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.
Winter Storm Warning issued May 21 at 1:15AM MDT until May 21 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Billings MT
* WHAT...Periods of heavy snow...mainly on north facing slopes above 6500 ft. Total snow accumulations 8 to 15 inches. North winds gusting as high as 30 mph. * WHERE...Absaroka/Beartooth Mountains. * WHEN...Until 6 PM MDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Recreation in the high country will be impacted by heavy accumulating snow. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Several inches of snow are expected over Beartooth Pass, which may impact the opening of the highway at the end of the week. Be sure to monitor road conditions before traveling.
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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