Spillway Campground (MT)

Overview Spillway Campground is located in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest in southwest Montana. It is situated on the northwestern shore of the East Fork Reservoir, flanked by forested hillsides with views of the Anaconda-Pintler range. Campsites are surrounded by mature conifers, and several sites are set back from the lake’s edge, offering an ideal setting for visitors seeking recreation and relaxation. The campground provides visitors close access to the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness. There are 12 campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis. The camping fee 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 Spillway Campground provides access to nearby opportunities for hiking, backpacking, bike riding, hunting, fishing, OHV riding, and boating.  

There’s good fishing for rainbow and cutthroat trout in East Fork Rock Creek and the lake. The creek has the largest population of bull trout in the Upper Clark Fork drainage -- 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. The East Fork Trailhead is close by, the starting point for the Page Lake Trail #8039 and East Fork Trail #8038. Both trails quickly cross into the wilderness area and connect to the Continental Divide Trail. Please remember, wilderness areas are off-limits to all vehicles, including bicycles.

Facilities Spillway campground has 12 campsites suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings. One water pump and two double vault restrooms are on site. There is no overflow parking in this campground. The campground is accessible late May through mid-November, depending on weather conditions.

This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. 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 may not be cell phone coverage in the area.

Natural Features The Pintler Ranger District 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, and bears (grizzly and black bears). The campground sits just off the shore of East Fork Reservoir. Learn more about bear safety and forest-wide Food Storage Order.  

Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (406) 859-3211.

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 6.1 miles. You will see an approach sign for East Fork Reservoir/Wilderness Access/672. Turn right onto County Road 672 and continue for 5.4 miles, following signs for East Fork Reservoir. At 5.4 miles you will reach a junction, continue straight and the road becomes County Road 5141, and you will follow this road for 1 mile. At the reservoir turn right and continue for .3 miles to the campground entrance on the left.