

State Park
Emerald Lake Campground
Custer National Forest · Fishtail, MT
Verify with the state park system
State parks set their own rules and reservation systems. Fire bans, road closures, and operating dates change seasonally — check the state park website before traveling.
Pricing
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Official sources & verification
Managed by State Park
Source of truth
- Operator website
Listed website for the campground operator.
Verify by phone or mail
- Address:Fishtail, MT
Live availability
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About
Emerald Lake is in the West Rosebud drainage and is nestled in the trees between Emerald Lake and West Rosebud Lake. [West Rosebud Trail (19), ](https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/custergallatin/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=61381&actid=50)[Pine Grove Campground](https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/custergallatin/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=60865&actid=50), Emerald Lake Fishing Access and West Rosebud Lake Fishing Access are also located in the West Rosebud drainage. There is a _16 day maximum stay_ in all Beartooth Ranger District campgrounds. For a road map of the area, with locations of campgrounds, please see our Motor Vehicle Use Map ([MVUM](http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3825417.pdf)). * **Camp sites:** 32 * **Host** : No * **Max trailer length** : 30ft * **Accessible Facilities:** Toilet * **Trash Pickup:** Centrally located Bear resistant dumpster * **Firewood:** No. Don't move firewood to other areas or bring in outside firewood. Prevent the spread of tree-killing insects by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it there. **Reservations** : No Reservations: 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 are equipped with bear resistant food storage lockers. 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 remains 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:** Drive north on US Hwy 212 for 2.1 miles and turn left (west) onto MT-78. Drive 30.0 miles and turn left (west) onto MT-419 towards Fishtail. Drive 4.4 miles (through Fishtail) and turn left (south) onto West Rosebud Rd. Drive 6.5 miles and turn left (south) to continue on West Rosebud Rd. Drive 12.4 miles to the campground, on the left. **Information: Beartooth Ranger District 6811 US Hwy 212 Red Lodge, MT 59068 (406) 446-2103**
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Amenities
Flush Toilets
Potable Water
Picnic Tables
Fire Rings
Trash Service
Pet Policy
Pets allowed on leash
Campground Rules
- Campfires generally permitted — verify current fire restrictions before lighting
In this park
Trails at Custer National Forest

Hellroaring Plateau Trail
18.2 mi4,311 ftexpert

Rock Creek Streamside Trail
4.3 mi591 ftmoderate

Rimrock Lake
10.3 mi4,327 ftexpert

Sundance Pass Trail
9.4 mi3,967 ftexpert

September Morn Lake via West Fork and Lake Fork Trail
17.9 mi5,486 ftexpert

Maurice Creek Trail to Line Creek Plateau
8.9 mi3,501 ftdifficult
Within ~30 miles
Trails near Emerald Lake Campground
West Rosebud
Montana
0.7 mi213 ftgain
TrailEasy

Mystic Lake Trail
Montana
0.6 mi276 ftgain
TrailModerate
West Rosebud
Montana
0.8 mi253 ftgain
TrailEasy
West Rosebud
Montana
6.8 mi1,293 ftgain
TrailDifficult
Phantom Creek
Montana
7.7 mi2,625 ftgain
TrailExpert

Slough Lake Trail
Montana
4.6 mi1,640 ftgain
TrailDifficult
Hunt context
Hunting units around this campground
During hunting seasons, wear blaze orange and check regulations — see the Montana hunting page
Nearby Campgrounds
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