Spillway Campground

4.39

30 reviews

88 Business Loop Philipsburg, MT 59858

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

6,500 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Open May 1 through N...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Pintler Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,500 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Open May 1 through N...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Pintler Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Spillway Campground

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight use is $15 per single site per night. Additional vehicles incur a fee of $5 per night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide...

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

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USFS

Provider

406-859-3211

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What Campers Say

4.39

Recommended

Based on 30 reviews

27 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietshade

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

88 Business Loop Philipsburg, MT 59858

Spillway Campground

88 Business Loop Philipsburg, MT 59858

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.

Nearby places

Philipsburg (18 miles, approximately 30 minutes)

Nearby supplies

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

Best Time to Camp at Spillway Campground

At 6,500 feet, Spillway Campground offers a true mountain climate experience that keeps visitors reaching for both sunscreen and warm layers. Summer days can surprise you with temperatures climbing into the 90s, perfect for afternoon swims in the reservoir. But as the sun dips behind the timbered ridges, the mountain air quickly cools, transforming balmy evenings into crisp nights that demand cozy sleeping bags and perhaps an extra blanket. From late fall through early spring, winter stakes its claim on this high-altitude haven, blanketing the landscape in snow and bringing freezing temperatures that transform the campground into a different kind of wonderland entirely.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Warm summer days allow boating and lakeside use; nights can be chilly at 6,500 ft.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 3% in MT

Late summer and early fall are favored in reviews for quiet atmosphere and scenery.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring snowmelt swells the reservoir and alters shorelines; access and odor issues noted.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Closed to typical access Nov–May; winter recreation not supported onsite.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Late May through hunting season (exact dates not defined).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 1 through November 1, weather dependent. Limited access may occur due to snow conditions.

About Spillway Campground

Nestled along the pristine northwestern shores of East Fork Reservoir, Spillway Campground offers an intimate escape into Montana's backcountry. This thoughtfully designed Forest Service campground spreads across 3 acres of lodgepole pine forest at 6,500 feet, where 13 well-appointed campsites await outdoor enthusiasts. Lucky visitors can claim one of the coveted waterfront sites, where morning coffee comes with unobstructed reservoir views, while hillside sites offer their own charm tucked among towering pines. Modern amenities blend seamlessly with the natural setting, including clean restrooms, fresh mountain water from a hand pump, and sturdy picnic tables perfect for evening meals under the stars. Your four-legged companions are welcome to join the adventure, as long as they remain leashed. True to its wilderness setting, Spillway operates on a pack-it-in, pack-it-out philosophy, ensuring this mountain sanctuary remains pristine for generations to come.

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 SeasonsAt 6,500 feet, Spillway Campground offers a true mountain climate experience that keeps visitors reaching for both sunscreen and warm layers. Summer days can surprise you with temperatures climbing into the 90s, perfect for afternoon swims in the reservoir. But as the sun dips behind the timbered ridges, the mountain air quickly cools, transforming balmy evenings into crisp nights that demand cozy sleeping bags and perhaps an extra blanket. From late fall through early spring, winter stakes its claim on this high-altitude haven, blanketing the landscape in snow and bringing freezing temperatures that transform the campground into a different kind of wonderland entirely.

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 steals the show at Spillway Campground, its sparkling waters reflecting the surrounding lodgepole pines and creating a photographer's paradise at every turn. The campground's position offers front-row seats to nature's seasonal performance – watch spring snowmelt swell the reservoir to its 500-acre glory, then observe as summer gradually reveals hidden coves and expanded beaches perfect for exploration. Towering lodgepole pines provide a natural canopy, their straight trunks creating cathedral-like groves that filter sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The timbered hillsides that embrace the reservoir complete the scene, their slopes changing from deep green to golden depending on the season and time of day.

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.

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 layout. Some campsites are along the reservoir shore, while others are situated on the hillside.

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.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

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.

FishingFishing is available in East Fork Reservoir. Rainbow trout are specifically noted as a catch. However, some user reviews mention low fish activity: "Pretty sure there no fish here lol. We fished about 10 to 12 hrs and not a bite."

BoatingNon-motorized boating is allowed. User reviews indicate that the water is suitable for activities such as paddleboarding.

Water Sports

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.

Food Storage RequiredBear boxes are provided for safe food storage.

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.

Weather at Spillway Campground

Reviews

4.4

30 reviews

Recommended

Spillway Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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

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