Gipsy Lake Campground
The campground's current operational status is uncertain. The official USFS website now lists this location as Gipsy Lake Day Picnic Area (day-use only), though Visit Montana and legacy USFS data still reference it as an overnight campground. Contact the Townsend Ranger District at 406-266-3425 to confirm overnight camping availability before planning a trip. If open for camping, expect seasonal access limited by snow on the primitive access road, typically late spring through fall.
Flash Flood Watch issued July 1 at 6:18PM MDT until July 2 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
* WHAT...Flash flooding and debris flows caused by excessive rainfall continue to be possible over the Horse Gulch burn scar. * WHERE...A portion of central Montana, including the following area, Big Belt, Bridger and Castle Mountains. * WHEN...Until midnight MDT tonight. * IMPACTS...Heavy rainfall could trigger flash flooding and cause debris flows. Residents and those recreating near the Horse Gulch burn scar should prepare for the potential of flash flooding and debris flows. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Scattered slow moving thunderstorms capable of producing heavy rain within short periods of time. - Some locations that may experience flash flooding include... The Horse Gulch burn scar and adjacent areas. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
About
Gipsy Lake Campground occupies a serene setting adjacent to a small mountain lake on the east side of the Big Belt Mountains in Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. The 5 primitive campsites provide a quiet base camp for exploring the surrounding backcountry, with each site equipped with a fire ring and picnic table. The campground serves as the trailhead for the Gipsy/Birch Creek Trail, a 7.5-mile non-motorized route that climbs through the Big Belt Mountains past several spectacular alpine lakes including Hidden, Edith, Grace, and Upper Baldy lakes. The trail continues to an area called the Needles, named for its distinctive rock formations. Fishing opportunities abound both at Gipsy Lake and the lakes along the trail. This is a primitive facility with vault toilets but no potable water. Campers must bring all drinking water and pack out all trash. Access requires navigating approximately 15 miles of increasingly primitive gravel roads from White Sulphur Springs, with the final stretch on Forest Road 8961. Maximum trailer length is 15 feet, making this campground unsuitable for large RVs.
Directions
From White Sulphur Springs, travel west on Highway 360. About 1.6 miles from town where the highway curves sharply right, continue straight onto gravel road. After 6.5 miles at a ranch entrance, stay right at the fork. Continue 7.5 miles to the Helena National Forest boundary as the road becomes more primitive. Within 1 mile of the boundary, turn south onto Forest Road 8961 and follow it 2 miles to the campground.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $10 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 15ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 15ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 266-3425 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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