Racetrack Campground
Closed — Closed for the winter season. Open seasonally May through September, weather permitting.
R1-2024-01 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.
R1-2025-01 Camping stay limits & prohibitions on pallets and refuse use for target shooting
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within all national forests in Montana, and the Dakota Prairie National Grasslands, Idaho Panhandle and Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests.
R1-2023-02 - NCDE Food and Wildlife Attractant Storage Order
Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem Food/Wildlife Attractant Storage Order for the Flathead, Lolo, Kootenai, Helena-Lewis and Clark, and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests within the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem.
R1-2023-01 Northern Region Camping Restrictions
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, and South Dakota.
R1-2025-02 Use of Vehicles Off Road
Use of vehicles off road prohibition for the Nez-Perce Clearwater and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests and Dakota Prairie Grasslands.
Use of Vehicles Off Road
Possessing or using a vehicle off National Forest System Roads is prohibited on all National Forest System lands on the Nez-Perce Clearwater and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests and Dakota Prairie Grasslands.
Madison Ranger District 8325A and 8325B Roads Closure
U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest ServiceBeaverhead-Deerlodge National ForestMadison Ranger District
Road/Trail Prohibitions, Off-Road Prohibitions in Recommended Wilderness Areas
This order describes the off-road prohibitions in Recommended Wilderness.
Annual Food Storage Order
Food storage order is in effect annually from March 1 to December 1 on the National Forest System (NFS) lands within the Beaverhead- Deerlodge and Bitterroot National Forests.
Pallet Prohibition Order Butte Ranger District
The following is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Butte Ranger District, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest: possessing or storing any material containing nails, screws, or other metal hardware, including wood pallets and construction debris, that could be used as fir
Thompson Park Area Closure for Camping and Fires
The purpose of this Order is to provide for public health and safety and resource protection resulting from high levels of undeveloped (dispersed) camping in the area.
Elkhorn Mill and Mine Area Closure
The purpose of this Order is for public safety. The mill site is unstable with heavy metals in the soil and the audit area is flooded with falling rock at the portal entrance.
About
Located in the Pintler Ranger District of Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Racetrack Campground offers 13 first-come, first-served campsites nestled among mixed conifers along the banks of Racetrack Creek. The campground sits at 5,400 feet elevation and provides a private, natural setting with some sites adjacent to an open meadow offering valley and hillside views. The area is popular for trout fishing in Racetrack Creek and nearby mountain lakes. Multiple trails provide access to the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness, which covers nearly 250 square miles along the Continental Divide. OHV enthusiasts will find various trails, though some are restricted to 50-inch or less vehicles. The Pozega Lakes trailhead is located about 6.5 miles beyond the campground, accessible by high-clearance vehicles. Note that Racetrack Road beyond the campground becomes extremely rough and rutted, requiring trucks or SUVs with high clearance. Wildlife in the area includes elk, moose, deer, mountain lions, and both grizzly and black bears. Campers must follow forest-wide food storage orders. The campground has no garbage service, so visitors must pack out all trash. Sites include picnic tables and fire pits. Payment may be made via cash, check, or by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app at the campground.
Directions
From Deer Lodge, travel east on Interstate 90 and take Exit 197 toward Galen Road. Turn right onto Galen Road and travel 3 miles, then turn right onto Willow Road. In 1 mile turn left onto Bowman Road (which 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 will be on your left. Note: High clearance vehicles required beyond the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 22ft |
| 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 |
Availability
Photos
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