Red Shale Campground
4.5237 reviewsRed Shale 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
The campground is free to use, with no reservation or camping fees.
About this campground
Tucked away in the rolling hills of the Ashland Ranger District, Red Shale Campground offers a refreshing escape into Montana's untamed wilderness. This hidden gem in the Custer Gallatin National Forest welcomes adventurers on a first-come, first-served basis, completely free of charge. With 14 thoughtfully spaced campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire pit, you'll find the perfect blend of rustic simplicity and natural comfort. While you won't find hookups or running water here, the campground's vault toilets and easy access off Highway 212 make it an ideal basecamp for those seeking authentic outdoor experiences. The spacious sites and peaceful atmosphere have made this a favorite among campers who prefer their adventures unscripted and their nights filled with crackling campfires instead of crowded neighbors.
The Red Shale Campground is a simple and free camping spot ideal for both short-term stays and self-contained travelers. It is designed to accommodate a mix of camping styles, from tents to motorhomes.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of Red Shale Campground remains quietly tucked away in the forests' memory, the land itself tells stories through its ancient trees and weathered rocks. This corner of the Custer Gallatin National Forest has long served as a peaceful refuge for those seeking connection with Montana's wild heart.
Weather and SeasonsThe seasons paint dramatically different portraits at Red Shale. Summer unfolds with gentle warmth and long, languid days perfect for hiking and stargazing, while spring can surprise visitors with late-season snowfalls that dust the landscape in pristine white. As autumn approaches, crisp air signals the transition ahead. Winter transforms the campground into a snow-swept wonderland, where brave souls willing to face freezing temperatures and potential snowstorms are rewarded with profound solitude and stunning frost-kissed mornings. Seasoned campers recommend checking weather forecasts carefully, as cold snaps can arrive unexpectedly even during warmer months.
ElevationNestled at an elevation that places it perfectly between the grasslands below and the mountain peaks above, Red Shale Campground offers visitors a unique perspective on Montana's diverse landscapes. The specific elevation creates an ideal microclimate for comfortable camping during the warmer months.
Natural Features and SceneryRed Shale emerges like an oasis where forest meets prairie, creating a captivating blend of ecosystems. Towering pines and deciduous trees form protective groves around the campsites, their branches creating nature's symphony as wind whispers through the canopy. Beyond the wooded sanctuary, vast grasslands stretch toward the horizon, painted gold in summer and silver under moonlight. The campground has earned a reputation among stargazers for its exceptionally dark skies, where the Milky Way blazes across the heavens on clear nights. Dawn brings a chorus of songbirds, while eagles and hawks patrol the thermals above. This unique transition zone between forest and grassland creates exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities, with deer often glimpsed at forest edges during the golden hours.
Geological RegionRed Shale Campground sits within the fascinating Ashland Ranger District, where the ancient geological story of Montana unfolds beneath your feet. This unique region of the Custer Gallatin National Forest showcases the dramatic meeting point between the Great Plains and the mountain foothills. The landscape tells a tale millions of years in the making, where grasslands roll like ancient seas between islands of pine and hardwood forests. The distinctive red shale formations that give the campground its name hint at the area's prehistoric past, when different climates and ecosystems left their marks in stone. This geological diversity creates the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures, offering both open vistas and sheltered forest camping experiences.
Campsite details
AccessibilityPicnic tables are mentioned as handicap accessible, and vault toilets seem easy to access based on user accounts. One reviewer specifically highlighted tables designed for accessibility.
Sites SizeSites vary in size, accommodating everything from tents to 38-foot trailers with tow trucks. A reviewer noted, "We have a 31' Class C motorhome and we fit perfectly with room to spare."
Sites PrivacyThe sites provide decent privacy with ample spacing. "There’s 200' between ourselves and the next camper," one reviewer commented, and others noted, "Sites are reasonably spaced for privacy."
Total Campsites14 campsites
Recommended CampsitesOpt for sites in the second loop to minimize road noise. Site #7 reportedly has cell reception.
Best CampsitesSites #2 and #4 in the first loop are highlighted for their views of the valley.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
10 days maximum stay.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No specific limits mentioned.
Groups
Group sites are not explicitly mentioned in the data.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground is divided into two loops, each with 6 sites. User reviews describe sites as spaced 200 feet apart, offering ample privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. Snowstorms may affect access during winter, as mentioned in user reviews.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as reservations are not required.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-serve; arriving early in the afternoon during weekends or holidays is recommended.
Cancellation PolicySince reservations are not available, cancellations are not applicable.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Red Shale Campground offers limited recreational activities, focusing primarily on the natural surroundings and simple camping experiences. Visitors have praised the area's peacefulness and natural beauty, describing it as a serene spot with great opportunities for stargazing.
Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is possible, as indicated by a review mentioning, "At 11 pm, taking star photos, we heard a variety of animal calls."Winter Activities
The campground remains accessible in spring, as one reviewer mentioned experiencing snow during their visit in Montana's springtime.Water Sports
No water sports are mentioned as part of the campground's activities.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire pits are available at all sites. Campers can collect deadwood for fire but there are no firewood provisions.
- Quiet hours are Quiet ambiance reported; no specific quiet hours mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsNo potable water is available; campers must bring their own. The proximity of cows and occasional road noise are noted. Snowstorms may limit access in winter.
Active alertsNo active alerts reported.
Weather forecast
82
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 19%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.6 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
Ashland District Office (406) 784-2344 is the closest known contact for emergencies. Specific hospitals or police stations are not listed.
Good to know
Peak season datesSummer months are most popular due to accessibility and crowds.
Trash and recyclingThe campground does not have trash or recycling facilities. Visitors are reminded to 'Pack it in, pack it out.' Several reviews emphasize the importance of leaving the campground clean.
Proximity to water featuresNo significant water bodies nearby; dry camping only.
Common complaintsLack of trash facilities and messes left by others. Site GPS on Apple Maps is slightly inaccurate. Occasional road noise near the first loop.
HostNo host or ranger presence mentioned.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Ashland, MT go 6 miles east on US 212. Campground will be on your left.
Road access is described as straightforward from US 212; however, user reviews mention the entrance being bumpy, requiring slow driving. Larger rigs (up to 43 feet) have navigated it successfully.Nearby places
Ashland (6 miles
approximately 10 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are accessible in Ashland, MT (6 miles away), including groceries and essentials.
Camper Reviews
4.5
37 reviews
Red Shale Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Red Shale Campground are overwhelmingly positive, with many praising its simplicity, cleanliness, and peaceful environment. The no-fee camping is a significant draw, with visitors appreciating the spacious sites and basic amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 37 reviews
What Campers Love
"Clean restroom," "spacious sites," "quiet loops," "great solid picnic tables," and "well-spaced sites" are common positive remarks. Many campers also appreciate the proximity to Highway 212 for easy...
Based on 37 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Negative comments focus mainly on the lack of facilities, such as potable water, trash bins, and hookups. Some reviewers mentioned encountering litter left by previous visitors.
Based on 37 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a site. Bring your own water and firewood. Follow the 'Pack it in, pack it out' rule to maintain the campground's cleanliness.
Based on 37 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is visited year-round, but some reviews highlight challenges during off-season months, such as snow in spring or closures in April. Summer months are noted as busier, requiring early...
Based on 37 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1) "Very clean. A welcome surprise for a no fee campground." 2) "Pack it in, pack it out!" 3) "Nice free campground, spots are well spaced, great solid picnic tables, thank you forest service!"
Based on 37 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site 2 and Site 4 are noted for their excellent views. One user commented, "First loop sites 2 & 4 have the best view but all the sites are fairly level and large." Site 7 reportedly has cell...
Based on 37 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Picnic tables and vault toilets are commended for their accessibility. One user highlighted, "There is an incredible picnic bench at the sites with handicap accessibility."
Based on 37 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific information about pets is mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 37 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025