Perched at 9,500 feet elevation, this small Forest Service campground sits beside pristine Island Lake with dramatic granite peaks rising all around. Twenty sites accommodate tents and smaller RVs, though the narrow mountain road limits access to rigs under 30 feet. Cold nights are guaranteed even in summer, and snow can hit any month of the year.
Access via a rough 2-mile spur off Beartooth Highway — high-clearance recommended for the rocky, rutted final stretch. Open roughly July through September depending on snowpack. No water service, so bring your own or filter from the lake.
Alpine camping beside pristine mountain lake.
Place Details
| Type | Established Campground |
|---|---|
| Street address | 1 East 11th Street, Red Lodge, Montana 59068 Get directions → |
| Elevation (ft) | 9500 ft |
| Nearest town | Red Lodge, Montana |
| Miles from pavement | 2.1 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Access road surface | Rough dirt |
| Cell service | None |
| Capacity (# of rigs) | 20 rigs |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | $15.00 / night |
| Reservation required | No |
| Stay limit (nights) | 14 nights |
| Best season | July-September |
| Land manager | USFS |
| Permit required | No |
| Amenities | Fire ring, Picnic table, Toilets |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |