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Basin Campground
Basin Campground is nestled in the trees along the banks of the West Fork of Rock Creek. Basin Lakes National Recreation Trail (#61) is a short distance from the campground. Silver Run National Recreation Trail (#102) Timberline Trail (# 12), West Fork Trail (# 1), Camp Senia Trail (# 16),Wild Bill Lake Picnic Ground and National Recreation Trail and Cascade Campground are also located in the West Fork Rock Creek drainage.
There is a 16 day maximum stay in all Beartooth Ranger District campgrounds.
At a Glance
| Reservations: | Reservations: Reservations must be made more than 5 nights in advance of your stay. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance of your stay: get a map and reserve a campsite Recreation.gov 1-877-444-6777 *** 20% of this campground is for walk-in customers (no reservations). This campground is very popular and may fill up on during the summer months, especially on weekends and holidays. You should plan accordingly, make a reservation if possible, or arrive early to ensure there is a space available for the night. Some sites are equipped with food storage lockers, check site amenities list on reservation system. |
|---|---|
| Fees: | $20.00 includes 1 driving vehicle
|
| Open Season: | 5/26 - 9/8 Weather Dependent |
| Usage: | Heavy |
| Closest Towns: | Red Lodge, MT |
| Water: | Potable Water |
| Restroom: | Yes. Vault toilet |
| Operated By: | Gallatin Canyon Campgrounds |
| Information Center: | Beartooth Ranger District 6811 US Hwy 212 Red Lodge, MT 59068 (406) 446-2103 |
General Information
Directions:7 mi E of Red Lodge, on the West Fork Rock Creek Rd. Drive north on US Hwy 212 towards Red Lodge for 0.3 miles. Turn west (left) onto the West Fork Rd and drive 2.8 miles. Stay to the left (follow signs) and continue on the West Fork Rd. Drive 4.4 miles to Basin Campground on your right.
Accessibility:
Handicap Accessible Facilities:
Toilet and 3 campsites. Visit Recreation.gov for details.
Parking:
Max Trailer Length: 40 feet
General Notes:
- Camp sites: 30
- Host: Yes
- Max Trailer Length: 40 feet
- Trash Pickup: Bear resistant dumpster located on site
- Firewood: Yes- $7.00 / bundle. Don't move firewood to other areas or bring in outside firewood. Prevent the spread of tree-killing insects by getting firewood near your destination or buying it from the campground host.
Activities
Mountain Biking
Mountain bikes can be used on the following trails near Basin Campground:
- Silver Run Trail (#102)
- Silver Run Plateau Trail (#64)
- Ingles Creek Trail (#35)
- Basin Lakes Trail (#61)
Mountain bikes are also allowed on the West Fork Road. The West Fork Rd is paved to Basin Campground and then becomes a dirt road until it ends at the West Fork trailhead (5.5 miles from Basin Campground).
*Please note that mountain bikes are not allowed in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness.
Campground Camping
Lake and Pond Fishing
Basin Campground is not far from Wild Bill Lake. This is a family friendly camping spot, with picnic tables and handicap accessibility. The lake is stocked multiple times each summer and it is a wonderful location for young kids to fish.
For detailed information on fishing in Wild Bill Lake, please go to Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Park's Mountain Lakes Guide,
River and Stream Fishing
Basin Campground is on the banks of the West Fork of Rock Creek. This is a popular creek to fish for trout. For detailed fishing information on the West Fork of Rock Creek, please go to FishMT.
Day Hiking
- Silver Run Trail (#102)
- Silver Run Plateau Trail (#64)
- Ingles Creek Trail (#35)
- Basin Lakes Trail (#61)
Further down the West Fork Rd, you can find Timberline Trail (#12), West Fork Trail (#1) and Camp Senia Trail (#16).
Closer to town, but also a short drive from Basin Campground, you can find Willow Creek Trail (#105) and Palisades Trail (#109).
Viewing Scenery
Most areas of the Beartooth Mountains offer chances at seeing wildlife. Black bear, moose, whitetail deer, and mule deer are the most likely to be seen around Basin Campground, although other animals are possible, too.
To limit the chance of encounters with wildlife, please consult our food storage order. The minimum fine for leaving food or other attractants unattended is $225. The maximum fine is $5,000 or six months in jail.
Related Information
Location