Philipsburg Bay Campground

Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Philipsburg Bay Campground is adjacent to Georgetown Lake and provides ideal access to fishing, boating and water skiing. It is located in the Pintler Ranger District of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, the largest national forest in Montana. Surrounded by mountains of outstanding beauty, the location is perfect for visitors who enjoy mountain and water sports or those who prefer relaxing and taking in the spectacular view.

Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.

The campground has 65 sites in total, 34 sites are reservable and 31 sites are available as first-come, first-served.

Loop A and half of loop B are first-come, first-served. Loop C and half of Loop B can be reserved in advance during the summer season. It is available for RV or tent camping and is boater-friendly with paved roads and a boat ramp.

Need to Know

There are 65 campsites. 34 sites are reservable and 31 sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please Note: Double occupancy will be charged for more than (1) camping unit in the site. Additional camping units are trailers, RVs, and other mobile sleeping quarters.

Extra vehicle charge $5 per day (first 2 vehicles are free). See host or self serve fee station - cash or check only at the campground.
Bears are prevalent in the area. To reduce the likelihood of a human-to-bear conflict, Food Storage Order rules are enforced. All food, beverages, trash, and scented items must be properly stored when not attended. Proper storage methods include a bear hang, an enclosed hard sided vehicle, storage locker, or an IGBC certified bear resistant container – IGBC coolers must be locked. Bear resistant storage lockers are available at the campground. Learn more about bear safety and forest-wide Food Storage Order
Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Camping stay limit is 16 days.
Site must be occupied the first night. The campsite cannot be left unattended for more than 24 hours without permission.
Check in time is 2:00 PM. Check out time is 11:00 AM.
Dogs allowed - must be on leash at all times within the campground.
No dump station on site; closest facility is in Anaconda.
Reserved Sites will be held until check out time (11:00 AM) the day following your arrival date. Sites must be occupied by the checkout time of that following day to hold a reservation or the site will be forfeited and released to other guests.
Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.
Click Here for more information about Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Check out the forest's campground description for specific information to Fish Your National Forest

Natural Features

The campground overlooks the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness. Georgetown Lake is a large mountain lake spanning close to 3,000 acres at an elevation of over 6,000 ft. Lodgepole pines enclose the lake and surrounding mountains, providing a home to abundant wildlife including moose, elk, white-tailed deer and even bighorn sheep. Water birds such as the graceful blue heron as well as hawks and other birds of prey also inhabit the lake area.

Nearby Attractions

Town of Philipsburg and Anacaonda, gem mining, hiking, fly fishing, atving.

Recreation

Canoeing and boating are popular activities at the lake. Hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers will find no shortage of trails within a few miles of the campground.

Georgetown Lake is a prime destination for fishing and fly fishing with kokanee salmon, rainbow and brook trout being the most sought-after species. It is illegal to target Bull Trout, if caught they must be released immediately with minimal handling. Participants must have Montana licenses to hunt or fish.

Changes & Cancellations

Must cancel 4 days in advance

Contact Information

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 406-210-8199

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

The campground is located in southwestern Montana, about 11 miles south of Philipsburg. Follow U.S. Route 1 south and take a right on Georgetown Lake Road. The campground is on the left adjacent to the lake.

Available Campsites

Photo Gallery

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