This season is the perfect time to camp in Montana, however, getting access to campgrounds this year may be difficult following the major flooding last month.
“The East Rosebud has significant road damage throughout the drainage,” Mariah Leuschen-Lonergan, the public affairs specialist with the U.S. Forest Service, said Tuesday.
As per a report, the U.S. Forest Service now expects several popular campgrounds near Red Lodge to be closed for the entire summer.
“Sheridan, Rattin, M-K, and Limber Pine are all campgrounds that we anticipate are going to be closed for the season,” said Leuschen-Lonergan.
If you head down the Stillwater Valley, it’s a similar sight. Woodbine, Jimmy Joe, and East Rosebud campgrounds are also likely to be closed for the year.
The campgrounds have suffered minor damages; however, bridges, roads, and parking lots are in chaos.
“There’s just a cliff now where the road used to be. And that was the moment where I think we realized, oh gosh, we really are not getting out of here any time soon,” said Nicole Oshea, who was evacuated from the East Rosebud campground on June 14.
Oshea managed to get through; however, her car got stuck, and she has no clue when she’ll be able to take it out.
“You just think that when something happens, your insurance is going to cover it, and I have full coverage insurance, but my claim initially got denied because there’s no physical damage to the car and because an adjuster couldn’t go see it,” Oshea said.
The total flooding damage to Forest Service campgrounds, trails, and recreation facilities in Montana is estimated at $20 million, according to Leuschen-Longergan.
The Forest Service hopes to pay for some of the damages via its Federal Highways Program.
“Our initial estimates are about $5.7 million is what we are going to submit,” said Leuschen-Lonergan.
Although the damage is devastating, there’s at least some positive news to look forward to during this Fourth of July holiday weekend, as some campgrounds near Red Lodge are set to be open.
“The Palisades Campground is one that is open… the district also anticipates opening Basin Campground later this week,” Leuschen-Lonergan said.
For more information, contact the district office at 406-446-2103 to ensure a campground is open and safe.
This story originally appeared on KTVQ.
Isn’t it fantastic that despite the challenges, there are alternative camping options to enjoy Montana’s natural beauty? The Forest Service is actively working to repair the infrastructure for safe outdoor experiences.