Jimmy Joe Campground

For Montanans who appreciate the simple and spectacular beauty of our state's wilderness, Jimmy Joe Campground is a destination that delivers on all fronts. Tucked away near Roscoe, this campground is a true gem, offering a beautiful and, most notably, free camping experience. It's a place where you can escape the demands of daily life and immerse yourself in the serene sounds of nature, with the stunning East Rosebud Creek right at your doorstep. This campground embodies the spirit of exploration and self-reliance that so many of us in Montana cherish.

Jimmy Joe is a small but mighty campground, with a limited number of sites that are known for being very roomy. This provides a sense of privacy and space that is often hard to find at more crowded campgrounds. Visitors love the feeling of seclusion and the access to the surrounding wilderness, including the East Rosebud drainage, which is considered one of the most scenic in the Beartooth Mountains. It's a perfect spot for families, hikers, and anyone looking for a peaceful and affordable way to enjoy the Montana outdoors. While the amenities are basic, the natural beauty more than makes up for it, creating an authentic camping experience that is both beautiful and deeply rewarding.

Jimmy Joe Campground is located in Roscoe, MT 59071, USA, and is part of the Custer Gallatin National Forest. The campground is situated along East Rosebud Creek, in the scenic East Rosebud drainage. To access the campground, visitors must drive on a road that, while mostly decent, has some rough spots. It is a known fact that the drive to the area has its challenges, with certain sections having potholes and rough terrain. However, the majority of the drive is considered manageable, and the reward for the journey is a beautiful, secluded area.

It is important to note that the campground can be accessed from either side, but it is not a drive-through, meaning you cannot enter from one side and exit from the other. This ensures that traffic remains minimal and the campground retains its quiet atmosphere. The free nature of the campground, combined with its popularity, means that it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays during the summer. It is recommended to arrive early in the afternoon to secure a spot. The maximum trailer length is 30ft, so visitors with larger RVs should plan accordingly. Its location is ideal for those who want to be close to some of the area's best hiking, including trails like the Phantom Trail and those leading to East Rosebud Lake. The journey to the campground is a small adventure in itself, setting the tone for the wild beauty that awaits.

Services Offered:

• RV Electric Hookup: While the campground is rustic and has limited amenities, it does offer some RV electric hookups. This is a significant convenience for RV campers, as it provides a source of power for essential needs. This feature is a great benefit that enhances the comfort of an otherwise primitive camping experience, making it more accessible to a wider range of travelers.

• Public Restroom: The campground has public restrooms (vault toilets) available for visitors on both sides of the camping area. While it's noted that toilet paper can be scarce, the presence of these facilities is a necessary convenience. Having dedicated restrooms on-site is a huge plus for campers and makes for a more comfortable stay.

• Tent Sites: Jimmy Joe Campground provides well-defined tent sites. The sites are described as very roomy, with enough space for a couple of tents and even a trailer. This makes it a great option for groups or families who want to spread out and have their own private space. Each site is equipped with a picnic table for convenience.

• On-site Parking: Campers can enjoy the convenience of on-site parking at their campsites. This allows for easy access to vehicles for unloading gear and makes for a more secure and practical camping experience.

Features / Highlights:

• Picnics: With picnic tables available at each site, the campground is an ideal spot for picnics. Whether you are enjoying a meal with your family or simply having a snack while taking in the views, the picnic tables provide a dedicated and convenient space for dining al fresco. The proximity to the creek and river also makes for a beautiful picnic setting.

• Good for Kids: Jimmy Joe Campground is a great destination for kids. The natural environment provides a safe and exciting playground for them to explore. The abundance of hiking trails and the beautiful river nearby offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun. However, it's important for parents to be mindful of the river's proximity and swiftness, as noted by past visitors, to ensure children's safety.

• Hiking: The area is known for its abundance of hiking trails. Visitors have praised the accessibility to trails like the Phantom Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. The campground serves as an excellent base for serious hiking adventures, providing a gateway to the raw beauty of the Beartooth Mountains.

• Free Campsites: One of the most significant highlights of Jimmy Joe Campground is that it is a free campground. This makes it a highly attractive option for budget-conscious travelers and local Montanans looking for an affordable weekend getaway. The fact that such a beautiful and well-located campground is free is a testament to the generosity of public lands in our state.

Contact Information:

Address: Roscoe, MT 59071, USA

While the provided information does not include a phone number, the campground is managed by the Custer Gallatin National Forest. You can search for the Beartooth Ranger District office for general information about the area.

What is worth choosing:

Jimmy Joe Campground is a top choice for a number of reasons, all of which contribute to a unique and memorable Montana camping experience. Its most compelling feature is that it is a free campground, making it incredibly accessible to everyone, regardless of budget. For a place with such stunning natural beauty and convenient amenities, this is an outstanding value. The location is also a major draw. Situated right on the beautiful and pristine East Rosebud Creek, with spacious, private sites, it offers a sense of seclusion and peace that is hard to find elsewhere.

The campground is a fantastic home base for adventurers. With a wealth of hiking trails just a stone's throw away, you have endless opportunities to explore the breathtaking Beartooth Mountains. It's a place for true nature enthusiasts who don't need a lot of frills to enjoy their surroundings. While it's important to be prepared and bring your own supplies like toilet paper and water due to potential shortages, these minor inconveniences are part of the authentic, rustic charm.

The fact that it is good for kids and provides a safe, natural environment for them to play and learn is another reason to choose it. The large, spread-out sites ensure that families have their own space without being on top of their neighbors. Ultimately, choosing Jimmy Joe Campground is about embracing the core of Montana's outdoor culture: a place where you can find unparalleled natural beauty, adventure, and solitude, all for the price of getting there. It is a special place that has earned its reputation as a local favorite for its raw, unfiltered beauty and generous accessibility.

Jimmy Joe Campground

Roscoe, MT 59071, USA