Racetrack Campground
The campground opens for the 2026 season on May 23. Operating season runs late May through mid-November, weather permitting. First-come-first-served only with no advance reservations. A forest-wide food storage order is in effect due to bear activity.
Flood Watch issued July 1 at 10:15AM MDT until July 2 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Missoula MT
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...A portion of west central Montana, including the following areas, Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains, Butte/Blackfoot Region and Missoula/Bitterroot Valleys. This includes the following Specific Areas... Missoula, Butte, Frontage Road from Bearmouth to Drummond, West Valley near Anaconda, Philipsburg, Eds Gulch in Drummond, New Chicago area just east of Drummond, Johnson Fire Burn Area, Daly Fire Burn Area and Sharrott Fire Burn Area. * WHEN...Through this evening. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Slow moving thunderstorm producing heavy rain. - https://www.weather.gov/mso/hydrology
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
Weed Free Forage & Mulch Products Order for the Northern Region
It is illegal to possess, store or transport straw, hay, grain, seed or other forage or mulch products on Forest Service lands without documentation that the product is certified as “weed free” by a state certification process that meets or exceeds the North American Weed Free Forage standards.
About
Racetrack Campground is a rustic 13-site campground located along Racetrack Creek in the Pintler Ranger District of Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, approximately 11 miles south of Deer Lodge. The sites are set amid mixed conifers with an open understory providing ample shade, while some sites sit adjacent to an open meadow with views of the surrounding valley and hillsides. Trout fishing is popular in Racetrack Creek and the nearby mountain lakes, which require hiking, mountain biking, or OHV access. The Pozega Lakes trailhead is about 6.5 miles beyond the campground via a rough road requiring high-clearance vehicles. Numerous trails lead into the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness, covering nearly 250 square miles along the Continental Divide. Bears (both grizzly and black) are prevalent in the area, and a forest-wide food storage order is in effect. Bear-resistant storage lockers are provided at sites. Campers should note there is no garbage service; pack out all trash. The road beyond the campground becomes extremely rough with large rocks, suitable only for high-clearance vehicles.
Directions
From Deer Lodge, travel east on I-90 and take Exit 197 (Galen) toward Galen Road. Turn right (west) onto Galen Road, travel 3 miles, then turn right onto Willow Road. In 1 mile turn left onto Bowman Road (becomes Modesty Creek Road). In 2.3 miles make a slight right onto Racetrack Road/County Road 1592. Travel 4 miles and the campground entrance is on the left.
Location
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | 22ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 859-3211 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov | |
| USFS Racetrack Campground |
Availability
Photos
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