Piney Campground And Boat Launch
4.3360 reviewsPiney Campground And Boat Launch
$17.00 - $17.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$17.00
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
Standard nonelectric campsites cost $17 per night during peak season. Displayed rates do not include discounts, taxes, or incremental fees.
About this campground
Perched on the shores of pristine Georgetown Lake with breathtaking vistas of the rugged Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness, Piney Campground serves as your gateway to Montana's most spectacular alpine adventures. Whether you're casting a line into the crystal-clear waters at dawn, launching your boat for a day of exploration, or setting off on mountain trails that disappear into the wilderness, this scenic retreat offers the perfect basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts seeking authentic Rocky Mountain experiences.
Piney Campground accommodates both RV and tent campers, with a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served sites. Loop A contains 17 reservable sites, while Loop B has 29 sites available without reservations.
Weather and SeasonsMountain weather here tells its own story throughout the year, with pleasant summer days reaching around 22°C (72°F) perfect for outdoor adventures. The dry mountain air keeps humidity at bay, making even warm afternoons comfortable. Be prepared for nature's surprises though – occasional snow flurries can dust the peaks even in shoulder seasons, reminding visitors of the raw beauty and unpredictability of high-elevation camping.
ElevationAt an impressive elevation exceeding 6,000 feet, Piney Campground places you firmly in Montana's high country, where the air is crisp, the stars shine brilliantly, and every sunrise feels like a privilege. This elevated perch offers cooler temperatures and spectacular panoramic views that stretch across the lake to distant mountain peaks.
Natural Features and SceneryNestled within a forest of towering lodgepole pines that whisper ancient stories in the mountain breeze, the campground showcases nature's resilience and renewal. While some trees bear the marks of pine beetle activity, the forest remains a thriving ecosystem where lucky visitors might glimpse majestic moose browsing near the water's edge or hear the haunting bugle of elk echoing through the valleys. The interplay of forest, lake, and mountain creates a living postcard that changes with every shift of light.
Geological RegionTucked within the renowned Pintler Ranger District of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Piney Campground commands an enviable position overlooking the sapphire waters of Georgetown Lake with the dramatic Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness as its backdrop. This remarkable landscape, dominated by lodgepole pine forests, serves as a vital corridor for the region's impressive wildlife population. Keep your camera ready for encounters with moose feeding in marshy meadows, herds of elk moving through the timber, and graceful white-tailed deer that emerge at twilight to graze in forest clearings.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are detailed in the authoritative data or user reviews.
Sites SizeSites are spacious enough to accommodate RVs, tents, and boats, but some users commented that certain sites "don't have enough space for a camper, vehicle, and boat."
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary. Several reviews note that sites are "spacious enough to offer privacy," but others mention the campground's open layout due to the loss of trees from a beetle infestation.
Total Campsites46 campsites
Recommended CampsitesTent campers should bring sunshades due to limited trees. Sites near the boat ramp are better for swimmers.
Best CampsitesLoop A sites like 013 and 014 are recommended in reviews.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2PM
Check-out
11 AM
Stay Limit
Camping stay limit is 16 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Two vehicles are allowed without fees
- additional vehicles incur a $5 daily charge.
Groups
No specific group camping facilities or details are provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is divided into Loop A (reservable) and Loop B (first-come, first-served).
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 23 to September 14.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in Availability29 campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations made before the check-in date incur a $10 fee and may forfeit the first night's use fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Guests at Piney Campground can enjoy an array of activities, including fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The adjacent Georgetown Lake offers opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. Fishing is a major draw, with species like kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, and brook trout attracting anglers. However, it is illegal to target Bull Trout. The surrounding trails cater to hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers. User experiences reinforce the variety of activities, with one guest stating, "Fun place to kayak," and another noting, "The boat launch is GREAT."
Hiking
The campground is surrounded by trails within a few miles, suitable for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. However, specific trail details such as lengths or difficulty levels are not provided.Fishing
Fishing at Georgetown Lake is highly popular, featuring kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, and brook trout. Anglers are reminded that Bull Trout must be released immediately if caught.Swimming
Swimming is possible at the lake, but conditions vary. One review warned, "If you want to try taking a swim, the bottom near the main part of the campground is pure muck." Another guest found the water "not too cold, not too hot."Biking
Mountain biking is a noted activity, with trails accessible within a few miles of the campground. Specific trail features are not highlighted.Boating
Boating and canoeing are popular activities, facilitated by a nearby boat ramp. Guests commented on the convenience of the boat launch, with one saying, "The boat launch is GREAT."Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings are common, including moose, elk, white-tailed deer, and bighorn sheep. Birds such as blue herons and hawks also inhabit the area. A user stated, "We enjoyed seeing 2 bull moose nightly in our campground as they were in the lake swimming."Winter Activities
No specific winter activities such as snowshoeing or skiing are mentioned, though the Discovery Ski Area nearby offers winter sports.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking and canoeing are available on the lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed unless fire restrictions are imposed.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM - 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsBears are prevalent; food storage rules are strictly enforced. Leaches may be present in muddy beach areas.
Weather forecast
79
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 15%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 8.3 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are available in Anaconda, which is the closest town.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23 - September 14.
Trash and recyclingBear-resistant garbage bins are available, though some reviews noted issues with overflow. One user observed, "Garbage truck day seemed to be Thursday so you'll be lucky if there is enough bin space Tuesday/Wednesday."
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Georgetown Lake.
Common complaintsSparse shade due to pine beetle infestation; issues with loud generators and host music reported.
HostCamp hosts are described as friendly and accommodating, though some reviews indicated issues with enforcement of rules.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Hwy 1 take Georgetown Lake Road over dam. Follow signs; Piney will be 2 miles on your left.
The campground has paved roads and a boat ramp nearby, making it easily accessible. However, some roads leading to the campground may experience rutting due to dump trucks.Nearby places
Anaconda and Philipsburg are the nearest towns.
Nearby supplies
Supplies, including groceries and fuel, can be found in Anaconda and Philipsburg.
Camper Reviews
4.3
60 reviews
Piney Campground And Boat Launch is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
The Piney Campground receives generally positive reviews, with an average sentiment of 4.18 for camping-specific experiences. Most users appreciate the scenic views, clean facilities, and accommodating camp hosts, though issues like sparse tree cover and occasional disregard for quiet hours were noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 60 reviews
What Campers Love
Common highlights include the friendly and helpful camp hosts, clean vault toilets, and proximity to Georgetown Lake for recreational activities. Users also appreciated the spacious sites and the...
Based on 60 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include sparse vegetation due to tree loss, maintenance issues like overflowing garbage bins, and noise from other campers or generators. A few users also expressed frustration with the...
Based on 60 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing shade structures due to the limited natural cover, adhering to bear safety protocols, and arriving early on weekends to secure a spot. Tent campers are advised to avoid...
Based on 60 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer is the most popular season, with activities like swimming, fishing, and boating peaking. However, some users noted that temperatures can become uncomfortable for tent campers without adequate...
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Camper Quotes
"The camp host was outstanding! Bathrooms were always clean and camp host was very friendly and accommodating." "We enjoyed seeing 2 bull moose nightly in our campground as they were in the lake...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Sites in Loop A are generally well-reviewed, with several users mentioning the cleanliness and accessibility of specific sites like 003, 006, and 013. Some complaints about noise and generator use...
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Accessibility Features
No specific reviews on accessibility features are provided, though the campground is noted to have paved roads.
Based on 60 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but some users reported issues with off-leash dogs and owners not picking up after their pets. One user stated, "My only complaint is pet owners not picking up poop around the...
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Last updated August 10, 2025