Custer National Forest wilderness guide
National Forest · MT, SD

Custer National Forest

Custer National Forest spans over southeastern Montana and portions of South Dakota, offering diverse landscapes perfect for a variety of outdoor activities.

National Forest1,190,9224+ Trails

Designation

National Forest

Total Wilderness Area

1,190,922

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Custer National Forest

Custer National Forest spans over southeastern Montana and portions of South Dakota, offering diverse landscapes perfect for a variety of outdoor activities.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Custer National Forest, known as 'The Forest of Grasslands,' stretches across southeastern Montana and portions of South Dakota. Its unique geography includes extensive grasslands, rugged mountains, and dense forests, making it a rich habitat for wildlife such as elk, deer, bear, and numerous bird species. Historically, the forest served as a hunting ground for Native American tribes and played a role in the region's early logging activities. Today, it is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities like hiking, camping, mountain biking, and fishing. Visitors are drawn to the stunning Beartooth Mountains and the grasslands of the Ashland area. Whether exploring the granite peaks or traversing endless trails, Custer National Forest promises adventure with its natural beauty and vast recreational opportunities. It remains a popular destination for visitors seeking tranquility and the unmatched allure of the great outdoors.

Field Guide · National Forest
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Custer National Forest

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Beartooth Highway - A scenic road offering breathtaking views.✦ Granite Peak - The highest point in Montana and a challenging climb.✦ Ashland Ranger District - Known for its expansive grasslands and wildlife.✦ West Fork Rock Creek - A serene spot for camping and fishing.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Custer National Forest

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Custer National Forest.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No fees are typically required, but specific areas may have fees or permits.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Custer National Forest

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Mystic Lake Campground

Offers remote camping with stunning lake views and access to Mystic Lake Trail.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Custer National Forest

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Silver Gate, Montana
⌖ 8.54 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Silver Gate, Montana

Silver Gate is a rustic, adventurous entryway to Yellowstone National Park. Savor outdoor tranquility with thrilling adventures like hiking, wildlife watching, and cross-country skiing amidst breathtaking landscapes.

Summer and Winter
Explore Town
Nye, Montana
⌖ 22.35 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Nye, Montana

Nye, Montana is a remote adventure haven. Explore pristine wilderness trails, enjoy the thrill of fly fishing, or simply camp under vast skies in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness.

Summer and Fall
Explore Town
Roscoe, Montana
⌖ 26.28 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Roscoe, Montana

Roscoe, MT offers adventurers the chance to hike, camp, and fish in the stunning Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. It's an escape into raw beauty, with breathtaking vistas and wildlife encounters.

Fishtail, Montana
⌖ 30.81 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Fishtail, Montana

Fishtail, MT, is an adventurer's gateway to the rugged Beartooth Mountains with activities like hiking, fishing, and camping. Perfect for those seeking solitude and nature's raw beauty.

Red Lodge, Montana
⌖ 33.63 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Red Lodge, Montana

Red Lodge, Montana is a mountain town with endless outdoor adventures. Whether you’re hiking the Beartooth Mountains, skiing at Red Lodge Mountain, or fishing the nearby streams, it's a perfect base for exploring Montana’s rugged landscape.

Summer and Fall
Explore Town
Absarokee, Montana
⌖ 36.26 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Absarokee, Montana

Absarokee, Montana offers peaceful access to rivers, trails, and forests ideal for hiking, fishing, and paddling. This small town is a quiet basecamp for exploring the scenic Absaroka foothills and Stillwater River corridor.

Late Spring to Early Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Custer National Forest

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

High-Altitude Throttle: Summit X 850N Rentals from Cooke City
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Cooke City, Montana
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High-Altitude Throttle: Summit X 850N Rentals from Cooke City

An advanced snowmobile rental program in Cooke City offering 1–7 day Ski-Doo Summit X 850N experiences—this guide explains who it’s for, the hours and return rules, and what to expect.

SnowmobilePT2HCertified Outfitter
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