Racetrack Campground

Creek access and mature evergreen cover make Racetrack Campground a solid base for forest exploration. This USDA Forest Service campground sits along a small creek within Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, offering 13 sites spread well apart from each other.

The gravel access road extends roughly 10 miles from the interstate, winding past private property before reaching the forest boundary. Sites feature metal fire rings and picnic tables, with vault toilets at two locations serving the campground. Water comes from a hand pump system. Most sites provide level ground for tents alongside the creek, though RVs are limited to 22 feet maximum length.

Dexter I. notes the campground "sits in very large mature evergreens along a small creek." Cell service remains spotty throughout the area, with campers reporting difficulty accessing online payment systems on-site. The fee structure requires exact change or payment upon departure when signal returns.

Campers consistently mention the spaced-out site layout and creek proximity in reviews. Bear-proofing measures are necessary given the Montana location. For regional access, visitors commonly stage from campgrounds around Deer Lodge before heading into the forest. The campground works well for those seeking creek-side camping with room to spread out.

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Location

Public Campground

Racetrack Campground is located in Montana

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Deer Lodge, MT, take Interstate 90 (Business) south 0.9 miles to Interstate 90. Continue onto Interstate 90 east 6.9 miles to Racetrack exit ( Exit 195). At the end of exit ramp, turn right and go 1 mile to "T" intersection. Turn left at intersection onto "Yellowstone TR" (a dirt road) and go 0.8 miles to another "T" intersection and campground sign. Turn right at sign and go 9.3 miles, following campground signs, to Racetrack Campground sign. Turn left into campground.

Coordinates

46.28248599 N
112.93449997 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Picnic Table
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Racetrack Campground needs a permit.

Drive Time


Reviews

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5.0

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4 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned the spacious, private creek-side sites surrounded by mature evergreens. Basic facilities and peaceful atmosphere were highlights, though payment requires exact change or post-visit due to no cell service.

Reviewed Jul. 18, 2024

Very secluded

So the road is gravel and pretty far with private property signs on both sides til you get there. Directions take you there with no problem. Two bathroom locations and spots along the creek. No wildlife while we was there. A few other campers but all spaced apart well so it was secluded. It is 15$ and you have a QR code to scan to pay, however there is ZERO signal there to get online to pay so we paid once we left and got back into town for the night we stayed.

Sitesite 6
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Racetrack Campground by Aly V., July 18, 2024
  • Review photo of Racetrack Campground by Aly V., July 18, 2024
  • Review photo of Racetrack Campground by Aly V., July 18, 2024
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Jul. 7, 2024

Gem

Great sites by a stream,,,just beautiful.

Site6
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Racetrack Campground by Kevin , July 7, 2024
Reviewed Aug. 9, 2022

Stunningly beautiful!

This place is very well worth the 10 mile trek from I90. It's a NFS campground so fees apply, and bring correct change. The roaring creek and tall hill make the area private and the sites are also private. Gorgeous in every respect if you're in to nature. It's Montana, so bearproofing is necessary. 3 out of 10 sites were occupied mid-week in August.

Site3
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Racetrack Campground by Jen T., August 9, 2022
  • Review photo of Racetrack Campground by Jen T., August 9, 2022
Reviewed Nov. 26, 2021

Hidden gem in the mountains

Racetrack campground is a hidden gem of a campground tucked just in side the Forest Service boundary.  This 13 site campground has large roomy sites well spread out from each other.  Plenty of level ground to place a tent(s) at every site.  Two vault toilets serve this campground.  Each site has a metal fire ring (first sit is a rock ring) and picnic table.  Water is provided from a hand pump.  No trash service so be prepared.  A few of $15 is planned to go in to effect in 2022.  Campground sits in very large mature evergreens along a small creek.

Site1
Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Racetrack Campground by Dexter I., November 26, 2021
  • Review photo of Racetrack Campground by Dexter I., November 26, 2021
  • Review photo of Racetrack Campground by Dexter I., November 26, 2021
  • (11) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Racetrack Campground located in Montana?

Racetrack Campground is located just inside the Forest Service boundary in Montana, approximately 10-15 miles from Interstate 90. The campground is accessed via a gravel road that passes through private property (with signs indicating this) before reaching the public forest land. While relatively secluded, it's within reasonable driving distance of Deer Lodge. The campground sits beside a creek and is nestled against a tall hill, creating a private, natural setting.

What amenities are available at Racetrack Campground?

Racetrack Campground offers 13 spacious, well-spread-out sites with plenty of level ground for tent placement. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Two vault toilets serve the campground. A beautiful roaring creek runs alongside the campground, providing both scenery and ambient sound. As a National Forest Service campground, fees apply, so be prepared to bring correct change. The campground is designed for a natural experience, so expect basic amenities focused on connecting with the outdoors.

Can you stay in cabins at Racetrack Campground?

No, there are no cabins available at Racetrack Campground. This National Forest Service campground offers traditional camping sites designed for tents and possibly RVs, but does not feature cabin accommodations. Visitors should come prepared with their own camping equipment. The campground focuses on a more rustic, natural camping experience with sites that provide level ground for tent setup.

What activities can you do at Racetrack Lake near the campground?

The primary water feature near Racetrack Campground is a roaring creek rather than Racetrack Lake itself. This creek provides opportunities for wading, fishing, and enjoying the peaceful sounds of flowing water. The surrounding area offers excellent opportunities for hiking, nature photography, wildlife watching, and forest exploration. The natural setting with tall hills nearby creates a perfect backdrop for outdoor recreation. For visitors interested in specific lake activities, it's advisable to check with the Forest Service for more information about Racetrack Lake's proximity and accessibility from the campground.