Emerald Lake Campground
Open year-round. Full services including potable water, maintained vault toilets, and trash collection available Memorial Day through Labor Day at $15/night. Off-season camping is free but primitive with no water or trash service. A food storage order is in effect through December 1, 2026 on the Beartooth Ranger District.
Flood Watch issued September 18 at 10:59PM MDT until September 20 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Billings MT
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible, along with Flash Flooding of recent burn scars. * WHERE...All of South Central and Southeast Montana, and Sheridan County Wyoming. * WHEN...Through Sunday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of creeks and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - 1 to 3 inches of additional rainfall is expected across the watch area through Sunday. Locally heavier totals over 4 inches are possible where thunderstorm activity is more persistent. - The Robertson Draw, East Side, Elk, and McGhee-Remington burn scars are particularly vulnerable to Flash Flooding and debris flows during the watch period. Any other burn scars from this summer will have elevated Flash Flood potential as well. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
About
Emerald Lake Campground occupies a forested setting in the West Rosebud drainage of the Custer Gallatin National Forest, positioned between Emerald Lake and West Rosebud Lake at the gateway to the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. The 32 sites accommodate tents and trailers up to 30 feet and operate strictly first-come, first-served with no reservation system. Some sites are equipped with bear-resistant food storage lockers. During the peak season from Memorial Day through Labor Day, the campground offers hand-pumped potable water, maintained vault toilets, and a centrally located bear-resistant dumpster. Fees are $15 per night for a single site and $5 per additional vehicle. Interagency Senior and Access Pass holders receive a 50% discount on single-site fees. Outside the fee season, the campground remains open and ungated but operates as a primitive facility with no services, no water, and pack-out-only trash. Campers should bring their own water and toilet paper. A 16-day maximum stay applies year-round. Firewood is not provided; visitors should obtain firewood locally rather than transporting it to prevent the spread of tree-killing insects.
Directions
From Red Lodge, drive north on US Hwy 212 for 2.1 miles and turn left onto MT-78. Continue 30 miles and turn left onto MT-419 toward Fishtail. Drive 4.4 miles through Fishtail and turn left onto West Rosebud Road. Continue 6.5 miles and turn left to stay on West Rosebud Road. Drive 12.4 miles to the campground on the left.
Location
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 - $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | 30ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 446-2103 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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