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Deerlodge/Philipsburg Bay
Overview
Located within the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Philipsburg Bay offers a serene lakeside escape on the eastern shore of Georgetown Lake. This Forest Service-managed site provides a classic Montana experience where the scent of pine fills the air and water views are never far away. It serves as a gateway to the high-country wilderness while remaining accessible for various RV sizes and setups looking for a quiet, natural retreat.
Location & Surroundings
Situated at an elevation of 6,400 feet, the campground sits amidst a lush canopy of lodgepole pines. The surrounding Pintler Mountains create a dramatic skyline, offering a rugged backdrop for every campsite. Visitors often enjoy the crisp mountain air and the immediate proximity to the shimmering waters of the lake, which is the central hub for all activity in this scenic part of Granite County.
Amenities & Park Features
As a traditional forest campground, the park focuses on natural beauty over modern luxuries. Most sites feature paved parking pads that accommodate a range of RV lengths, providing a level surface in a forested setting. On-site facilities include vault toilets and hand-pumped drinking water stations located throughout the loops. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, while a concrete boat launch allows for easy access to the water for daily excursions.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts will find no shortage of recreation in the immediate area. Georgetown Lake is famous for its kokanee salmon and rainbow trout fishing. Just a short drive away, the historic town of Philipsburg offers a glimpse into Montana’s mining past. Travelers can spend an afternoon at Gem Mountain washing gravel for sapphires or explore the diverse hiking trails at the nearby Discovery Ski Area, which transitions into a scenic destination for summer exploration.
Who This Park Is Best For
This campground is ideal for boaters and anglers who want to be steps away from the water. Because there are no sewer or electrical hookups, it is best suited for self-contained RVers who appreciate a rustic camping experience and the quiet of the national forest. It is a perfect match for families looking to unplug and those who prefer the rugged charm of Montana's high-altitude landscapes over traditional resort-style amenities.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Ben MacKinney
P-Burg Bay is a great FS campground. There are quite a few trees which adds to the level of privacy. The lake is right there, and you can see it from some sites. The FCFS site list is not accurate on recration.gov - there are quite a few sites that are not reservable, so you can likely get one depending on the day and time of your arrival. The lake isn't great for fishing or swimming from shore, but people seem to have good luck trolling.
Heidi Horak
This site is being miss-managed. There will not be native vegetation in a couple of years if the driving of ATVs continues off the roads. (Even the campground hosts are doing this)
Dwayne Mogren
Beautiful and clean campground. Quiet and the fishing was great.
Simon P
Fantastic location and the $17 camp fee is very reasonable. Provides boat access to the entire lake with a nice boat launch. Very quiet and nice views by the waterfront. All sites are large with decent privacy, given that the forest is pretty open. About a third of the sites are first come, first served, which is great if you don't have a reservation. Nice feature is that you can pay by app if you happen to not bring cash, like we didn't, although try to remember some for firewood, since the campfire makes the evening!
John Pearson
8-10 Sep 2023. Great campground. Loved camping among the trees. Lake was beautiful. We had a very nice time. Bonus being having AT&T signal. We highly recommend.