(Red Lodge) —The Beartooth Ranger District of the Custer Gallatin National Forest will not open the Pine Grove Campground for the 2026 season. This decision comes in response to an overwhelming infestation of Pine Engraver Beetles and the resulting hazardous conditions posed by dead and declining trees within the campground.
Given these hazardous conditions, the district recreation staff have determined that Pine Grove Campground is unsafe and unfit for public use. The extensive work required to restore safety- such as thinning and removal of effected trees—exceeds the capacity of current district staffing. A recent allocation from the Forest Health and Prevention program, dedicated to Ips beetle mitigation efforts will make these mitigation efforts possible. Starting this fall, the funding will support thinning operations and the removal of beetle-infected trees, with the goal of restoring the campground to a safe and enjoyable place for recreation.
