Best Campgrounds near Philipsburg, MT

Georgetown Lake near Philipsburg, Montana features several established campgrounds including Philipsburg Bay, Lodgepole, and Cable Mountain. These areas provide a mix of tent and RV sites, with some campgrounds also offering cabin accommodations. The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest surrounds the region, providing both developed campgrounds with amenities and more primitive camping options. Most established sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets, with camping opportunities ranging from lakeside locations to forest settings approximately 11 miles from downtown Philipsburg.

Seasonal operation typically runs from May through September, with many campgrounds closing for winter. The area experiences variable weather patterns due to its 6,000-foot elevation, and campers should prepare for cool evenings even during summer months. Several campgrounds near Georgetown Lake operate on a first-come, first-served basis, while others like Philipsburg Bay's C Loop require reservations. Water availability varies by location and season, with some sites offering drinking water during peak months only. According to one visitor, "You are only 11 miles from Philipsburg where you can get a shower and a beer in which ever order you want."

Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the Philipsburg area, with Georgetown Lake providing opportunities for fishing, boating, and water recreation. Campground reviews consistently mention the quality of fishing, particularly for trout, as a highlight of stays in this region. While road noise can affect some campgrounds like Lodgepole, which sits "right on top of the highway," others offer more seclusion and privacy. The spacing between campsites varies across locations, with some providing substantial tree cover for privacy and others featuring more open layouts. Visitors frequently mention wildlife sightings, including deer and moose, adding to the appeal of camping in this mountainous region of western Montana.

Best Camping Sites Near Philipsburg, Montana (152)

    1. Philipsburg Bay Campground

    17 Reviews
    Philipsburg, MT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 210-8199

    $17 - $30 / night

    "Most spots have views of the lake in a shaded area with an asphalt pad. $15 per night, good cell phone service, very clean facilities, and moose sightings daily."

    "Philipsburg Bay Campground is a beautiful large campground right on the shore of Georgetown lake.  This 69 site campground sits among large pine trees with campsites nicely spread apart. "

    2. Flint Creek Campground

    6 Reviews
    Philipsburg, MT
    7 miles
    Website

    "Nice little campground outside of Philipsburg next to the highway and a creek. There are only 10 sites on the lollipop loop, 6 along the “stick”, all on the creek side, and 4 on the loop."

    "We found this beautiful small campsite while we drove up to Georgetown lake and decided to camp up next to this beautiful creek. Very wide campingspots with firepit and picknick table."

    3. Piney Campground And Boat Launch

    5 Reviews
    Philipsburg, MT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 210-8199

    $17 / night

    "Snagged a FCFS site at this wonderful Montana state park after reading reviews. So glad I did. Such a nice campground, nice neighbors. Lots of people out on the lake boating."

    "We had a great vacation in Montana. Campground was $15 per night, better than spending $40 in WA. First long trip with the new 3 Feathers MFG Pinecone teardrop trailer."

    4. Lost Creek State Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Anaconda-Deer Lodge County, MT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 542-5500

    "The campground is tucked between two imposing rock walls that deliver wonderful sunset and sunrise scenery."

    "Lost Creek State Park is located just outside of Anaconda, and is a perfect location for a quick day-hike or a multi-day trip. It is located in a canyon that is very secluded and has great views."

    5. Boulder Creek Lodge

    4 Reviews
    Philipsburg, MT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 859-3190

    "Nice trail walk to the creek."

    6. Lodgepole Campground

    4 Reviews
    Philipsburg, MT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 210-8199

    $17 / night

    "Some nice hiking is within walking distance, and Echo Lake is a decent workout from the campground."

    "Bear lockers are located through out the campground for food storage.  Campground is not on the lake, but plenty of lake access is nearby. "

    7. Cable Mountain

    3 Reviews
    Philipsburg, MT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 859-3211

    "Wooded and near a picturesque reservoir. Basic sites but they had water and toilets. Lots of people had boats."

    8. Stuart Mill Bay

    3 Reviews
    Philipsburg, MT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 542-5500

    "This state fishing access site campground has you right on the lake shore or very close to lake for easy fishing and boating access. "

    "The campground and boat launches sit on a spit reaching out into Georgetown Lake. There are two boat launches, one for non motorized and one for motorized boats."

    9. The Inn at Philipsburg RV Park

    1 Review
    Philipsburg, MT
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (406) 859-3959

    "Not quite close enough to down town to walk (in winter). Philipsburg is an awesome small Montana town that’s worth a stop."

    10. Town of Drummond Campground

    10 Reviews
    Drummond, MT
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 288-3231

    "Sweet little secret gem of a campground and centrally located close enough range of possibilities to go see around Central Montana. Bring bug spray."

    "Next to river access."

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Recent Reviews near Philipsburg, MT

465 Reviews of 152 Philipsburg Campgrounds


  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    4 or 5 dispersed sites along Chaffin Creek road

    Pleasant and next to creek

    Being only a very short distance from the main road, the dirt access road is smooth though has potholes and is through a country residential area. Once you pass the private properties, you enter into the forest and drive fairly close to a creek. There are numerous pull outs along the road with a few of them only a few steps away from the creek. Verizon is one bar. It is primitive camping at its best, no services but a fabulous place to spend a night or two. The road had more traffic on it than I expected, but there were no problems. The sites were all clean and a few had fire pits. Just passed the last cattle guard which is where the private property seems to end, there is a cluster of sights that are well isolated I went beyond that to a very nice pull out as I wanted to be a little further from the private property.

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Travellers Rest Cabins & RV Park

    Travellers Rest Cabins & RV Park

    We stayed in a couple of the cabins over the course of a week while waiting for a vehicle repair to be completed. The first couple nights were in the Bear Cabin--this is a cozier, older cabin. The final few nights were in the Whitetail Cabin, which had a bit more room to move around in. The owner/employees were friendly and helpful during our entire stay. The cell service and wifi were quite unreliable most of the day and evenings when streaming movies or videos. Right next to downtown, so plenty of shops, restaurants, and saloons nearby for something to do. I loved the 406 Saloon and the Used Book Store.

  • Emma G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Elliston Dispersed Camping on Forest Road 314

    Closed Gate

    Gate is closed, I’m assuming for the winter? Anyways, camped next to the gate there’s a little pull out. But not ideal.

    Pretty close to Helena and decent service can see why it’s not a bad place to stay. Road was fine.

  • Tim T.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Elliston Dispersed Camping on Forest Road 314

    Nice Spot - No Traffic

    This was an easy to get to camping spot with nice, dispersed sites and we had the place all to ourselves.  The access when you turn off at Elliston is not clearly marked but there is only one road that turns off there so its not too difficult to get on the right road. We had the area to ourselves and did not hear or see any other vehicles on the road the whole time we were there.  There were lots of free range cattle though.

    One thing worth mentioning is that these sites are not far from the main road and the train tracks.  The trains come by on a semi-frequent basis and you will definitely hear the train whistle and track noise.  It wasn't a deal breaker for us, but something to keep in mind.

  • L
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Johnsrud Park FAS

    Day Use Area- No overnight

    Beautiful boat ramp and very large day use area. Plenty of river access for fishing and boat ramp access. Plentiful parking, pit toilets, and a large group day site with picnic tables. Only saw 2 other humans while I visited.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Philipsburg Bay Campground

    A quiet idyll at season’s end

    This campground has many sites shaded by lodgepole pines. The sites are far enough apart and angled to give a nice sense of privacy. Some of the sites have electric, but there is essentially no water. Vault toilets are clean. Near the water, but not on it.

  • sThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Charles Waters Campground

    Clean with flat pads

    What a great setting in the trees. Campground is clean, sites are well spaced, parking pads are pretty flat and big.

  • David M.
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Warm Springs Campground

    Small and quiet

    Been coming here for over 50 years. Good for tents, and RVs UNDER 30ft. Some areas overgrown where you used to be able to put tents. Pit toilets well maintained. Dumpsters for trash. The one site with power is for a campground host. Recently has had some sites made a little larger. Not much room for more than 1 vehicle per site. Ample extra parking at picnic area.  Has some problems with horse-flies, that bite in July.


Guide to Philipsburg

Georgetown Lake sits at approximately 6,000 feet elevation in western Montana, creating unique camping conditions near Philipsburg. The area includes a mix of forest service and state park campgrounds providing access to mountain recreation and lake activities. Temperature swings can be significant throughout the camping season, with cool nights even during peak summer months.

What to do

Waterfall viewing: Lost Creek State Park Campground offers access to a 50-foot waterfall via a paved 125-yard path. "After a very long 125 yard hike you will be treated with the 50 foot Lost Creek Falls," notes a visitor, adding "if you want a longer hike than the 250 yard water fall hike, the forest service has a trail head in the park."

Wildlife watching: Several campgrounds report frequent wildlife sightings. At Philipsburg Bay Campground, a camper mentioned, "We heard wolves after dusk and saw elk at dawn. Fishing is good and plenty of waterfowl in the lake."

Berry picking: Seasonal berries grow near creeks in some areas. At Lost Creek State Park, visitors report, "During our visit the raspberries and thimble berries located along the creek were ripe."

Fishing: Georgetown Lake is known for quality fishing. Piney Campground And Boat Launch provides direct lake access with "a boat launch in the campground" and many visitors report seeing "people out on the lake boating."

What campers like

Private, spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer good spacing between sites. A visitor to Flint Creek Campground noted, "This area is free to use and is well maintained. Each site has a fire pit and a picnic bench. Also, each site has lots of space and decent privacy."

Creekside camping: Several campgrounds feature water access directly from sites. At Racetrack Campground, a camper described it as "a hidden gem of a campground tucked just inside the Forest Service boundary" with "large roomy sites well spread out from each other" situated "along a small creek."

Cell service: Unlike many remote camping areas, some campgrounds maintain good connectivity. A Philipsburg Bay visitor shared, "Verizon cell service was great! I had 5G most of the time."

Clean facilities: Despite being rustic, campgrounds maintain good standards. At Lodgepole Campground, a camper noted the "campground has nicely spaced campsites giving you plenty of room to spread out" and mentions "several clean outhouses."

What you should know

Reservation requirements: While many sites operate on first-come, first-served basis, some require advance planning. At Piney Campground, a camper advised, "Know that there is a Loop B which doesn't show on Recreation.gov, that is all FCFS... Many sites that seem to go unused!"

Food storage: Bear presence requires proper precautions. Lodgepole Campground provides "bear lockers located through out the campground for food storage."

Variable weather conditions: Due to the elevation, temperatures fluctuate significantly. At Stuart Mill Bay, a camper mentioned camping during "a surprise snow on the 2nd night but stayed 8 days/nights."

Payment methods: Some campgrounds require cash or alternate payment systems. Racetrack Campground has a "$15 fee and you have a QR code to scan to pay, however there is ZERO signal there to get online to pay so we paid once we left and got back into town for the night we stayed."

Tips for camping with families

Accessible recreation: Some areas offer easy options for all abilities. Lost Creek State Park provides "a nice hundred yard path that is paved to the waterfall for anyone with mobility issues."

Kid-friendly camping layouts: Look for campgrounds with loop designs. A visitor to Philipsburg Bay mentioned, "3 separate loops make it kid and bike friendly."

Playground access: When camping with children, Town of Drummond Campground offers additional amenities. A camper noted it has a "playground for kids, and river nearby."

Berry picking opportunities: Children enjoy foraging activities at some campgrounds. At Racetrack Campground, visitors mentioned thimbleberries were "ripe during our stay and plentiful."

Tips from RVers

Site selection for larger rigs: Some campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles better than others. At Lodgepole Campground, an RVer with a "35 ft fifth wheel" cautioned the campground was "a bit tight" and advised to "just be careful with a couple of the turns" while noting "the campground roads need some work in spots - there were several potholes as deep as 6-8 inches."

Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain. At Lost Creek State Park, a camper with a 28-foot rig noted, "The sites are large and private and somewhat level but many will require leveling."

Limited hookups: Most campgrounds provide minimal services. The Town of Drummond Campground charges "$10 for tents $25 for full hookups" but has limited electrical sites as one camper noted, "we arrived about 7 pm and the 4 electrical hook ups were taken."

Solar considerations: Tree cover affects solar setup effectiveness. At Philipsburg Bay, a visitor cautioned, "Every site we saw was in the pines. Great for shade, terrible if you rely on solar."

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there RV parks available near Philipsburg, Montana?

Yes, Philipsburg has several RV-friendly options. The Inn at Philipsburg RV Park offers approximately 12 sites with full hookups including 50-amp service, making it convenient for overnight stays. Though not within walking distance of downtown, it's still close enough for quick access. For those willing to venture slightly further, Bearmouth RV Park sits along the Clark Fork River with beautiful views and serves as an excellent base for exploring the region, including Philipsburg and nearby attractions like Garnet Ghost Town. Stuart Mill Bay near Anaconda is another option that accommodates big rigs and offers toilet facilities for RV travelers exploring the Philipsburg area.

Where are the best campgrounds near Philipsburg, Montana?

Philipsburg offers several excellent camping options in stunning mountain settings. Philipsburg Bay Campground is a standout choice situated right on Georgetown Lake with 69 sites nestled among large pine trees that provide ample shade. For a more secluded experience, Flint Creek Campground offers 10 peaceful sites along a creek outside of town. Other notable options include Spring Hill Campground between Philipsburg and Anaconda, and Lodgepole Campground near Georgetown Lake. The area also features Lost Creek State Park Campground, which offers impressive rock wall views and level camping spots, making it perfect for both tents and vehicles.

What amenities does Philipsburg Bay Campground offer?

Philipsburg Bay Campground features three distinct loops, with Loop C being reservable while Loops A and B operate on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground offers 69 sites with asphalt pads spread among shady pine trees, many with views of Georgetown Lake. Amenities include clean restroom facilities, picnic tables, and fire pits at each site. The campground charges $15 per night and provides good cell phone service. Wildlife sightings, including moose, are common. The location directly on the lakeshore makes it ideal for water activities, and the large trees throughout the campground provide comfortable shade during hot summer days.