Cascade
4.3559 reviewsFOREST ROAD 2071, RED LODGE, MT 59068, USA
Cascade
$18.00 - $18.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$18.00
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
The nightly fee for standard non-electric campsites is $18 throughout all operating seasons. The first vehicle is included in the fee; a second vehicle incurs an additional $10 charge collected on-site. Firewood bundles are available for purchase from the campground host.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine West Fork of Rock Creek, Cascade Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its harmonious blend of riverside tranquility and mountain adventure. Just 11 miles west of Red Lodge via the smoothly paved Forest Road 2071, this southern Montana gem offers thoughtfully spaced campsites that balance privacy with accessibility. Whether you're pitching a tent under the stars or settling in with a small trailer, you'll find yourself at the perfect basecamp for exploring the region's renowned hiking trails, world-class fly fishing waters, and backcountry wilderness. The campground's generous spacing between sites ensures that each visitor enjoys their own slice of Montana's breathtaking landscape.
Cascade Campground accommodates standard single-family camping with options for tent and RV camping. It features accessible sites and bear-resistant food lockers for safety.
Historical SignificanceThe landscape surrounding Cascade Campground tells a powerful story of nature's resilience and renewal. In 2008, the Cascade Fire swept through this area, dramatically transforming the forest and creating the unique environment visitors experience today. This natural event has become an integral part of the campground's character, offering visitors a firsthand look at how wilderness areas regenerate and thrive following fire, creating new habitats and opportunities for both wildlife and wildflowers.
Weather and SeasonsMontana's dramatic seasonal shifts paint Cascade Campground in ever-changing hues throughout the year. Summer months from June through September bring warm, golden days ideal for outdoor adventures, though wise campers pack rain gear for the occasional mountain shower. As autumn arrives, crisp air and changing colors transform the landscape into a photographer's paradise. Winter descends with a blanket of snow and temperatures that can plummet to a brisk 7 degrees Celsius, while mountain winds sweep across the open meadows with untamed energy. Each season offers its own rewards for those who come prepared to embrace Montana's dynamic mountain climate.
ElevationPerched in Montana's magnificent high mountain terrain, Cascade Campground provides the authentic alpine experience that draws adventurers from around the world. The crisp, clear waters of the cold mountain stream reflect the surrounding peaks, while the thin mountain air reminds visitors they've ascended into a realm where nature reigns supreme. This elevated setting offers cooler temperatures even in summer and spectacular star-gazing opportunities in the pristine mountain atmosphere.
Natural Features and SceneryWhere fire once danced through the forest, nature has painted a masterpiece of renewal at Cascade Campground. The 2008 Cascade Fire created sun-drenched meadows that now burst with vibrant wildflowers each summer, transforming what could have been devastation into a kaleidoscope of color. The West Fork of Rock Creek winds gracefully past the campsites, its crystal-clear waters providing both a soothing soundtrack and excellent fishing opportunities. While some areas offer less shade due to the fire's legacy, the open glades frame spectacular mountain vistas and create perfect spots for wildlife watching and photography. This unique blend of riverine beauty and fire-renewed meadows offers visitors an extraordinary camping experience unlike any other.
Geological RegionCascade Campground serves as your gateway to the legendary Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, one of Montana's most spectacular geological treasures. Positioned strategically in southern Montana along the banks of the West Fork of Rock Creek, the campground sits within a landscape sculpted by millions of years of geological forces. The 2008 Cascade Fire revealed even more of this dramatic terrain, opening vistas to the surrounding peaks and creating meadows where wildflowers now carpet the ancient soils. This unique position offers campers easy access to explore the greater Absaroka-Beartooth ecosystem while enjoying the comfort of a well-situated basecamp.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible campsites include Sites 1 and 2, which meet established accessibility standards. Vault toilets are also accessible.
Sites SizeSites are reported to be spacious with ample room between neighbors. "Nice, big, sites with distance from neighbors," noted one reviewer.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies by site, with some offering seclusion. "Felt very private and out of the way," commented one camper.
Total Campsites30 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites with shade for comfort or open sites for better mountain views. Avoid sites prone to flooding (e.g., 024 and 029).
Best CampsitesSites near the creek (western loop) are highly recommended for stream access and scenic beauty. 'The left loop has more tree cover, whereas the right loop has none.'
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 11:00 AM local time.
Check-out
Check-out time is 12:00 PM local time.
Stay Limit
Amaximum of 16 consecutive nights is allowed during a visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Guests are limited to one camping unit per site, with additional vehicles requiring coordination with the host.
Groups
Group camping is not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative sources.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutTwo loops are present: the left loop offers more tree cover, and the right loop is more open with no shade.
Open and Closed SeasonPeak season: Jun 6 - Sep 11. First-come, first-served season: Sep 12 - Sep 21. Out-of-season closure: Sep 21 - May 22.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov or by contacting the facility directly.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up sites are available during the first-come, first-served season (Sep 12 - Sep 21). These must be booked in person and cannot be reserved or checked for availability by phone.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee, and late cancellations for individual campsites forfeit the first night's fee. Modifications may also incur a $10 fee if the new reservation dates are entirely different. No-shows are charged a $20 fee and forfeit the first night's fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Cascade Campground offers a rich array of outdoor activities suitable for campers of all interests. Fishing along the West Fork of Rock Creek is popular, with one user describing it as "great fishing and hiking nearby." The nearby Basin Lakes Trailhead provides access to scenic hiking trails such as Silver Run Plateau and Timberline Lakes, which allow exploration of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. Mountain biking trails, including the Ingles Creek Trail and Silver Run loops, cater to cyclists. Canoeing and kayaking at Wild Bill Lake offer tranquil water-based recreation.
Hiking
Multiple trails are accessible nearby, including Silver Run Plateau and Timberline Lakes trails. "The hike up the West Fork trail is well worth doing," said one camper, noting the area's lack of shade due to fire damage but emphasizing its scenic landscape.Fishing
Fishing opportunities include catching Brook trout in the West Fork of Rock Creek. "WFRC is a small mountain stream with lots of 6"-8" Brook trout that are fun to catch on dry flies," detailed one user.Biking
Mountain biking is allowed on several trails, including the Ingles Creek Trail and loop trails at Silver Run. "Mountain bikers enjoy the Ingles Creek Trail," noted the campground description.Boating
Wild Bill Lake nearby supports boating activities such as kayaking and canoeing. An accessible fishing dock is located on the shore.Wildlife viewing
The campground's proximity to wilderness areas provides opportunities for observing wildlife. "Watch out for moose," said one camper.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned in the authoritative sources.Water Sports
Kayaking and canoeing are popular activities at Wild Bill Lake, which is located nearby.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted within designated fire rings. Firewood bundles can be purchased on-site.
- Quiet hours are 'Scheduled quiet hours are not explicitly mentioned, but some user reviews report that generators run through the night without enforcement.
Hazards
General hazardsBears frequent the area, requiring proper food storage. Some sites are prone to water issues—standing water around fire rings and picnic tables has been reported.
Active alertsNo active alerts are currently mentioned, but campers should inquire about road conditions and potential flooding of campsites upon arrival.
Weather forecast
68
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 27%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 6.6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Mainly clear
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
Emergency services are accessible in Red Lodge, MT, approximately 11 miles away. Contact numbers for facility-specific inquiries include (928) 537-8888.
Good to know
Peak season datesJun 6 - Sep 11 annually.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are not available within Cascade Campground and must be deposited at nearby Basin Campground.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to the West Fork of Rock Creek; fishing and kayaking opportunities at nearby Wild Bill Lake.
Common complaintsComplaints include poor road conditions leading to the campground, unhelpful reservation management, and waterlogged campsites. '2 years in a row we got to our spot reserved weeks in advance and it was occupied. The host is also in a different campground so you have to go there and back or fight it out yourself.'
HostCamp hosts are described as friendly and helpful, with clean restrooms maintained regularly. 'The campground host was amazing! He kept the bathrooms super clean and was very nice and helpful.' However, some reviews note management issues with reservations and leash enforcement.
Campground Map
FOREST ROAD 2071, RED LODGE, MT 59068, USA
Driving directionsFrom U.S. Highway 212, go to the south end of Red Lodge. Turn west onto West Fork Rock Creek Road (Forest Road 2071) and travel 11 miles west. The campground is on the left.
The campground is accessible via Forest Road 2071, which is paved for most of the route. However, some sections are noted as being rough dirt roads, with washboard conditions that can affect vehicle components like headlights and trailers. The road was graded during one reviewer's stay but returned to poor condition shortly thereafter. 'The road getting to the campground was horrible,' and 'A grader went over the road during our stay but it had gone back to the awful washboard condition when we left.'Nearby places
Red Lodge, MT: approximately 11 miles west with a travel time of about 20 minutes.
Nearby supplies
Groceries, dining, and lodging options are available in Red Lodge, MT, including galleries and shops. Firewood bundles can be purchased from the campground host.
Camper Reviews
4.4
59 reviews
Cascade is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally praise Cascade Campground for its cleanliness, accessibility, and scenic location near the creek. However, complaints include issues with road conditions and water pooling in campsites.
Review Summaries
Based on 59 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects frequently mentioned include clean facilities, friendly camp hosts, spacious sites, and proximity to hiking trails and fishing opportunities. "Cleanest restrooms ever at a...
Based on 59 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints involve rough road conditions leading to the campground, water pooling in certain campsites, and reports of generator use negatively affecting some campers' experiences. "The road...
Based on 59 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Several users suggest choosing sites carefully due to water pooling issues and bringing a canopy for shade due to limited tree cover after the Cascade Fire. "Beware, there is NO shade," remarked one...
Based on 59 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summers are typically well-reviewed for their mild weather and suitability for fishing and hiking. "The area is great for a nice walk and being right on the creek adds to the great experience," said...
Based on 59 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Breathtaking mountain views even tho there's not a ton of trees," "Bear-resistant metal food storage bins are included with the campsites," "Bathrooms and sites were immaculate," "Road was horrible...
Based on 59 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 5 is accessible. Sites on the left loop offer more tree cover, whereas the right loop has less shade. Site 29 reportedly has water issues, with water running through the fire ring and picnic...
Based on 59 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessible campsites (Sites 1 and 2) and vault toilets are provided. "Bathrooms and sites were immaculate," said one user.
Based on 59 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies require dogs to be on a leash. "My dog was on leash 95% of the time," noted one camper who felt targeted for having a dog and left early due to this experience.
Based on 59 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025