Stuart Mill Bay Campground

For Montanans who live for the tranquility of a lakeside morning and the thrill of a jumping fish, Stuart Mill Bay Campground on Georgetown Lake presents an undeniable allure. This Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) Fishing Access Site (FAS) offers a straightforward, no-frills camping experience perfectly tailored for those who prioritize time on the water. Located near Anaconda, it provides direct access to Georgetown Lake, a popular destination for anglers and boaters alike, making it an ideal spot for local residents seeking a genuine Big Sky Country escape.

Stuart Mill Bay Campground is praised by visitors for its ease of access and the inviting nature of its campsites. Reviewers highlight "real nice spots here that are easy to access and easy to get your camper in," suggesting a user-friendly layout for various vehicle sizes, including travel trailers. Unlike some more heavily developed campgrounds, Stuart Mill Bay embraces a more primitive feel. You won't find water spigots, sinks, or trash services, encouraging a true "pack it in, pack it out" mentality that resonates with many environmentally conscious Montanans. However, the essential comfort of vault toilets is provided, ensuring a reasonable level of convenience.

The true highlight, as enthusiastically noted by a visitor, is the vibrant fish activity. "I saw a fish jump 2ft up out of the lake and heard more fish flopping out in the water," paints a vivid picture for fishing enthusiasts, confirming its reputation as a prime spot for anglers. While not geared towards extensive hiking trails within the campground itself, its direct lake access for both motorized and non-motorized boats underscores its dedication to aquatic recreation. The affordability, with a nightly rate of $18 that is reduced for Montana fishing license holders and even further for those 62 or over, makes Stuart Mill Bay an exceptionally attractive and economical choice for local Montanans looking to maximize their time on one of the state's most beloved lakes.

Stuart Mill Bay Campground is conveniently located at Anaconda, MT 59711, USA, specifically situated on the southeast shore of Georgetown Lake. This puts it approximately 13 miles west of Anaconda on Montana Highway 1. Its position along this scenic route makes it relatively accessible for visitors from nearby communities like Anaconda, Philipsburg, and even larger Montana cities within a few hours' drive, such as Missoula, Helena, and Bozeman.

To reach Stuart Mill Bay Campground, travelers would typically take Montana Highway 1. From Highway 1, turn onto Denton's Point Road and travel southwest for about 1.5 miles. The road into the campground is generally easy to access, with reviews noting that "easy to access and easy to get your camper in." This suggests that most vehicles, including those towing campers or RVs (up to a 30-foot trailer length limit), should have no major issues navigating the short approach road.

Georgetown Lake itself is a prominent landmark in the region, known for its recreational offerings. The campground's location directly on the lake shore provides immediate water access, a significant advantage for fishing and boating enthusiasts. While the campground offers a sense of being immersed in nature, its relative proximity to Anaconda ensures that essential services and supplies are not too far away, striking a good balance between wilderness experience and practical convenience. For Montanans familiar with the state's picturesque highways and the vastness of its landscapes, locating Stuart Mill Bay on Georgetown Lake is a straightforward journey into a beloved recreational area.

Stuart Mill Bay Campground, as a Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) Fishing Access Site, provides a selection of basic services geared towards supporting a self-sufficient camping experience, particularly for those focused on lake activities.

• P Designated Campsites: The campground offers a number of sites, including some noted as having "about 40' of lake front" and "2 parking spots." Reviews mention about 16 sites in total.
• P Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for meal preparation and outdoor dining.
• P Fire Pits/Fire Rings: Fire pits are available at each site, allowing campers to safely build campfires for warmth and cooking, provided there are no fire restrictions in place. Campers should "Bring your own wood if you want a fire in your fire pit, there aren't any bundles for sale here."
• P Vault Toilets: Vault toilets are provided, offering essential restroom facilities and contributing to hygiene and environmental protection.
• P Boat Launches: The campground features two boat launches: one for non-motorized vessels and another for motorized boats, providing excellent access to Georgetown Lake.
• P No Potable Water: It is explicitly stated that there are "no water spigots." Campers must bring all their own drinking water.
• P No Sinks: There are no sinks available for washing.
• P No Garbages: "No garbages anywhere that I saw at this campground," meaning it operates on a strict "pack it in, pack it out" policy for all waste.
• P Fees for Camping: A fee of $18 per night is charged for camping. This rate is reduced for those with a valid Montana fishing license ($12) and even further for those 62 or over ($4 with Conservation License and valid fishing license).
• P Stay Limit: There is a maximum stay limit of 7 days within a 30-day period.
• P Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed at the campground, provided they are under control and on a leash at all times.
• P Accessible Toilets: Accessible toilets are available, suggesting some amenities cater to visitors with disabilities.

Stuart Mill Bay Campground offers several distinctive features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for Montana locals, especially those drawn to the lake and fishing opportunities.

• P Lakeside Camping on Georgetown Lake: The premier highlight is its direct location on Georgetown Lake, offering waterfront or near-waterfront campsites, providing immediate access to the lake.
• P Ideal for Fishing Enthusiasts: With the lake known for abundant fish activity ("saw a fish jump 2ft up out of the lake and heard more fish flopping"), it's a prime destination for anglers.
• P Boat Launch Facilities: Two dedicated boat launches (one for motorized, one for non-motorized) cater to all types of watercraft, enhancing recreational opportunities on the lake.
• P Affordable Camping Rates: The $18/night fee is reduced for Montana fishing license holders ($12) and seniors 62+ ($4), making it highly economical for local residents.
• P Spacious and Accessible Sites: Reviewers note "real nice spots here that are easy to access and easy to get your camper in," with sites that can accommodate larger travel trailers/RVs (up to 30ft).
• P Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: While popular for fishing, the campground often offers a quiet environment for relaxation, especially with designated individual sites.
• P Stunning Views of Georgetown Lake and Surrounding Mountains: The campground's position on a spit reaching into the lake provides picturesque vistas of the water and the nearby Discovery Ski Area.
• P Wildlife Viewing: With warnings about bears, the presence of wildlife, including fish jumping, indicates a vibrant natural ecosystem.
• P Primitive, Self-Reliant Experience: The lack of water spigots, sinks, and trash collection encourages a "pack it in, pack it out" ethos, appealing to those who prefer a more rustic and environmentally conscious camping style.

For specific inquiries and the most current information regarding Stuart Mill Bay Campground, which is managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) as a Fishing Access Site, visitors should contact the regional FWP office. The relevant region for Anaconda and Georgetown Lake is Region 2.

Address: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Region 2 Headquarters, 3201 Spurgin Road, Missoula, MT 59804, USA (This is the primary regional office overseeing the site).

Phone: (406) 542-5500

Mobile Phone: +1 406-542-5500

It is highly recommended to contact the FWP Region 2 office before planning your trip to Stuart Mill Bay Campground. They can provide essential updates on current conditions, including any fire restrictions (crucial for campfires), water levels at Georgetown Lake, and specific regulations regarding fishing or boating. They can also confirm the current fee structure and any changes. Given that the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, checking for general information about typical usage can be helpful, though it won't guarantee a spot. Gathering up-to-date information beforehand is crucial for a safe and enjoyable visit to this popular Montana FWP site.

Stuart Mill Bay Campground on Georgetown Lake is an exceptionally suitable destination for Montana locals, embodying the very essence of Big Sky Country's outdoor lifestyle. Its primary suitability stems from its designation as a Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) Fishing Access Site, designed with the angler and boater in mind. For residents, this means direct, easy access to one of Montana's cherished lakes, renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities. The sight of fish jumping, as described by a reviewer, confirms it as a prime spot for locals to pursue their passion for fishing.

The affordability of the campground is another significant draw for Montanans. With a modest nightly fee that is even further reduced for those holding a Montana fishing license and for seniors over 62, Stuart Mill Bay offers an economical way to enjoy quality lakeside camping. This accessibility encourages frequent visits and extended stays, allowing locals to truly make the most of their state's natural resources without significant financial burden. The first-come, first-served policy, while requiring some flexibility, also appeals to those who enjoy spontaneous adventures.

Furthermore, the campground's balance of primitive simplicity with essential amenities (vault toilets, picnic tables, fire pits, and robust boat launches) caters to a self-reliant spirit common among Montanans. While you'll need to "pack it in, pack it out" for water and trash, this fosters a deeper connection to the environment and promotes responsible outdoor ethics. The spacious and easily accessible sites, even for larger RVs, add to its versatility. For any Montanan yearning for a peaceful, budget-friendly, and fish-filled getaway directly on a beautiful lake, Stuart Mill Bay Campground on Georgetown Lake stands as an ideal and authentic local gem, offering countless opportunities to enjoy the aquatic heart of Montana's outdoors.

Stuart Mill Bay Campground

Anaconda, MT 59711, USA