Cascade Campground

For Montanans and those who love our state's wilderness, the area around Red Lodge is a true gem. Nestled in the Custer Gallatin National Forest, it offers a wealth of outdoor opportunities that are both breathtaking and easily accessible. Among its many camping options, Cascade Campground stands out as a prime destination for those seeking a balance of natural beauty and essential amenities. This article is your comprehensive guide, designed to provide a factual and engaging overview of what makes this campground a fantastic choice for your next adventure.

Cascade Campground is more than just a place to set up a tent; it’s a gateway to some of the most beautiful surroundings in Montana. Its location along the West Fork of Rock Creek provides a serene backdrop for a variety of activities, from quiet fishing to family-friendly hikes. We understand that finding a campsite that meets everyone's needs, from the seasoned hiker to the youngest explorer, is important. Cascade Campground is well-equipped to do just that, offering a peaceful and scenic environment with practical amenities. Our goal is to present a clear, honest, and helpful overview based on available public data and real customer feedback, ensuring you are well-prepared for your trip.

This guide will walk you through the specifics of Cascade Campground, including its location, services, and unique highlights. We’ll also touch on practical considerations like camping fees and pet policies. Whether you’re planning a solo fishing trip or a family camping getaway, this article will help you decide if Cascade Campground is the perfect spot for you. Get ready to immerse yourself in the natural splendor of the Red Lodge area.

Location and Accessibility

Cascade Campground is located about 11 miles west of Red Lodge, Montana, with the address listed as W Fork Rd, Red Lodge, MT 59068, USA. It is situated along Forest Road 2071, which is the West Fork Road. This road is paved for most of the way, making the campground easily accessible for most vehicles, including RVs and trailers, although one reviewer noted that a dirt section can be a bit rough and advised going slow. This location places it in the stunning Beartooth Mountains, with convenient access to the town of Red Lodge and the world-famous Beartooth Highway.

The campground offers on-site parking, which is a key convenience for campers. Each site has a dedicated parking space, allowing you to keep your vehicle close by while you set up camp. This makes unloading and packing up much simpler. The proximity to the West Fork of Rock Creek is a major draw, offering direct access to the stream. While some campsites are very close to the river, others are set back, providing a variety of options depending on your preference.

Services Offered

Cascade Campground provides a range of essential services to ensure a comfortable stay in a rustic setting.

• Tent Sites: The campground is a great option for tent campers, with sites that are often large and private, offering a true sense of seclusion.
• Public Restroom: The campground provides public restrooms, which are noted to be pit toilets but are kept clean. This is an essential amenity for any camper.
• On-site Parking: Dedicated parking is available at each site, simplifying the logistics of your stay.
• Dogs Allowed: Pets are permitted, allowing you to bring your four-legged friends along for the adventure. It's always a good idea to keep them on a leash and follow all posted regulations.
• Camping Fee: There is a fee for camping, which is typical for National Forest campgrounds. The fee is payable at a self-service station, and sometimes with the assistance of a campground host.

Features / Highlights

Cascade Campground shines with features that truly highlight the beauty and adventure of the Red Lodge area.

• Beautiful Surroundings and River Access: The campground is celebrated for its beautiful surroundings and its location "very near the West Fork Rock Creek." This proximity offers not only picturesque views but also the calming sound of the running water and direct access for fishing.
• Bear-Resistant Food Storage Bins: An important feature of this campground is the inclusion of bear-resistant metal food storage bins at the campsites. This is a critical safety feature in a region with active bear populations and demonstrates the campground's commitment to guest safety. Campers are strongly encouraged to use these bins for all food and scented items.
• Kid-Friendly Environment and Activities: The campground is noted as being "good for kids" with "kid-friendly hikes." The West Fork Rock Creek is a small, manageable mountain stream, perfect for children to explore and learn to fish for the small brook trout that inhabit it. The natural environment provides an excellent setting for family activities.
• Excellent Fishing: For anglers, the campground's location on the West Fork of Rock Creek is a major highlight. Reviewers note that the stream is home to small but feisty brook trout, which are a lot of fun to catch on dry flies. This makes it an ideal spot for both experienced and novice fishermen.
• Friendly Campground Host: One review mentioned a friendly and helpful campground host, which can significantly enhance the camping experience by providing a sense of community and security.

Contact Information

For general inquiries, the provided phone number is (928) 537-8888. However, as this is a National Forest campground, specific information on things like reservations, site availability, and current conditions might also be found through the Custer Gallatin National Forest’s official website or by calling the Beartooth Ranger District office. The physical address is W Fork Rd, Red Lodge, MT 59068, USA. It is always best to check multiple sources to ensure you have the most up-to-date information before you travel.

What is worth choosing

Choosing Cascade Campground is a decision to embrace the authentic, natural beauty of Montana's mountain country. Its most compelling feature is its direct connection to the West Fork of Rock Creek, which provides a serene and beautiful environment that is perfect for those who love the sound of a running stream. For anglers, the proximity to a stream filled with trout is a major draw, making it a perfect base camp for a fishing trip. The campground's family-friendly nature, with kid-friendly hikes and a safe environment, makes it an excellent choice for a family getaway, allowing children to connect with nature in a meaningful way.

Additionally, the presence of bear-resistant food storage bins demonstrates a serious commitment to camper safety, which is a crucial consideration in this part of Montana. This practical amenity, combined with the cleanliness of the facilities and the beautiful, wooded surroundings, makes for a comfortable and secure experience. While it is not a luxury RV resort, the trade-off is a genuine, peaceful, and secluded camping experience. If you are looking for a campground near Red Lodge that offers stunning views, direct access to a great fishing stream, and a perfect environment for both quiet reflection and family fun, Cascade Campground is an exceptional and highly recommended choice.

Cascade Campground

W Fork Rd, Red Lodge, MT 59068, USA