Sheridan Campground

Montana locals, are you yearning for an authentic Rocky Mountain camping experience, away from the crowds but still close to incredible natural wonders? Look no further than Sheridan Campground. Nestled in the stunning Custer Gallatin National Forest, just a short drive from the charming town of Red Lodge, this campground offers a peaceful and rustic retreat on the banks of the Main Fork of Rock Creek. It's an ideal base for those who appreciate simple amenities and direct access to the abundant recreational opportunities of Montana's famed Beartooth Country.

Sheridan Campground is a small, intimate campground, featuring only nine single-family campsites. This limited number of sites contributes to its serene atmosphere, ensuring a quieter experience compared to larger, more bustling campgrounds. Each site is thoughtfully equipped with essential features like a picnic table, a fire ring with a grate, and a bear-proof food locker, allowing you to focus on enjoying the natural surroundings. While it embraces a more rustic approach, it provides the fundamental comforts needed for a true outdoor adventure.

Situated at an elevation of approximately 6,300 to 6,500 feet, Sheridan Campground offers a refreshing escape, particularly during Montana's warmer months. The surrounding landscape is a picturesque blend of aspen and pine forests, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Beartooth Range. This makes it a prime location for wildlife viewing, with deer, elk, and even grizzly bears known to frequent the area. For Montanans, Sheridan Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's an accessible portal to the raw beauty and outdoor pursuits that define their beloved home state.

Sheridan Campground is located at 6811 US-212, Red Lodge, MT 59068, USA. More specifically, it is approximately 5 to 7 miles south of the vibrant mountain town of Red Lodge, in southern Montana. This places it directly off the scenic US Highway 212, famously known as the Beartooth Highway, a designated All-American Road. This strategic location offers campers unparalleled access to one of the most breathtaking drives in America.

For Montana locals, reaching Sheridan Campground is straightforward. From Red Lodge, simply head south on US Highway 212 (the Beartooth Highway). You will turn off onto Eastside Road #379 and proceed for about 2 miles until you reach the campground entrance on your left. While the road to the campground itself is well-signed, some users have noted that Eastside Road can have rough patches, including potholes, so caution is advised. However, it is generally passable for RVs and trailers. The turnaround at the campground can be tight for longer rigs, so smaller trailers and RVs (up to 30 feet, with 22 feet often recommended) are best suited for the sites.

The campground's location provides an excellent balance of secluded forest camping and convenient access to a lively mountain town. Red Lodge offers a variety of dining options, unique shops, art galleries, and hosts numerous annual summer events, providing opportunities for entertainment and resupply just a short drive away. Furthermore, being on the Beartooth Highway means easy access to the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness and, approximately 60 miles further, the Northeast Entrance to Yellowstone National Park. This combination of tranquility, accessibility, and proximity to major attractions makes Sheridan Campground an incredibly suitable and desirable choice for Montanans looking to explore their state's iconic Beartooth Country.

Sheridan Campground provides essential amenities for a comfortable, rustic camping experience:

• Campsites: Offers 9 single-family campsites suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs (up to approximately 30 feet in length, though 22 feet is often recommended due to tight turns).
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for outdoor dining.
• Fire Rings with Grates: Individual fire rings are provided for campfires and cooking, complete with a grate for grilling (check for fire restrictions before lighting fires).
• Food Lockers: Each site includes a bear-resistant food locker for safe storage of food and scented items, crucial in this wildlife-rich area.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available via a hand-pump or spigot within the campground.
• Vault Toilets: Clean vault (pit) toilets are provided for restroom facilities.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood is available for purchase from the camp host at the nearby Rattin Campground.
• Accessible Site: At least one site (Site 9) is designated as meeting established accessibility standards, and other sites (1 and 2) are level and suitable for those with limited mobility.
• Camp Host: A camp host is typically present at nearby Rattin Campground, available for assistance and inquiries.
• Trash Removal: Designated trash receptacles are available for waste disposal.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times.

• Prime Location on Rock Creek: Situated directly on the banks of the Main Fork of Rock Creek, offering excellent opportunities for fishing (especially rainbow trout) and enjoying the soothing sounds of the flowing water.
• Gateway to Beartooth Highway: Located just off US Highway 212, the iconic Beartooth Highway, providing unparalleled access to one of America's most scenic drives and high-elevation mountain landscapes.
• Secluded & Peaceful Atmosphere: With only 9 sites, the campground offers a quiet and uncrowded environment, perfect for a peaceful retreat into nature.
• Access to Extensive Recreation: Beyond fishing, the area boasts numerous opportunities for hiking, mountain biking (on designated trails), ATVing (on Hellroaring Road), canoeing and kayaking on nearby Greenough Lake, and scenic driving.
• Wildlife Viewing: Located in an area frequented by a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, and potentially grizzly bears, offering exciting opportunities for nature observation.
• Proximity to Red Lodge: Just 5-7 miles from the town of Red Lodge, providing convenient access to shops, restaurants, and local events without sacrificing the feeling of being in the wilderness.
• Bear Country Safety: Provision of bear-proof food lockers at each site emphasizes safety and responsible camping in a natural habitat.
• Elevation for Cooler Summers: At over 6,300 feet, the campground offers a cooler and more comfortable climate during the summer months compared to lower elevations.
• Reservable Sites: Campsites can be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov, allowing for peace of mind when planning your trip, though a few sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Address: 6811 US-212, Red Lodge, MT 59068, USA

Phone: (406) 587-9054

Mobile Phone: +1 406-587-9054

For reservations, it is highly recommended to visit the official Recreation.gov website and search for "Sheridan Campground Custer Gallatin National Forest" or call their reservation line at 1-877-444-6777. For direct inquiries regarding the campground itself (e.g., current conditions, fire restrictions), you can contact the Beartooth Ranger District of the Custer Gallatin National Forest, which administers the campground.

Beartooth Ranger District Phone: (406) 446-2103

Email for managing organization (Gallatin Canyon Campgrounds): gccampgrounds13@gmail.com

For Montana locals, Sheridan Campground offers an exceptionally suitable and appealing option for an authentic and accessible outdoor escape. Its prime location in the Custer Gallatin National Forest, just a short drive from Red Lodge and directly on the Beartooth Highway, makes it incredibly convenient for Montanans to reach, minimizing travel time and maximizing their time in nature. This accessibility to such an iconic and beautiful region of their home state is a significant advantage.

The campground's rustic charm and peaceful ambiance cater perfectly to those seeking a genuine immersion in the wilderness without the distractions of larger, more commercialized sites. With only nine campsites, Sheridan provides a sense of seclusion and quiet that is often hard to find, allowing locals to truly unwind and appreciate the sounds of Rock Creek and the surrounding forest. The provision of essential amenities like vault toilets, drinking water, and bear-proof food lockers ensures a comfortable yet authentic camping experience, aligning with the self-reliant spirit often found in Montana's outdoor enthusiasts.

Furthermore, the abundance of recreational opportunities directly accessible from the campground is a major draw. Montanans passionate about fly fishing will appreciate the prime access to Rock Creek. Hikers and mountain bikers can explore numerous trails, while scenic drivers can embark on the legendary Beartooth Highway, leading to breathtaking vistas and even Yellowstone National Park. The presence of diverse wildlife adds another layer of excitement and connection to the wild. Sheridan Campground embodies the spirit of Montana's great outdoors – rugged, beautiful, and endlessly inviting. For locals, it's not just a campground; it's a cherished spot to connect with the natural heritage of their state and create lasting memories in one of its most stunning regions.