Is Pine Grove Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Pine Grove 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 Pine Grove Campground?

Pine Grove Campground is open Seasons of Use 5/26 - 9/6. Fees Charged May – September, Weather Dependent.. 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 Pine Grove Campground?

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

How many campsites does Pine Grove Campground have?

Pine Grove Campground has 46 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Pine Grove Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Pine Grove Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Pine Grove Campground?

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

Pine Grove Campground

4.18

25 reviews

6811 US Hwy 212, Red Lodge, MT 59068

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds 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

6,800 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

46 campsites

Season

Seasons of Use 5/26 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

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

6,800 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

46 campsites

Season

Seasons of Use 5/26 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Beartooth Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Pine Grove 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

Pine Grove Campground

6811 US Hwy 212, Red Lodge, MT 59068

Nearby places

Red Lodge (11 miles, 20 minutes), Fishtail (4.4 miles, 10 minutes)

Weather at Pine Grove Campground

Best Time to Camp at Pine Grove Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the best window for hiking and fishing at this 6,800 ft mountain campground — expect daytime highs around 60–75°F and cool nights in the 30s–40s. Trails to Emerald Lake and the West Rosebud Trail are snow-free by mid-July, wildflower meadows are at their peak, and creek fishing is excellent. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible, and weekends can be busy with first-come, first-served sites filling early, so plan weekday visits or arrive early for rivers- Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is prime season; trails snow-free mid-July and reviews praise summer scenery and access.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Seasons of Use 5/26 - 9/6. Fees Charged May – September, Weather Dependent.

About Pine Grove Campground

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.

Pine Grove Campground offers 46 campsites, all of which are tent-friendly. The sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and there is no reservation system in place. Some sites feature bear-resistant food storage lockers.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the best window for hiking and fishing at this 6,800 ft mountain campground — expect daytime highs around 60–75°F and cool nights in the 30s–40s. Trails to Emerald Lake and the West Rosebud Trail are snow-free by mid-July, wildflower meadows are at their peak, and creek fishing is excellent. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible, and weekends can be busy with first-come, first-served sites filling early, so plan weekday visits or arrive early for rivers- Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation6800 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDense pine and fir forest covers the campground, with West Rosebud Creek running alongside. The surrounding Beartooth Ranger District shows the work of ancient glaciers. Carved valleys, granite peaks visible through the canopy, and alpine meadows at higher elevations. Morning mist rises from the creek. The forest provides partial shade and a wooded setting, though site spacing varies.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere is no lodging facility like cabins or hotels available on-site.

Programs & ActivitiesNo mention of cultural or educational programs available.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

16 days maximum stay limit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No specific guest limit per site mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations; managed first-come, first-served.

AccessibilityToilet facilities are accessible, and some campsites appear to be relatively level, but there is no mention of full compliance with ADA standards.

PrivacySites are located in a wooded area with some privacy, but no specifics on site spacing or screening.

Total Campsites46 campsites

Recommended SitesArrive early to secure a campsite near the creek.

Best CampsitesSites near the creek are favored for scenery and proximity to water.

Amenities available

Pine Grove Campground features 46 campsites located in a wooded area along the banks of West Rosebud Creek. There are no reservation systems, and the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Facilities include bear-resistant dumpsters, vault toilets, and a few sites equipped with bear-resistant food storage lockers. However, there is no camp host and firewood is not available for purchase at the site.

Potable water

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The campground is situated in an area that offers access to a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and exploring nearby lakes and trailheads. Popular destinations include Emerald Lake and the West Rosebud Trail (#19), both of which are in proximity to the campground. Some sites have bear-resistant food storage lockers, ensuring safer food storage during outdoor activities.

Hiking

Fishing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; the campground provides vault toilets.

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).

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

4.2

25 reviews

Satisfactory

Pine Grove Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Pine Grove Campground emphasize its peaceful setting and scenic location along West Rosebud Creek. Common themes include the absence of a campground host, clean vault toilets, and occasional frustrations with disruptive visitors.

Review Summaries

Based on 25 reviews

What Campers Love

'Very peaceful setting,' 'Clean bathrooms,' 'Beautiful creekside location.'

Based on 25 reviews

Common Concerns

Multiple users have noted issues such as a lack of a campground host, instances of disruptive visitors, and no cell service for emergencies.

Based on 25 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site numbers have been identified as the best or worst.

Based on 25 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure a site, especially during summer weekends and holidays when the campground tends to fill up quickly.

Based on 25 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are reportedly busy, with weekends and holidays being particularly crowded. The absence of a reservation system requires early arrival for site availability.

Based on 25 reviews

Camper Quotes

'We loved Pine Grove Campground!! Very peaceful setting. Clean bathrooms.' - Carly Waddoups. 'Looks pretty, wish we could stay after drive up. Said open on website, but closed when we got there.' -...

Based on 25 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a peaceful forest base camp for hiking and fishing without needing a staffed host on-site.

Skip if

You prefer campgrounds with full-time hosts or want to avoid peak-season crowds.

Nearby Campgrounds

4.4

(58)

Emerald Lake Campground

6811 US Hwy 212, Red Lodge, MT 59068

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.