Camping options near Philipsburg, Montana range from basic forest service sites to developed campgrounds across elevations from 4,500 to 7,000 feet. The region's continental climate brings warm summer days with temperatures typically 70-85°F and cool nights dropping to 40-50°F. Most campgrounds open late May through September, with mountain sites often snowed in until mid-June.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: 125 yards from Lost Creek State Park Campground leads to 50-foot falls. Sites provide access to the waterfall via a paved accessible path. "Lost Creek State Park campground is a 25 site campground along lost creek. This campground sits in a narrow canyon with colorful white and pink granite walls extending over 1000 feet above the campground. If you like waterfalls then you are in luck, after a very long 125 yard hike you will be treated with the 50 foot Lost Creek Falls," notes camper Dexter I.
Fishing: Rock Creek offers quality trout fishing within walking distance of Ekstrom's Stage Station Campground. The creek maintains stable water temperatures even during summer heat. "About a mile of rt 90. Camping is tight by fly fishing is very good. Freindly people with great food. Beautiful country," reports Jack T. Campgrounds along rivers provide direct water access without requiring lengthy hikes.
Mountain lake exploration: 40+ alpine lakes accessible from trails near Philipsburg. Many backcountry lakes remain fishable through October when crowds diminish. "The lake at the top of the hill is a sight to be seen with the surrounding mountains. There are hiking trails and access to a massive wilderness area that has in excess of 40 separate lakes," says Nick T. about East Fork Group Area.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Natural vegetation at Lost Creek provides separation. The mature trees and undergrowth block views between neighboring campsites. "The sites are large and private and somewhat level but many will require leveling. Many of the sites are short, officially 23ft max, but there were several there would easily accommodate our 28 foot rig," explains Lisa K.
Higher elevation for summer heat escape: Cromwell Dixon Campground stays cooler than valley locations. The Continental Divide location offers temperature differences of 10+ degrees cooler than lower elevations. "I stayed there for a few weeks when the temperature is down in the valley started to get into the upper 90s and near 100. It was a good 10° cooler at this campsite than down in the valleys," writes Will M.
River sound for sleeping: Creek-adjacent sites provide white noise benefits. Running water masks other campground sounds and creates a soothing environment. "The river and waterfall are in the campground which made for lovely white noise when falling asleep. Spaces have lots of privacy," notes Jen at Lost Creek State Park.
What you should know
Limited horse accommodation: Most campgrounds lack dedicated equestrian facilities. While horses are permitted at some sites, plan to bring portable containment systems. The small public corral at Kading Cabin offers one of the few permanent horse facilities, with "two horse watering troughs in the campground," according to Dexter I.
Beetle-killed tree removal: Many campgrounds have fewer shade trees than historically present. Forest management has removed dead pines, creating more open conditions. "All the dead trees have been removed making this campground more open, with little cover from the winds," notes Dexter I. about Cromwell Dixon Campground.
Cell service varies widely: Higher elevation sites often have better connectivity. Reception depends on proximity to towers rather than development level. "The other big plus is that there is a cell phone tower right above the campground so you have excellent cell phone service," mentions Will M. about Cromwell Dixon.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible waterfall viewing: Paved paths at Lost Creek accommodate strollers and mobility devices. The short, level trail makes natural features available to all ages and abilities. "A nice hundred yard path that is paved to the waterfall for anyone with mobility issues. A longer hike up to the bridge is nice and wooded," reports Erik B.
Playground access: Bearmouth RV Park and Ekstrom's Stage Station offer dedicated play areas. Both locations provide structured recreation options beyond nature exploration. "There is a basketball court, sand volleyball court, horse shoes and a playground. There's also a beautiful creek running along the campground with beautiful Mountain views," mentions mitch at Ekstrom's.
Wild berry picking: Seasonal berries provide kid-friendly foraging opportunities. Late summer brings edible berries near many water sources. "During our visit the raspberries and thimble berries located along the creek were ripe," notes Dexter I. about Lost Creek State Park.
Tips from RVers
Limited level sites: Bring leveling blocks even at developed campgrounds. Many sites require adjustments for comfortable overnight parking. "The sites are large and private and somewhat level but many will require leveling," advises Lisa K. about Lost Creek State Park.
Site length restrictions: Research maximum vehicle lengths before arrival. Official limits may be enforced differently than stated. "Many of the sites are short, officially 23ft max, but there were several there would easily accommodate our 28 foot rig," shares Lisa K. about Lost Creek State Park campgrounds near Philipsburg.
Mobile dump service: Bearmouth RV Park offers "honey pot" service. Instead of driving to a dump station, the service comes to your site. "They offer a 'honey pot' mobile dump station where they come pump your sewage, sometimes offering a free dump for stays of a week or longer," explains Reames C.
