Emerald Lake Campground

Emerald Lake is in the West Rosebud drainage and is nestled in the trees between Emerald Lake and West Rosebud Lake. West Rosebud Trail (#19), Pine Grove Campground, Emerald Lake Fishing Access and West Rosebud Lake Fishing Access are also located in the West Rosebud drainage.

There is a 16 day maximum stay in all Beartooth Ranger District campgrounds. For a road map of the area, with locations of campgrounds, please see our Motor Vehicle Use Map

Reservations:
No Reservation. This campground does not use a reservation system. First-come, first-served. Be aware that the campground is very popular and may fill up on weekends & holidays during the summer months. You should arrive early to ensure there is a space available for the night. There is a 16 day stay limit. Some sites are equipped with bear resistant food storage lockers.

At a Glance

Fees:	$15.00 $5 each additional vehicle 1/2 price fees with Interagency Senior or Access Pass
Open Season:	5/26 - 9/6 Full service, reduced services in shoulder season
Usage:	Heavy
Closest Towns:	Fishtail, MT, Absarokee, MT
Water:	Potable Water
Restroom:	Yes. Vault toilet
Operated By:	US Forest Service
Information Center:	Beartooth Ranger District 6811 US Hwy 212 Red Lodge, MT 59068 (406) 446-2103

General Information

Parking:

Max trailer length: 30ft

Accessibility:

Accessible Facilities: Toilet

Directions:

34 mi west of Red Lodge on Highways 78 and 419, 19 miles south of Fishtail, MT on West Rosebud Rd.

Directions from district office:
Drive north on US Hwy 212 for 2.1 miles and turn left (west) onto MT-78. Drive 30.0 miles and turn left (west) onto MT-419 towards Fishtail. Drive 4.4 miles (through Fishtail) and turn left (south) onto West Rosebud Rd. Drive 6.5 miles and turn left (south) to continue on West Rosebud Rd. Drive 12.4 miles to the campground, on the left.

General Notes:

Camp sites: 32
Host: No
Max trailer length: 30ft
Trash Pickup: Centrally located Bear resistant dumpster
Firewood: No. Don't move firewood to other areas or bring in outside firewood. Prevent the spread of tree-killing insects by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it there.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Campground Camping

Pine Grove Campground, which has more sites, is also in the West Rosebud drainage.

Lake and Pond Fishing

For detailed information on fishing go to FishMT.

River and Stream Fishing

For detailed information on fishing in West Rosebud Creek, go to FISHMT.

Day Hiking

Mystic Lake is a very popular hiking destination. It is less than 3 miles to the lake, which provides scenic views, hiking opportunities, and fishing.

Viewing Scenery

The West Rosebud drainage is very beautiful and offers spectacular views of the mountains and lakes. West Rosebud is considered one of the prettiest areas in the Beartooths.

Picnicking

Picnicking is allowed in vacant campsites. If visitors stay 30 minutes or less, the site is free. For longer day-use stays, the fee is half price the overnight fee. The overnight fee for Emerald Lake Campground is $15 per site.

Emerald Lake Campground

At a Glance

General Information

Recreation Map