Copper Creek Campground (MT)

Overview Copper Creek Campground is located in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest in southwest Montana. At an elevation of 5,500 feet, this cozy campground covers an area of 2 acres along Copper Creek. Just a short walk down the road is Middle Fork Rock Creek, which is great for fishing. The campground offers visitors close access to the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness. There are 8 first-come, first-served campsites, and the fee to camp is $15 per night.

Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.

Recreation Copper Campground provides access to opportunities for hiking, backpacking, hunting, fishing, and OHV riding.

Middle Fork Rock Creek provides good fishing opportunities for Cutthroat Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout and Whitefish. Copper Creek runs through the campground and other smaller creeks are close by. It is illegal to target Bull Trout, if caught they must be released immediately with minimal handling. Participants must have Montana licenses to hunt or fish.  

Visitors will find no shortage of trails within the Pintler Ranger District. Numerous trails lead into the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness, which covers almost 250 square miles and straddles the Continental Divide along the crest of the Anaconda Range. There are five trailheads in the area, none more than a seven-mile drive from the campground. Please remember, wilderness areas are off-limits to all vehicles, including bicycles.

Moose Lake Picnic Area is located one and a half miles from the campground. This lakeside day-use picnic area provides opportunities for picnicking, fishing, swimming, and boating. Please note that this is a car-top only boat launch area and there are no garbage services at this site.

Facilities Copper Creek Campground has 8 campsites suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings. A water pump and single vault restroom are on site. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground is accessible late May through mid-November, depending on weather conditions.

Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as there is no cell phone coverage in the area.

Natural Features The campground is located along Copper Creek near the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness. Campsites partially shaded by evergreens loop around a small open meadow, with views of nearby peaks. The confluence of Copper Creek and Middle Fork Rock Creek is less than a half mile down the road. There is easy access to both creeks, and good fishing. The area is known for its high, rugged, and beautiful mountain scenery, as well as the variety of wildlife that makes its home there, including elk, moose, deer, mountain lions, birds of prey, and bears (grizzly and black bears) (learn more about bear safety and the forest-wide Food Storage Order).    

Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (406) 859-3211. Nearby Attractions The Skalkaho Highway (Highway 38) leads into the Sapphire Mountains along a primitive and once widely used Native American trail. The scenic drive, which is closed during winter, was built to provide access between mining areas and agricultural communities in the Bitterroot Valley. About 30 miles from the campground, the road leads to Skalkaho Falls in the neighboring Bitterroot National Forest. 

There are miles of trails in the vicinity offering access to the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness. Moose Lake Picnic Area is a short walk or drive from the campground. There is an ATV loop from Copper creek over O’Brien ridge to Frog Pond Basin and back down to Copper Creek.

Georgetown Lake can be accessed by highways or dirt roads.

The town of Philipsburg has restaurants, gift shops, gem shops, a micro brewery, candy shop, gas station, grocery store, historic theater, and has events throughout the year.

From Philipsburg, travel south on Highway 1 for about 6.5 miles to the junction with Skalkaho Highway/Highway 38. Turn right onto Highway 38 and continue west for 9.2 miles. Turn left onto Moose Lake Road/FR 5106 and continue approximately 10 miles. Turn right onto Frog Pond Road/FR 80 and continue .2 miles to the campground on the right.