How much does camping cost at Spillway Campground?

Camping fees at Spillway Campground range from $15/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Spillway Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Spillway Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with limited availability during peak season.

What is the best time to visit Spillway Campground?

Spillway Campground is open Late May through hunting season (exact dates not defined).. 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 Spillway Campground?

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

How many campsites does Spillway Campground have?

Spillway Campground has 13 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Spillway Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Spillway 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 Spillway Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Spillway Campground?

Popular activities at Spillway Campground include Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Spillway Campground

4.10

30 reviews

88 Business Loop Philipsburg, MT 59858

Featured in:Boating Camping Montana

Quick Facts

6,500 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,500 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Spillway Campground

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight Use: Single Site: $15 per night Additional Vehicle: $5 per night There is a fee of $15.00 per night for this campground, with a $5 fee for...

Standard Site Fee$15.00

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USFS

Provider

406-859-3211

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

88 Business Loop Philipsburg, MT 59858

Spillway Campground

88 Business Loop Philipsburg, MT 59858

Nearby places

Philipsburg (18 miles, approximately 30 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Philipsburg, 18 miles away, offers grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel.

Driving directionsIn Philipsburg, MT, at the intersection of State Rt. 1 and Broadway, take Rt. 1 south 10.7 miles to 'National Forest Campground' and 'Georgetown Lake Rd.' signs. Turn right after signs onto Georgetown Lake Rd and go 7.6 miles to 'T' intersection. Turn right at intersection onto Forest Rt. 672 (gravel) and go 4.5 miles to 'Y' intersection. Bear left onto Forest Rt. 5141 and go 0.9 miles to another 'Y' intersection. Bear right at intersection, crossing East Fork Reservoir's dam and go 0.3 miles to campground on the left. NOTE: Forest Rt. 5141 is gravel, single line with turnouts.

The access road includes gravel sections with single lanes and turnouts. Maximum trailer length recommended is 22 feet. Seasonal snow conditions may limit access.

Weather at Spillway Campground

Best Time to Camp at Spillway Campground

Fall is the sweet spot here. September through early October brings daytime highs in the 40s to 60s and nights that drop into the 20s and 30s. The calm weather, thinner crowds, and improved fishing make up for the chill. Bring a warm sleeping bag. Summer can push into the 90s during the day but cools fast after sunset at this elevation. Late fall through early spring means snow and freezing temperatures.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Sept–early Oct: calm weather, thinner crowds, cooler nights; reviewers call fall the 'sweet spot.'

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Late May through hunting season (exact dates not defined).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open annually late May through hunting season, weather dependent. Open year round- weather dependent

About Spillway Campground

Spillway Campground sits on the northwest shore of East Fork Reservoir in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, about 6,500 feet above sea level. The 13-site campground spreads along a single loop through lodgepole pine forest, with some sites on the water and others tucked into the hillside. Nightly fees run $15. Sites accommodate trailers up to 22 feet.

Spillway Campground is a developed Forest Service campground offering basic amenities. It caters primarily to tent and RV campers, with no dedicated group or cabin facilities.

Weather and SeasonsFall is the sweet spot here. September through early October brings daytime highs in the 40s to 60s and nights that drop into the 20s and 30s. The calm weather, thinner crowds, and improved fishing make up for the chill. Bring a warm sleeping bag. Summer can push into the 90s during the day but cools fast after sunset at this elevation. Late fall through early spring means snow and freezing temperatures.

ElevationPerched at 6,500 feet above sea level, Spillway Campground offers that perfect sweet spot of mountain camping – high enough to escape the summer heat of the valleys below, yet accessible enough for comfortable camping. This elevation brings dramatic temperature swings that are part of the high-country charm. Visitors quickly learn to layer up as evening approaches, when the thin mountain air releases the day's warmth and reminds everyone they're camping more than a mile above sea level. The altitude adds an element of adventure to every stay, from the slightly breathless feeling during your first hike to the incredibly clear night skies that seem close enough to touch.

Natural Features and SceneryEast Fork Reservoir covers 500 acres and dominates the view from waterfront sites. Lodgepole pines frame the campground, but the lack of mid-story vegetation means limited screening between sites. The reservoir's water level fluctuates seasonally. Timbered ridges rise beyond the shoreline. Some sites, particularly #8, offer views across the water toward distant mountains, best at sunset.

Geological RegionSpillway Campground claims its place within the magnificent Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, serving as a gateway to the nearby Anaconda Pintler Wilderness. This corner of Montana showcases the region's geological diversity, where ancient forces carved out the basin now filled by the 500-acre East Fork Reservoir. The surrounding landscape tells a story written in lodgepole pine forests – nature's pioneers that thrive in this mountainous terrain. The campground's location offers the perfect basecamp for exploring the greater ecosystem, where the meeting of water, forest, and mountain creates endless opportunities for discovery. Whether you're drawn to the reservoir's aquatic playground or the beckoning trails of the nearby wilderness, Spillway sits at the heart of one of Montana's most captivating natural theaters.

Scenic ViewsSeveral campsites have direct views of East Fork Reservoir and the surrounding mountains.

Lodging & AccommodationsHotel-style lodging accommodations are not available at Spillway Campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

16 days maximum

Guests Allowed Per Site

Limited to immediate party of the pass holder.

Groups

There are no dedicated group camping facilities.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSingle loop with sites divided between reservoir shoreline and hillside positions. Sites sit close together. The lack of understory shrubs between them means minimal visual privacy, though spacing is generous enough for trailers up to 22 feet.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with limited availability during peak season.

Cancellation PolicyNo specific cancellation policy is detailed.

AccessibilityThe vault toilets are wheelchair accessible. No further accessibility features are noted.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious and capable of accommodating trailers up to 22 feet.

PrivacyPrivacy is minimal due to the lack of a middle story and how close campsites are to each other," as mentioned in official comments. However, some user reviews noted that specific sites, like #8, offer better privacy and scenic views.

Total Campsites13 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose shoreline sites for better views and proximity to water features. Hilltop sites offer slightly more privacy.

Best CampsitesSite #8 gets consistent praise: fully shaded, flat tent pad, reservoir directly behind it, and mountain views at sunset. Reviewers call it the best pick for privacy and scenery.

Amenities available

Spillway Campground offers basic amenities within a scenic setting. "Restrooms are available at this site" and potable water is accessible via a hand pump. Each site is equipped with picnic tables and fire grilles. However, there is no garbage service on-site, requiring campers to carry out their trash. Flush toilets, showers, and other advanced facilities like Wi-Fi or laundry are not available. The maximum recommended trailer length is 22 feet, and the parking aprons are gravel, with low-hanging branches noted in some areas.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Spillway Campground is ideal for fishing, observing the tranquility of East Fork Reservoir, and exploring nearby wilderness areas. Swimming and other recreational water activities are limited, but non-motorized boating is allowed. Hiking trails are not directly accessible from the campground, but the surrounding wilderness provides opportunities for outdoor exploration.

Fishing

Boating

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThis is bear country: bear boxes are provided, and visitors must practice safe food storage techniques. Some campsites have low-hanging branches over parking aprons.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Vault toilets are provided instead.

Food Storage RequiredBear boxes are provided for safe food storage.

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.

Emergency ServicesPintler Ranger District, 88 Business Loop, Philipsburg, MT 59858. Phone: 406-859-3211. Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed federal holidays.

Trash & RecyclingThere is no garbage service at Spillway Campground. Campers must pack out what they pack in.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to East Fork Reservoir (500 acres). Shoreline varies seasonally, with unofficial boat ramps scattered along the southeast shoreline.

Cell CoverageUser reviews indicate "little to no cell service" in the area. Details about specific providers or signal strength are not provided.

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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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.1

30 reviews

Satisfactory

Spillway Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews provide mixed impressions. The scenic location is a highlight, but the lack of privacy between sites and the absence of advanced facilities are noted as drawbacks.

Review Summaries

Based on 30 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciated the scenic beauty, proximity to East Fork Reservoir, and the quiet environment. A reviewer noted, "#8 was our pick. Fully shaded, flat spot for our tent with the reservoir behind...

Based on 30 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include minimal privacy between campsites, limited fishing success, and odor issues near some parts of the shoreline.

Based on 30 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #8 received praise for its shade, flat terrain, and proximity to the reservoir, offering better privacy compared to other sites.

Based on 30 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing warm sleeping bags for chilly nights and being prepared for limited cell service and no garbage disposal facilities.

Based on 30 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Late summer and early fall are favored for their quiet atmosphere, while spring sees higher water levels along the shoreline. Nights are mentioned to get "chilled at this altitude."

Based on 30 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Sites are nice, but a little bit too close together for my liking." - Ashley E. "The reservoir has stunning mountains behind it and watching the shadows crawl up them at sunset was beautiful." -...

Based on 30 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome if kept on a leash. A reviewer mentioned swimming with their dog.

Based on 30 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Paddleboarders, kayakers, and reservoir-view campers who can grab site #8 early. Fall mornings here are cold and clear, $15/night, and the crowd pressure drops sharply after Labor Day. Bear boxes are on-site, which matters at this elevation.

Skip if

Anglers expecting reliable action will be disappointed. Multiple reviewers logged 10-plus hours without a bite, and the shoreline smells of swamp mud near some sites. No showers, no dump station, no cell service, and supplies are 18 miles back in Philipsburg.

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Campgrounds

Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Spillway Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Spillway Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>This campground is located on the northwestern shore of East Fork Reservoir. The reservoir covers 500 acres with timbered hillsides all around. At the far end of the reservoir you may access the Anaconda Pintler Wilderness. At an elevation of 6,500 feet, Spillway Campground encompasses 3 acres. It is a nicely developed Forest Service campground with 13 campsites in lodgepole timber. Some sites are along the shore and some slightly back on the hillside. Restrooms and water are available and pets are welcome at the campground as long as they're kept on a leash. The maximum recommended trailer length for the area is 22 feet. Please limit your stay to 16 days.</p>

About the campground

The elevation is 6,100 ft. This single loop campground is pack it in, pack it out and adjacent to East Fork Reservoir in a grove of mature pines.Although privacy is minimal due to lack of a middlestory and how close campsite are to each other, the campground is very scenic with a quiet, tranquil feel. Some sites overlook the reservoir. The shoreline is highest in spring; recedes during the summer. This is bear country: bear boxes provided; practice safe food storage technique.

Seasons & access

Open May 1 through November 1. Opening is dependent on snow conditions.

Facilities

The water spigot is a hand pump.

Water activities

East Fork Reservoir is 500 acres. There are unofficial boat ramps scattered along the reservoir's seast shoreline

RV information

The parking aprons are gravel. Be aware of low hanging branches across some campsite parking aprons.

Directions

In Philipsburg, MT, at the intersection of State Rt. 1 and Broadway, take Rt. 1 south 10.7 miles to "National Forest Campground" and "Georgetown Lake Rd." signs. Turn right after signs onto Georgetown Lake Rd and go 7.6 miles to "T" intersection. Turn right at intersection onto Forest Rt. 672 (gravel) and go 4.5 miles to "Y" intersection. Bear left onto Forest Rt. 5141 and go 0.9 miles to another "Y" intersection. Bear right at intersection, crossing East Fork Reservoir's dam and go 0.3 miles to campground on left. NOT: Forest Rt. 5141 is grave, single line with turnouts.

National Forest: Deerlodge National Forest
Ranger District: Pintler
Elevation: 6100
Rate: No charge
Maximum Stay: 16