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.
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
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
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!