Garrison, Montana sits at approximately 4,300 feet elevation in the Deer Lodge Valley, bordered by the Flint Creek Mountain Range. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing while summer days can reach into the 80s. The area provides access to multiple water features including Georgetown Lake and Clark Fork River, with camping options that range from primitive tent sites to full glamping accommodations available from May through October.
What to Do
Fishing at Georgetown Lake: Piney Campground provides direct lake access with a boat launch within the campground. According to one visitor, "Georgetown lake is a beautiful reservoir in the mountains" though they noted some water quality concerns during their visit.
ATV trails: Delmoe Lake Campground serves as an excellent base for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts. "There's dirt bike trikes up above and didn't mind it at all, in fact I thought it was awesome for those that enjoy biking," shared one camper who found the perfect spot for their needs.
Water recreation: Philipsburg Bay Campground offers multiple water activities with a dock for lake access. "There is a boat launch in the campground. Snow covered peaks still visible in late June," noted a visitor who stayed at the start of camping season.
Hiking opportunities: The surrounding Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest contains numerous trails. At Beavertail Hill State Park, "The river trail was beautiful to walk," according to a visitor who enjoyed the park's natural features.
What Campers Like
Quiet atmosphere: Despite proximity to highways, many campgrounds offer peaceful settings. At Philipsburg Bay, a camper shared: "Nice, shaded little spot on the lake. Every site we saw was in the pines. Great for shade, terrible if you rely on solar."
Wildlife viewing: The lakes and forests support diverse wildlife. "We heard wolves after dusk and saw elk at dawn. Fishing is good and plenty of waterfowl in the lake," noted a visitor to Philipsburg Bay Campground.
Affordable pricing: Town of Drummond Campground provides budget-friendly options. "Best $10 campsites imaginable. I have always enjoyed able to roll up and there was an available site," reported a satisfied camper who appreciates this "sweet little secret gem."
Site spacing: Many campgrounds feature well-designed layouts. A Philipsburg Bay visitor explained: "Sites are spread out enough and campground is wooded, so you aren't on top of your neighbors."
What You Should Know
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds operate only from May through September or October due to weather conditions. Check specific opening dates before planning visits.
Train noise: Some campgrounds experience railroad disturbance. At Town of Drummond Campground, a visitor reported: "We showed up LATE and left early because we were just passing through. There didn't seem to be designated camping spots but it wasn't bad at all... except for the train that came through every few hours!"
Limited hook-ups: Delmoe Lake and similar forest service campgrounds typically lack electrical and water connections. "Electric hookups are available, but there are only one or two sites in the whole campground with them, so for most people this is borderline boondocking," reported a Philipsburg Bay camper.
Water conditions: Some lakes experience algae blooms. At Delmoe Lake, a reviewer noted they "occasionally have periods where the swimming is forbidden due to algae."
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Town of Drummond Campground offers family-friendly features. "Playground for kids, and river nearby. Occasional train goes by but much rather that than noise of trucks in Walmart parking lots," explained a visitor.
Swimming options: Beyond glamping in Garrison, Montana, nearby Fairmont Hot Springs Resort provides additional recreation. A visitor to Fairmont RV Resort shared: "About 2 blocks from hot spring resort with indoor/outdoor pools, dining & bar."
Nature activities: Several campgrounds provide educational opportunities. Beavertail Hill offers unique accommodations including "tipis were a lot of fun to sleep in!" according to one family who enjoyed the experience with children.
Biking opportunities: Many campgrounds feature kid-friendly riding areas. At Philipsburg Bay, a visitor noted: "3 separate loops make it kid and bike friendly."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RV sites vary widely across the area. At Butte KOA, "We were in a site with full hook-ups, gravel pad with concrete patio, grill, firepit, picnic table and two rocking chairs."
Accessibility considerations: Some campgrounds attempt to accommodate mobility needs. At 2 Bar Lazy H RV Campground, a visitor observed: "They made an attempt to make the bathrooms handicap accessible in both the men's and women's. A single shower stall with two grab bars and a flip down bench with a low step shower can be used but not easily by somebody in a wheelchair."
Level sites: Finding flat parking is important for RVs. "The campground as well laid out plenty of room to drive around with big rigs. Each site has a picnic bench," reported a visitor to 2 Bar Lazy H.
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds offer full services. Butte KOA and Fairmont RV Resort provide sanitary dump facilities, while forest service campgrounds typically do not.
