Pine Grove Campground
4.587 reviews6811 US Hwy 212, Red Lodge, MT 59068
Pine Grove Campground
$9.00 - $9.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$9.00
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
This campground charges a flat fee of $9 per site.
About this campground
Escape to Pine Grove Campground, where towering pines whisper secrets above your tent and West Rosebud Creek sings you to sleep each night. This peaceful mountain retreat serves as your gateway to adventure, with the legendary Emerald Lake and West Rosebud Trail beckoning just beyond your campsite. While you'll find essential amenities like vault toilets and bear-resistant dumpsters, the real luxury here is the untouched wilderness at your doorstep. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, rewarding early birds and spontaneous adventurers alike.
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.
Historical SignificanceNestled within the storied Beartooth Ranger District, Pine Grove Campground sits at the threshold of some of Montana's most treasured wilderness. The historic trails that begin here have carried generations of adventurers to the stunning Emerald Lake and the pristine waters of West Rosebud Lake, following paths first traced by Native peoples and early explorers who recognized the spiritual power of these mountains.
Weather and SeasonsPine Grove welcomes visitors throughout all four seasons, each offering its own magic. Summer brings golden days perfect for hiking and creek-side relaxation, with warm sunshine filtering through the pine canopy. As autumn arrives, the forest transforms into a tapestry of gold. Winter blankets the campground in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for the hardy souls who embrace freezing temperatures and the profound silence of a snow-muffled forest. Spring awakens the creek with snowmelt, filling the air with the rush of water and promise of new adventures.
ElevationPerched at 6,800 feet in the dramatic West Rosebud drainage, Pine Grove offers that perfect sweet spot of mountain elevation—high enough to escape the summer heat and breathe crisp, pine-scented air, yet accessible enough for comfortable camping. This elevation places you in the heart of the montane forest zone, where the air is thin enough to remind you that you're truly in the mountains.
Natural Features and SceneryPine Grove is nature's masterpiece of simplicity and beauty. Ancient pines and firs create a living cathedral overhead, their branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. West Rosebud Creek provides the soundtrack—a constant, soothing melody that ranges from gentle babbling to enthusiastic rushing depending on the season. Morning mist often rises from the water, creating ethereal scenes that photographers dream about, while evenings bring alpenglow to the surrounding peaks visible through breaks in the canopy.
Geological RegionThe West Rosebud drainage tells a story written in stone and water over millions of years. Part of the greater Beartooth Ranger District, this geological wonderland showcases the raw power of ancient glaciers that carved these valleys and the patient persistence of West Rosebud Creek as it continues to shape the landscape today. Dense forests cloak the lower elevations, gradually giving way to alpine meadows and bare granite peaks that form the backbone of this remarkable mountain ecosystem.
Campsite details
AccessibilityToilet facilities are accessible, and some campsites appear to be relatively level, but there is no mention of full compliance with ADA standards.
Sites PrivacySites are located in a wooded area with some privacy, but no specifics on site spacing or screening.
Total Campsites46 campsites
Recommended CampsitesArrive early to secure a campsite near the creek.
Best CampsitesSites near the creek are often favored for scenery and proximity to water.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
No specific time.
Check-out
No specific time.
Stay Limit
16 days maximum stay limit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No specific guest limit per site mentioned.
Groups
No information about group camping facilities was provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSites are spread out and some have bear-resistant food storage lockers.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations; managed first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-up. The campground often fills up during weekends and holidays in summer.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are not applicable; the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Amenities available
Vault toilets
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
The West Rosebud Trail (#19) nearby provides hiking opportunities and leads to scenic destinations such as Emerald Lake and the surrounding forested areas.Fishing
Fishing access is available at Emerald Lake and West Rosebud Lake, both located within the West Rosebud drainage.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities were mentioned.Water Sports
No details regarding non-motorized water sports were provided.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires allowed but must be managed responsibly.
- Quiet hours are No specific quiet hours mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsPresence of wildlife including bears. Campers must follow food storage regulations.
Active alertsNone currently provided.
Weather forecast
68
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 28%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 5.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Beartooth Ranger District office (located at 6811 US Hwy 212, Red Lodge, MT), Red Lodge emergency services.
Good to know
Peak season datesSummer months
Trash and recyclingBear-resistant dumpsters are available on-site for trash disposal, but no recycling facilities are mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLocated along West Rosebud Creek with nearby access to Emerald Lake and West Rosebud Trail.
Common complaintsPopular complaints from reviews include lack of a campground host and disturbances from other campers during peak times.
HostNo campground host on site.
Campground Map
6811 US Hwy 212, Red Lodge, MT 59068
Driving directionsDrive north on US Hwy 212 for 2.1 miles and turn left (west) onto MT-78. Drive 30 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 9.1 miles to the campground, on the left.
The campground has a paved access road leading to two entrances. It is accessible year-round, though the area may fill up on weekends and holidays during the summer months.Nearby places
Red Lodge (11 miles, 20 minutes), Fishtail (4.4 miles, 10 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Nearby town of Fishtail offers basic supplies. Larger stores and fuel stations are available in Red Lodge.
Camper Reviews
4.6
7 reviews
Pine Grove Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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 7 reviews
What Campers Love
'Very peaceful setting,' 'Clean bathrooms,' 'Beautiful creekside location.'
Based on 7 reviewsCommon 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 7 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive early to secure a site, especially during summer weekends and holidays when the campground tends to fill up quickly.
Based on 7 reviewsSeasonal 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 7 reviewsCamper 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 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers have been identified as the best or worst.
Based on 7 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility features were found.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No information about pet-related experiences is available.
Based on 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025