Pros & cons
PROS
- Lakeside day-use area with picnic tables and a boat ramp
- Campground beside the water with mountain views
- Clean vault toilets and easy parking near the shore
CONS
- Potable water is occasionally out of service—bring a backup/filter
- Mosquitoes can be heavy in midsummer
- Generally no cell service
Overview
Beartooth Lake is an easy pull-off from the highway to stretch your legs and actually be by the water, not just stare at it from a distant overlook. A short gravel spur brings you to a peaceful alpine lake ringed by peaks, with space to picnic or launch a small boat.
What You'll Find
- Day-use area right on the shore, with picnic tables and vault toilets.
- A boat ramp suitable for kayaks and small boats.
- Informal shoreline paths and mellow lakeside wandering.
- A small nearby store for basics, but plan to be self-sufficient.
Camping Notes
The campground has three loops (A, B, and C). Loop C is the most secluded. Pay at Loop A via self-serve envelopes; sites are first-come, first-served and fill quickly in peak months. Each loop has clean vault toilets; sites have picnic tables and fire rings. Potable water spigots (reported in Loop B) are occasionally out—bring a filter or extra water. Some sites have bear boxes, but not all. Expect cold nights even in midsummer and no cell service.
Season & Road Access
The campground’s typical season runs late June through early September. The Beartooth Highway itself often sees closures from roughly October through May, and temporary shutdowns can happen anytime—check road status before you go.
Activities
This is a relaxed spot for paddling, fishing, and shoreline picnics. It also connects to bigger Absaroka–Beartooth hikes if you’re looking to venture farther from the road later in your trip.
Safety & Wildlife
You’re in grizzly country—use strict food storage and keep a clean camp; carrying bear spray is standard here.
Best Time to Visit
For camping, arrive earlier in the day during July–August to snag a site. If you’re day-tripping, the lake makes a great lunch stop and a calm break from the high, windy passes. Expect more mosquitoes in mid-summer and colder conditions at the shoulder ends of the season.
Where it is
44.9473, -109.5914Tips for Beartooth Lake
- 01Arrive early—first-come, first-served sites fill fast in peak months.
- 02Bring exact cash for the self-serve fee station at Loop A.
- 03Pack a water filter in case the spigots are turned off.
- 04Expect no cell service and plan communications accordingly.
- 05Follow strict food storage rules; some sites have bear boxes, but not all.
Amenities
Near Beartooth Lake
All places →All trails →
0.2 mi awayBeartooth Lake CampgroundLakeside first‑come campground with big views on Beartooth HighwayCampground · Restroom
0.2 mi awayBeauty Lake TrailAlpine lakes out-and-back with a waterfall and big Beartooth viewsModerate · 4.4 mi · 2.3 hr
0.2 mi awayBeartooth Lake Loop TrailAlpine lake loop with creek fords and big Beartooth views.Moderate · 7.8 mi · 3.8 hr
0.2 mi awayBeartooth Loop National Recreation TrailAlpine loop with big views, quiet lakes, and real solitude.Moderate · 9.7 mi · 4.5 hr
0.9 mi awayBeartooth FallsShort roadside cascade with an easy walk to photogenic viewpointsPullout · Parking
1.1 mi awayBeartooth ButteRoadside view of fossil-rich red cliffs above Beartooth LakePullout · Parking
1.2 mi awayBeartooth Pass10,947-ft summit stop with huge views and a shot at goatsPullout · Parking
1.7 mi awayClay Butte Lookout TrailWalk the gravel road to big Beartooth views from a historic lookoutModerate · 5.2 mi · 2.5 hr
