Palisades Campground
4.529 reviewsnull
Palisades 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
Palisades Campground is free for all visitors.
About this campground
Discover a hidden gem where adventure meets serenity at Palisades Campground, where six rustic campsites await beneath the dramatic cliffs of the palisades geological formation. This free camping haven serves as your gateway to alpine adventures, with the renowned Willow Creek and Palisades trails beginning right at the campground's western edge. Just minutes from Red Lodge Mountain Ski Resort, you'll find yourself perfectly positioned to explore Montana's breathtaking high country while enjoying the simple pleasures of traditional tent camping.
Palisades Campground offers a primitive camping experience. It is suitable for tent camping and small trailers.
Historical SignificanceCamp in the shadows of history near the legendary town of Red Lodge, where echoes of Montana's mining heritage blend seamlessly with its evolution into an outdoor recreation paradise. This area has long been a crossroads for adventurers, from early prospectors seeking fortune in the mountains to modern-day explorers drawn by the promise of untamed wilderness and world-class skiing.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the magic of Montana's changing seasons with year-round access to this mountain retreat. Summer transforms the campground into a vibrant basecamp for hikers and nature enthusiasts, with wildflowers painting the meadows and perfect temperatures for outdoor exploration. As winter approaches, the landscape becomes a snow-dusted wonderland, though adventurous souls should come prepared for mountain weather and potentially challenging road conditions that add to the authentic wilderness experience.
ElevationPerched in the mountain shadows below the soaring peaks of Red Lodge Mountain Ski Resort, the campground offers that perfect sweet spot where alpine grandeur meets accessible adventure. Here, you'll breathe the crisp mountain air while enjoying protection from the most extreme elevations, making it an ideal basecamp for acclimatization and exploration.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where towering evergreens create a natural cathedral around your campsite, and the babbling waters of Willow Creek provide nature's soundtrack. The rugged terrain surrounding the campground promises encounters with Montana's diverse wildlife, from curious deer to soaring eagles. Each turn on the nearby trails reveals new vistas, whether it's the morning sun illuminating the palisades or afternoon shadows dancing through the forest canopy.
Geological RegionSet against the spectacular backdrop of the palisades geological formation, this campground showcases nature's architectural prowess. These ancient cliff faces tell a story millions of years in the making, while the surrounding rugged terrain and dense forest create a diverse ecosystem that changes with every season. The proximity to Red Lodge Mountain Ski Resort places you at the intersection of geological wonder and recreational opportunity, where mountain peaks, forest valleys, and alpine meadows converge.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets are available, but no additional accessibility features are indicated.
Sites SizeSites are designed for tents or small trailers up to 16 feet in length.
Sites PrivacyThe campground's layout offers limited privacy, as it is a small area with only six campsites.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesArrive early during peak season to secure a spot. Sites are near the creek and best suited for tents or small vehicles.
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- Arrival anytime
- no formal check-in process.
Check-out
- Departure anytime
- no formal check-out process.
Stay Limit
There is a 16-day stay limit per reservation period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum guest limits are unspecified per site.
Groups
No designated group camping areas are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutRustic layout with six individual sites, no formal loops or sections.
Open and Closed SeasonYear-round access; peak season during summer months.
Reservation PlatformsFirst-come, first-served. Arrival suggested early afternoon during peak times.
Walk-in AvailabilityEntire campground operates on a walk-up, first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservations required. First-come, first-served policy.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking trails and proximity to Red Lodge's recreational opportunities. Campers can explore the nearby Willow Creek Trail and Palisades Trail.
Hiking
Willow Creek Trail (#105) and Palisades Trail (#109) are accessible from the western end of the campground. Note that dogs are not allowed on the Palisades Trail from December 1 to July 1, except for hunting dogs.Winter Activities
Winter activities include restrictions on dog access to the Palisades Trail, as it passes through a moose wintering habitat.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires permitted; visitors advised not to bring external firewood to prevent pest infestation.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife including bears and moose frequent the area. Restrictions on dogs due to wintering moose habitat.
Active alertsNo reservations required; campground may fill up during summer weekends and holidays.
Weather forecast
73
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 21%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
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 Office, 6811 US Hwy 212, Red Lodge, MT 59068, Phone: (406) 446-2103
Good to know
Peak season datesSummer months, weekends, and holidays.
Trash and recyclingNo trash pickup is available on-site. Campers are required to pack out all trash.
Proximity to water featuresNearby Willow Creek and hiking trails leading to water features.
Common complaintsReviews note challenges with road conditions leading to the campground and wildlife encounters.
HostNo camp host is available.
Campground Map
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Driving directionsDrive north on US Hwy 212 towards Red Lodge for 0.3 miles. Turn left (west) onto the West Fork Rd and drive 1.1 miles. Turn right onto Palisades Campground Rd (unpaved). Drive 1.5 miles to Palisades Campground.
Access is via unpaved roads; seasonal conditions may limit accessibility. Campground road has restrictions on trailers exceeding 16 feet.Nearby places
Red Lodge: 3 miles
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
4.5
9 reviews
Palisades Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's peaceful setting, proximity to hiking trails, and its appeal to primitive camping enthusiasts. Some users noted the presence of bears and the need for proper food storage.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include its proximity to hiking trails, scenic natural surroundings, and the free, first-come, first-served camping policy. Campers appreciated the quiet atmosphere and the rustic...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the lack of potable water, the absence of on-site trash services, and potential bear encounters. Some users also mentioned the rough access road and difficulty finding...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend arriving early to secure a campsite, bringing sufficient water and trash bags, and being prepared for bear encounters by using bear-proof storage containers. Checking local trail...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is busiest during summer weekends and holidays. Winter accessibility may be limited due to snow and moose habitat restrictions.
Based on 9 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Beautiful, peaceful campground with stream and hiking trails only 2 miles from Red Lodge." - User Review
"Nice spot to camp... Lots of grizzlies around though so make sure you don't have food in...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific site information, such as the best or worst campsites, is not provided.
Based on 9 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific user reviews addressing accessibility features are available.
Based on 9 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Some users noted that dogs are not allowed on the Palisades Trail between December 1 and July 1 due to moose wintering habitat, except for hunting dogs.
Based on 9 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025