East Fork Group Picnic Area

Star4.39
30 reviews
88 Business Loop, Philipsburg, MT 59858
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

5,984 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Pintler Ranger District site

Official Website
Get Directions
East Fork Group Picnic Area
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Overnight use fee is $15 per night for a single site. Additional vehicle fee is $5 per night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

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

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
USFS
Provider
406-859-3211
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.39

Recommended

Based on 30 reviews

27 Google reviews

Most mentioned

spaciouslocationwatersites

"The East Fork Group Picnic Area is generally praised for its scenic location near the reservoir and mountains. While some users appreciated the spacious and well-shaded sites, others found the sites too close together. Cell service is minimal, and the reservoir provides opportunities for swimming and paddleboarding, though fishing success and water quality are cited as mixed."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

88 Business Loop, Philipsburg, MT 59858

East Fork Group Picnic Area

88 Business Loop, Philipsburg, MT 59858

Driving directions17.5 miles southwest of Philipsburg off the East Fork Road (Forest Road 672).
The campground is accessible via Forest Road 672. No additional details about road conditions or seasonal accessibility were provided.
Nearby places
Philipsburg (17.5 miles southwest).
Nearby supplies
Nearest supplies are likely to be in Philipsburg, 17.5 miles away. Specific details on groceries, camping supplies, or fuel are not provided.

Best Time to Camp at East Fork Group Picnic Area

Experience the full spectrum of Montana's seasons at East Fork, where each time of year paints the landscape in different hues. Summer brings warm, comfortable days perfect for outdoor dining and leisurely afternoons by the water. As autumn arrives, the surrounding forest transforms into a tapestry of gold and amber. Winter wraps the area in a crystalline blanket of snow and ice, creating a serene wonderland for those hardy enough to brave the freezing temperatures. Spring awakens the forest with fresh greenery and the melodic return of songbirds.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season with warm days, water activities, and active campground use noted by reviewers.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Quieter in late September; pleasant fall colors likely but fewer water activities.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring wildlife and thawed reservoir offer appeal, but access may depend on snowmelt.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Seasonal notes emphasize late-May opening; winter access/activities are limited or weather-dependent.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Late May through August is likely peak season based on user reviews and operational hours.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from late May through hunting season. Operational hours of the campground are weather-dependent and open year-round.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts or advisories are mentioned.

About East Fork Group Picnic Area

Nestled among towering trees where Rock Creek meets the East Fork Reservoir, this charming group picnic area invites families and friends to gather in nature's embrace. Eight thoughtfully spaced picnic units provide intimate woodland settings, each offering a perfect blend of shade and scenery. While the area welcomes smaller RVs and trailers up to 22 feet, its true magic lies in the peaceful ambiance created by rustling leaves and the gentle sounds of nearby water.
East Fork Group Picnic Area provides camping facilities with a focus on individual campsites suitable for tent camping and smaller trailers (up to 22 feet). The area also supports picnicking.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
No explicit maximum stay limit mentioned.

Amenities available

Potable water
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at the East Fork Group Picnic Area include picnicking and fishing. The scenic setting near East Fork Reservoir and Rock Creek offers opportunities for relaxation and enjoying nature. User reviews also suggest opportunities for swimming and paddleboarding, although water quality may not be ideal in all areas of the reservoir.
FishingFishing is available in the nearby river/stream. However, user reviews suggest that fishing success in the reservoir itself may be limited: "We fished about 10 to 12 hrs and not a bite," noted by Colene Metzker. Another user, Mathew R, also observed, "Very little fish activity."
SwimmingSwimming is possible in the reservoir, as noted by multiple users. However, water quality may be a concern in specific areas: "The beach...left my dog and I smelling like rotten fish and swamp mud after swimming the last 50ft in," mentioned by Colene Metzker.
BoatingUsers mentioned activities like paddleboarding (SUP) as an option on the reservoir. Mathew R's wife used her SUP to explore the clear, cold waters.
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews mention little to no cell service, cold water temperatures, and potential unpleasant odors in water areas near the reservoir.
Active AlertsNo active alerts or advisories are mentioned.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at East Fork Group Picnic Area

Reviews

4.4
30 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
East Fork Group Picnic Area is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
The East Fork Group Picnic Area is generally praised for its scenic location near the reservoir and mountains. While some users appreciated the spacious and well-shaded sites, others found the sites too close together. Cell service is minimal, and the reservoir provides opportunities for swimming and paddleboarding, though fishing success and water quality are cited as mixed.
Review Summaries
Based on 30 reviews

What Campers Love

Users noted the scenic location, spacious campsites, and the ability to engage in water activities. Mathew R commented, "The reservoir has stunning mountains behind it and watching the shadows crawl...
Show more
Based on 30 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users found the campsites too close together and noted that fishing in the reservoir was unproductive. Water quality in certain areas of the reservoir was also criticized: "The 'beach'...left my...
Show more
Based on 30 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a good sleeping bag for chilly nights, even in summer, as per Mathew R: "Even with days getting into the 90's the nights get chilled at this altitude."
Based on 30 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is quieter in late September, as noted by Ashley E. Summer days can be hot, but nights are cold.
Based on 30 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Sites are nice, but a little bit too close together for my liking." - Ashley E 2. "Watching the shadows crawl up them [mountains] at sunset was beautiful." - Mathew R 3. "The 'beach'...left my...
Show more
Based on 30 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #8 received positive feedback for being fully shaded, spacious, and close to the reservoir: "#8 was our pick. Fully shaded, flat spot for our tent with the reservoir behind us," noted Mathew R.
Based on 30 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are mentioned in user reviews, specifically in the context of swimming: "My dog and I," said Colene Metzker, which suggests some level of pet-friendliness.
Based on 30 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to East Fork Group Picnic Area? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 5, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Montana

Campgrounds
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
East Fork Group Picnic Area