Balanced Rock Campground
The campground operates seasonally, typically late May through September depending on snow conditions. High elevation access road may be snow-covered into early summer. No cell phone coverage in the area.
Red Flag Warning issued August 10 at 6:45PM MDT until August 11 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Missoula MT
...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 9 PM MDT TUESDAY DUE TO WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR DEERLODGE/WEST BEAVERHEAD AND EAST BEAVERHEAD... The National Weather Service in Missoula MT has issued a Red Flag Warning. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 110 and 111. * TIMING...From noon to 9 PM MDT Tuesday. * WINDS...West winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Relative Humidity between 12 to 25 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
Air Quality Alert issued August 10 at 7:30AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Broadwater, Deer Lodge, Flathead, Gallatin, Granite, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Mineral, Missoula, Park, Powell, Ravalli, Silver Bow, Sweet Grass, Sanders, Yellowstone counties in effect until 9AM on 08/11/2026 An Air Quality Alert means that particulates have been trending upwards and that an exceedance of the 24 hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) has occurred or may occur in the near future. Elevated particulate levels from wildfire smoke As of 7AM on 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Columbia Falls, Frenchtown, Libby and Missoula are Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Dillon, Great Falls, Helena and Thompson Falls are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 7AM on 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Butte, Cut Bank, Hamilton, Lewistown and Sleeping Giant are Moderate. When air quality is Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid prolonged exertion; everyone else should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Moderate... State and local health officials recommend that unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. For more information visit the Montana Department of Environmental Quality at http://todaysair.mtdeq.us
Northern Region Camping & Target Restrictions, Pallet Prohibition
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within the states of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Idaho
About
Balanced Rock Campground is a high-elevation developed campground situated near Branham Lakes in the scenic Tobacco Root Mountains of southwestern Montana. Part of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, this primitive campground offers a quiet mountain setting for tent campers and those with high-clearance vehicles willing to navigate the challenging access road. The campground features 5 sites with vault toilets but no potable water, so campers must bring their own supply. There is no fee to camp here. The access road from Sheridan via Mill Creek Road is not recommended for trailers due to its rough, unmaintained condition, making this best suited for tent camping or truck camping with high clearance. Nearby Branham Lakes can be accessed from Mill Creek Road a few miles east of the campground, offering fishing and hiking opportunities. Cell phone coverage is not available in this area, and the high elevation means snow can limit access well into spring. The campground typically operates from late May through September, depending on snow conditions.
Directions
From Sheridan, MT, go east on Mill Creek Road for 9 miles. The campground will be on the right. This road is not recommended for trailers.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 682-4253 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF Alerts | |
| Madison Ranger District |
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!