Cable Mountain Campground

For those of us who call Montana home, finding that perfect secluded spot to reconnect with nature is a treasured pursuit. Cable Mountain Campground, nestled within the sprawling Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest near Anaconda, offers just such an escape. This charming, rustic campground provides a quintessential Montana camping experience, where the rustling of lodgepole pines and the gentle murmur of Flint Creek become your soundtrack. It’s a place designed for genuine outdoor enthusiasts, offering a tranquil base from which to explore the rugged beauty of the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness and the renowned fishing waters of Georgetown Lake.

Cable Mountain Campground is not about lavish amenities; it's about embracing the simplicity and grandeur of Montana's natural landscape. We understand that many Montanans prefer a more authentic and less-crowded camping environment, and this campground delivers. With its well-shaded sites and proximity to abundant recreational opportunities, it’s an ideal choice for a quiet getaway. Whether you're an avid angler, a dedicated hiker, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat to stargaze under Montana's expansive night sky, Cable Mountain Campground provides the perfect setting for creating lasting memories in our incredible Big Sky Country. It embodies the spirit of self-sufficient outdoor adventure that is so deeply ingrained in our local culture.

Cable Mountain Campground is situated at 6QC3+Q7, Anaconda, MT 59711, USA. More precisely, it is located approximately 3 miles north of Georgetown Lake within the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. For those traveling from Philipsburg, you would head south on Highway 1 for about 12.5 miles, then turn left onto Southern Cross Road. After 0.8 miles, make a slight left onto Echo Lake Road and continue for 2 miles to the junction with Red Lion Road. As you approach this junction, you will see a directional sign for Cable Campground – turn right, and the campground entrance will be on your right in about 0.3 miles.

The accessibility of Cable Mountain Campground for Montana locals is quite straightforward, primarily via well-maintained forest roads off state highways. While it offers a sense of seclusion, it's not overly difficult to reach, making it a viable option for weekend trips or longer stays from various parts of Southwest Montana. Its proximity to Georgetown Lake and the Discovery Ski Area (which it can be reached via trail) means that outdoor recreation is immediately at your fingertips. Given its location within a National Forest, it's important for visitors to be aware of the typical conditions of forest roads, which can vary seasonally due to weather. Always check road conditions before heading out, especially in early spring or late fall. This blend of accessibility to major attractions with a truly natural, wooded setting makes Cable Mountain Campground a convenient and appealing choice for Montanans seeking an authentic outdoor experience without venturing too far off the beaten path.

Cable Mountain Campground offers basic but essential services to ensure a comfortable and rustic camping experience, emphasizing self-sufficiency and immersion in nature.

• Campsites: The campground features 11 first-come, first-served campsites. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, perfect for outdoor dining and campfires (always check for current fire restrictions).
• Potable Water: One water pump is available on-site, providing access to potable drinking water. It's advisable to bring extra water or filtration methods.
• Vault Restrooms: Three vault restrooms are available, providing basic toilet facilities. While primitive, they are maintained for public use.
• No Garbage Service: Adhering to Leave No Trace principles, the campground operates on a "pack it in, pack it out" policy. Visitors must take all their trash with them when they leave.
• Limited Amenities: There are no electric hookups, dump stations, or showers. Campers should be prepared for a primitive camping experience focused on self-reliance.
• Bear Safety: Given its location in bear country, visitors are required to follow forest-wide Food Storage Orders and practice bear safety by properly storing all food and scented items.

Cable Mountain Campground boasts several features and highlights that make it a truly special place for those seeking a natural and peaceful camping experience in Montana.

• Wooded Setting: Campsites are nestled in a healthy, mature forest primarily composed of lodgepole pine, with inclusions of Douglas-fir and Engelmann Spruce, providing ample shade and a classic forest ambiance. Small stands of aspen and willow add visual diversity, especially with their fall colors.
• Riverside Ambiance: The campground is adjacent to the North Fork of Flint Creek, with a section running directly through the grounds. The soothing sounds of the creek enhance the tranquil atmosphere, and one reviewer specifically noted being able to hear the water running by their campsite.
• Proximity to Georgetown Lake: Located just 3 miles from Georgetown Lake, the campground provides convenient access to one of Montana's premier fisheries. The lake offers nearly year-round angling for trophy brook and rainbow trout and kokanee salmon, along with opportunities for canoeing, boating, and water skiing.
• Access to Hiking and Biking Trails: The Red Lion Trailhead is just a short walk from the campground, offering direct access to the Echo Lake trail system, which is suitable for hiking and mountain biking. These trails also double as Nordic ski trails in the winter. The Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness, with its high, rugged mountains and over 280 miles of trails, is also within reach for more ambitious adventurers.
• Wildlife Viewing: The Pintler Ranger District is known for its diverse wildlife, including elk, moose, deer, mountain lions, and bears (both grizzly and black bears), offering excellent opportunities for wildlife observation.
• First-Come, First-Served: The 11 campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, appealing to spontaneous campers who prefer not to make reservations far in advance.
• Secluded and Beautiful: Reviewers consistently describe the campground as secluded and beautiful, perfect for those seeking a quiet escape from more crowded areas.
• Winter Recreation Opportunities: In addition to summer activities, the area around Cable Mountain is popular for winter sports, including Nordic skiing on groomed trails and snowmobiling.

For inquiries and to obtain the most current information regarding Cable Mountain Campground, which is managed by the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, please use the following contact details:

Address: 6QC3+Q7, Anaconda, MT 59711, USA (This is a geographic code/general area; the physical location is within the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest near Anaconda and Philipsburg).

Phone: (406) 859-3211 (This number is associated with the Pintler Ranger District office, which oversees Cable Mountain Campground).

It is highly recommended to contact the Pintler Ranger District directly or visit the official Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest website (fs.usda.gov/bdnf) before your trip. There, you can find essential information on:

• Current operating season (typically late May through mid-November, depending on weather conditions).
• Real-time conditions, including any road closures, trail conditions, or accessibility updates.
• Current fire restrictions and conditions, which are paramount for safety in Montana.
• Bear safety guidelines and the forest-wide Food Storage Order.
• Maps and directions to ensure easy navigation to the campground.
• Any fees associated with camping (currently $15 per night).

Given that it operates on a first-come, first-served basis, arriving early, especially during peak season, is often advised to secure a campsite.

For Montana locals, Cable Mountain Campground offers an ideal, authentic outdoor experience that perfectly aligns with the spirit of Big Sky Country. Its unreserved, first-come, first-served nature appeals to those who appreciate spontaneity and a less-structured camping adventure. Nestled deep within the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, it provides that sought-after seclusion and quiet that can be hard to find in more developed areas, allowing you to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in nature. The soothing presence of the North Fork of Flint Creek right at the campsites adds a unique, calming ambiance that many Montanans cherish.

Crucially, its proximity to Georgetown Lake and the vast network of trails in the Pintler Ranger District means unparalleled access to some of Montana's finest fishing, hiking, and mountain biking. Whether you're chasing trophy trout, exploring rugged wilderness trails, or simply enjoying a peaceful evening under a canopy of stars, Cable Mountain Campground serves as an excellent base. The emphasis on self-sufficiency and the "pack it in, pack it out" policy resonates with local values of responsible outdoor recreation, ensuring these pristine natural areas remain beautiful for future generations. For a genuine Montana wilderness experience that combines tranquility with ample recreation, Cable Mountain Campground is a superb choice for locals seeking their next adventure.

Cable Mountain Campground

6QC3+Q7, Anaconda, MT 59711, USA