Georgetown Lake Campgrounds
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Best Camping Spots at Georgetown Lake Campgrounds

May 06, 2024

I guess you want to have a really good time somewhere special! Let me introduce you to Georgetown Lake Campgrounds...

Georgetown Lake Campground, a sizable alpine reservoir, is encircled by the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest.

Situated to the north of the Pintler Mountains and to the south of the Flint Creek Mountains, this area is well-liked for boating and fishing, as well as for a variety of other outdoor pursuits within the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness and the national forest.

Georgetown Lake Campgrounds

This location offers a marina, picnic areas, boat ramps, campgrounds, and year-round activities, making it a terrific place to play in any weather.

The area's most accessible fishing spot is Georgetown Lake, which is situated right off I-70. The entire lake is surrounded by a well-maintained trail and fishing piers that are accessible to those with disabilities.

It also features plenty of spots for a family picnic and a viewing area for bighorn sheep. As long as they are not motorized, boats are permitted on the lake. Gas and electric motors are included in this.

READ ALSO: Best Kettle Moraine Campgrounds

Where is Georgetown Lake Located?

Georgetown Lake is along MT Hwy 1 and 18 miles west of Anaconda, MT. Take I-90 eastward from Missoula for about 50 miles, and then take exit 153 for MT-1 toward Drummond/Phillipsburg.

Proceed southward on MT-1 for 37 miles until making a right turn onto Georgetown Lake Road. Now you know. Let us head straight to the best spots available for you at Georgetown Lake.

1. Philipsburg Bay Campground

Philipsburg Bay Campground

With easy access to Georgetown Lake, Philipsburg Bay Campground offers great fishing, boating, and water skiing.

Situated in Montana's largest national forest, the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest is the Pintler Ranger District.

The area, surrounded by mountains of outstanding beauty, is ideal for those who want to rest and take in a spectacular view or engage in water and mountain activities.

There are 65 total campsites in the campground; 34 can be reserved, and 31 are first-come, first-served. It's first-come, first-served for loop A and the first portion of loop B. In the summer season, reservations can be made in advance for Loop C and half of Loop B.

With paved roads and a boat ramp, it's boater-friendly and suitable for both tent and RV camping.

At the lake, boating and canoeing are popular pastimes. Shortage of trails for mountain bikers, horseback riders, and hikers abound just a few miles of the campground.

The most sought-after species for fly fishing in Georgetown Lake are brook trout, rainbow trout, and kokanee salmon. Georgetown Lake is a prime destination to go fishing.

Bull Trout cannot be intentionally targeted; if they are, they must be released right after with little to no handling. To hunt or fish, participants need to possess a Montana license.

2. Lodgepole Campground (On Georgetown Lake, Montana)

Lodgepole Campground

A large facility nestled along a picturesque route in the Pintler Ranger District of Montana's largest national forest, the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, is Lodgepole Campground. Georgetown Lake, a popular destination when it comes to boating, fishing, and water sports, is located across the street.

At an elevation of 6,000 feet, Georgetown Lake offers more than 3,000 acres of refreshing alpine waters. The Pintlers to the south and the occasionally snow-covered Flint Creek Range to the north encircle it.

The name Lodgepole Campground comes from the long, slender lodgepole pines that encircle the area.

A variety of abundant wildlife, such as moose, elk, white-tailed deer, and even bighorn sheep, can be seen around the large mountain lake.

Note that Sequoia National Park is NOT the location of this campground.

When you get on-site, you might be able to use the Recreation.gov mobile app's Scan and Pay feature to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code.

If this is an option, you must download the free Recreation.gov mobile app in advance of your trip at https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app. This is because some remote regions may have spotty or nonexistent cellular connections. 

Activities: Swimming Site, Wildlife Viewing, Water Sports, Hunting, Hiking, Fishing, Camping, Boating, Biking.

Amenities: Drinking Water, Firewood, Host, Lake Access, Off-Road Vehicle Trails, Pets Allowed, Picnic Tables, Self Pay Station, Vault Toilets.

READ ALSO: Best Sisters Campgrounds

3. Flint Creek Campground

Flint Creek Campground

A short distance from the lake lies the large campground known as Flint Creek Campground, which is located near the base of Flint Creek Pass.

With a wealth of wildlife around, popular activities include fishing, boating, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.

Ten spots are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, while the remaining 19 sites can be reserved for tent and RV camping. The Red Bridge Boat Launch is a short stroll away.

With 29 campsites for tent and RV camping, this is one of the bigger campgrounds around the lake area. During the summer, ten spots are accessible on a first-come, first-served basis, and 19 sites can be reserved in advance.

Red Bridge Boat Launch is a short stroll from the campground, which is ideally situated at the base of Flint Creek.

However, there is no direct lake access from the campsite. Campers at Flint Creek Campground can use the boat launch and day-use area free of charge. 

4. Piney Campground and Picnic Area

Piney Campground and Picnic Area

With 48 camping units and easy access to fishing, boating, and water skiing, Piney Campground is a nice campground located next to Georgetown Lake. It is situated in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest's Pintler Ranger District.

The area, which is surrounded by breathtakingly beautiful mountains, is ideal for those who want to rest and take in the breathtaking scenery or who wish to engage in water and mountain activities.

There is a day-use picnic area, water, ADA-compliant restrooms, a boat launch area, fishing access, and waste services available at this campsite. 

5. East Fork Campground

East Fork Campground

The only shower in the East Fork family rustic campground is in the river, so stay cool there. There are a lot more things to explore but fewer amenities here!

The most secluded campsites are undoubtedly the three at the end of the road, which connect to a hiking trail.

The third annual [insert name here] Family Fun Day will feature paddle boat races using the non-motorized boat launch located at the campground entrance!

Every location features a fire ring, picnic table, and paved area. In the high season, there are showers, flush toilets, and drinking water; in the off-peak season, there are fewer amenities and locations.

When the camp store is open, boat launch for guests registering at the campground, a nature center, and a dump station Beach (with paddlecraft access via carry-in boat) reserved for campers only.

Playgrounds: During the season, either bring your own equipment or rent it from the camp office for basketball, soccer, and cornhole. In-season bike rentals, miniature golf, and single and tandem kayaks are available.

READ ALSO: Smith Mountain Lake Campgrounds

General Activities for All Campers

Not everyone like one particular thing. There is one thing you will like about Lake George.

1. Boating 

Both motorized and non-powered watercraft are welcome on Georgetown Lake. There is a marina and four free boat launches along the waterfront. Feel free to paddle, windsurf, water-ski, or motor.

2. Fishing

Kokanee salmon are the most sought-after species in Georgetown Lake, a well-liked fishing spot. Its chilly waters are home to brook trout and large rainbows.

In July and August, fly fishermen swarm the lake to cast caddis patterns in search of "lunker" trout. For information on license requirements and fishing rules, contact Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks.

3. Camping

Several campgrounds are located along the shores of Georgetown Lake and in the neighboring national forest and wilderness regions.

The majority of campgrounds near the lake have amenities such as drinking water, bathrooms, and hook-ups. Consider Piney Campground and Picnic Area or Phillipsburg Bay Campground.

4. Trails

Trails provide easy access to pristine environments such as forests, mountains, and lakes. Proceed down Lower Willow Creek Trail, near Georgetown Lake Lodge, or use the Boulder Lake Trail. If you enjoy being near water, follow the North Fork of Flint Creek.

How about Winter Activities?

Snowmobiling is a prominent winter pastime on Georgetown Lake. Begin with the popular route, which has been carefully marked and maintained for 52 of its 56 kilometers. Other winter hobbies include ice fishing and cross-country skiing.

Fun Fact

If you enjoy having local conveniences during your outdoor adventures, don't worry; various hotel establishments, restaurants, and casinos are available around Georgetown Lake.

READ ALSO: NC Coastal Campgrounds

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What are some of the camping alternatives near Georgetown?

You can drive the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway from Georgetown to Grant, with easy access to various trails, and camp overnight in a forest service campsite or dispersed sites along the way.

You can also drive up to Mt. Evan's Peak and camp with your tent or RV at the base, Echo Lake Campground.

Alternatively, travel north to St. Mary's Glacier for snowfields, footpaths, boulders, and wildflowers, and Winter Park for winter and summer sports, with many campgrounds along the way.

Q2. What fishing options are around Georgetown?

Georgetown Lake near Georgetown is a famous ice fishing spot and offers decent fishing all year. Anyone over the age of 16 must have a fishing license.

Q3. What are some outdoor recreation locations nearby Georgetown?

Near Georgetown, travel west to Dillon Reservoir, where you can camp beside the water. There are numerous world-class ski slopes nearby, as well as heated lodges and yurts for winter camping.

Further west, the White River National Forest covers more than 2 million acres and provides ample outdoor leisure possibilities as well as the breathtaking beauty of mountains, lakes, and meadows.

The forest has campgrounds and lodges, as well as ample backcountry space.

Q4. What is the finest town to visit in Georgetown?

Summer is a popular time to visit Georgetown. From May to August, the Lost Creek River is open for rafting.

The Guanella Pass Scenic Byway can receive significant traffic on weekends during peak leaf-peeping season in the fall, and certain sections may be closed during the winter. The renowned Bighorn Sheep Festival takes place in November.

Christmas is a joyous occasion in Georgetown. In the winter, visit Lake Georgetown to go ice fishing.

Bottom Line

In addition to Tejas Park, there are three other sites that can only be reached by hiking or boat. Most of these sites have a picnic table, a ground fire ring, and a lantern stand.

Cedar Hollow Camp is at mileposts 4 and 5 on the Good Water Hiking Trail. Sawyer Camp is located between mileposts 6 and 7.

Walnut Springs Camp is located between mileposts 15 and 16. When using these facilities, please plan your trip carefully. Potable water isn't accessible. There is a 14-day camping limit.

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