Jimmy Joe Campground

Star4.36
17 reviews
Jimmy Joe Campground, East Rosebud Creek, East Rosebud drainage

Quick Facts

5,571 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Beartooth Ranger District site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Jimmy Joe Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The campground does not charge any fees for usage. Managed on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
(406) 446-2103null
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What Campers Say

4.36

Recommended

Based on 17 reviews

16 Google reviews

Most mentioned

hikingsites

"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."

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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

Driving directionsDrive 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 6.5 miles and until the campground, on your right.
Road access includes paved roads initially, transitioning to gravel roads as you approach East Rosebud Rd. Campground access is subject to seasonal challenges, and road conditions can vary based on weather.
Nearby places
Red Lodge, MT (approx. 31 miles)
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be acquired in Red Lodge, MT, approximately 31 miles away. Includes groceries and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Jimmy Joe Campground

Summer transforms Jimmy Joe into a vibrant outdoor paradise, with warm days perfect for creek-side relaxation and cool nights ideal for campfire stories under star-studded skies. While shoulder seasons bring their own dramatic beauty—spring wildflowers and autumn's golden aspens—visitors should come prepared for mountain weather's quick-changing moods. Winter and early spring can deliver snow and challenging conditions, making summer through early fall the sweet spot for most campers.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer is peak season: warm days, hiking and creek-side relaxation; fills on weekends.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Shoulder season likely pleasant with fewer visitors, though weather can be variable.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring offers shoulder-season access but reviewers note road issues after heavy rains.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Open year-round but winter access and services not described; likely challenging.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Summer months; campground may fill up during weekends and holidays.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round; peak season demand during summer months.
  • Current Alerts: Road closure reported at some points, particularly during adverse weather.

About Jimmy Joe Campground

Tucked away in the breathtaking East Rosebud drainage of the Beartooth Mountains, Jimmy Joe Campground offers an authentic wilderness experience without the price tag. This hidden gem provides 12 first-come, first-served sites where adventurers can pitch their tents for free alongside the melodic waters of East Rosebud Creek. Here, morning mist dances above the water as hikers set off on nearby trails, and evenings bring the gentle symphony of rushing water and rustling pines—a true basecamp for those seeking Montana's raw mountain beauty.
Jimmy Joe Campground is a primitive camping facility that caters to tent and RV campers but does not provide modern amenities like hookups.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Arrive early afternoon.
Check-out
Not specified.
Stay Limit
16 days

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

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).
HikingMultiple trails such as the East Rosebud Trail, Spread Creek Trail, and Phantom Creek Trail are accessible nearby, providing options for varied hiking experiences.
FishingFishing is possible in the East Rosebud Creek, which runs directly by the campground.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity noted; campers advised to use lockers and follow food storage rules.
Active AlertsRoad closure reported at some points, particularly during adverse weather.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredBear-resistant lockers at some sites; usage is free.

Weather at Jimmy Joe Campground

Reviews

4.4
17 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Jimmy Joe Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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

Accessibility Features

Accessibility seems limited—vault toilets are listed, but no other specific details are provided.
Based on 17 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

There is no specific mention of pet policies or experiences from pet owners.
Based on 17 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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