Sheridan Campground

For Montana locals seeking the quintessential mountain camping experience, Sheridan Campground offers a perfect retreat. Nestled in the Custer Gallatin National Forest, this small but highly coveted campground is a jewel of the Beartooth Ranger District. Unlike some larger, commercial sites, Sheridan provides a genuine, rustic forest environment where the sound of the nearby Rock Creek and the shadow of the majestic Beartooth Range define your stay. It’s an ideal spot for those looking to disconnect and immerse themselves in the 'Last Best Place,' providing a convenient base camp for exploring the famed Beartooth Highway.

Sheridan Campground is administered by the U.S. Forest Service, maintaining a standard of clean, accessible, and well-managed public land for single-family camping. It features only nine campsites, which ensures a quiet, intimate atmosphere far removed from the hustle of more developed areas. The campground is seasonally open, typically from mid-May through Labor Day, perfectly aligning with the short but spectacular Montana summer and fall access window for this high-elevation region.

The spirit of this campground is about adventure and preservation. Campers are expected to follow Leave No Trace principles and be bear-aware, as the area is prime habitat for wildlife including grizzly bears, elk, and deer. This site is a favored location among experienced anglers and hikers who value proximity to world-class recreation over luxury amenities.

Sheridan Campground’s location is arguably its most significant selling point for local Montanans: it provides quick, easy access to one of the state's most iconic natural attractions—the Beartooth Mountains and the Beartooth Highway (U.S. Highway 212).

The campground is situated in southern Montana, approximately seven to ten miles south of the historic, charming gateway town of Red Lodge. The driving directions are straightforward:

• Primary Route: The campground is just a short drive off the scenic Beartooth Highway (U.S. Highway 212).
• Local Access: From U.S. 212, turn onto Eastside Road and proceed a couple of miles to the entrance. It is located on the banks of the Main Fork of Rock Creek.

While the official address provided, '9 Goshawk Ln, Thompson Falls, MT 59873, USA,' appears to be an error or a mislabeling in public mapping data, all known official and recreational resources firmly place the actual Sheridan Campground in the Custer Gallatin National Forest near Red Lodge, MT. For local users, the location is best understood by its proximity to Red Lodge and the Beartooth Pass entrance.

• Elevation: Located at approximately 6,300 feet, providing cool temperatures and mountain air.
• Vehicle Limitations: Sites can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs, but the size limit is generally restricted to 30 feet in length due to the tight turnaround within the small campground loop.
• Nearest Town: Red Lodge, which is only about a 10-minute drive away, offering restaurants, galleries, shops, and supplies.

Sheridan Campground maintains a balance of rustic outdoor living and necessary conveniences typical of a U.S. Forest Service site. The services focus on essential needs for a comfortable stay while preserving the natural environment.

Key services available to campers include:

• Potable Drinking Water: Essential for cooking and drinking, provided via a shared water pump.
• Vault Toilets: Clean and regularly maintained accessible vault toilet facilities are available on-site.
• Camp Host: The campground shares a camp host with the nearby Rattin Campground, who is available to assist campers and manage the facilities.
• Trash Collection: Bear-resistant trash receptacles are provided to ensure a safe and clean environment.
• Reservation System: Campsites are available for reservation online via Recreation.gov, though one or two sites may sometimes be available for first-come, first-served use.
• Firewood: While not sold directly at Sheridan, firewood can typically be purchased from the camp host at the nearby Rattin Campground.

Please note that this is a rustic forest campground; therefore, services such as electrical hookups, flush toilets, and showers are not available. Campers should plan to be self-sufficient and prepared for minimal amenity camping.

The features of Sheridan Campground center entirely on its stunning natural environment and its access to unparalleled outdoor recreation. It truly represents the best of Montana's mountain landscape.

Notable features and highlights include:

• Rock Creek Access: The campground is set directly on the banks of the Main Fork of Rock Creek, famous statewide for its excellent fly fishing opportunities, particularly for rainbow trout.
• Beartooth Highway Gateway: It provides an ideal starting point for a day trip on the renowned Beartooth Highway, often cited as "the most beautiful drive in America," which leads toward the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park.
• Individual Site Amenities: Each of the nine single-family campsites comes equipped with a picnic table, a campfire ring with a grill, and a steel, bear-proof food storage locker, a critical safety feature in this area.
• Trail Access: Sheridan is perfectly situated near major trailheads, providing access to the vast Beartooth Wilderness Area, including the Hellroaring and Lake Fork trailheads. The Parkside National Recreation Trail is also nearby for hiking and mountain biking.
• Spectacular Scenery: The campground is nestled in a shady forest of aspen and pine, sitting directly in the shadow of the rugged Beartooth Range, offering inspiring views and a deep sense of mountain solitude.
• Wildlife Viewing: The surrounding forest is home to a variety of wildlife, giving campers the opportunity to spot deer, elk, and occasionally, other forest creatures.

For current conditions, reservations, or specific information regarding Sheridan Campground, it is best to contact the managing authority for the Custer Gallatin National Forest or use the national reservation platform.

• Address (General Area): East Side Road, Red Lodge, MT 59068 (This is the functional address for the area, not the mislabeled one provided).
• Managing Authority: Beartooth Ranger District, Custer Gallatin National Forest.
• Phone (General Inquiries): For facility-specific information, you may need to call the general Custer Gallatin National Forest information line. Specific phone numbers related to the concessionaire may change, but the local Ranger District is the consistent source.
• Reservations: Campsites should be reserved well in advance, particularly during the peak summer season, through the national reservation system at Recreation.gov.

Sheridan Campground is worth choosing for the local Montanan looking for authentic mountain solitude and direct access to high-country adventure. You choose Sheridan because you prioritize the unspoiled beauty of a national forest setting over the amenities of a private RV park.

It's the perfect choice if you are: an angler seeking world-class trout fishing right outside your tent, a hiker preparing to tackle the trails of the Beartooth Wilderness, or a tourist planning to drive the breathtaking Beartooth Highway. The small number of sites and the absence of full hookups help to ensure a quieter, more immersive experience. By choosing Sheridan, you are choosing a slice of protected Montana wilderness, supported by the U.S. Forest Service, making it a valuable and beloved part of the state's outdoor heritage.

Sheridan Campground

9 Goshawk Ln, Thompson Falls, MT 59873, USA