Racetrack Campground (MT)

Overview Racetrack Campground is located in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest in southwest Montana. The campground's 13 campsites are set amid mixed conifers along the banks of Racetrack Creek. The camping fee is $15 per night.

This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.

Recreation The area offers opportunities for exploration, relaxation, and enjoying the natural environment.  

Trout fishing is popular in Racetrack Creek, and in the mountain lakes in the vicinity. Hunting is also popular in the area. Access to the lakes requires hiking, mountain biking, or riding an OHV. Visitors must have Montana licenses to hunt or fish.

Racetrack Road/CR 1592 beyond the campground soon becomes impassable to low clearance vehicles. A mile or so from the campground the road becomes extremely rough and rutted with large rocks protruding from the road surface. High clearance vehicles such as trucks and SUV's can make the crawl up the road but should allow themselves extra time. 

Some trails are not open to all OHVs, and the travel map should be checked prior to arrival or call the Pintler Ranger Station for information. One such trail begins at the Pozega Lakes trailhead which is about 6.5 miles beyond the campground. The 3-mile trail to the lakes is readily accessible by foot, and with advanced ability by motorcycle and ATV. It is a 50 inch or less OHV trail and not open or advisable for larger OHVs.

Visitors will find no shortage of trails within the Pintler Ranger District. Numerous trails lead into the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness, which covers almost 250 square miles and straddles the Continental Divide along the crest of the Anaconda Range. Stop by the Pintler Ranger Station in Philipsburg to view or purchase the forest map.

Facilities Racetrack has 13 campsites suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings. A water pump and two vault restrooms are on site. The campground includes a day-use picnic area with dedicated parking and picnic tables. The campground is accessible late May through mid-November, depending on weather conditions.

This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.

Natural Features The campground is located along Racetrack Creek. Mixed conifers with an open understory provide ample shade. Some sites sit adjacent to an open meadow with a view of the valley and hillside lightly dotted with trees. The Pintler Ranger District is known for its high, rugged, and beautiful mountain scenery, as well as the variety of wildlife that makes its home there, including elk, moose, deer, mountain lions, and bears (grizzly and black bears). Learn more about bear safety and forest-wide Food Storage Order.    

Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (406) 859-3211.

Racetrack Campground is located about 11 miles south of Deer Lodge off Interstate 90. From Deerlodge, travel east on Interstate 90 and take the Galen Exit #197 toward Galen Rd. Turn right (west) onto Galen Road, travel for 3 miles then turn right onto Willow Road. In 1 mile turn left onto Bowman Road (which becomes Modesty Creek Road), and in 2.3 miles you will make a slight right onto Racetrack Road/County Road 1592. Travel 4 miles and the campground entrance will be on your left.