Red Top Creek Campground

For Montanans who cherish the quiet solitude of the wilderness and the rare find of a free, well-maintained camping spot, Red Top Creek Campground near Troy is a delightful discovery. Tucked away in the expansive Kootenai National Forest, this small and private campground offers a truly authentic and tranquil outdoor experience. It's a place where the sounds of nature prevail, and the sense of getting away from it all is genuinely felt.

Red Top Creek Campground stands out for its simplicity and its incredible value. As a free campground, it embodies the spirit of accessible outdoor recreation that many Montanans value. While it provides basic amenities, it's designed for those who appreciate primitive camping and are self-sufficient. This overview will guide you through the essentials of Red Top Creek Campground, including its location, the services you can expect, its key features, and why it's a perfect fit for a peaceful local escape. Our aim is to provide comprehensive and factual information to help you plan your visit to this beloved, no-cost gem in Northwest Montana.

Red Top Creek Campground is situated in the scenic Kootenai National Forest, northwest of Troy, Montana. Its address is generally listed as Troy, MT 59935, USA. More precisely, it is located on Highway 508 (also known as Yaak Highway). The campground sits at an elevation of approximately 2,837 to 3,000 feet, offering comfortable summer temperatures for camping.

Accessing Red Top Creek Campground is straightforward for most vehicles. From the town of Troy, travel approximately 9.5 miles northwest on U.S. Highway 2 to the junction with Highway 508 (Yaak Highway). Turn northeast onto Highway 508 and follow it for about 16 to 17 miles to reach the campground entrance. The roads are generally well-maintained, making for a relatively smooth journey.

The campground's location, while providing a sense of remoteness and privacy, is also fairly close to the road, as noted by some reviewers. This means while you'll experience quiet, you'll still have relatively easy access to the main forest highway. The town of Troy is the closest community, where you can find essential services such as laundry, ice, and gas. For additional amenities like dump facilities and showers, the Kootenai River Campground, located on the west side of Troy (which charges a fee), can be utilized. This strategic balance of secluded camping with nearby conveniences makes Red Top Creek Campground a practical choice for Montanans looking for an authentic experience without venturing too far off the grid.

Red Top Creek Campground offers fundamental services, reflecting its primitive and free-of-charge nature. It provides just enough to make your stay comfortable while encouraging a self-reliant approach to camping.

Services Offered:

• Vault Toilet: A clean and maintained vault toilet is available on-site for camper use, providing a basic restroom facility.
• Campsites with Tables and Fire Rings: Each of the three campsites is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, ideal for outdoor cooking and gathering around a campfire.
• Free of Charge: One of the most significant services is that camping at Red Top Creek Campground is entirely free, making it an excellent budget-friendly option for locals.
• Pack In/Pack Out Policy: There is no developed water supply and no trash service. Campers are expected to bring all their own water and to pack out all trash, leaving no trace of their visit.
• First-Come, First-Served: All campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning reservations are not taken. This requires early arrival during popular times to secure a spot.
• Seasonal Management: The campground is typically managed from Memorial Day through Labor Day, but access may be available year-round, weather permitting.
• Stay Limit: A 16-day stay limit applies to all National Forest System lands, including this campground.

The lack of potable water means bringing your own supply is essential for drinking, cooking, and washing. Similarly, planning for waste disposal and adhering to Leave No Trace principles is crucial to maintaining the cleanliness and pristine nature of this site.

Red Top Creek Campground, despite its small size and primitive nature, boasts several features and highlights that make it particularly appealing to those seeking a specific type of Montana outdoor experience.

Features / Highlights:

• Small and Private: With only three campsites, the campground offers a sense of privacy and seclusion that is hard to find in larger, more developed areas. This intimate setting is ideal for those seeking true quiet.
• Free Camping: As one of the few free designated campgrounds in the region, it provides an incredible opportunity for budget-conscious adventurers to enjoy Montana's natural beauty without cost.
• Adjacent to Red Top Creek: The campground is located next to Red Top Creek, offering direct fishing access for anglers. The presence of the creek enhances the natural ambiance.
• Natural Forest Environment: Nestled within the Kootenai National Forest, the campground is surrounded by a natural forest environment, providing ample shade and a feeling of being immersed in nature.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The surrounding forest offers abundant opportunities for wildlife viewing, with various species native to Northwest Montana inhabiting the area.
• Limited Maneuvering Room for Trailers: While it accommodates RVs and trailers, the limited maneuvering room means it's best suited for smaller rigs (recommended maximum length of 24 feet). This helps maintain the small, private feel.
• Proximity to Yaak Valley: The campground's location on Highway 508 places it as a gateway to the wild and scenic Yaak Valley, offering further opportunities for backcountry exploration, hiking, and remote fishing.
• Accessible Yet Secluded: Despite being close to the highway, the small size and forested setting contribute to a feeling of being away from it all, making it a convenient escape.

These highlights make Red Top Creek Campground a unique and valuable resource for Montanans who prefer a rustic, free, and private camping experience, allowing for a genuine connection with the state's natural landscape.

As a small, primitive campground managed by the U.S. Forest Service and operating on a first-come, first-served basis, Red Top Creek Campground does not have a dedicated on-site contact or direct reservation line.

Address: Troy, MT 59935, USA (This is a general area address; use driving directions for precise location.)

Phone: (406) 295-4693 (This number connects to the Kootenai National Forest - Libby Ranger District, which oversees campgrounds in this area, including Red Top Creek. This is the primary contact for official information.)

Mobile Phone: While a specific mobile number for the campground is not provided, the Forest Service number above is the best contact point.

Since all sites are first-come, first-served, there are no reservations needed or accepted. It is always recommended to contact the Kootenai National Forest office or check their official website for the most current information regarding operational hours, road conditions, fire restrictions, water availability (or lack thereof), and any other alerts before planning your trip. Given its free and popular nature, arriving early, especially during peak season or holidays, is highly advisable to secure one of the limited spots.

For Montanans, Red Top Creek Campground represents an invaluable opportunity to experience the pristine beauty of their home state without any cost. Its location in Northwest Montana, nestled within the vast Kootenai National Forest, makes it an accessible and convenient option for a local getaway, allowing for more time enjoying nature and less time traveling.

The campground's small, private nature is a significant draw for those seeking true peace and quiet. Unlike larger, often bustling campgrounds, Red Top Creek offers a serene environment perfect for unwinding, reflecting, and immersing oneself in the sounds of the forest. The presence of a vault toilet, picnic tables, and fire rings provides just enough comfort for a rustic experience, encouraging a deeper connection with the outdoors.

Furthermore, its proximity to the Red Top Creek itself offers immediate fishing access, a beloved pastime for many locals. For the adventurous spirit, the campground serves as a gateway to exploring the wild Yaak Valley. While it requires campers to be self-sufficient (bringing their own water and packing out trash), this ethos resonates with the independent, responsible outdoor culture prevalent in Montana. Red Top Creek Campground is more than just a free place to stay; it's a hidden gem that embodies the authentic, untamed spirit of Montana's wilderness, making it an ideal choice for any local seeking a quiet, budget-friendly, and truly Montanan camping adventure.

Red Top Creek Campground

Troy, MT 59935, USA