RV Dump Stations In Red Lodge, Montana
45.1858° N, 109.2468° W
Quick Overview
Red Lodge is the northern gateway to the Beartooth Highway, one of the most spectacular alpine drives in America, and a scenic back-door route to Yellowstone's quiet northeast entrance. Sitting at about 5,570 feet at the foot of the pass, this historic Montana mountain town makes an excellent RV base for the short but glorious summer season, with full-service amenities and creekside camping along Rock Creek. Across the Red Lodge area we track several dump locations.
Dumping is handled by the private parks and USFS campgrounds. Perry's RV Park and Campground two miles south and the Red Lodge KOA Journey about four miles north both offer hookups and dumping, and the USFS Custer Gallatin campgrounds along Rock Creek, like Parkside and Cascade, have dump facilities, all seasonal. Red Lodge is a full-service town with fuel, full groceries, and propane, with Billings about 60 miles northeast for anything more.
The Beartooth Highway defines a Red Lodge trip. US-212 southwest becomes the seasonal All-American Road cresting 10,947-foot Beartooth Pass on steep switchbacks, generally open late May to mid-October, with snow lingering up top into early July. Small and mid-size RVs manage it, but big rigs should use caution or stage in town and drive it in a tow vehicle. Come summer through early fall, check Montana 511 for the pass status, and reserve ahead. The payoff is a genuine mountain-town base for one of the great drives on the continent, with fishing, hiking, and a wildlife-rich back door to Yellowstone all within reach. Staying to drive the Beartooth and reach Yellowstone? See our guide to RV parks and campgrounds in Red Lodge, Montana.
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Gear for Your Trip to Red Lodge
All Dump Stations Near Red Lodge
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Town Pump Red Lodge | 0.6 mi | 4.2 | Dump Station | Free |
| KOA - Red Lodge KOA Campground | 5.0 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
| City Park Campground | 18.0 mi | 4.3 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Rockcreek Campground | 28.1 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
| Cenex / Farmers Union Trading Company | 31.0 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Mountain Range RV Park | 31.9 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Homesteader Park | 38.6 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
| Cenex C-Store | 40.4 mi | 4.2 | Dump Station | Free |
| Gateway Motel & Campground | 46.9 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
| Absaroka Bay RV Park | 47.4 mi | 4.0 | Dump Station | Free |
Town Pump Red Lodge
0.6 miKOA - Red Lodge KOA Campground
5.0 miCity Park Campground
18.0 miRockcreek Campground
28.1 miCenex / Farmers Union Trading Company
31.0 miMountain Range RV Park
31.9 miHomesteader Park
38.6 miCenex C-Store
40.4 miGateway Motel & Campground
46.9 miAbsaroka Bay RV Park
47.4 miTraveling to Red Lodge by RV
Red Lodge sits at about 5,570 feet on US-212, an easy 60-mile drive southwest from Billings, the nearest services hub, with no interstate closer. The defining route is the continuation of US-212 southwest as the Beartooth Highway, a seasonal All-American Road cresting Beartooth Pass at 10,947 feet on steep zigzag switchbacks, generally open the Friday of Memorial Day weekend through mid-October, weather permitting, with snow lingering up high into early July.
Small and mid-size RVs manage the Beartooth grades, but big rigs and trailers should use real caution on the switchbacks, and many stage in Red Lodge and drive the pass in a tow vehicle. Check Montana 511 and MDT for the Beartooth status, and Wyoming 511 and the NPS for the section that dips into Wyoming and toward Yellowstone. Red Lodge is a full-service town with fuel, full groceries, and propane, so fuel up and stock up before the pass, since there is little between Red Lodge and Cooke City.
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Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials
Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Red Lodge, Montana, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.
Check your RV insurance coverage
A standard auto policy rarely covers a Class A, Class C, or travel trailer the way a dedicated RV insurance policy does. If you're financing a motorhome, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision; full-timers should additionally price in vacation liability and personal belongings coverage. Rates vary widely by state and travel pattern — compare quotes from multiple RV-focused carriers before each season.
Know your roadside assistance options
RV-specific roadside plans tow motorhomes and trailers that regular AAA coverage won't touch — flat beds, mobile mechanics, tire service for duallies, and even emergency lockouts at remote campgrounds. Good plans cover your spouse and trailer even if you're driving a separate vehicle, and some include trip interruption reimbursement if a breakdown costs you a reservation.
Decide about an extended warranty early
Original manufacturer warranties on new RVs typically run 12–24 months — shorter than most buyers realize. An extended service contract (essentially a mechanical breakdown policy) covers the appliances, slides, levelling systems, and drivetrain components that can run $3,000–$10,000 to replace. The time to price one is before the factory coverage expires, not after something breaks.
Set up a travel rewards card for fuel and fees
A no-annual-fee travel or gas rewards card pays for itself on a single month of RV travel. Expect to spend $400–$800 per week combined on fuel, campgrounds, and propane — 3–5% cash back on gas alone covers the next oil change. For bigger trips, a sign-up bonus can offset campground fees for the whole season.
RVingLife is supported by advertising. Third-party ads on this page may include insurance quotes, roadside plans, warranty coverage, or financial products relevant to the topics above. We don't endorse any specific provider — compare multiple offers before you commit. Privacy policy.
Dump Station Costs in Red Lodge
Dumping around Red Lodge is paid and seasonal, at the private parks and USFS Rock Creek campgrounds, since there is no free public station and the corridor closes in winter. For a multi-night stay, a full-hookup private site at Perry's or the KOA removes any separate dump trip, which is convenient given the seasonal, spread-out public sites.
For camping, the USFS Rock Creek campgrounds are the value option, inexpensive but no-hookup and sometimes small, in beautiful creekside settings, while the private parks cost more for full hookups and big-rig space. Rates and demand concentrate into the short summer season when the Beartooth is open, so there is little off-season flexibility. Budget for the seasonal nature of the area, stock up in Red Lodge or Billings before the pass, and remember fuel is scarce between Red Lodge and Cooke City, so top off before the Beartooth drive.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
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Best Time to Visit Red Lodge by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
15F - 35F
Crowds: Low
Cold and snowy, with Red Lodge Mountain drawing skiers and the Beartooth Highway closed. Some private parks reduce winter service and the USFS sites close. Winter visitors ski and stay in town rather than camp; if you RV now, protect water lines and carry chains.
Spring
Mar - May
30F - 52F
Crowds: Low
A late thaw with the Beartooth Highway still closed until around late May and snow lingering up high into early July. Cool nights persist. A quiet shoulder time in town and along Rock Creek; confirm the pass and campground openings before planning around the high country.
Summer
Jun - Aug
45F - 80F
Crowds: High
The main season, with warm days, cool nights, and the Beartooth Highway open for its spectacular alpine drive and the Yellowstone northeast entrance. Perry's, the KOA, and the USFS Rock Creek sites fill on weekends, so reserve ahead. Start the Beartooth drive early to enjoy the views.
Fall
Sep - Oct
32F - 60F
Crowds: Medium
Crisp, colorful, and quieter, with fall color along Rock Creek, though the Beartooth Highway closes around mid-October. Campgrounds begin winding down, so confirm hours late in the season. A lovely window for the drive and the historic town before winter and ski season arrive.
Explore the Red Lodge Area
Plan around the Beartooth season. The highway is only open roughly late May to mid-October, so time your trip to it and check Montana 511 and MDT for the current status, since snow can linger up top into July and weather can close it temporarily. If Yellowstone via the northeast entrance is your goal, you need the pass open.
Service the rig and drive smart. Dump at Perry's, the KOA, or a USFS Rock Creek site, all seasonal, and refill fresh water there. Small and mid rigs can drive the Beartooth with caution, but big rigs should stage in Red Lodge and take a tow vehicle over the switchbacks. Reserve the private parks and reservable USFS sites early for summer weekends, fuel and stock up in town before the pass, and enjoy the historic downtown and Rock Creek fishing between drives.
National Parks Nearby
Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Red Lodge
Where can I dump my RV tanks in Red Lodge, Montana?
The reliable dump options are the private RV parks and USFS campgrounds. Perry's RV Park and Campground two miles south and the Red Lodge KOA Journey about four miles north both offer hookups and dumping, and the USFS Custer Gallatin campgrounds along Rock Creek have dump facilities, all paid and seasonal. Across the Red Lodge area we track several dump locations. Red Lodge is a full-service town with fuel, groceries, and propane, so plan to service the rig at a private park or USFS site, and refill fresh water there, before heading up the seasonal Beartooth Highway.
Can I drive the Beartooth Highway in an RV?
Small and mid-size RVs can, with caution; big rigs should think twice. The Beartooth Highway, US-212 southwest of Red Lodge, is an All-American Road cresting Beartooth Pass at 10,947 feet on steep zigzag switchbacks, one of the most scenic drives in the country. Smaller rigs manage the grades, but big-rig and trailer drivers face real challenges on the switchbacks, so many stage in Red Lodge and drive it in a tow vehicle. It is also seasonal, opening around late May and closing mid-October, with snow lingering up top into early July. Check Montana 511 and MDT for the current status before you go.
When is the best time to visit Red Lodge?
Summer through early fall is the prime window, because the Beartooth Highway, the area's signature attraction and the seasonal route to Yellowstone's northeast entrance, is only open roughly late May to mid-October. Summer offers warm days, cool nights, and full access, and it is the busiest time. Early fall adds color along Rock Creek before the pass closes. Spring is a late thaw with the Beartooth still closed, and winter is cold and snowy, a ski season centered on Red Lodge Mountain, with most camping shut. For the Beartooth and Yellowstone access, plan a summer or early-fall trip.
Do the campgrounds near Red Lodge have hookups?
The private parks do; the USFS sites do not. Perry's RV Park and Campground offers hookups on Rock Creek two miles south, and the Red Lodge KOA Journey has full-hookup sites about four miles north. The USFS Custer Gallatin campgrounds along the Rock Creek corridor, like Parkside, Cascade, Basin, and Sheridan, are no-hookup, creekside sites, some smaller, so verify your rig length. So for full hookups and easy dumping, choose Perry's or the KOA; for a wild creekside setting, use the USFS sites within their size limits, running self-sufficiently. Both put you well positioned for the Beartooth drive.
Do I need reservations to camp near Red Lodge?
For summer weekends, yes. Perry's and the KOA fill in the peak season, so reserve ahead, and the USFS Rock Creek campgrounds book through Recreation.gov, which is wise for summer weekends when Beartooth and Yellowstone traffic peaks. Spring and fall midweek are easier. Because the Beartooth Highway's open season concentrates visitation into a few summer months, demand piles up, so book the private parks and any reservable USFS sites early for peak dates. Note the Beartooth is closed mid-October to late May, so plan your trip within the open window and confirm the pass status before arriving.
Can I reach Yellowstone from Red Lodge?
Yes, via one of the most spectacular approaches in the country, but only in season. The Beartooth Highway, US-212 southwest from Red Lodge, climbs over 10,947-foot Beartooth Pass and continues through Cooke City to Yellowstone's northeast entrance, a quiet gateway into the Lamar Valley, famous for wildlife. The catch is that the Beartooth is seasonal, open roughly late May to mid-October, so this route is only available in summer and early fall. It is a stunning drive, but big-rig owners should consider a tow vehicle for the switchbacks. When open, basing in Red Lodge and driving the Beartooth into Yellowstone is a bucket-list experience.
Where do I get fuel, water, and groceries in Red Lodge?
Red Lodge is a full-service town with fuel, full groceries, and propane, so day-to-day resupply is easy at this Beartooth gateway. Potable water is available at the private parks, and USFS site water varies. For RV service or a larger selection, Billings, about 60 miles northeast on US-212, is the regional hub. Because the Beartooth corridor and the route to Yellowstone are remote and seasonal, stock up in Red Lodge before heading up the pass or into the backcountry, where services are minimal. Fuel up before the Beartooth drive, as there is little between Red Lodge and Cooke City.
Is there forest camping along Rock Creek near Red Lodge?
Yes, and it is a highlight. The USFS Custer Gallatin National Forest maintains a string of campgrounds along the Rock Creek corridor on US-212 south of Red Lodge, including Parkside, Cascade, Basin, and Sheridan, offering creekside sites amid the mountains. These are no-hookup and some are smaller, so verify your rig length, and they reserve through Recreation.gov, though availability varies. Dispersed camping is also possible in the forest for self-contained rigs. Arrive with full fresh water and empty tanks, and plan to dump at a private park in town afterward. For a scenic mountain-creek setting near the Beartooth, these USFS sites are excellent.
Can big rigs visit Red Lodge?
Yes, to town, with care on the mountain. US-212 from Billings to Red Lodge is a straightforward drive, and the private parks, Perry's and the KOA, accommodate larger rigs with hookups. The challenge is the Beartooth Highway southwest of town, whose steep switchbacks to nearly 11,000 feet are difficult for big rigs and trailers, so many stage in Red Lodge and drive the pass in a tow vehicle. The USFS Rock Creek campgrounds tend toward smaller sites, so check lengths. Base a big rig at a private park in Red Lodge for hookups and dumping, and enjoy the Beartooth and Yellowstone by tow vehicle.
What is there to do in Red Lodge besides the Beartooth?
Plenty. The Beartooth Highway is the headliner, but Red Lodge itself has a charming historic downtown centered on Broadway Street and the 1893 Pollard Hotel, with shops and restaurants. Red Lodge Mountain, six miles from town, offers skiing in winter and hiking in summer with 70 runs. The Rock Creek corridor along US-212 is prized for fishing and hiking, and the surrounding Custer Gallatin National Forest has extensive trails. And of course the Yellowstone northeast entrance and the Lamar Valley, reached by the Beartooth in season, put world-class wildlife within a day trip. Red Lodge blends mountain-town character with spectacular access.
Is there free or dispersed camping near Red Lodge?
Yes, in the surrounding Custer Gallatin National Forest, which offers dispersed, primitive camping along the Rock Creek corridor and elsewhere, with no hookups, water, or dump facilities, suited to self-contained rigs. Arrive with full fresh water and empty tanks, follow Leave No Trace, and plan to dump at a private Red Lodge park afterward. There is no dispersed overnight parking in town. For most visitors, the mix of the developed USFS Rock Creek campgrounds and the private full-hookup parks is more convenient, but dispersed forest sites offer solitude for the well-equipped, weather and season permitting.
Is Red Lodge a good base for the Beartooth and Yellowstone?
It is the classic northern base for the Beartooth Highway and a scenic back-door route to Yellowstone. Red Lodge offers full-hookup private parks, creekside USFS camping, a historic downtown, and easy US-212 access from Billings, all at the foot of the famous pass. From here you can drive the Beartooth over the alpine tundra, continue to Yellowstone's northeast entrance and the wildlife-rich Lamar Valley, ski or hike Red Lodge Mountain, and fish Rock Creek. The main considerations are the seasonal Beartooth, best for smaller rigs, and the short summer window. For a Beartooth-and-Yellowstone RV trip, Red Lodge is an ideal home base.
Where can I dump my RV tanks in Red Lodge, Montana?
The reliable dump options are the private RV parks and USFS campgrounds. Perry's RV Park and Campground two miles south and the Red Lodge KOA Journey about four miles north both offer hookups and dumping, and the USFS Custer Gallatin campgrounds along Rock Creek have dump facilities, all paid and seasonal. Across the Red Lodge area we track {{stationCount}} dump locations. Red Lodge is a full-service town with fuel, groceries, and propane, so plan to service the rig at a private park or USFS site, and refill fresh water there, before heading up the seasonal Beartooth Highway.
Can I drive the Beartooth Highway in an RV?
Small and mid-size RVs can, with caution; big rigs should think twice. The Beartooth Highway, US-212 southwest of Red Lodge, is an All-American Road cresting Beartooth Pass at 10,947 feet on steep zigzag switchbacks, one of the most scenic drives in the country. Smaller rigs manage the grades, but big-rig and trailer drivers face real challenges on the switchbacks, so many stage in Red Lodge and drive it in a tow vehicle. It is also seasonal, opening around late May and closing mid-October, with snow lingering up top into early July. Check Montana 511 and MDT for the current status before you go.
When is the best time to visit Red Lodge?
Summer through early fall is the prime window, because the Beartooth Highway, the area's signature attraction and the seasonal route to Yellowstone's northeast entrance, is only open roughly late May to mid-October. Summer offers warm days, cool nights, and full access, and it is the busiest time. Early fall adds color along Rock Creek before the pass closes. Spring is a late thaw with the Beartooth still closed, and winter is cold and snowy, a ski season centered on Red Lodge Mountain, with most camping shut. For the Beartooth and Yellowstone access, plan a summer or early-fall trip.
Do the campgrounds near Red Lodge have hookups?
The private parks do; the USFS sites do not. Perry's RV Park and Campground offers hookups on Rock Creek two miles south, and the Red Lodge KOA Journey has full-hookup sites about four miles north. The USFS Custer Gallatin campgrounds along the Rock Creek corridor, like Parkside, Cascade, Basin, and Sheridan, are no-hookup, creekside sites, some smaller, so verify your rig length. So for full hookups and easy dumping, choose Perry's or the KOA; for a wild creekside setting, use the USFS sites within their size limits, running self-sufficiently. Both put you well positioned for the Beartooth drive.
Do I need reservations to camp near Red Lodge?
For summer weekends, yes. Perry's and the KOA fill in the peak season, so reserve ahead, and the USFS Rock Creek campgrounds book through Recreation.gov, which is wise for summer weekends when Beartooth and Yellowstone traffic peaks. Spring and fall midweek are easier. Because the Beartooth Highway's open season concentrates visitation into a few summer months, demand piles up, so book the private parks and any reservable USFS sites early for peak dates. Note the Beartooth is closed mid-October to late May, so plan your trip within the open window and confirm the pass status before arriving.
Can I reach Yellowstone from Red Lodge?
Yes, via one of the most spectacular approaches in the country, but only in season. The Beartooth Highway, US-212 southwest from Red Lodge, climbs over 10,947-foot Beartooth Pass and continues through Cooke City to Yellowstone's northeast entrance, a quiet gateway into the Lamar Valley, famous for wildlife. The catch is that the Beartooth is seasonal, open roughly late May to mid-October, so this route is only available in summer and early fall. It is a stunning drive, but big-rig owners should consider a tow vehicle for the switchbacks. When open, basing in Red Lodge and driving the Beartooth into Yellowstone is a bucket-list experience.
Where do I get fuel, water, and groceries in Red Lodge?
Red Lodge is a full-service town with fuel, full groceries, and propane, so day-to-day resupply is easy at this Beartooth gateway. Potable water is available at the private parks, and USFS site water varies. For RV service or a larger selection, Billings, about 60 miles northeast on US-212, is the regional hub. Because the Beartooth corridor and the route to Yellowstone are remote and seasonal, stock up in Red Lodge before heading up the pass or into the backcountry, where services are minimal. Fuel up before the Beartooth drive, as there is little between Red Lodge and Cooke City.
Is there forest camping along Rock Creek near Red Lodge?
Yes, and it is a highlight. The USFS Custer Gallatin National Forest maintains a string of campgrounds along the Rock Creek corridor on US-212 south of Red Lodge, including Parkside, Cascade, Basin, and Sheridan, offering creekside sites amid the mountains. These are no-hookup and some are smaller, so verify your rig length, and they reserve through Recreation.gov, though availability varies. Dispersed camping is also possible in the forest for self-contained rigs. Arrive with full fresh water and empty tanks, and plan to dump at a private park in town afterward. For a scenic mountain-creek setting near the Beartooth, these USFS sites are excellent.
Can big rigs visit Red Lodge?
Yes, to town, with care on the mountain. US-212 from Billings to Red Lodge is a straightforward drive, and the private parks, Perry's and the KOA, accommodate larger rigs with hookups. The challenge is the Beartooth Highway southwest of town, whose steep switchbacks to nearly 11,000 feet are difficult for big rigs and trailers, so many stage in Red Lodge and drive the pass in a tow vehicle. The USFS Rock Creek campgrounds tend toward smaller sites, so check lengths. Base a big rig at a private park in Red Lodge for hookups and dumping, and enjoy the Beartooth and Yellowstone by tow vehicle.
What is there to do in Red Lodge besides the Beartooth?
Plenty. The Beartooth Highway is the headliner, but Red Lodge itself has a charming historic downtown centered on Broadway Street and the 1893 Pollard Hotel, with shops and restaurants. Red Lodge Mountain, six miles from town, offers skiing in winter and hiking in summer with 70 runs. The Rock Creek corridor along US-212 is prized for fishing and hiking, and the surrounding Custer Gallatin National Forest has extensive trails. And of course the Yellowstone northeast entrance and the Lamar Valley, reached by the Beartooth in season, put world-class wildlife within a day trip. Red Lodge blends mountain-town character with spectacular access.
Is there free or dispersed camping near Red Lodge?
Yes, in the surrounding Custer Gallatin National Forest, which offers dispersed, primitive camping along the Rock Creek corridor and elsewhere, with no hookups, water, or dump facilities, suited to self-contained rigs. Arrive with full fresh water and empty tanks, follow Leave No Trace, and plan to dump at a private Red Lodge park afterward. There is no dispersed overnight parking in town. For most visitors, the mix of the developed USFS Rock Creek campgrounds and the private full-hookup parks is more convenient, but dispersed forest sites offer solitude for the well-equipped, weather and season permitting.
Is Red Lodge a good base for the Beartooth and Yellowstone?
It is the classic northern base for the Beartooth Highway and a scenic back-door route to Yellowstone. Red Lodge offers full-hookup private parks, creekside USFS camping, a historic downtown, and easy US-212 access from Billings, all at the foot of the famous pass. From here you can drive the Beartooth over the alpine tundra, continue to Yellowstone's northeast entrance and the wildlife-rich Lamar Valley, ski or hike Red Lodge Mountain, and fish Rock Creek. The main considerations are the seasonal Beartooth, best for smaller rigs, and the short summer window. For a Beartooth-and-Yellowstone RV trip, Red Lodge is an ideal home base.
Are there free dump stations in Red Lodge?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Red Lodge.
All Dump Stations Near Red Lodge (20)
RV Dump StationsTown Pump Red Lodge
RV Dump StationsKOA - Red Lodge KOA Campground
RV Dump StationsCity Park Campground
RV Dump StationsCenex / Farmers Union Trading Company
RV Dump StationsMountain Range RV Park
RV Dump StationsRockcreek Campground
RV Dump StationsHomesteader Park
RV Dump Stations





