Piney Campground and Picnic Area

For those of us living in Montana, the call of the wild is a familiar tune, and finding the perfect spot to answer that call is often part of our recreational rhythm. Piney Campground and Picnic Area, nestled near Anaconda, Montana, offers a compelling option for a lakeside retreat. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Piney Campground, detailing its location, available amenities, and specific features, while also highlighting important considerations for a safe and enjoyable visit. Our goal is to equip fellow Montanans with the information needed to determine if Piney Campground is the right fit for their next outdoor adventure, especially considering some candid feedback from previous visitors.

Montana's Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, where Piney Campground resides, is a vast expanse of natural beauty, offering countless opportunities for recreation. Campgrounds like Piney serve as gateways to these experiences, providing a base camp for exploring the surrounding mountains, forests, and waterways. Understanding what to expect from a Forest Service campground, particularly one that attracts both those seeking tranquility and those looking for active recreation, is crucial for planning. We'll delve into the specifics of Piney, balancing its appealing attributes with practical advice to ensure a memorable stay for our local community.

Piney Campground and Picnic Area is conveniently located at 4463 US-89, Anaconda, MT 59711, USA. More specifically, it is situated adjacent to Georgetown Lake, about 13 miles south of Philipsburg, off Montana Highway 1 on the Georgetown Lake Road. This positioning is a significant draw, as Georgetown Lake is a large mountain lake, spanning close to 3,000 acres at an elevation of over 6,000 feet. The proximity to Georgetown Lake means campers have direct access to a popular hub for water-based activities.

For Montana residents, accessing Piney Campground is relatively straightforward. Anaconda is a historic mining town with connections to major state routes, and Philipsburg is a charming community well-known for its sapphire mining and local attractions. Montana Highway 1, also known as the Pintler Veterans' Memorial Scenic Highway, offers a scenic drive. The campground's accessibility to Georgetown Lake, a prime destination for fishing and boating, makes it a desirable location for those looking to maximize their time on the water. While some inner campground roads might have potholes according to a review, the general access to the area is good, accommodating RVs up to 32 feet in length.

Piney Campground and Picnic Area, being a Forest Service campground, offers a range of services designed for a traditional camping experience. It's important to note that while some amenities are provided, it's not a full-service RV park. Based on Forest Service information and customer reviews, the services typically available include:

• 48 camping units (including RV and tent sites).
• Accessible vault toilets (clean facilities noted in reviews).
• Drinking water available at spigots throughout the campground. (Note: Some spigots may not have standard hose fittings, so come prepared with adapters if you plan to fill an RV tank.)
• Picnic tables at each site.
• Established fire pits/grills at each site.
• Garbage services with bear-resistant food storage boxes. (However, a customer review noted these bins were sometimes full and overflowing with trash, indicating potential issues with timely collection.)
• Boat launch area on Georgetown Lake with a day-use fee for non-campers.
• Designated parking at each campsite.
• Reservations are available through Recreation.gov, with some sites also available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• A campground host is often on-site (a reviewer mentioned a very nice camp host).
• Pets are allowed but must be on a leash.
• No utility hookups (electric, water, sewer) at individual sites. Campers must be self-sufficient.

While the Forest Service aims to maintain standards, it's clear from recent reviews that proper trash management and rule enforcement can be inconsistent, which is a crucial point for potential visitors to consider. The "no power or water here" mentioned in one review refers to hookups at individual sites, not the general availability of potable water at spigots.

The features and highlights of Piney Campground and Picnic Area largely revolve around its stunning natural setting and the recreational opportunities it provides. These include:

• Direct Access to Georgetown Lake: This is the primary highlight, offering unparalleled opportunities for motorized and non-motorized boating, water skiing, swimming, canoeing, and especially fishing for kokanee salmon, rainbow, and brook trout.
• Abundant Wildlife Viewing: Moose are known to wander through sites and into the lake, as mentioned by a delighted customer. Elk, white-tailed deer, bighorn sheep, blue herons, hawks, and other birds of prey also inhabit the area.
• Large Campsites: Reviewers consistently praise the "nice big sites with plenty of space between them," providing a sense of privacy.
• Scenic Mountain Views: Surrounded by the mountains of the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness, the campground offers "spectacular views" of the peaks and the lake.
• Proximity to Hiking Trails: While not immediately adjacent, "hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers will find no shortage of trails within a few miles of the campground."
• Relatively High Elevation: At over 6,000 feet, the summer weather is often delightful and cooler than lower elevations.

However, it is important to acknowledge some reported downsides. The area has experienced timber loss, leading to "little shade right now" at many sites, which can make sunny days quite exposed. More critically, multiple reviews highlight significant issues with rule enforcement, including unattended children near the water without life jackets, vehicles moving barriers, and other campers leaving food and trash out. This neglect of rules, coupled with potential issues in garbage collection, raises concerns about safety, particularly regarding bear activity, as bears are prevalent in the area and a review mentioned "a bear problem" due to unmanaged attractants. Visitors must be highly vigilant about food storage and personal safety.

For further information, reservations, or to report concerns, you can contact Piney Campground and Picnic Area using the following information:

Address: 4463 US-89, Anaconda, MT 59711, USA

Phone: (406) 859-3211 or +1 406-859-3211

Reservations can be made toll-free at 1-877-444-6777 or by visiting Recreation.gov. It is highly recommended to check the Recreation.gov website for the most current alerts, warnings, and detailed information regarding food storage requirements and fire restrictions, which can be imposed at any time due to weather conditions.

In conclusion, Piney Campground and Picnic Area on Georgetown Lake offers a compelling blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities that make it highly suitable for Montana locals. Its convenient location near Anaconda provides easy access to excellent fishing, boating, and stunning mountain views, allowing residents to fully embrace the outdoor lifestyle our state is known for. The large, spacious sites offer a sense of privacy that many seek in a camping experience. However, prospective visitors, especially those with families, must approach a stay at Piney with a strong sense of personal responsibility and preparedness. Given the concerns raised by recent customer reviews regarding garbage management, rule enforcement, and potential bear activity, it is paramount that you prioritize bear-safe practices, ensure children are supervised at all times, and are ready for a campground experience that may require proactive self-management of your surroundings. By being well-informed and prepared, Montanans can still enjoy the immense beauty and recreational bounty that Piney Campground and Picnic Area undoubtedly offers, making it a potentially rewarding destination for a true Montana adventure.

Piney Campground and Picnic Area

Anaconda, MT 59711, USA