East Rosebud Campground

East Rosebud Campground is nestled in the trees, not far from East Rosebud Lake. East Rosebud is considered one of the more scenic drainages in the Beartooths and the campground is a short distance from the East Rosebud Trail (#15), Spread Creek Trail (#13), and Phantom Creek Trail (#17). Jimmy Joe Campground and Sand Dunes Picnic Ground also located in the East Rosebud drainage.

*Please be advised that much of the area directly around East Rosebud Lake is private property. Fishing or boat access to the lake is limited. Please call the district office for more information.

Camp sites: 14
Host: No
Trash Pickup: Bear resistant trash container centrally located on site during peak season only.
Firewood: No

Reservations:
There are no reservations for this campground. This campground does not use a reservation system; it is managed on a first-come, first-served basis. 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 in campground have bear resistant food storage lockers. Individual camp sites vary in size, but the max trailer length is 20ft.

This campground is maintained from approximately Memorial Day to Labor Day (call district office for exact season dates). During these dates there is a fee to stay in the campground (listed below).

Outside of the peak summer dates (Memorial Day- Labor Day), the campground is ungated, free, and available for use (no services, not maintained, roads are not plowed). If you visit outside the peak fee season, please bring your own water, toilet paper (outhouse will remain open), and please pack out your trash.

At a Glance

Reservations:	Reservations: There are no reservations for this campground. This campground does not use a reservation system; it is managed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Fees:	$15.00 includes 1 driving vehicle $5 each additional vehicle
Open Season:	Limited access due to flood-related damage. Contact district for info.
Usage:	Heavy
Closest Towns:	Roscoe, MT, Absarokee, MT, or Red Lodge, MT
Water:	Potable Water
Operated By:	US Forest Service

General Information

Accessibility:

Accessible Facilities: Toilet

Directions:

20 miles west of Red Lodge on Hwy 78, 13 miles south of Roscoe, MT on East Rosebud Rd.

Directions from district office to East Rosebud Campground:
Drive north on US Hwy 212 for 2.1 miles. Turn left (west) onto MT-78 and drive 19.7 miles. Turn left (south) onto Roscoe Rd. Drive 2.3 miles, cross the bridge and turn right (south) onto East Rosebud Rd. Drive 10.5 miles to the campground, on your left.

Parking:

Max Trailer Length: 20 feet

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Campground Camping

Lake and Pond Fishing

East Rosebud Lake is surrounded on several sides by private property. While Montana law allows fishermen to be below the high water line, access to East Rosebud Lake isn't easy. There is no public access on the easily accessible portions of the lake. It is recommended that fishermen consult a detailed map of the area or call the district office for information (406-446-2103).

Information on East Rosebud Lake can be found in Montana Fish, Wildlife and Park's Mountain Lakes Guide, or visit FISHMT

River and Stream Fishing

Access to East Rosebud Creek can be found at several places in the drainage. Please be aware of private property boundaries within Forest Service lands, especially around East Rosebud Lake.

For information on East Rosebud Creek, please visit Explore FISHMT.

Day Hiking

There are several options for day hiking near East Rosebud Campground. Spread Creek Trail (# 13) leaves from the back of the campground and climbs to the East Rosebud and Red Lodge Creek Plateaus. East Rosebud Trail (# 15), which is a short walk from the campground, is the most popular trail in the drainage and offers a beautiful hike. Phantom Creek Trail (# 17) is a short distance from the campground and climbs to the Froze to Death Plateau.

Horse Riding

Horseback riding is allowed on the three trails in the East Rosebud drainage. The is limited parking for horse trailers at the Phantom Creek trailhead. There is no horse trailer parking at Spread Creek trailhead, but it is very close to the East Rosebud trailhead, which has ample parking.

Because East Rosebud is a very popular trail for hikers in the summer. The terrain and the amount of hikers makes this drainage less horse-friendly than others, however, horses are allowed. Please be aware of our wilderness stock regulations (no grazing in this area, set-backs from water, size limits, etc).

Viewing Scenery

East Rosebud is one of the more scenic drainages in the Beartooth Mountains and offers stunning views from the campground, as well as from each of the trails.

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 East Rosebud Campground is $9 per site.

East Rosebud Campground

At a Glance

General Information

Recreation Map