Parkside

Star4.62
130 reviews
FOREST ROAD 2421A, RED LODGE, MT 59068, USA
Parkside
$20.00 - $100.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard single-family sites are $20 per night, group sites range from $80 to $100 depending on group size. Additional vehicles incur a $10 fee per...
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Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$100.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$120.00

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
928-537-8888gccampgrounds13@gmail.com

About this campground

Nestled along the rushing waters of Rock Creek, Parkside Campground serves as your gateway to the majestic Beartooth Mountains. Here, crystal-clear mountain streams invite anglers to cast their lines while hikers and bikers explore endless trails through pristine wilderness. With Yellowstone National Park just a scenic drive away, this campground perfectly positions you between two of the West's most spectacular natural wonders.
Parkside Campground accommodates a range of camping types, including individual sites, group sites, and accessible sites for tents and RVs.
Historical SignificanceYour journey to Parkside follows the legendary Beartooth Highway, a road so breathtaking that Charles Kuralt called it 'the most beautiful drive in America.' Just down the mountain, the charming town of Red Lodge keeps Western traditions alive with its thrilling Home of Champions Rodeo, where world-class cowboys compete against a backdrop of towering peaks. The town's Festival of Nations celebrates the diverse heritage of the miners and pioneers who first settled these rugged mountains.
Weather and SeasonsMountain mornings greet you with crisp, invigorating air even in summer, making that first cup of coffee by the campfire especially rewarding. July and August bring perfect hiking weather with warm afternoons ideal for creek-side relaxation. Early and late season adventurers should pack warm layers, as May and September can surprise with snowflakes and frost-kissed mornings. The campground hibernates through winter, reopening when spring wildflowers begin their colorful display.
ElevationPerched at the perfect sweet spot where mountain meets valley, Parkside Campground offers the best of both worlds—easy access without the altitude challenges of higher elevations, yet close enough to the Beartooth peaks to feel their commanding presence and enjoy cooler temperatures than the valleys below.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering pines and shimmering aspens create a natural cathedral around your campsite, their leaves whispering ancient mountain secrets in the breeze. Rock Creek tumbles past with its endless mountain melody, while nearby Greenough Lake mirrors the sky and surrounding peaks in its pristine waters. This is prime wildlife country—keep your camera ready for magnificent elk grazing in meadows, deer tiptoeing through camp at dawn, and yes, even the occasional grizzly bear reminding you that this is still wonderfully wild country.
Geological RegionThe mighty Beartooth Mountains rise dramatically around Parkside, their ancient granite peaks telling a billion-year story of geological drama. This remarkable ecosystem seamlessly blends dense pine forests with groves of quaking aspens that turn brilliant gold each fall. Rock Creek has carved its path through these mountains for millennia, creating the perfect habitat for diverse wildlife. From majestic grizzly bears and bugling elk to graceful mule deer, the Beartooths remain one of the last intact ecosystems in the lower 48, offering campers a true wilderness experience.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible vault toilets, parking, trails, and three ADA-compliant campsites.
Sites SizeSite sizes vary significantly, with some large enough to accommodate RVs up to 40 feet, while others are smaller and better suited to tents.
Sites PrivacyCampsites offer varying degrees of privacy. Many sites are noted for being spacious and well-separated, though some reviewers mentioned intrusions by other campers walking through their sites.
Total Campsites50 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCreekside campsites in the upper loop offer the best views and proximity to Rock Creek.
Best CampsitesSites 6, 7, 8, 11, and 12 are popular for creekside locations and scenic views.

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in starts at 2 PM.
Check-out
Check-out required by 11 AM.
Stay Limit
Maximum 16 nights allowed.
Guests Allowed Per Site
  • Number of guests depends on site capacity
  • up to 50 guests allowed for group sites.
Groups
Two group sites are available: Parkside A accommodates up to 50 people, and Parkside B accommodates up to 25 people.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground is divided into upper and lower loops, with creekside sites available in upper loop.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 23 to September 11 annually for reservations. First-come, first-served season from September 12 to September 30.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability from September 12 to September 30. Not available for reservations.
Cancellation Policy$10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations incur forfeiture of the first night’s fee. No refunds for same-day cancellations.

Accomodation available

GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Parkside Campground offers a plethora of recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and mountain biking. The nearby Beartooth Wilderness and Greenough Lake provide additional outdoor experiences.
Hiking
Hiking options are abundant, with the Hellroaring and Lake Fork Trailheads offering access to the Beartooth Wilderness. The Parkside National Recreation Trail nearby is popular for both hiking and mountain biking.
Fishing
Fishing is a key activity, especially for rainbow trout in the Main Fork of Rock Creek and Greenough Lake. One user remarked, "Great fishing at Rock Creek above Red Lodge. The fish are always willing, if a little small."
Biking
Mountain biking is popular on the Parkside National Recreation Trail, which is accessible from the campground.
Boating
Greenough Lake, less than a mile away, permits canoeing and kayaking.
Wildlife viewing
The area's wildlife includes grizzly bears, deer, and elk. User reviews highlight sightings of a black bear within the campground, emphasizing the importance of bear-proof food storage.
Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned, though the campground's proximity to alpine trails suggests potential for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like canoeing and kayaking are supported at nearby Greenough Lake.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • Campfires are permitted within designated fire rings. Firewood must be purchased from the host.
  • Quiet hours are Noise must be kept to a minimum after 10 PM.

Hazards

General hazardsPresence of wildlife such as grizzly bears requires strict food storage policies. Seasonal flooding may occur, impacting certain sites.
Active alertsDue to flooding in June 2022, some sites and facilities may be under repair.

Weather forecast

24
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities

Humidity: 52%

Moderately humid conditions

Wind: 3 mph

Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities

Clear sky

7 day forecast

Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Emergency Services

Red Lodge Regional Hospital (12 miles away), local police in Red Lodge, and ranger stations nearby.

Good to know

Peak season datesMay 23 to September 11.
Trash and recyclingTrash disposal is managed at Greenough Lake Campground a mile away. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLocated on Rock Creek and near Greenough Lake, offering fishing and boating opportunities.
Common complaintsLimited potable water availability, small site sizes, and challenging reservation policies. Occasional noise from road traffic.
HostHosts are praised for their friendliness and maintenance of facilities. Firewood is available for purchase at $5 per bundle.

Campground Map

FOREST ROAD 2421A, RED LODGE, MT 59068, USA
Driving directionsFrom U.S. Highway 212, turn off at Rock Creek Road (Forest Road 2421). Go 0.3 miles to the campground entrance on the right.
Accessible via paved roads. Seasonal closures may occur based on weather; check with the campground for details.
Nearby places
Yellowstone Northeast Entrance (55 miles, approx. 2 hours drive via Beartooth Highway), Red Lodge (12 miles, approx. 20 minutes drive).
Nearby supplies
Grocery stores, fuel stations, and camping supplies are available in Red Lodge, approximately 12 miles away.

Camper Reviews

4.6
130 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Parkside is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Parkside Campground is highly regarded for its scenic beauty, spacious sites, and well-maintained facilities. Common praises include the clean vault toilets, helpful camp hosts, and the tranquil creek-side setting.
Review Summaries
Based on 130 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean and spacious sites, well-maintained vault toilets, scenic creek-side locations, friendly and attentive camp hosts, and proximity to hiking and fishing opportunities.
Based on 130 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users noted issues with the reservation system, occasional trash visibility, and flooding-related infrastructure damage. A few reviews mentioned minor inconveniences like uneven picnic tables or...
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Based on 130 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring all essentials as the nearest camp store is not within the campground. Arrive early for first-come, first-served sites, and adhere to bear-proof food storage rules. Check weather forecasts for...
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Based on 130 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with many reviews praising the campground's accessibility and natural beauty during this time. Late spring and early fall are quieter but may include snow or rain....
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Based on 130 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great camp site. Views galore and great facilities." - Thomas Armstrong "The vault toilets were clean and well-stocked." - Sherry Jennings "The host keeps the pit toilets immaculate, following COVID...
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Based on 130 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campground sites near the creek are particularly popular, with users highlighting sites 7, 8, and 13 as exceptional. Site 15 received mixed reviews due to its location at the loop entrance.
Based on 130 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground includes three ADA-compliant campsites and accessible vault toilets. Reviews from users with mobility concerns were positive, citing the ease of access.
Based on 130 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews regarding pet-related experiences were found.
Based on 130 reviews

Last updated November 24, 2025
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