SHERIDAN

For Montanans, the open road and the promise of a peaceful outdoor retreat are part of our state's core identity. The area around Red Lodge, particularly the scenic Beartooth Highway, offers some of the most spectacular landscapes in the country. Tucked away on a side road off this iconic route, Sheridan Campground provides a quiet, rustic, and authentic camping experience. It’s a place that captures the essence of Montana—untamed, beautiful, and a little off the beaten path. This isn't a modern, full-service RV park, but a classic national forest campground that invites you to slow down and appreciate the natural world around you.

This article is designed to be a clear and factual guide for local Montanans considering a trip to Sheridan Campground. We will provide a balanced overview, incorporating real-world feedback from visitors to help you set the right expectations. As one reviewer noted, the road to the campground is a key factor, and while it might be "atrocious" for some larger RVs, it’s a manageable journey for others and part of the trade-off for a more secluded site. The site's location, just 1.5 miles off Highway 212, makes it a convenient stop, yet far enough away to feel like a genuine escape.

The campground itself is a true gem for those who appreciate simplicity. It's a place where you can pitch a tent or park a smaller RV, light a fire in the provided fire pit, and listen to the sounds of nature. As a review mentions, while the road can be a challenge for certain vehicles, the sites themselves are "nice" and can accommodate a 24-ft RV. The fact that the campground is dog-friendly is a major plus for many Montanans who love to bring their four-legged companions on their adventures. This blend of a rustic setting with essential amenities and a welcoming attitude towards pets makes it a very appealing option for a wide range of campers.

The surrounding area offers a world of adventure. The Main Fork of Rock Creek, which runs nearby, is a fantastic spot for fishing. The campground is also a gateway to the Beartooth Highway, providing easy access to some of the most breathtaking hiking trails and scenic overlooks in the state. From Sheridan Campground, you can embark on a day trip to Yellowstone National Park or simply spend your days exploring the local trails and rivers. The campground’s simple nature encourages you to get out and explore, making it a perfect basecamp for a multi-day trip.

A critical piece of information for any potential visitor is the state of the access road. As a reviewer's experience highlights, it's a "mostly one lane road full of potholes." This is a crucial detail that informs the type of vehicle that is best suited for this campground. While a Class C RV might find the journey difficult, a tent camper or a smaller RV owner might find the road perfectly manageable and a worthwhile trade-off for a more secluded spot. This is the kind of practical, on-the-ground information that helps locals plan a successful and stress-free trip, ensuring they make the right decision for their equipment and their camping style.

Sheridan Campground is located at 2379 East Side Rd, Red Lodge, MT 59068, USA. It is situated approximately 1.5 miles off the main Beartooth Highway (US-212) on a road that can be challenging for larger vehicles. The campground is about 7 miles south of the town of Red Lodge. While the road has potholes and can be narrow, it leads to a beautiful, secluded setting that is a perfect base for exploring the area. The campground is nestled in the Custer Gallatin National Forest, on the banks of the Main Fork of Rock Creek.

The campground's remoteness is part of its charm. It provides a sense of peace and tranquility that is often hard to find at more easily accessible campgrounds. The on-site parking at each of the designated campsites makes it convenient for campers to set up their gear. For those with larger RVs, it is wise to heed the advice of a reviewer and check the road conditions before attempting to drive a large vehicle to the site. The nearby Riverside Campground, as mentioned in a review, might be a more suitable alternative for larger RVs as it is on a paved road.

Sheridan Campground is a rustic and basic camping site, providing essential services for a comfortable stay in a natural setting.

• Public restrooms: The campground provides vault toilets, which are a clean and basic amenity for campers.
• Running water: There is running water available from a hand pump, but campers should bring a bucket to collect it as there is no hose adapter.
• Tent sites: The campground is perfect for tent camping, with plenty of sites available for setting up.
• On-site parking: Each campsite has a designated parking area for a vehicle, a convenient feature for all campers.
• Dogs allowed: The campground is dog-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry friend along for the adventure.

It is important to note that the amenities are basic, and campers should be prepared to be self-sufficient. There are no electric or water hookups, so it is best suited for those with a tent or a small, self-contained RV.

The highlights of Sheridan Campground are its natural setting and its proximity to a wide range of outdoor activities.

• Peaceful and secluded atmosphere: The campground's location on a side road makes it a quiet and peaceful retreat, ideal for those seeking solitude and a break from crowds.
• Proximity to Beartooth Highway: The campground is a fantastic base for exploring the scenic Beartooth Highway, one of the most famous drives in America.
• Fishing access: The campground's location on the banks of the Main Fork of Rock Creek provides easy access for anglers looking to catch rainbow trout.
• Dog-friendly: For Montanans who love to bring their dogs on their adventures, this is a major highlight, as your pet is welcome to join you.
• Access to Red Lodge: The campground is just a short drive from the charming town of Red Lodge, which offers a variety of dining, shopping, and events.

For reservations and up-to-date information on Sheridan Campground, it is best to contact the Custer Gallatin National Forest office or the recreation management company.

Address: 2379 East Side Rd, Red Lodge, MT 59068, USA

Phone: (928) 537-8888. This is a contact number for the administering organization, which is a great resource for current information on the campground. Reservations are often made through recreation.gov, but calling is a good idea to check on road conditions and site availability.

For a Montanan, choosing Sheridan Campground is about prioritizing an authentic outdoor experience over modern conveniences. It is not for everyone, particularly those with large RVs who need a paved road and full hookups. But for tent campers, small RV owners, and anyone who appreciates a peaceful, no-frills setting, it is a perfect choice. The reviewer's experience, while a warning for large RVs, is a testament to the fact that this campground is a secluded spot that is a reward for those who make the effort to get there. The fact that the site they secured was "a nice spot" and could accommodate their RV shows that the effort is worthwhile.

The affordability and the ability to bring your dog are also key factors that make this campground a valuable resource. It provides a practical and accessible way to enjoy the incredible beauty of the Beartooth region. It is a place where you can feel truly immersed in nature, surrounded by trees and the sound of a creek, without having to travel into a deep, remote wilderness. Sheridan Campground is a reminder of the simple pleasures of camping in Montana—a place to set up a tent, build a fire, and simply enjoy the company of friends, family, and your dog in a beautiful and tranquil setting. For that reason alone, it is a truly worthwhile and cherished destination for any local looking for a peaceful escape.

SHERIDAN

2379 East Side Rd, Red Lodge, MT 59068, USA