M-K Campground
4.857 reviews/
M-K Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
Camping is free.
About this campground
Tucked away just 2.6 miles up the Main Fork Rock Creek Road, M-K Campground offers an authentic Montana camping experience without the price tag. This hidden gem near the legendary Beartooth Highway provides 10 intimate campsites where adventurers can immerse themselves in the raw beauty of the Northern Rockies. As a free campground, it's become a beloved basecamp for those seeking solitude and simplicity in one of America's most spectacular mountain regions.
M-K Campground is a low-amenity, primitive camping site suitable for tent and small trailer camping. It is open year-round with no reservations required.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsM-K Campground welcomes hardy souls year-round, though each season brings its own character. Summer offers warm days perfect for creek-side relaxation, while autumn paints the surrounding mountains in brilliant golds and oranges. Winter transforms this spot into a snow-laden wonderland accessible only to the most adventurous, as roads remain unplowed and services pause until spring's thaw. Those venturing here in the off-season should come prepared for true wilderness conditions and self-sufficiency.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground rests in the embrace of the Main Fork Rock Creek drainage, where towering evergreens create a natural cathedral overhead. Rock Creek herself flows alongside the campsites, her crystal-clear waters singing the ancient songs of the mountains day and night. Wake to the sight of morning mist rising from the creek, spend afternoons watching trout dart through the shadows, and fall asleep to the gentle symphony of rushing water. The surrounding peaks stand as silent sentinels, their rugged faces catching the alpenglow at sunset and creating a backdrop that transforms even the simplest camping meal into a feast for the senses.
Geological RegionNestled within the Main Fork Rock Creek drainage, this campground sits at the doorstep of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The nearby Beartooth Highway—often called America's most beautiful drive—hints at the geological wonders surrounding this area. Here, ancient granite peaks tell stories of continental collision and glacial carving, while the creek itself continues its patient work of sculpting the valley floor, just as it has for millennia.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features except for the presence of vault toilets.
Sites SizeSome campsites are spacious enough to accommodate up to two trucks or three smaller vehicles.
Sites PrivacyThe campsites are spaced out adequately to provide privacy.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesArrival early afternoon is recommended to secure a spot, especially during weekends and holidays in summer months.
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
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Stay Limit
Stay limit is 16 consecutive days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
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Groups
No group camping facilities mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutnull
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; during the off-season, there are no services, roads are not plowed, and campers must bring their own supplies.
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in AvailabilityNo reservations system; first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Its proximity to various trails makes it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
Hiking
Nearby trails include Mount Maurice Trail (#6), Corral Creek Trail (#9), Beartrack Trail (#8), and others offering various levels of difficulty and scenic views of the surrounding wilderness.Fishing
Fishing is available in Rock Creek, which runs near the campground. Trout fishing is a popular activity.Wildlife viewing
Visitors report seeing deer and possibly moose during the summer months. Occasional bear sightings are also mentioned, emphasizing the importance of bear precautions.Winter Activities
The campground remains open in winter but is not maintained during off-season months.Water Sports
No specific water sports are available.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed. Obtaining and burning local firewood is recommended.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsBear presence has been noted in the area. Visitors are advised to bring bear spray or firearms for protection.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
69
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 25%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 9.8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
Beartooth Ranger District, 6811 Hwy 212, Red Lodge, MT 59068, (406) 446-2103
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingOn-site trash pickup is not available. Campers must pack out their trash.
Proximity to water featuresRock Creek runs next to the campground.
Common complaintsTraffic on nearby roads and potential bear encounters.
HostNo host is available on-site.
Campground Map
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Driving directionsDrive south on US Hwy 212 towards Cooke City for 10.9 miles. Turn right onto the Main Fork Rock Creek Rd (FR #2421). Drive 0.9 miles past Parkside, Greenough and Limberpine Campgrounds. Turn left just have to Limberpine Campground to continue on the Main Fork Rock Creek Rd. Drive 2.6 miles to the campground. *Please be advised the Main Fork Rd. is bumpy and rocky, especially beyond M-K campground. High clearance vehicles are recommended.
Access to M-K Campground is challenging due to the bumpy and rocky conditions of Main Fork Road, especially beyond the campground. High clearance vehicles are recommended.Nearby places
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Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
4.9
7 reviews
M-K Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, users appreciate the natural beauty, tranquility, and primitive camping experience offered by M-K Campground. Vault toilets and spacious campsites add to the convenience, though the lack of amenities like potable water and on-site trash collection are noted as downsides.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praised the scenic location, the presence of clean vault toilets, and the proximity to Rock Creek and hiking trails. Many highlight the large fire pits and the spaciousness of the campsites....
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some reviewers mentioned that the road leading to the campground is bumpy and rocky, limiting access for low-clearance vehicles. A user stated, 'The roads going out to the sites are not bad,' but...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive early in the summer to secure a spot. Bring your own drinking water, bear spray, and trash bags. One user recommended, 'Bring bear spray/.40 cal pistol or larger for bear protection.'
Based on 7 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is busiest in summer months, especially on weekends and holidays. Off-season visitors noted the lack of maintenance but appreciated the quieter environment.
Based on 7 reviewsCamper Quotes
- 'Great primitive site, streamside, free, with clean vault toilets.' (Kevin Carrabine) - 'The roads going out to the sites are not bad. Highly recommend!' (Christina Milar) - 'Nice little...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific campsite details are not provided, but users noted that most sites are spacious and accommodate multiple vehicles.
Based on 7 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressed accessibility features.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and no specific complaints or highlights regarding pet policies were noted.
Based on 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025