How much does camping cost at Philipsburg Bay Campground?

Camping fees at Philipsburg Bay Campground range from $17-$30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Philipsburg Bay Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Philipsburg Bay Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Philipsburg Bay Campground before I book?

Yes! Philipsburg Bay Campground has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Philipsburg Bay Campground?

Philipsburg Bay Campground is open May 21 to September 12. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Philipsburg Bay Campground?

Philipsburg Bay Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Philipsburg Bay Campground?

Cell phone service at Philipsburg Bay Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Philipsburg Bay Campground have?

Philipsburg Bay Campground has 65 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Philipsburg Bay Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Philipsburg Bay Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Philipsburg Bay Campground?

Philipsburg Bay Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Philipsburg Bay Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Philipsburg Bay Campground?

Fire policies at Philipsburg Bay Campground: 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.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.59

303 reviews

Top 7%Summer

B+Report Card

Family FriendlySummer Destination

Featured in:Summer Camping

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$17 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

65 campsites

Season

Open May 23 (reserva...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Big Sky Recreation under U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$17 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

65 campsites

Season

Open May 23 (reserva...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Big Sky Recreation under U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Philipsburg Bay Campground

$17.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $17.00; Scan and Pay: $17.00; Standard Electric: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

406-210-8199/

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Campground Map

Philipsburg Bay Campground

Nearby places

Philipsburg (11 miles), Anaconda (approximately 21 miles), Missoula (approximately 68 miles)

Weather at Philipsburg Bay Campground

Current alerts(10)

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.
Camping stay limit is 16 days.
Check in time is 2:00 PM. Check out time is 11:00 AM.
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

Best Time to Camp at Philipsburg Bay Campground

Best season: summer. Summer is the clear highlight — long days, reliably cool mornings and mild afternoons make Georgetown Lake and the surrounding trails ideal for boating, fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing. Expect crisp mornings around 35–40°F warming into the low 60s°F by afternoon with up to ~15 hours of daylight, so you can fit in paddling at dawn and a sunset hike. Campground use is highest in July–August, so reserving one of the 34 reservable sites (reservations begin June 25) is recommended for guaranteed Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 7% in US

Summer is the clear highlight: long days, cool mornings, mild afternoons and peak activity.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 21 to September 12. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 23 (reservable segment begins June 25) and closes September 14.

About Philipsburg Bay Campground

Philipsburg Bay Campground sits on Georgetown Lake in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, operated by Big Sky Recreation under the U.S. Forest Service. Mid-elevation forest sites offer direct lake access for boating and fishing, with spacious tent and RV spots praised for privacy and clean vault toilets. Summer brings reliable cool mornings and mild afternoons ideal for paddling, hiking, and frequent moose and deer sightings.

Philipsburg Bay Campground accommodates a range of camping styles, including tent and RV camping, with dedicated reservable and first-come, first-served sites. Group camping and other alternative accommodations such as cabins or glamping options are not specifically mentioned.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the clear highlight — long days, reliably cool mornings and mild afternoons make Georgetown Lake and the surrounding trails ideal for boating, fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing. Expect crisp mornings around 35–40°F warming into the low 60s°F by afternoon with up to ~15 hours of daylight, so you can fit in paddling at dawn and a sunset hike. Campground use is highest in July–August, so reserving one of the 34 reservable sites (reservations begin June 25) is recommended for guaranteed Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation6000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryGeorgetown Lake stretches 3,000 acres below the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness peaks, ringed by dense lodgepole pine forest. Moose wade the marshy shallows at dawn. Deer walk through campsites. Eagles circle overhead. The lake itself is the main attraction, though reviews mention limited beach access for swimming or fishing from shore. Morning mist lifts off the water as the sun hits the ridgelines.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground is exclusively for camping and does not offer hotel-style lodging or cabin accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are specifically mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

16 consecutive nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Double occupancy charged for more than one camping unit.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online or app.

AccessibilityThe campground features paved roads and pathways. Some campsites are designed to be accessible, with proximity to amenities such as vault toilets and water pumps. However, detailed accessibility information for campers with disabilities is not explicitly provided.

Site SizeSites are generally spacious, with ample room for larger RVs and trailers, although some reviewers noted tight spots for rigs over 24 feet.

PrivacyMany campsites are described as being well-spaced and surrounded by lodgepole pines, offering privacy. However, sites closer to roads or grouped in loops may have reduced seclusion.

Total Campsites65 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites on Loop C for better lake views; avoid those near restrooms if noise is a concern.

Best CampsitesLoop C gets the most attention from reviewers. Site 43 offers lake views. Site 56 sits quieter, away from the main traffic. Loop C sites are reservable, which matters during peak weeks.

Need help booking Philipsburg Bay Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Philipsburg Bay Campground offers essential amenities catering to RV and tent campers alike. Notable amenities include paved roads, picnic tables, fire pits at campsites, a boat ramp providing easy lake access, and hand-pump potable water stations. Vault toilets are present at the campground, with reviews emphasizing their cleanliness and maintenance. However, the campground lacks a dump station, which many reviewers noted as inconvenient for RV campers. Firewood is available for purchase on-site at $5 per bundle. Cell phone service is available, with Verizon being specifically mentioned by some reviewers. There are no electricity, water, or sewer hookups, which several reviewers expressed disappointment over. The campground has bear-proof storage lockers and adheres to bear safety regulations. The campground is well-maintained, and the hosts are frequently praised for their friendliness and diligence in keeping bathrooms clean and helping campers.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Philipsburg Bay Campground offers a variety of recreational activities suitable for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. The nearby Georgetown Lake is a hub for water-based activities such as fishing, boating, and canoeing. The surrounding wilderness provides numerous hiking and biking trails within a few miles of the campground, suitable for all skill levels. Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant, with species like moose and bighorn sheep frequently spotted. Birdwatchers can enjoy sightings of blue herons, hawks, and other birds of prey. While there is no designated swimming area, swimming is possible in Georgetown Lake, although some reviews noted limited beach access.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at Philipsburg Bay Campground; only vault toilets are present.

Food Storage RequiredBear-resistant lockers are available in compliance with Food Storage Order rules.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyFire 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.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 p.m to 6:00 a.m

Trash & RecyclingTrash receptacles are available within the campground, and the dumpsters are frequently described as conveniently located and well-maintained.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is available, with reviews highlighting Verizon coverage as strong and reliable within the campground.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.6

303 reviews

Top-Rated

Philipsburg Bay Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Philipsburg Bay Campground are overwhelmingly positive, with frequent praise for the cleanliness of facilities, the friendliness and helpfulness of campground hosts, and the scenic beauty of the location. Many campers highlighted their experiences with wildlife sightings, fishing at Georgetown Lake, and the overall sense of relaxation and tranquility. Complaints primarily focused on generator noise, barking dogs, limited beach access for swimming or fishing, and occasional theft near the boat ramp.

Review Summaries

Based on 303 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 303 reviews.

Site 63Loved
Site 63 in Loop C received criticism for its proximity to vault toilets, which reviewers described as smelly and disruptive to privacy due to heavy traffic.
Site 43Loved
Site 43 in Loop C was praised for its perimeter location offering lake views and reduced tree density.

What Campers Love

Users frequently commended the spotless vault toilets, spacious campsites providing privacy, and the well-maintained grounds. The camp hosts received significant praise for their friendliness and...

Based on 303 reviews

Common Concerns

The lack of a dump station for RVs and generator noise were commonly cited negatives. Some users noted issues with barking dogs, limited beach access for fishing and swimming, and occasional theft...

Based on 303 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Several users suggested reserving sites in advance, especially in Loop C, for better lake views and proximity to amenities. Bringing bug spray was recommended due to insects near the lake. Campers...

Based on 303 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the peak season for camping at Philipsburg Bay, with most reviews highlighting positive experiences during this period. Fall sees reduced crowds, offering a quieter and more relaxing...

Based on 303 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Lovely and clean campground. The host Bill in Loop A is friendly, helpful and works hard to keep the loop clean and neat." - Barbara Eggert "Beautiful campground! Lots of trees and shade! Perfect...

Based on 303 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility-specific reviews highlight paved roads and vault toilets situated near campsites for easy access. Detailed reports regarding wheelchair or mobility aid users are not available.

Based on 303 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome at Philipsburg Bay Campground, but reviews mentioned barking dogs as a recurring issue. Owners are reminded to keep dogs leashed at all times and manage noise levels to ensure a...

Based on 303 reviews

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Philipsburg Bay Campground

$17.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $17.00; Scan and Pay: $17.00; Standard Electric: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone...

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-210-8199/

Go if

You want direct lake access for boating and fishing with roomy sites and a strong chance of spotting moose.

Skip if

You need a dump station, require generator-free quiet, or want security beyond standard Forest Service patrols.

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Campgrounds

Philipsburg Bay Campground

B+

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 84% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 225 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade A.Belonging
Grade A-.Cleanliness
Grade A-.Staff & hosts

Watch-outs

Grade C.Things to do
Grade C+.Value
Grade B-.Booking

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how Montana grades overall

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