Glamping sites near Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest vary in terrain from riverside locations to mountain-adjacent facilities, many situated at elevations between 5,000-7,000 feet. The region experiences dramatic temperature shifts with potential snow even during summer months, particularly in the Pioneer Mountains area. Luxury camping options throughout the area offer varying levels of amenities with several campgrounds providing boat access to nearby lakes and streams.
What to do
Dig for crystals: Crystal Park in the Pioneer Mountains offers unique opportunities for visitors to find their own gemstones. Located near Beaverhead National Forest Grasshopper Campground and Picnic Area, this activity draws families and rockhounds. "A short drive to crystal park where you can dig up quartz and amethyst," notes one camper at Grasshopper Campground.
Explore ghost towns: The historic mining town of Bannack provides an immersive historical experience. At Vigilante Campground, visitors can stay adjacent to this preserved site. "The Ghost town allows you a look at how settlers and miners leaved in the early day of Montana. See the 1st Territorial Governors Manson (ok, small cabin). Almost all of building you can enter," explains a reviewer.
Water recreation: Georgetown Lake offers boating and fishing opportunities with multiple access points. "There is a boat launch in the campground. Snow covered peaks still visible in late June," mentions a visitor at Piney Campground. For those seeking upscale accommodations near water, several glamping facilities provide direct lake access with boat rentals available seasonally.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many luxury camping accommodations in the area offer more seclusion than standard campgrounds. At Philipsburg Bay Campground, "The spots are spacious and quiet. It's really clean and the camp hosts were nice," reports one camper. Another adds, "Sites are spread out enough and campground is wooded, so you aren't on top of your neighbors."
Wildlife viewing: The area provides opportunities to observe native species in their natural habitat. "We heard wolves after dusk and saw elk at dawn. Fishing is good and plenty of waterfowl in the lake," writes a visitor to Philipsburg Bay. Morning and evening hours typically offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities across the region.
Clean facilities: Many glamping locations maintain high standards for amenities. At Butte KOA, one reviewer was "extremely impressed with the cleanliness and variety of activities including outdoor oversized chess, a children's mining activity, etc." Another noted the "exceptionally large" bathrooms that were "clean with great water pressure in the showers."
What you should know
Weather unpredictability: Mountain conditions can change rapidly in this region. At Grasshopper Campground, a camper warns, "We got snow on Labor Day weekend (still Summer!), so check the forecast." This variability makes packing layers essential for comfort, even during peak summer months.
Reservation requirements: Many popular glamping accommodations require advance booking, especially during peak season. "They do have drop in non reservation sites, but recommend getting reservations as well as cave tour reservations on line In Advance," advises a visitor to Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park.
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly throughout the region. One camper at Philipsburg Bay reported, "Really great, quiet spot despite not being far from anything. You can hear waterfowl from the lake and nothing else but still have cell reception if you want it." Others noted specific locations within campgrounds where service was stronger.
Boat inspections: Water access requires compliance with state regulations. "All boats, including inflatable kayaks need to be inspected at a Montana inspection station before launching in the water," explains a camper at Piney Campground. These inspections help prevent the spread of invasive species.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several glamping locations provide facilities specifically designed for children. Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park features "a playground if you have kids," while a Butte KOA visitor mentioned "a small older playground next to the pool" which their "toddler thought was fantastic."
Educational opportunities: Historical sites offer learning experiences for all ages. At Bannack State Park, "Kids visiting the park can work on a Jr. Ranger program. Great time to visit is when they have volunteers dressed in period clothing," shares a reviewer at Delmoe Lake.
Waterfront activities: Accessible shorelines provide entertainment options. At Delmoe Lake, "Camp sites are fairly spread out, there's room for RVs if that's your style. Boat launch available for easy access and a large enough parking lot to park your trailer." Another camper noted the lake is "not huge. Not the type of lake that you would spend on a motorboat all day."
Bug preparation: Several locations report mosquito issues, particularly near water. "Bring bug spray because the mosquitos are out of control!" warns a camper about Lodgepole Campground.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup availability: Limited hookup sites means planning ahead. At Fairmont RV Resort, one visitor found "Frost free spigots were good especially since the weather at night was below freezing," making winter camping more comfortable.
Level site selection: Terrain varies considerably throughout the region. One RVer at Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park advised they "had to use all our jack stands to combat the slope of our site (P007). Others looked much more level." Some luxury glamping facilities offer more consistently level platforms or pads for larger vehicles.
Distance considerations: Many attractions require additional travel from camping locations. A Butte KOA camper noted the "location was convenient to travel to other nearby cities and easily walkable to the historic uptown," which proves valuable for those with larger vehicles wanting to minimize driving.
Dump station access: Limited services means planning waste management. "Water fill and dump station are separate from sites," reports a Lewis & Clark Caverns visitor, highlighting the need to factor in these logistics when planning stays.
