Racetrack Campground And Picnic Area
02 reviews88 Business Loop Philipsburg, MT 59858
Racetrack Campground And Picnic Area
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Overnight use fee is $15 per single site per night. Additional vehicle fee is $5/night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes apply a 50% discount for single campsites occupied by pass holder. Payment accepted via cash or check only.
About this campground
Nestled along the babbling waters of Racetrack Creek, this intimate 12-site campground offers the perfect escape for those seeking tranquility in Montana's wilderness. Each thoughtfully placed campsite comes equipped with modern conveniences including restrooms, fresh drinking water, picnic tables, and grills, allowing you to enjoy nature without sacrificing comfort. The winding approach road and compact sites (best suited for trailers under 22 feet) ensure that Racetrack remains a hidden gem, preserving its peaceful atmosphere and giving each visitor their own private slice of mountain paradise.
Racetrack Campground is a traditional US Forest Service campground offering spaces for tent camping and smaller RVs, given the maximum recommended trailer length of 22 feet. It does not support RV pull-through sites or glamping options.
Historical SignificanceYour stay at Racetrack places you within reach of two fascinating chapters of Montana's storied past. Just a short drive away in Deer Lodge, the Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site invites you to step back into the golden age of cattle ranching, where cowboys once drove massive herds across the open range. Equally compelling is the Montana Territorial Prison, a formidable stone fortress that housed outlaws and desperados from 1871 until its closure in 1979. Now preserved on the National Register of Historic Places, its weathered walls whisper tales of frontier justice and the Wild West's most notorious characters.
Weather and SeasonsFrom late May through September, Racetrack Campground transforms into an outdoor enthusiast's dream, with warm days perfect for creek-side relaxation and cool nights ideal for campfire stories. As autumn arrives, the Douglas Firs paint the landscape in golden hues before winter blankets the area in pristine snow. While the colder months bring a magical winter wonderland, freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall can make access challenging, turning this summer retreat into a snow-covered sanctuary accessible only to the most adventurous souls.
ElevationPerched at 5,160 feet above sea level, Racetrack Campground offers a refreshing mountain climate that provides welcome relief from summer's heat. This mile-high setting creates crisp, pine-scented mornings where mist rises from the creek, and evenings cool enough to warrant that extra layer around the campfire. The elevation brings an alpine character to your camping experience, with thinner air that makes the stars seem closer and winter's approach more dramatic as snow can dust the ground even in early fall.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering Douglas Firs stand as ancient sentinels throughout Racetrack Campground, their massive trunks creating a natural cathedral that filters sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. Some sites bask in sunny meadow openings perfect for solar charging and star gazing, while others nestle beneath the protective canopy for those who prefer nature's air conditioning. The melodic soundtrack of Racetrack Creek flowing along the campground's southern border provides a constant, soothing presence, its clear mountain waters inviting quiet contemplation or adventurous exploration along its rocky banks.
Geological RegionDeep within the vast Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Racetrack Campground occupies a special pocket of Montana's rugged landscape where ancient geological forces have carved a perfect camping haven. At 5,160 feet elevation, the campground sits in a gentle valley cradled by forested ridges, with Racetrack Creek having sculpted its course through countless millennia. The surrounding Douglas Fir forest represents centuries of undisturbed growth, creating a diverse ecosystem where sun-drenched clearings meet dense forest shadows, offering campers a choice between open-sky sites and secluded forest retreats along the creek's meandering path.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly vault toilets are available, but further accessibility details are not specified.
Sites SizeSites are described as large by user Toni Guay, providing ample room for camping setups.
Sites PrivacyThe terrain is said to offer a private experience surrounded by nature. Some sites are shaded by tall Douglas Fir trees, while others are open.
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites near Racetrack Creek offer enhanced natural views and proximity to the flowing water.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Please limit your stay to 16 days.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layout12 combined sites, all equipped with picnic tables and grills.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally, May through September, weather permitting.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo reservations are available; sites operate as first-come, first-served.
Amenities available
Potable water
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground provides limited recreational activities focused on enjoying nature. Activities include fishing and picnicking. Racetrack Creek, which flows near the campground, offers opportunities for trout fishing.
Fishing
Fishing is available in Racetrack Creek, which is 'full of brookies,' as noted by user Toni Guay. This suggests a good quality of fishing for brook trout.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfire policies were not explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazardsRoad conditions deteriorate further along Forest Road 169; caution is advised for trailers and larger vehicles.
Weather forecast
83
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 11%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Pintler Ranger District, 88 Business Loop Philipsburg, MT 59858, Phone: 406-859-3211, operational Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding federal holidays.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling services are not available. Campers are required to 'pack it in, pack it out.'
Proximity to water featuresRacetrack Creek flows along the south edge of the campground.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention rough road conditions and lack of cell reception.
Campground Map
88 Business Loop Philipsburg, MT 59858
Driving directionsFrom Deer Lodge, MT, take Interstate 90 (Business) south 0.9 miles to Interstate 90. Continue onto Interstate 90 east 6.9 miles to Racetrack exit (Exit 195). At the end of exit ramp, turn right and go 1 mile to 'T' intersection. Turn left at intersection onto 'Yellowstone TR' (a dirt road) and go 0.8 miles to another 'T' intersection and campground sign. Turn right at sign and go 9.3 miles, following campground signs, to Racetrack Campground sign. Turn left into campground.
The road is described as rough, with worsening conditions further along. Fire roads and trails are accessible but road conditions may pose challenges for larger vehicles. Maximum trailer length recommended is 22 feet.Nearby places
Deer Lodge: approximately 11 miles south
Philipsburg: approximately 88 miles.
Nearby supplies
Waste station available at Indian Creek Campground in Deer Lodge, behind the Conoco gas station on Hallenback Rd. Fee is $3 for waste disposal and includes water tank fill-up. Grocery stores and supplies are available in Deer Lodge.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Racetrack Campground And Picnic Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User feedback highlights Racetrack Campground as a picturesque and peaceful camping destination. The natural surroundings, including Racetrack Creek and mature Douglas Fir trees, are highly appreciated. There are, however, mentions of rough access roads and a lack of cell phone reception.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
1. Beautiful natural surroundings and the presence of a creek. 2. Large campsites. 3. Opportunities for trout fishing. 4. ATV trails and fire roads for exploration.
Based on 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
1. Rough, deteriorating access road conditions. 2. Lack of cell phone reception. 3. Absence of garbage services requiring campers to pack out their own trash.
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
1. Bring cash or checks for payment, as the campground does not accept credit cards. 2. Pack in all necessary supplies, including trash bags, as there is no garbage service or camp store. 3. Be...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews suggest summer months are the best time to visit due to more favorable weather conditions. The campground operates only from mid-May to mid-September, and off-season visits are not possible.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Beautiful National Forest campground with free dispersed options before and after the campground.' - Matt Fisher 2. 'Beautiful area. Large campsites. Creek is full of brookies. Great ATVing. One...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific reviews of individual sites are not provided in the source materials.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
While vault toilets are described as wheelchair-friendly, no user reviews specifically address the accessibility experience.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Reviews do not mention pet policies or experiences for pet owners.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025