Initial Creek Campground

About

Initial Creek Campground is a free, primitive campground nestled in the Custer Gallatin National Forest on the West Fork Stillwater Road. The campground provides access to the West Fork Stillwater Trail (#90), making it an ideal basecamp for backcountry exploration in the Beartooth Range. With just 6 sites available on a first-come first-served basis, the campground fills quickly on summer weekends and holidays. The campground operates year-round but is only maintained from Memorial Day through Labor Day. During this period, vault toilets are available and some sites feature bear-resistant food storage lockers. No potable water is provided, so campers must bring their own supply. Trash service is not available; all waste must be packed out. Access requires navigating the West Fork Stillwater Road (FR 2846), a rough road where high clearance vehicles are advised. The maximum trailer length is 20 feet due to site constraints. In the off-season, the road is not plowed and no services are provided, though camping remains permitted for those who can reach the site.

Directions

From Red Lodge, drive north on US Hwy 212 for 2.1 miles. Turn left onto MT-78 and drive 30 miles. Turn left onto MT-419 towards Fishtail and drive through Nye for 25.9 miles total. Immediately after the Stillwater Mine, turn right onto West Fork Stillwater Road (FR 2846) and drive 7.8 miles to the campground. High clearance vehicle advised.