Open
— Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground is maintained from Memorial Day through Labor Day. During the off-season, roads are not plowed, the campground is not maintained, and no services are available. High-clearance vehicles recommended.
About
Initial Creek Campground offers a rustic camping experience in the Custer Gallatin National Forest, situated along the West Fork Stillwater Road near the West Fork Stillwater Trail. This small campground features 6 sites that can accommodate trailers up to 20 feet, making it ideal for tent campers and those with smaller RVs. Some sites are equipped with bear-resistant food storage lockers, essential in this remote wilderness setting.
The campground is free and operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. During the maintained season from Memorial Day through Labor Day, the campground provides vault toilets, but no drinking water or trash pickup is available year-round. The access road is rough and requires high-clearance vehicles.
Located approximately 55 miles west of Red Lodge, the campground provides access to the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness and serves hikers, anglers, and those seeking a quiet mountain retreat. Campers must pack out all trash and are subject to a 16-day stay limit.
Directions
From Red Lodge, drive north on US Highway 212 for 2.1 miles. Turn left onto Montana Highway 78 and drive 30 miles. Turn left onto Montana Highway 419 towards Fishtail and continue through Nye for 25.9 miles total. Immediately after the Stillwater Mine, turn right onto West Fork Stillwater Road (Forest Road 2846) and drive 7.8 miles to the campground. High-clearance vehicles advised due to rough road conditions.
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