Cable Mountain Campground near Darby sits at the edge of Georgetown Lake at approximately 6,400 feet elevation. The surrounding Pintler and Sapphire mountain ranges create a high-mountain climate with cool nights even in summer, with temperatures often dropping below 50°F after sunset. Camping options range from rustic Forest Service sites with pit toilets to established RV parks with full hookups, most open from late May through mid-September when mountain access is reliable.
What to do
Fishing access points: Anglers Roost Campground provides direct access to the Bitterroot River. "This includes 70 rv and tent spots with 1/4 mile of riverfront," notes camper Smittie. "A pleasant walk along the water provides ample bank fishing for the plentiful trout."
Off-site adventure options: Campers can explore Painted Rocks Lake, just three miles from Rombo Campground. "This area is next to a huge river that runs off of painted rock dam. This campground is a must for thrillseekers, recreation types, and explorers coming to spend a weekend on the lake and the deep bitterroot mountains," writes Troy B.
Wildlife viewing: Early morning and dusk offer opportunities to spot local wildlife. "We saw so many deer coming in and out of the campground which we love! This seems to always happen when we stay in Montana. Lots of chipmunks, birds and deer!" reports Adeline T. from Rombo Campground.
What campers like
Riverside relaxation: Powell Campground features spacious sites along the Lochsa River. "The site was large, contained a picnic table and fire pit with cooking grate, and had plenty of trees for hammocking. The campground is bordered on one side by the Lochsa River and the other side by the Powell Ranger station and Lochsa Lodge," shares Jordan V.
Private, wooded sites: Philipsburg Bay Campground offers secluded camping with natural separation between sites. "Sites are spread out enough and campground is wooded, so you aren't on top of your neighbors. Inside of the vault toilets were clean. Close proximity to the lake. 3 separate loops make it kid and bike friendly," explains Elizabeth O.
Walkable amenities: Travellers Rest Cabins & RV Park provides convenience with proximity to town services. "Its very close to the city. So you can walk and leave your camper on the ground," notes Max B. The central location makes it easy to access supplies without breaking camp.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds in the Darby area operate with limited seasons. Piney Campground runs from May 24 to September 15, while Philipsburg Bay operates from May to September. Winter camping options are severely limited due to snow and road closures.
Reservation windows: Wagonhammer RV Park & Campground operates from May 15 to November 15 and fills quickly during summer months. "If you want complete solitude from the internet and TV this is the place for you to reconnect with nature," notes Brian C., though he cautions: "No cell service (AT&T & Sprint), Poor WiFi."
Access challenges: Some glamping close to Darby, Montana requires driving on unpaved roads. Cable Mountain has limited access for larger vehicles. One visitor noted, "We're at campsite #7 you can here the water running by the creek. Absolutely stunning forest! There's an out house and running water Spicket. Nice spots to tent camp."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Georgetown Lake near Cable Mountain Campground offers recreational opportunities. Though one camper noted the lake "smells like it is rotting and I saw a bunch of dead and dying fish," others report more positive experiences: "Wooded and near a picturesque reservoir. Basic sites but they had water and toilets. Lots of people had boats."
Amenities for younger campers: Some glamping options near Darby feature additional recreational facilities. Sula Country Store and Resort offers "free put-put golf, horseshoes, tetherball and a small well stocked fishing pond with benches to watch the action or simply admire the beauty of the surroundings."
Safety considerations: Most campgrounds require bear-safe food storage. Rombo Campground provides "bear containers, pit toilets, potable water is available at a close distance at every camp site." Sites with camp hosts often provide additional security and assistance for families with children.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electrical hookups vary significantly between campgrounds. At Powell Campground, "the first loop has electricity, the second doesn't." RVers note costs typically run "$14.00 without electricity. $20 with power."
Space limitations: Rombo Campground presents challenges for larger RVs. One camper warns: "Very small sites, most with no room for a normal size tent, sites packed on top of each other. Even the few meant for small rvs have little room. Look at their map before selecting a site."
Dump station locations: Plan ahead as dump stations are limited. At Powell Campground, one RVer noted "the dump station was 35 miles away," requiring planning before departure. Most glamping facilities near Darby have limited waste disposal options requiring advance planning.
