Summary
The forest covers over 1.2 million acres and is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, and grizzly bears.
There are many good reasons to visit Custer National Forest, including hiking, fishing, camping, and wildlife watching. The forest offers many trails for hiking, ranging from easy to challenging, and there are also many lakes and streams for fishing.
One of the most popular points of interest in Custer National Forest is the Beartooth Highway, a scenic drive that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Another popular destination is the Red Lodge Mountain Resort, which offers skiing and snowboarding in the winter months.
There are also many interesting facts about Custer National Forest. For example, the forest is home to the largest known natural bridge in Montana, as well as the world's largest concentration of dinosaur fossils.
The best time of year to visit Custer National Forest depends on what activities you are interested in. Summer is the most popular season, as it offers the best weather for hiking, camping, and fishing. However, winter is also a great time to visit for skiing and snowboarding.
Overall, Custer National Forest is a beautiful and diverse destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventure or simply a peaceful retreat, this forest is definitely worth a visit.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Beartooth Lake Campground
M-K Campground
Limber Pine Campground
Greenough Lake Campground
Parkside Campground and Group Campsites
Lily Lake Camping Area
Albino Lake
Bowback Lake
Dude Lake
Basin Creek Lake