Red Shale campground
Red Shale
Reservations are not accepted at Red Shale camping area, as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, it is recommended to arrive early to secure a campsite, especially during peak seasons.
The best time to visit Red Shale camping area is during the summer months, particularly from June to September, when the weather is mild and conducive to outdoor activities. It is important to note that the campground is located at a higher elevation, so campers should be prepared for cooler temperatures, even during the summer.
While staying at Red Shale camping area, visitors can explore the stunning surrounding landscapes and enjoy activities such as hiking and fishing. The campground is situated near various hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the Montana wilderness. However, it is important for campers to be cautious of wildlife in the area, including bears, and to properly store food to avoid encounters. Overall, Red Shale camping area provides a tranquil and well-equipped camping experience for those seeking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Montana.
What's on-site at Red Shale
Key facilities Snoflo tracks for this campground. Confirm with the operator before booking -- amenities can change seasonally.
Plan your trip down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max so trends jump out at a glance.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks. Hover any point for the full breakdown.
Other campgrounds in the area
Snoflo-tracked campsites within driving distance of Red Shale, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Shale Campground | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Whitetail Cabin | ✓ | ✗ | → |
| Holiday Spring | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Holiday Spring Campground | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Blacks Pond Campground | ✗ | ✗ | → |
Nearby streamflow
USGS streamgauges within reach of Red Shale -- pulled live from the National Water Information System.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Otter Creek At Ashland Mt | 3 cfs | → |
| Tongue R At Birney Day School Br Nr Birney Mt | 328 cfs | → |
| Tongue R Bl Brandenberg Bridge Nr Ashland Mt | 230 cfs | → |
| Hanging Woman Creek Near Birney Mt | 0 cfs | → |
| Powder River At Moorhead Mt | 55 cfs | → |
| Tongue River At Tongue R Dam Nr Decker Mt | 295 cfs | → |
Nearby snow depths
NRCS SNOTEL stations within reach of Red Shale -- relevant when planning a shoulder-season or alpine trip.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack | 24h Snowfall | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashland E | 0.3 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Brandenberg | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Otter E | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Broadus 18.8 Nnw | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Colstrip | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Moorhead 9 Ne | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
Camping essentials & Leave No Trace
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Take all trash, food scraps, and gear back with you to keep campsites clean and protect wildlife.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe animals from a distance, store food securely, and never feed wildlife to maintain natural behavior and safety.
- Know before you go
- Check weather, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and permit requirements to ensure a safe and well-planned trip.
- Minimize campfire impact
- Use established fire rings, keep fires small, fully extinguish them, or opt for a camp stove when fires are restricted.
- Leave what you find
- Preserve natural and cultural features by avoiding removal of plants, rocks, artifacts, or other elements of the environment.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Red Shale as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, snowpack, freezing temperatures), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Red Shale
Can I make reservations at Red Shale?
This campground does not appear to accept reservations -- it's typically first-come, first-served. Arrive early on summer weekends.
How fresh is the weather data on this page?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from the NOAA / yr.no public feeds. Streamflow data is pulled live from USGS streamgauges and snowpack from the NRCS SNOTEL network.
What's the best time of year to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation. For longer trips, the 5-day hourly meteogram shows snow + rain accumulation hour-by-hour.
How do I get to Red Shale?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the campground.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed through the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this campground, set a threshold (temperature, snowpack, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other campgrounds near here
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within driving distance of Red Shale.