Is Jimmy Joe Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

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

Are there showers at Jimmy Joe Campground?

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

How many campsites does Jimmy Joe Campground have?

Jimmy Joe Campground has 12 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Jimmy Joe Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Jimmy Joe Campground?

Jimmy Joe Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Jimmy Joe Campground

3.88

17 reviews

Jimmy Joe Campground, East Rosebud Creek, East Rosebud drainage

Featured in:Fishing 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

5,571 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

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

5,571 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Beartooth Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Jimmy Joe Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

(406) 446-2103null

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Jimmy Joe Campground, East Rosebud Creek, East Rosebud drainage

Jimmy Joe Campground

Jimmy Joe Campground, East Rosebud Creek, East Rosebud drainage

Nearby places

Red Lodge, MT (approx. 31 miles)

Weather at Jimmy Joe Campground

Best Time to Camp at Jimmy Joe Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access, warm daytime weather (typically 60–75°F at 5,500–5,800 ft) and long daylight for hiking the East Rosebud Trail and fishing East Rosebud Creek. Wildflowers and easy creek access make basecamping and day hikes most pleasant, while nights are cool (30s–40s°F) so layers and a warm sleeping bag are necessary. Expect the campground to be busiest in July–August—sites are first-come, first-served—so arrive early or plan weekdays to avoid crowds. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer has most reliable access and warmest temps (60–75°F); peak season use noted.

Planning Tips

About Jimmy Joe Campground

Jimmy Joe Campground sits in mid-elevation forest within Custer Gallatin National Forest, operated by the Beartooth Ranger District near Red Lodge, Montana. Small and rustic, it offers vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables for tent, RV, and primitive campers with a 16-day stay limit. Summer brings the most reliable access and warm daytime weather for fishing East Rosebud Creek and hiking the East Rosebud Trail, though road closures can occur during adverse conditions.

Jimmy Joe Campground is a primitive camping facility that caters to tent and RV campers but does not provide modern amenities like hookups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access, warm daytime weather (typically 60–75°F at 5,500–5,800 ft) and long daylight for hiking the East Rosebud Trail and fishing East Rosebud Creek. Wildflowers and easy creek access make basecamping and day hikes most pleasant, while nights are cool (30s–40s°F) so layers and a warm sleeping bag are necessary. Expect the campground to be busiest in July–August—sites are first-come, first-served—so arrive early or plan weekdays to avoid crowds. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation5571 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryEast Rosebud Creek runs directly through camp, its clear water working over granite carved by ancient glaciers. The Beartooth Mountains rise around the drainage in layers of exposed stone. Peaks that show millions of years of uplift and erosion. The East Rosebud Trail follows the creek upstream through this geology, passing meadows and eventually reaching alpine lakes. Reviews mention the campground sits right on the river, with abundant hiking access radiating from the site.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no lodging accommodations like cabins or lodges at Jimmy Joe Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered at this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

16 days

Guests Allowed Per Site

Information not specified, suitable for tents and trailers up to 30 ft.

Groups

The campground does not offer group camping sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsNo reservation platform; managed on-site.

AccessibilityVault toilets are available, but there is limited information about other specific accessibility features.

Site SizeIndividual camp sites vary in size, accommodating trailers up to 30 feet in length.

PrivacyThe privacy level of the campsites is not specified.

Total Campsites12 campsites

Recommended SitesArrive early during summer weekends to secure a site near the creek.

Amenities available

Jimmy Joe Campground is a free campground located along the scenic East Rosebud Creek in the East Rosebud drainage, known for its beautiful Beartooths scenery. It has 12 campsites and does not accommodate reservations, operating solely on a first-come, first-served basis. While the campground offers a rustic experience, some amenities are available. Vault toilets are present, but there are no trash pickup services or firewood provisions, and potable water is inaccessible due to the absence of a water pump handle.

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The campground is a base for exploring the scenic Beartooths and offers various recreational activities, including hiking and fishing. It is located near the East Rosebud Trail (#15), Spread Creek Trail (#13), and Phantom Creek Trail (#17).

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Instead, the campground has vault toilets.

Food Storage RequiredBear-resistant lockers at some sites; usage is free.

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

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.9

17 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Jimmy Joe Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews highlight the campground's scenic location along East Rosebud Creek, its proximity to hiking trails, and the free access. However, issues such as road access problems and lack of water facilities are noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 17 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers praised the scenic beauty of the surroundings, the roomy campsites with picnic tables, and the abundance of hiking trails nearby. A reviewer said, 'The campground is right on the river. It is...

Based on 17 reviews

Common Concerns

Some visitors noted the lack of amenities like trash pickup and water access. A reviewer commented on the pump for water lacking a handle, making it necessary to drive elsewhere for water. Another...

Based on 17 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Individual campsite reviews are not provided; however, users note that the entire area is scenic and well-suited for outdoor activities.

Based on 17 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water supply and toilet paper as the pump lacks a handle, and the vault toilets may have limited toilet paper. Plan to arrive early to secure a campsite, especially during weekends and...

Based on 17 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground may fill up quickly during summer weekends, and there are reports of road access issues, especially after heavy rains.

Based on 17 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautiful...free...Campground. The campsites were very roomy with room for a couple of tents and a trailer.' (Joy Jones) 2. 'The road is closed and partially washed out a mile before you get...

Based on 17 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility seems limited—vault toilets are listed, but no other specific details are provided.

Based on 17 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a quiet forest base camp for fishing and hiking with basic amenities and don't mind rustic facilities.

Skip if

You need guaranteed road access in shoulder seasons or want developed hookups and flush toilets.

Nearby Campgrounds

4.1

(23)

East Rosebud Campground

Custer Gallatin National Forest

East Rosebud Campground sits at 6,319 feet in Custer Gallatin National Forest, offering direct access to alpine lake trails and high-country wildflower meadows. This small campground accommodates tents, RVs, and primitive setups with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Maintained Memorial Day through Labor Day, it serves as a trailhead base for hikers and anglers targeting East Rosebud Lake and nearby streams.