Georgetown Lake area offers glamping and camping experiences near Philipsburg, Montana, located at 6,300 feet elevation in the Deer Lodge National Forest. Campgrounds in this region experience wide temperature swings even in summer months, with overnight lows sometimes dropping into the 40s. Sites around the lake provide camping options ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV spaces and cabin accommodations.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Georgetown Lake provides excellent rainbow trout fishing year-round. At Cable Mountain, anglers can access multiple fishing spots. A camper noted, "Wooded and near a picturesque reservoir. Basic sites but they had water and toilets. Lots of people had boats."
Historic town exploration: Visit Philipsburg, a preserved mining town with Victorian architecture just 20 minutes from most lake campgrounds. At Philipsburg Bay Campground, a visitor shared: "Philipsburg is a short drive where you can visit the brewery, good food, and candy store."
Mountain biking: Discovery Bike Park operates 15 minutes from Georgetown Lake with lift-served trails. According to one camper: "The Discovery Bike Park is 15 minutes away, but only open Sat and Sunday."
Wildlife observation: Early mornings provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities around Georgetown Lake. A camper at Philipsburg Bay noted: "We heard wolves after dusk and saw elk at dawn. Fishing is good and plenty of waterfowl in the lake."
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Most campgrounds offer well-spaced sites with natural screening. A visitor to Piney Campground mentioned: "What a wonderful place. So sleepy. Anaconda and the campground. We got a surprise snow on the 2nd night but stayed 8 days/nights."
Quiet environment: Despite proximity to recreation areas, campers report peaceful conditions. One Cable Mountain visitor stated: "Secluded and beautiful. We're at campsite #7 you can here the water running by the creek. Absolutely stunning forest!"
Reliable cell coverage: Unlike many remote mountain locations, Georgetown Lake campgrounds maintain good connectivity. A Philipsburg Bay camper noted: "Verizon cell service was great! I had 5G most of the time."
Shade and shelter: Lodgepole pine forests provide natural cooling during summer days. A camper at Philipsburg Bay observed: "Nice, shaded little spot on the lake. Every site we saw was in the pines. Great for shade, terrible if you rely on solar."
What you should know
Limited hookups: Most glamping sites near Philipsburg have limited electrical connections. A camper at Philipsburg Bay warned: "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."
Weather preparedness: Even summer months can bring surprise snow at this elevation. According to a review at Spring Hill Campground: "Nice campground between Philipsburg and Anaconda along hwy 1. Less than 20 sites, it was clean and compact, but still afforded each site some separation from other sites."
Seasonal operations: Most glamping facilities typically operate from late May through mid-September. At Piney Campground, a visitor noted: "Snagged a FCFS site at this wonderful Montana state park after reading reviews. So glad I did. Such a nice campground, nice neighbors."
Water quality considerations: Water conditions vary throughout the season. One Philipsburg Bay camper mentioned: "Near the water, but not on it. Vault toilets are clean."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly biking: Multiple campground loops provide safe cycling areas for younger riders. As one Philipsburg Bay camper stated: "3 separate loops make it kid and bike friendly."
Wildlife education: Morning wildlife viewing offers educational opportunities. A visitor to Piney reported: "Lots of people out on the lake boating. There is a boat launch in the campground. Snow covered peaks still visible in late June."
Playground access: Some glamping facilities include play areas. At Ekstrom's Stage Station Campground, a family noted: "We pulled in and the kids where so excited!! Wonderful people helped us to our spot, we set up camp, kids went to the playground & then we went down to the restaurant for dinner!"
Weather-appropriate clothing: Pack layers for children as temperatures fluctuate dramatically. A Piney camper advised: "Not a lot of shade due to beetle infestation. But wasn't an issue in June."
Tips from RVers
Limited electric sites: RVers should reserve electrical hookups well in advance. At Fairmont RV Resort, a visitor noted: "Good clean campground with no issues to report. Within walking distance of the hot springs resort. Was pouring rain when we visited but had full hookups."
Solar limitations: The heavy tree cover makes solar power challenging at most campgrounds. According to a Philipsburg Bay RVer: "The sites are spread out enough and campground is wooded, so you aren't on top of your neighbors."
RV accessibility: Most sites can accommodate medium-sized rigs, but space is limited. At Fairmont RV Resort, a camper stated: "Pros: Easy access, Flat, Clean bath/showers, About 2 blocks from hot spring resort with indoor/outdoor pools, dining & bar."
Proximity to services: Most RV sites require a drive to reach services. An Ekstrom's Stage Station visitor mentioned: "Great river access and shady spots with some full hookups available. Dump station is nice too!"
