Is Emerald Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Emerald Lake Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

What is the best time to visit Emerald Lake Campground?

Emerald Lake Campground is open Open from Memorial Day to Labor Day; outside these months, the campground is ungated, free, and unmaintained.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Emerald Lake Campground?

Emerald Lake Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Emerald Lake Campground have?

Emerald Lake Campground has 32 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Emerald Lake Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Emerald Lake Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Emerald Lake Campground?

Emerald Lake Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Emerald Lake Campground?

Popular activities at Emerald Lake Campground include Hiking, Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Emerald Lake Campground

4.43

58 reviews

6811 US Hwy 212, Red Lodge, MT 59068

Top 4% in MTSummer

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:Primitive Camping Montana

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

6,342 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

32 campsites

Season

Open from Memorial D...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Beartooth Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

6,342 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

32 campsites

Season

Open from Memorial D...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Beartooth Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Emerald Lake Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

(406) 446-2103

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

6811 US Hwy 212, Red Lodge, MT 59068

Emerald Lake Campground

6811 US Hwy 212, Red Lodge, MT 59068

Nearby places

Red Lodge (2.1 miles), Fishtail (approximately 33 miles), Billings (approximately 60 miles)

Weather at Emerald Lake Campground

Best Time to Camp at Emerald Lake Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access, warm sunny days (typically 60–75°F) and cool alpine nights (mid-30s to mid-40s), making it ideal for hiking, fishing, lake activities and wildlife viewing. Trails are snow-free by mid-June to early July and campground facilities are staffed/maintained from Memorial Day through Labor Day, so services and maps are available. Expect moderate weekend crowds in July–August but plenty of solitude on weekday hikes and early-morning fishing trips. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 4% in MT

Peak season: warm days, trails clear by mid-June, easy access to hiking, fishing and lakes.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open from Memorial Day to Labor Day; outside these months, the campground is ungated, free, and unmaintained.

About Emerald Lake Campground

Emerald Lake Campground sits in the Custer Gallatin National Forest near Red Lodge, Montana, operated by the Beartooth Ranger District. This mid-elevation forest campground offers tent, RV, and primitive camping with vault toilets, potable water, and bear-resistant food lockers. Visitors come for direct access to hiking trails and fishing, with summer bringing warm days and cool alpine nights.

Emerald Lake Campground caters to a variety of outdoor enthusiasts, with options for tent and trailer camping. The campground is surrounded by natural beauty, attracting those who appreciate rustic settings.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access, warm sunny days (typically 60–75°F) and cool alpine nights (mid-30s to mid-40s), making it ideal for hiking, fishing, lake activities and wildlife viewing. Trails are snow-free by mid-June to early July and campground facilities are staffed/maintained from Memorial Day through Labor Day, so services and maps are available. Expect moderate weekend crowds in July–August but plenty of solitude on weekday hikes and early-morning fishing trips. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation6342 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a glacially carved valley between Emerald Lake and West Rosebud Lake, surrounded by dense pine and fir forests. Mountain ridges frame both sides of the drainage, and the lakes reflect the forested slopes in calm morning light. Sites are nestled among the trees with filtered views of the water and surrounding peaks. The terrain is typical alpine forest: rocky underfoot in places, shaded by mature conifers, with clearings opening to the lakeshore.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodging accommodations available at Emerald Lake Campground. Campers must rely on their own camping gear.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no mentions of cultural or educational programs offered at this location.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

16-day maximum stay within all Beartooth Ranger District campgrounds.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No specific numerical limit stated.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsNo online or phone reservation system; first-come, first-served only.

AccessibilitySome campsites are equipped with bear-resistant food storage lockers, enhancing safety for all visitors.

Site SizeSites are standard-sized, accommodating tents and trailers up to 30 feet in length.

PrivacyThe sites are nestled among trees, offering moderate privacy between campsites.

Total Campsites32 campsites

Recommended SitesRecommendations for arriving early during peak season to secure a spot. Sites closer to bear-resistant food lockers are ideal for those concerned about wildlife.

Amenities available

Emerald Lake Campground is a heavily wooded site located between Emerald Lake and West Rosebud Lake. This campground is popular among hikers and anglers, with easy access to West Rosebud Trail #19. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis and is known to be high in demand during summer weekends and holidays. Facilities include toilets and bear-resistant dumpsters for trash disposal.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Emerald Lake Campground offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can explore nearby trails and enjoy fishing opportunities at both Emerald Lake and West Rosebud Lake.

Hiking

Fishing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Vault toilets are provided for camper use.

Food Storage RequiredSome campsites feature bear-resistant food lockers, enhancing safety against wildlife.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

58 reviews

Recommended

Emerald Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Emerald Lake Campground is lauded for its serene location and proximity to outdoor activities. However, it is also noted for its limited facilities and high popularity during peak seasons.

Review Summaries

Based on 58 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors frequently mention the campground's beautiful natural surroundings and easy access to hiking and fishing opportunities. The presence of bear-resistant food storage lockers adds a layer of...

Based on 58 reviews

Common Concerns

Some reviewers note the lack of additional facilities such as showers or running water. The campground's popularity often results in it filling up quickly, especially during weekends and holidays.

Based on 58 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Individual sites are not numbered in the reviews, but overall, the sites are described as adequately sized with moderate privacy due to the forested surroundings.

Based on 58 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure a campsite, as it fills up quickly. Bring your own firewood and drinking water during the off-season. Visitors are advised to plan meals and activities to accommodate the...

Based on 58 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during summer months and holidays, with visitors appreciating the warm weather and availability of activities. During the off-season, the lack of facilities such as trash...

Based on 58 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Absolutely beautiful place to camp! I liked how most camp spots had bear-resistant food storages and accessible bathrooms." - Ashley Hauger. "One of our go-to campgrounds for years. Everything we...

Based on 58 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible vault toilets are available, and some campsites feature bear-resistant food storage lockers. However, the campground does not fully meet ADA standards.

Based on 58 reviews

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Go if

You want alpine forest camping with trail and fishing access and don't mind summer crowds.

Skip if

You prefer solitude during peak season or need full hookups and flush toilets.

Nearby Campgrounds

4.2

(25)

Pine Grove Campground

6811 US Hwy 212, Red Lodge, MT 59068

Pine Grove Campground sits at 6,800 feet in Custer Gallatin National Forest, 16 miles southwest of Red Lodge along the scenic Beartooth Highway corridor. Operated by the Beartooth Ranger District, this mid-sized mountain campground offers creekside tent and RV sites with vault toilets and potable water. Campers use it as a base for hiking to Emerald Lake and exploring the West Rosebud Trail, with fishing access along the creek.