +1 406-446-2103

Rattin Campground is exceptionally well-suited for locals in Montana who are seeking an authentic, peaceful, and amenity-rich outdoor experience. Its location, just a short drive from Red Lodge and directly off the famed Beartooth Highway, makes it incredibly accessible for a weekend escape or a longer vacation without extensive travel. For us Montanans, the opportunity to truly disconnect and be lulled to sleep by "beautiful loud rapids" is an unparalleled draw. The presence of an excellent, well-regarded camp host ensures that the facilities remain "well kept and clean," a detail highly valued by experienced campers. While the access road may be rough, it contributes to the feeling of seclusion and the reward of reaching such a pristine natural setting. The ample fishing opportunities in Rock Creek and nearby lakes, combined with direct access to a myriad of hiking and mountain biking trails, provide endless recreational possibilities right at our doorstep. For those who appreciate the quietude of a small, forested campground and the chance to observe local wildlife (while responsibly securing food and carrying bear spray), Rattin Campground offers an immersive and deeply satisfying Montana wilderness experience that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of our Big Sky Country. It’s a place where we can truly embrace the wild beauty that defines our home.