Within Deerlodge National Forest, Piney Campground And Boat Launch sits alongside Georgetown Lake at an elevation that keeps snow visible on surrounding peaks well into summer. The US Forest Service manages this drive-in facility, which accommodates RVs up to 45 feet and operates from late May through mid-September at $17 per night.
The campground's layout places sites around the lake perimeter, providing water access for fishing and swimming. A boat launch within the facility serves both motorized watercraft and smaller vessels, though Montana requires inspection of all boats, including inflatable kayaks, before launching. Jessica C. notes that "campsites surround the lake" and describes clean restroom facilities positioned close to each site.
Beetle kill has reduced tree cover across much of the area, limiting shade but opening sightlines toward the water and mountains. The campground includes both reservable sites through Recreation.gov and a separate Loop B section that operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Cell service reaches the area, and firewood is available for purchase. Reviews mention relatively quiet conditions with moderate boat traffic during peak season.
Campers needing additional supplies can access campgrounds around Philipsburg about nine miles north, while nearby Philipsburg Bay Campground offers an alternative lakeside option less than a mile away.
Description
Overview
Piney Campground is adjacent to Georgetown Lake and provides ideal access to fishing, boating and water skiing. It is located in the Pintler Ranger District of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. Surrounded by mountains of outstanding beauty, the location is perfect for visitors who enjoy mountain and water sports or those who prefer relaxing and taking in the spectacular view. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
Recreation
Canoeing and boating are popular activities at the lake. Hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers will find no shortage of trails within a few miles of the campground. Georgetown Lake is a prime destination for fishing and fly fishing with kokanee salmon, rainbow and brook trout being the most sought-after species. It is illegal to target Bull Trout, if caught they must be released immediately with minimal handling. Participants must have Montana licenses to hunt or fish.
Facilities
The campground has 46 campsites in total. 17 campsites can be reserved in advance and 29 campsites are available as first-come, first-served. Reservable sites are in Loop A, and Loop B is first-come, first-served. This campground welcomes RV or tent camping and is boater-friendly with paved roads and a boat ramp nearby. The campground features drinking water pumps and vault toilets. The sites include picnic tables and fire rings. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
Natural Features
The campground overlooks the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness. Georgetown Lake is a large mountain lake spanning close to 3,000 acres at an elevation of over 6,000 ft. Lodgepole pines enclose the lake and surrounding mountains, providing a home to abundant wildlife including moose, elk, white-tailed deer and even bighorn sheep. Water birds such as the graceful blue heron as well as hawks and other birds of prey also inhabit the lake area.
Nearby Attractions
The towns of Anaconda and Philipsburg are nearby and the campground is adjacent to Georgetown Lake. Discovery Ski Area is close by with lift-access mountain biking.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (406) 859-3211.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Air Quality at this campground may currently be unhealthy for sensitive groups.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPiney Campground And Boat Launch is located in Montana near Philipsburg
Directions
From Hwy 1 take Georgetown Lake Road over dam. Follow signs; Piney will be 2 miles on your left.
Coordinates
46.1955722 N
113.3021972 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/26/26- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 7/26/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/26/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 7/26/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 17 min from Missoula, MT
- 1 hr 38 min from Helena, MT
- 1 hr 52 min from Bozeman, MT
- 2 hrs 50 min from Great Falls, MT
