Black bears frequent the area around this Forest Service campground, positioned near Gipsy Lake within Helena National Forest. The facility accommodates RVs up to 20 feet and provides drinking water, restrooms, and firewood for purchase. Access requires a challenging seven-mile hike that includes steep switchbacks and rough terrain along Duck Creek Road.
Wildlife encounters are common here, with campers reporting bear sightings within 30 yards of campsites. The trail system offers multiple camping spots for backpackers willing to make the demanding trek. Wolves also inhabit the surrounding forest. This remote location works best for experienced hikers prepared for strenuous access conditions and active wildlife management.
Description
Nested in the Big Belt Mountains this campground provides a serene camping experience near a small mountain lake. A non-motorized trail extends from the campground into the Big Belt Mountains, past several spectacular mountain lakes, to an area called the Needles, named for its odd rock formations.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsGipsy Lake is located in Montana near White Sulphur Springs
Directions
Travel west from White Sulphur Springs on Highway #360. About 1.6 miles from town the highway makes a sharp curve to the right: proceed straight onto the gravel road. After traveling 6.5 miles the gravel road forks at the entrance to a ranch; stay to the right. As you drive the next 7.5 miles to the Helena Forest boundary the road becomes more primitive. Within 1 mile of the Forest boundary, Road #8961 turns to south. Follow Road #8961 two miles to Gypsy Lake Campground.
Coordinates
46.50100045 N
111.21200075 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
Features
For Campers
- Firewood Available
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
Drive Time
- 1 hr 54 min from Helena, MT
- 2 hrs 15 min from Bozeman, MT
- 2 hrs 56 min from Great Falls, MT
- 3 hrs 34 min from Missoula, MT








