Closed
— Closed for the winter season. The campground typically operates during summer and early fall months, but winter access is not maintained due to snow and primitive road conditions.
About
Gipsy Lake Campground provides a serene, primitive camping experience in the Big Belt Mountains of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. The campground features 5 campsites situated adjacent to a small mountain lake, offering a quiet base for backcountry exploration. Each campsite includes a picnic table and fire ring.
The Gipsy/Birch Creek Trail extends from the campground into the Big Belt Mountains, passing several spectacular mountain lakes including Hidden, Edith, Grace, and Upper Baldy lakes. The trail continues to an area called the Needles, named for its odd rock formations. This 7.5-mile trail offers moderate difficulty hiking with excellent fishing opportunities along the route. Motorized travel is prohibited on area trails to protect wildlife.
Access to the campground requires navigating increasingly primitive roads, including approximately 14 miles on Duck Creek Road (Forest Service Road #139) and an additional 2 miles on Forest Service Road #8961. The remote location and primitive access road make this campground best suited for smaller rigs and high-clearance vehicles. This is a pack-in, pack-out facility with no trash service, and campers must bring their own water.
Directions
From White Sulphur Springs, travel west on Highway 360 for approximately 1.6 miles. When the highway makes a sharp curve to the right, proceed straight onto the gravel road. After 6.5 miles, the road forks at a ranch entrance; stay right. 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 Road #8961 and follow it 2 miles to the campground.
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