Map showing campground location near Roscoe, Montana

Camper submitted image from East Rosebud Campground

East Rosebud Campground

Fishing enthusiasts and hikers will find East Rosebud Campground serves as a gateway to the Beartooth Mountains, positioned at the end of a 10.5-mile dirt road that climbs steadily from the valley floor. The Forest Service facility operates from late May through early September within Custer National Forest, offering 16 sites spread across forested and open terrain near East Rosebud Creek.

The campground provides basic amenities including drinking water, vault toilets, and a dump station, though no shower facilities exist on-site. A small camp store within walking distance sells firewood and supplies, including huckleberry ice cream that draws hikers returning from area trails. The popular Beaten Path trailhead sits nearby, creating weekend parking congestion though the noise doesn't carry to most campsites.

Wildlife sightings are common along the access road, with visitors reporting elk, moose, and wild turkeys during their drive in. The lake itself remains largely inaccessible due to private property boundaries, though boaters can launch upstream and paddle up to the main lake. Darrell N. notes to "brave the 10.5 mile dirt road and go here" for the hiking opportunities.

Sites fill by mid-afternoon during peak season, with only three offering direct mountain views. For those seeking easier access, Jimmy Joe Campground provides a closer alternative with shorter approach roads.

Description

East Rosebud Campground is nestled in the trees, not far from East Rosebud Lake. East Rosebud is considered one of the more scenic drainages in the Beartooths and the campground is a short distance from the East Rosebud Trail (#15), Spread Creek Trail (#13), and Phantom Creek Trail (#17). __Jimmy Joe Campground and Sand Dunes Picnic Ground also located in the East Rosebud drainage.*Please be advised that much of the area directly around East Rosebud Lake is private property. Fishing or boat access to the lake is limited. Please call the district office for more information.Camp sites: 14Host: NoMax Trailer Length: 20ftAccessible Facilities: NoneTrash Pickup: Bear resistant trash container centrally located on site during peak season only.Firewood: NoReservations:There are no reservations for this campground. This campground does not use a reservation system; it is managed on a first-come, first-served basis. Be aware that the campground is very popular and may fill up on weekends & holidays during the summer months. You should arrive early to ensure there is a space available for the night. There is a 16 day stay limit. Some sites in campground have bear resistant food storage lockers. Individual camp sites vary in size, but the max trailer length is 20ft.This campground is maintained from approximately Memorial Day to Labor Day (call district office for exact season dates). During these dates there is a fee to stay in the campground (listed below).Outside of the peak summer dates (Memorial Day- Labor Day), the campground is ungated, free, and available for use (no services, not maintained, roads are not plowed). If you visit outside the peak fee season, please bring your own water, toilet paper (outhouse will remain open), and please pack out your trash.Directions from district office to East Rosebud Campground:Drive 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 10.5 miles to the campground, on your left.

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Map & DirectionsEast Rosebud Campground is located in Montana near Roscoe

Public Campground

Coordinates

45.199442 N
109.634267 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group
Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

Trash
Firewood Available
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump

Contact

General Info

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Drive Time

2 hrs 1 min from Billings, MT
2 hrs 39 min from Bozeman, MT
4 hrs 3 min from Helena, MT
5 hrs 54 min from Idaho Falls, ID

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Reviews6 Camper Reviews - East Rosebud Campground

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.0

out of 5

6 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned the stunning mountain scenery and excellent hiking access, though the challenging 10+ mile dirt road requires careful consideration. Basic facilities and limited lake access due to private land restrictions are important factors to note.

Dallin W.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 19, 2023

Easy and fun

This campground was an amazing place for a nice getaway. Plenty of sites, easy access, and lots of beautiful views. We saw some turkeys, an elk, and a moose on our drive in!

Sitecan’t remember

Month of VisitMay

(9) View All

Gabriela S.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 28, 2021

Nature is now private!

Road is just terrible. If you want to break your RV and drive 10 miles per hour for 15 miles- go for it. Keep in mind that you are uphill and you don’t have access to the lake. Only 3 spots have “view”. It’s forbidden to swim, fish or do anything, but boat launching. Horrible flies that were bitting our dogs like crazy.

Site14

Month of VisitJuly

Darrell N.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 25, 2020

Worth every minute

Brave the 10.5 mile dirt road and go here! It's a perfect campground in the best location. Every review is spot on... The towns people are very picky about where you can go on the lake...but the hiking is magnificent and the location can't be beat.

(4) View All

Wendell M.

Traveler

Reviewed Oct. 24, 2019

Makes a good homebase

I have stayed here 3 times . Nice spot for a homebase , there’s a few hikes to go on from right by the grounds. And if you forgot something there’s a small store just a short walk away. Or maybe a yummy huckleberry ice cream cone right after a long hike. The rosebud trailhead is the kickoff for the beaten path hike so always lots of cars at thevtraihead on weekends but it isn’t too close to the campgrounds. The store sells firewood which is nice (shouldn’t be hauling firewood around anyways). No showers tho. Very basic . Water and toilets .

Site5

Month of VisitAugust

Harry H.

Ranger

Reviewed Oct. 1, 2017

Basecamp for serious hiking

Picture-perfect Montana Rockies beauty. Didn’t use the lake but many were. Wooded small campground with basic primitive sites. Owned by National Forest & kept well. Filled up by mid-afternoon, were lucky to get there early. Exceptional views.

Lindsay B.

Ranger

Reviewed May. 5, 2015

East Rosebud is scenic, but private land is a drag

East Rosebud Lake is heaven on earth. But every inch of the waterfront is private land. To get a kayak or canoe into the lake, you have to get in upriver and paddle up to the lake. There is one small camp store with a deck to that looks out onto the lake, but know that the private land owners are not fans of the campers. Don't walk through their yards. The campground itself is scenic, but a bit crowded. The "beaten trail" is world class though!!

(6) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at East Rosebud Campground?

East Rosebud Campground offers basic primitive sites in a wooded setting. As a National Forest campground, it provides minimal amenities focused on a natural camping experience. There's a small camp store within walking distance where you can purchase forgotten items or enjoy a huckleberry ice cream cone after hiking. The campground is well-maintained but rustic, so expect primitive facilities rather than modern conveniences. The campground tends to fill up quickly, especially by mid-afternoon, so arriving early is recommended to secure a spot.

How do I get to East Rosebud Campground in Montana?

Reaching East Rosebud Campground requires traveling down a 10.5-mile dirt road that can be quite rough and challenging. RV owners should proceed with caution as the road conditions may be difficult, requiring slow speeds (around 10 mph) for the final stretch. The campground is located in a remote area of the Montana Rockies, which contributes to its pristine beauty but also makes access more challenging. Despite the rough road, many visitors find the journey worthwhile for the spectacular mountain scenery, with wildlife sightings possible along the way including elk, moose, and turkeys.

Are there hiking trails near East Rosebud Lake Campground?

East Rosebud Campground is an excellent base for hikers, with several trails accessible directly from the campground area. The Rosebud trailhead serves as the starting point for magnificent hiking opportunities in the surrounding mountains. Trails range from shorter routes near the campground to more extensive backcountry options. The area offers stunning views typical of the Montana Rockies, making it a hiker's paradise. The combination of mountain vistas, lake scenery, and forest paths creates diverse hiking experiences for all skill levels. This is one of the main attractions of the campground, with many visitors using it specifically as a basecamp for exploring the trail system.

Can I see photos of East Rosebud Campground before booking?

While specific photo sources aren't mentioned, you can find images of East Rosebud Campground on various camping websites and forest service resources. The campground features picture-perfect Montana Rockies beauty with exceptional mountain views. Only a few sites have direct lake views, but the wooded small campground offers beautiful surroundings throughout. Photos would typically showcase the forested sites, nearby East Rosebud Lake, and the stunning mountain backdrop. For the most current and comprehensive visual information, check the official Forest Service website or contact the ranger district that manages this campground.

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