Philbrook Campground

Star4.89
9 reviews
Philbrook Campground
$28.00 - $28.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$28.00
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

Operated by PGE. The Peak Season rates are $28 per night for tent-only sites. Fees do not include discounts, taxes, or other incremental charges.
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About this campground

Escape to Philbrook Campground, a pristine tent-only sanctuary operated by PGE where wilderness enthusiasts reconnect with nature's raw beauty. This secluded retreat, free from the hum of electric hookups, draws devoted anglers casting lines at dawn and hunters tracking game through ancient forests. Here, camping returns to its roots—just you, your tent, and the untamed landscape surrounding a shimmering natural reservoir.
Philbrook Campground offers basic camping options, including tent and vehicle camping. The emphasis is on a natural, quiet camping experience.
Natural Features and SceneryPerched beside a serene reservoir that mirrors the sky, Philbrook Campground offers front-row seats to nature's ever-changing theater. Towering conifers create a verdant amphitheater around the water's edge, their branches whispering secrets in the mountain breeze. As summer transitions to fall, the reservoir reveals different personalities—sometimes full and magnificent, other times drawing back to expose hidden shorelines and new perspectives on this dynamic landscape.
Geological RegionNestled within a dramatic tapestry of forested peaks and valleys, the campground occupies a special pocket where water and woodland converge. The surrounding terrain tells stories of geological forces that carved this natural reservoir into the landscape, creating a haven where dense forest gives way to open water vistas.

Campsite details

AccessibilityNo explicit information about accessibility features is provided.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as reasonably sized with tables and pits.
Sites PrivacyMost campsites are on the reservoir side, offering good views and a degree of privacy.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSome user reviews suggested choosing sites on the reservoir side for better views. Visitors should prepare for potential noise during hunting season.

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check out time is stated but unclear for check-in.
Check-out
Check out time is NOON the day following arrival date.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is undefined in authoritative sources.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Undefined
Groups
There is no description available for group camping facilities.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutundefined in authoritative sources.
Open and Closed SeasonThe facility operates from May 15 to September 2 annually.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations available; first-come, first-served sites only.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are walk-up and first-come, first-served only. Some user reviews noted that the campground seemed full during their visit.
Cancellation PolicyRefund requests made through www.recreation.gov are subject to a $10 fee, in addition to forfeiting reservation fees and the first night’s recreation use fee for late cancellations.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Philbrook Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities centered around its natural lake setting. Activities include kayaking, paddleboarding, and observing wildlife such as ospreys and eagles. Some user reviews highlight the lake's suitability for family-friendly fun, including tubing and playing in the water. Fishing is also popular, particularly for Eagle Lake Rainbow Trout.
Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity, with the lake offering opportunities to catch Eagle Lake Rainbow Trout. However, detailed species or fishing regulations are not mentioned.
Swimming
The lake is suitable for swimming, as noted by users who enjoyed water activities such as kayaking, tubing, and playing in the lake.
Boating
Boating activities, including kayaking and tubing, are frequently mentioned by users. One camper stated, 'The kids and adults all had fun kayaking and playing in the lake.'
Wildlife viewing
Campers have observed ospreys and eagles hunting in the area. A reviewer commented, 'Keep eyes open for osprey and occasional eagle hunting the lake.'
Winter Activities
There is no information available about winter activities at this campground.
Water Sports
Kayaking, tubing, and paddleboarding are popular water sports at the lake.

Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • Fires allowed unless restricted due to weather.
  • Quiet hours are Not explicitly stated. Users reported noise from hunting activities starting early in the morning.

Hazards

General hazardsHunting season begins mid-September, leading to increased activity and noise from trucks and ATVs before 6:00 am.

Weather forecast

80
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Humidity: 28%

Very dry conditions, stay hydrated

Wind: 7.6 mph

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Clear sky
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Temperature Trends

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Weather Summaries

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Good to know

Peak season datesMay 15 to September 2.
Trash and recyclingTrash cans are not provided, and campers must pack out their trash, as noted in user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near a reservoir suitable for kayaking and paddleboarding.
Common complaintsUser reviews frequently mention gravel roads and unclear signage. Late-season low reservoir levels affecting views and noise during hunting season have also been noted.
HostUser reviews praised campground hosts for their friendly and helpful service, particularly Jamie and Ray.

Campground Map

Driving directionsLong bumpy dirt road to get to the lake. Some reviews noted that once familiar, it seems easy to find but there are challenges for first-time visitors due to gravel roads and unclear signs.
Gravel and dirt roads leading to the campground. According to user reviews, signs are not clear and roads may be bumpy.

Camper Reviews

4.9
9 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Philbrook Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Philbrook Campground highlight its natural beauty, friendly hosts, and a range of family-friendly water-based activities. Many visitors appreciate the peaceful environment and opportunities for wildlife observation, while some note accessibility challenges due to unclear signage and bumpy roads.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the 'beautiful lake' and 'quiet, peaceful camping experience.' Campers praised the friendly and attentive camp hosts, clean restrooms, and the lake's suitability for...
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Based on 9 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the 'long bumpy dirt road to get to the lake' and 'unclear signage.' The lack of trash facilities was also noted, requiring campers to pack out their garbage.
Based on 9 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend being prepared for the dirt road and bringing maps or GPS due to unclear signage. Campers also suggest packing out all trash and bringing water sports equipment to enjoy the lake.
Based on 9 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During late summer, the reservoir's water levels are noted to be lower, affecting the scenery. Hunting season in mid-September brings additional noise from hunters' vehicles and early risers.
Based on 9 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'I was very pleased with the campground clean. Camp host Jamie very friendly.' - J Lewis 2. 'This year was so much better than last year’s! The new camp host Ray is friendly and helpful!' -...
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Based on 9 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Most campsites are located on the reservoir side, offering good views and a peaceful atmosphere. No specific site numbers are mentioned.
Based on 9 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility challenges are hinted at but not explicitly detailed. One review mentioned unclear signage and road conditions that could pose difficulties.
Based on 9 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

There is no mention of pet-specific reviews or policies in the provided materials.
Based on 9 reviews

Last updated August 10, 2025

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Philbrook Campground