Situated on McDonald Pass along the Continental Divide, Cromwell Dixon Campground operates from Memorial Day through September at an elevation that runs 10 degrees cooler than the valley below. The US Forest Service manages this 15-site campground where a cell tower positioned directly above provides strong signal coverage throughout the area.
Pine beetle damage removed much of the original tree cover, leaving the campground more open to wind but offering expansive views across rolling terrain. Sites include both drive-in and pull-through options with picnic tables, and vault toilets and potable water spigots serve the entire facility. Will M. notes "excellent cell phone service" thanks to the nearby tower. Road noise from the highway carries to most sites but diminishes after dark.
All sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis at $15 per night. The campground follows pack-in, pack-out policies with no trash service provided. Continental Divide Trail access begins directly from the campground, leading south through the surrounding landscape. Water quality varies, with some visitors reporting a rusty taste from the spigots.
Summer months see heavy use, though sites often remain available into the afternoon. Campers exploring places to camp around Helena National Forest will find this location offers cooler temperatures and direct trail access for those planning extended hiking.
Description
Cromwell Dixon Campground, located right on the Continental Divide, provides spectacular views of surrounding country encompassing meadows, timbered slopes, and far away mountains. Trailhead access to the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail is nearby. ACTIVITIES Camping Picnicking
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundCromwell Dixon Campground is located in Montana
Directions
Located approximately 15 miles west of Helena at MacDonald Pass off Highway 12.
Coordinates
46.55600098 N
112.31600075 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 3/23/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 37 usersLast on 3/23/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/23/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 3/23/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 37 usersLast on 3/23/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/23/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 20 min from Helena, MT
- 1 hr 20 min from Missoula, MT
- 1 hr 32 min from Great Falls, MT
- 1 hr 43 min from Bozeman, MT
















