Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Philipsburg, MT

Right on top of the highway, you definitely get some road noise here. The trees are pretty thin (maybe not good for hammocks), but there are a lot of them which provide a bit of privacy. The restrooms needed to be cleaned when I was there, but it had just been a busy weekend. No Georgetown lake access from the campground, but there is lake access right across the street at the day use area. You’ve got the ususal picnic tables and fire rings and some sites also have grills. Watch carefully as not all sites have a level place to put a tent. You are only 11 miles from Philipsburg where you can get a shower and a beer in which ever order you want.

Gird Point Campground which is located in the Bitterroot National Forest is gorgeous. I love camping in Montana- I honestly have never had a bad experience camping anywhere in Montana. Gird Point is definitely no exception. My favorite part about this campsite is that it is located at the top of a peak. Camping on this peak definitely has gorgeous views, no doubt. There are three different mountain ranges that you are able to look out and see. Honestly, this is the best thing to wake up to. Talk about picturesque. You are able to stay in the lookout which has two beds that you are able to put your sleeping bags/pads on, and the lookout sleeps 4 people. When I went, we did have 4 people and it fit us pretty well. There is also a wood stove that works great for heating up water and cooking. The lookout also comes with some utensils and other amenities. Obviously, you do need to bring your own bathing supplies, sleeping supplies, food and drinks. You are able to drive to a certain point and then you do have to hike the remainder of the length to the lookout. The hike isn't too bad.

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. There are a couple extra vehicle parking areas too. Creek side sites are better, but sites 7 and 8 seem to be the largest. I was pleasantly surprised there was a host for only 10 free first come sites. All the basics are here- picnic tables and fire pits and one clean vault toilet. I did not see any hook ups of any kind for RVs. Pretty quiet at night but traffic starts around 6:30 in the morning, so you will have some daytime noise. I saw a deer walking through the campground in the late evening as well. 

The only downside was my very noisy neighbors, but that is more about the people and less about the campground.

I was camping at a nearby national park site that had a flyer for Camp Sula, saying that if you show the receipt from your stay you can use Camp Sulas shower, laundry facilities and wifi at no cost. I arrived there and the ladies working in the combination store/restaurant/gas and coffee station were so friendly and down to earth. I was given a towel and shampoo/conditioner for the shower, they had complimentary and coin washing machines, and coin dryers, all very efficient. After my shower and waiting for clothes to dry, I walked around the camp, the log cabins are adorable and cozy, each has its own porch, picnic table and adjacent fire pit. There is 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. It is close to the main highway but tucked back enough you feel "away" from the bustle. I enjoyed myself so much I inquired about camping there for the night & I would only need a parking space because I sleep in my truck bed canopy. They were full (accommodates RVs and tents) but offered a makeshift spot right by the creek. It was perfect. Because of COVID, they had limited reservations for dinner, and practiced social distancing and requested patrons wear masks. Not everyone participated with their request but were equally treated with kindness and respect. I highly recommend their breakfast, big fluffy pancakes and local meats. They kept the restaurant, showers & bathroom & store very very clean. The location is a landmark, the Lewis and Clark expedition camped there on their way to discover the west. I highly recommend them

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.  The large trees give you plenty of shade throughout the day.  This paved campground is split up into three loops, two of which are first come first served, the other can be reserved.  The area also has a day use area and boat launch.  Cost is $15 per night.  Campground has trash service, and water is available during the summer season.  I visited in November so no water for me.  Each site has a picnic table and metal fire ring.  Several vault toilets are located in each loop.  Bear lockers are spread out through out the campground for food storage.