Best Tent Camping near Philipsburg, MT

National forests and public lands surrounding Philipsburg, Montana offer diverse tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. Stuart Mill Bay campground near Anaconda provides lakeside tent sites with varying levels of shade and privacy. The first seven sites feature more tree cover, while sites closer to Georgetown Lake offer direct water access but less shade. Gold Creek Campground, open year-round, offers a more remote tent camping experience with minimal amenities but excellent seclusion in the forest setting.

Tent campsites throughout the region typically feature basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables, though facilities vary significantly between established and primitive sites. Many campgrounds have vault toilets, but potable water is limited, with Orofino Campground being one of the few offering hand-pump water access. Gravel or dirt tent pads are common, with some sites requiring careful selection to find level ground for tent placement. Spring conditions can affect accessibility, with Harry's Flat Campground experiencing seasonal flooding that can close portions of the campground until drier conditions prevail. Bear-proof food storage is available at some locations, particularly at East Bank Rec Site.

Walk-in tent sites provide additional solitude for backcountry tent camping enthusiasts. According to reviews, Gold Creek Campground remains particularly quiet even during peak season, with one camper noting they encountered only two other groups during a four-night stay. Little Blackfoot River dispersed campsites offer primitive tent camping with rock fire rings and occasional picnic tables, though visitors recommend arriving early to secure the best spots. Pintler Campground provides remote tent-only camping approximately 10 miles from Highway 43 via rough gravel roads, creating a peaceful setting where campers report having entire areas to themselves on weeknights. The region's fishing access sites also accommodate tent campers, with Fishtrap Creek offering 17 sites with grassy areas suitable for pitching tents near the Big Hole River.

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Best Tent Sites Near Philipsburg, Montana (27)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Philipsburg, MT

4 Photos of 27 Philipsburg Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Philipsburg, MT

416 Reviews of 27 Philipsburg Campgrounds


  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2022

    Philipsburg Bay Campground

    Camp and Fish on Georgetown lake.

    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.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 24, 2019

    Browns Lake

    Want to catch trout, go to Browns Lake FAS Campground

    Browns Lake Fishing Access Site Campground is located on the 459 acre Browns Lake. This fishing access campground has 14 sites all with metal fire rings and picnic tables. The site is serviced by two vault toilets. This is a dry campground so bring water. This is also a trash-in trash-out campground. The campground is fairly exposed and tends to be windy during the summer. We visited in early June and were amazed by all the birds in the area. The real draw for this campground is the fishing. Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks stocks this lake with over 50,000 rainbow trout per year….that's right 50,000. The lake is known for large rainbow trout and 10 pounders in the spring are apparently not a fish story. The lake also has Brook Trout, Westslope Cutthroat Trout, Kokanee, and Longnose suckers. So grab your tent and fishing pole, because with 50,000 trout being added every year a trout dinner has to be on the menu.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2020

    Dalles

    Camp and fish at the Dalles Campground

    The Dalles Campground is a nice pleasant campground with 10 sites along Rock Creek.  Situated in a mature lodge pole pine forest all the site have plenty of shade.  All sites have picnic tables and metal fire rings.  Site has a water hand pump and ADA vault toilet.  Site 1 was interesting as you have to walk up an embankment to reach the site, which makes it not visible from the campground road.  A bear proof locker is available for food storage.  Being along Rock Creek gives those who wish to fish access to the blue ribbon stream with brown trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout.  Cost is $6 per night.  All the sites are nicely spread apart.  The road to Dalles campground is not recommended for RVs of trailers as it get pretty bumpy after the pavement ends,  this only get worse the further you travel down the road, but is doable if you drive very slow.

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2021

    Lodgepole Campground

    Close to Philipsburg

    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.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2021

    Orofino Campground

    Mountain Solitude in Montana

    Orofino Campground is a small campground with 11 sites, but it also has a second half across the road which has two large family/group camps and a Day Use area with a large pavilion. The sites are not numbered. The Campground has a vault toilet. The two family sites each have their own vault toilets, the day use site shares two vault toilets with one of the family sites. This campground appears to get little use and little maintenance. The vault toilets are quite old wooden structures, but in good shape. The campground area has several sites where finding a level spot for a tent is difficult. One hand pump is available for water and is located on the campground section. Each family site had 6+ picnic tables and firer rings with a few BBQ grills. All the sites in the campground have picnic tables but a couple do not have fire rings. The campground has plenty of shade from its large trees, fewer trees in the family areas but still some good tree cover.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2021

    Deerlodge National Forest Orofino Campground

    Solitude in Montana

    Orofino campground is a small campground with 11 sites, but it also has a second half across the road which has two large family/group camps and a Day Use area with a large pavilion.  The sites are not numbered.  The Campground has a vault toilet.  The two family sites each have their own vault toilets, the day use site shares two vault toilets with one of the family sites.  This campground appears to get little use and little maintenance.  The vault toilets are quite old wooden structures, but in good shape.  The campground area has several sites where finding a level spot for a tent is difficult.  One hand pump is available for water and is located on the campground section.  Each family site had 6+ picnic tables and firer rings with a few BBQ grills.  All the sites in the campground have picnic tables but a couple do not have fire rings.  The campground has plenty of shade from its large trees, fewer trees in the family areas but still some good tree cover.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 26, 2021

    Racetrack Campground

    Hidden gem in the mountains

    Racetrack campground is a hidden gem of a campground tucked just in side the Forest Service boundary.  This 13 site campground has large roomy sites well spread out from each other.  Plenty of level ground to place a tent(s) at every site.  Two vault toilets serve this campground.  Each site has a metal fire ring (first sit is a rock ring) and picnic table.  Water is provided from a hand pump.  No trash service so be prepared.  A few of $15 is planned to go in to effect in 2022.  Campground sits in very large mature evergreens along a small creek.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2020

    Harrys Flat

    Nice campground on Rock Creek

    Harry's Flat campground is a great campground along Rock Creek, set in a huge old growth ponderosa pine forest.  The sites are large, especially the ones bordering right up to Rock Creek. The campground has 15 campsites each with Picnic tables and metal fire rings.  The campground has vault toilets and a few bear lockers for food storage, water is available.  Not all the campsites were available during my visit as about 1/2 the campground was closed due to damage during the heavy spring and early summer rains.  This is a great spot for people interested in doing some fishing, as Rock Creek is a blue ribbon stream, with brown trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout.  Cost is $6 per night, first come first served.

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2021

    Copper Creek Campground

    Peaceful with a friendly host

    This has to be one of the most peaceful campgrounds I’ve even been to. It’s 10 miles off the main road so there is no street noise to speak of. But watch out for the cows as you drive in, they aren’t too fond of sharing the road. Only 8 sites with a host at one of them, you don’t have many neighbors. I was not able to camp here as it was totally full and according to the host, was going to stay that way for the week. He said it stays quiet except when a family with kids show up. He also said the fishing was pretty good in Copper Creek. The vault toilet was clean (his least favorite job), he will split a log or two if you ask real nice like, and there are two bear boxes for the 8 sites to share (he said most don’t bother to use them). The water pump delivers good clean spring water from the well. Every site has a picnic table and a fire ring. If you want solitude and quiet, this is the place to camp!


Guide to Philipsburg

Nestled in the heart of Montana, Philipsburg offers a fantastic backdrop for tent camping enthusiasts. With stunning landscapes and a variety of campgrounds nearby, adventurers can enjoy the great outdoors while soaking in the natural beauty of the region.

Tips for tent camping near Philipsburg

  • Stuart Mill Bay provides a mix of privacy and accessibility, making it a great choice for those looking to escape the crowds while still enjoying lake views.
  • Gold Creek Campground is perfect for those seeking a quiet retreat, though be prepared for some biting flies during your stay.
  • Orofino Campground offers a small, less-traveled site with ample shade from large trees, ideal for a peaceful camping experience.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • At Stuart Mill Bay, fishing and boating are top activities, with easy access to the lake and two boat launches available.
  • Fishtrap Creek Montana FWP is a great spot for fishing along the Big Hole River, providing a wide-open area for campers to enjoy the outdoors.
  • Pintler Campground is located near a lovely remote lake, perfect for those who appreciate tranquility and natural beauty while camping.

Local attractions to explore while camping

  • The scenic Georgetown Lake near Stuart Mill Bay is a must-visit for its breathtaking views and recreational opportunities.
  • Gold Creek Campground is conveniently located for those wanting to explore the surrounding Bitterroot National Forest, known for its hiking trails and wildlife.
  • The nearby Orofino Campground offers access to a day-use area with a large pavilion, making it a great spot for group gatherings and picnics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Philipsburg, MT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Philipsburg, MT is Stuart Mill Bay with a 4.3-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Philipsburg, MT?

TheDyrt.com has all 27 tent camping locations near Philipsburg, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.