East Fork Group Picnic Area
05 reviews88 Business Loop, Philipsburg, MT 59858
Quick Facts
Price
$15/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
8 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
$15/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
8 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
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...
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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
Total Campsite Fees$15.00
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USFS
Provider406-859-3211
What Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 5 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."
Fees & Passes at East Fork Group Picnic Area
$15/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: No explicit maximum stay limit mentioned.
Cancellation: No explicit information available about cancellation policies.
Prices verified August 10, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Pintler Ranger District website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.
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.
Weather and SeasonsExperience 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.
ElevationNo elevation details provided.
Natural Features and SceneryThe enchanting woodland setting creates a natural amphitheater where ancient trees stand as sentinels over your gathering. Rock Creek whispers its timeless story as it flows past, while the shimmering waters of East Fork Reservoir reflect the surrounding peaks like a mirror. Majestic mountain vistas frame every view, offering dramatic backdrops for memorable moments. The interplay of forest, water, and mountains creates an ever-changing canvas of natural beauty that captivates visitors throughout the day.
Geological RegionSituated within the magnificent Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, East Fork Group Picnic Area showcases the diverse ecosystems where water meets woodland in Montana's rugged landscape. The convergence of Rock Creek and East Fork Reservoir has created a unique riparian environment, where dense forests give way to water's edge, and towering peaks rise in the distance. This special corner of the national forest exemplifies the raw beauty and ecological richness that defines the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem's northern reaches.
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Campsite details
Sites SizeThe individual campsites are described as spacious according to user feedback. "Sites are very spacious," noted by Mathew R.
Sites PrivacySome user reviews highlight that sites are too close together for their liking (e.g., "Sites are nice, but a little bit too close together for my liking," by Ashley E), while others describe the sites as private and well-shaded (e.g., "Fully shaded, flat spot for our tent," by Mathew R).
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite #8 is recommended for its flat tent space, reservoir views, and shaded environment.
Best Campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
No explicit maximum stay limit mentioned.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Not specified.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground features 8 units.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from late May through hunting season. Operational hours of the campground are weather-dependent and open year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations may be available. Specific platforms or booking methods not mentioned.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up sites may be available, but no specific details or counts provided.
Cancellation PolicyNo explicit information available about cancellation policies.
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.
Fishing
Fishing 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."Swimming
Swimming 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.Boating
Users 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
Paddleboarding and swimming are mentioned as water sports activities by users.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No specific fire policies are mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsUser 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.
Weather at East Fork Group Picnic Area
24
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 74%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 7.6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
Weather History
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Emergency Services
Emergency services available at Pintler Ranger District office in Philipsburg with contact number 406-859-3211.
Good to know
Peak season datesLate May through August is likely peak season based on user reviews and operational hours.
Trash and recyclingNo specific information on trash and recycling facilities is provided.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Rock Creek and East Fork Reservoir.
Common complaintsSome user reviews note that the campsites are close together, unpleasant odors in water near the reservoir beach, and minimal fish activity.
Campground Map
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
5 reviews
East Fork Group Picnic Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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 5 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...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
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 5 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is quieter in late September, as noted by Ashley E. Summer days can be hot, but nights are cold.
Based on 5 reviewsCamper 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...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
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 5 reviewsPet-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 5 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated August 10, 2025
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