Best Equestrian Camping near Butte, MT

Antelope Mountain View campground provides horse corrals and fishing opportunities near Butte, Montana. The campground accommodates up to 10 RV sites where horse owners can stable their animals while enjoying the surrounding landscape. Each site allows pets and is accessible via drive-in access. The campground operates on a reservation system, ensuring equestrians can secure space for their horses before arrival. Trail riders will find opportunities to explore the regional terrain while maintaining proximity to their corralled horses. While the campground lacks drinking water and toilet facilities, its dedicated equestrian amenities make it suitable for self-contained horse camping trips.

Located approximately 60 miles from Butte, East Fork Group Area provides additional options for equestrian camping experiences. This established campground offers picnic tables, toilet facilities, drinking water, and permits fires in designated areas. The campground sits alongside a river that provides water access for horses. Nearby trails connect to a massive wilderness area containing over 40 separate lakes, creating extensive riding opportunities through varied terrain. The surrounding mountains provide scenic backdrops for trail rides. Riders must take a sharp 180-degree turn to the right at the dam to access the equestrian camping area, which is clearly marked with signage.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Butte, Montana (5)

    1. Lost Creek State Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Anaconda-Deer Lodge County, MT
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 542-5500

    "The campground is tucked between two imposing rock walls that deliver wonderful sunset and sunrise scenery."

    "Lost Creek State Park is located just outside of Anaconda, and is a perfect location for a quick day-hike or a multi-day trip. It is located in a canyon that is very secluded and has great views."

    2. Cromwell Dixon Campground

    10 Reviews
    Elliston, MT
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 449-5490

    "Close to the Continental Divide trail, which we briefly hiked. Beautiful trail. Campsites had tables and plenty of shade."

    "p { margin-bottom: 0.1in; line-height: 115%; }

    Cromwell Dixon Campground is a nice Forest Service Campground located on the Continental Divide's McDonald Pass."

    3. Kading Cabin

    1 Review
    Elliston, MT
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 449-5201

    $30 - $45 / night

    "If you are looking for a quiet campground away from electronic distractions then this campground is for you."

    4. Antelope Mountain View :Fishing and Horse Corrals!

    Be the first to review!
    Whitehall, MT
    24 miles
    +1 (530) 913-7666

    $20 - $40 / night

    5. East Fork Group Area

    1 Review
    Philipsburg, MT
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 859-3211

    "The lake at the top of the hill is a sight to be seen with the surrounding mountains. There are hiking trails and access to a massive wilderness area that has in excess of 40 separate lakes."

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Butte, MT

24 Reviews of 5 Butte Campgrounds


  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 24, 2019

    Kading Cabin

    Have a quiet unplugged night at Kading Campground

    If you are looking for a quiet campground away from electronic distractions then this campground is for you. Kading Campground is located along the upper Little Blackfoot river at the end of Little Blackfoot road. Being at the end of the road and located along the river you will have a nice quiet night as the only vehicle traffic with be those vehicles travel to the campground of near by trail head. Kading Campground has 11 sites, each site has a picnic table and metal fire rings. The campground has two vault toilets. Water is available at Kading Cabin located across the road from the campground entrance. A small public corral is located across the road from the campground, and there are two horse watering troughs in the campground. A trail head at the end of the road can be reached from a short trail at the end of the campground. The trail follows the Little Blackfoot river. A five mile hike leads to Blackfoot meadows a popular fly fishing location. The campground has been recently cleared of its beetle killed trees making the campground much more open than it used to been, but this is still a nice quiet campground to visit.

  • Carol P.
    Jul. 7, 2016

    Lost Creek State Park Campground

    Lost Creek State Park

    We stumbled on this campground by accident but were very surprised by how wonderful it was. The campground is tucked between two imposing rock walls that deliver wonderful sunset and sunrise scenery. The camp spots are really nice with level spots for parking or tents, lots of nice tall trees (for hammocks!), easy access to a beautiful trail with stunning sights and some relic surprises and nicely positioned boulders for privacy between spots. We're definitely going back there!

  • Sean H.
    Jun. 26, 2020

    Lost Creek State Park Campground

    Beautiful, easy access, well maintained

    Lost Creek State Park is located just outside of Anaconda, and is a perfect location for a quick day-hike or a multi-day trip. It is located in a canyon that is very secluded and has great views. You have to start by going to the waterfall, which is a very easy 100 yard, paved hike. If you’re staying overnight, campgrounds are located right next to the trailheads and offer tables, campfire rings, and well-water. The prices for both day use and overnight use differ for state residents and out of state residents. If you’re staying multiple days, take advantage of the miles of trails that will bring you to different creeks and mountain lakes!

  • Stephanie T.
    Jul. 30, 2016

    Cromwell Dixon Campground

    Good access to Continental Divide trail

    Stayed one night while visiting a friend in Helena. Close to the Continental Divide trail, which we briefly hiked. Beautiful trail. Campsites had tables and plenty of shade. There was a highway near the campground, which unfortunately meant we had occasional noise at night.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2019

    Lost Creek State Park Campground

    On the road to nowhere!

    I would think you either need to decide this campground is a destination or, like us, pick it as a midway point between Yellowstone and Glacier. 21 sites, no reservations but was told the campground rarely fills. I really did not feel the love when we arrived here. We didn’t know the layout and after Sites 1-6, the (gravel) road seemed to go on for quite some distance without seeing any additional sites. We settled into Site 4, which was very close to Site 5. This would be good if you were with friends, but we hedged our bets that after 5 pm on a Sunday, no one would take that spot and we were right. These sites have no shade, however, and it was very hot until the sun dipped below the rock walls surrounding the campground. Only pit toilets but they were exceptionally clean. Early the next morning, I set out for the mile walk to see the rest of the park. Site 7 is about a quarter-mile from Site 6 and has a seemingly private pit toilet as Sites 8-21 are another half mile up the road from Site 7. Sites 8-21 have a few pit toilets (also clean) and drinking water (Sites 1-7 do not). They are also more shaded. There is a nice waterfall accessible via a short, paved path from the end of the park as well as an additional trailhead (this I did not explore). Two small day-use areas; one between sites 6 and 7 and one at the end of the loop. The host was very friendly. There is a pack-in/pack-out policy. By the time we left, I was loving this place much more and might have given it five stars except for the steep price: $28 for non-residents for basically dry camping– compared to what we got in Idaho, this price is very high!

  • Nick T.
    Jul. 14, 2020

    East Fork Group Area

    Awesome!

    The river by the camp sites is absolutely beautiful. The lake at the top of the hill is a sight to be seen with the surrounding mountains. There are hiking trails and access to a massive wilderness area that has in excess of 40 separate lakes. Definitely recommended! To get this this portion of camp sites, as soon as you get to the dam you take a very hard right. It’s 180 degree turn to the right. I took a picture of the sign and road so you don’t miss it!

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2019

    Cromwell Dixon Campground

    Nice camground on the Continental Divide

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    Cromwell Dixon Campground is a nice Forest Service Campground located on the Continental Divide's McDonald Pass. The campground has 15 campsites serviced by two vault toilets and water spigots. This is a Trash-in Trash-out campground. The campground has a mixture of drive and and pull through sites. All sites are first come first served. This campground use to be nicer until pine beetles killed most of the trees. All the dead trees have been removed making this campground more open, with little cover from the winds. Cromwell Dixon is very busy during the summer months. The campground is available in the shoulder seasons if snow drifts are not blocking your access to the campground. Nearby the campground are trail heads for the Continental Divide trail heading south along the trail. The hike along the CDT trail is a nice hike through rolling terrain.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 19, 2025

    Lost Creek State Park Campground

    Nice rustic canyon camping

    Campground is alongside Lost Creek which offers a pretty nice waterfall accessible by a short paved path. The sites are large and private and somewhat level but many will require leveling. Many of the sites are short, officially 23ft max, but there were several there would easily accommodate our 28 foot rig. toilets. Definitely quiet! No other amenities other than trails. It got very cold (27°) and flurried while we were there! Super surprised that we had some tmobile service! The first 7 sites are asking the entrance road and are exposed. Hold out for the loop at the end of the road for nicer sites.

  • Will M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2021

    Cromwell Dixon Campground

    Great place to avoid summer heat

    I stayed there for a few weeks when the temperature is down in the valley started to get into the upper 90s and near 100. It was a good 10° cooler at this campsite than down in the valleys. You sit right below the continental divide with good access to the continental divide trail. The other big plus is that there is a cell phone tower right above the campground so you have excellent cell phone service. It's a nice clean little campground with a pit toilet and water available.


Guide to Butte

Horse camping in Montana offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the trails.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • At Antelope Mountain View, you'll find horse corrals available, making it easy to care for your horse while you relax.
  • Kading Cabin features a small public corral and horse watering troughs, ensuring your horse stays hydrated during your stay.
  • Lost Creek State Park Campground accommodates horse camping with access to nearby trails, perfect for a scenic ride.

Equestrian campgrounds include scenic trails

  • The trails at Kading Cabin lead along the Little Blackfoot River, offering a peaceful ride through nature.
  • Lost Creek State Park Campground provides access to a longer hiking trail that follows Lost Creek, ideal for adventurous riders.
  • At East Fork Group Area, you can explore numerous hiking trails that connect to a vast wilderness area, perfect for equestrian exploration.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like water access

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find horseback riding trails in Butte, Montana?

The Continental Divide Trail near Cromwell Dixon Campground offers excellent horseback riding opportunities with beautiful mountain views. Located on McDonald Pass, this trail system provides diverse terrain for riders of all skill levels. Another great option is the wilderness area accessible from East Fork Group Area, which features trails connecting to over 40 lakes in the surrounding mountains. These trails provide stunning vistas and varying difficulty levels, making them perfect for day rides or multi-day horse packing adventures.

What are the regulations for camping with horses in Butte National Forest?

When camping with horses in Butte National Forest, you must use designated equestrian sites or areas that specifically permit horses. Lost Creek State Park Campground has regulations requiring horses to be kept in designated areas away from waterways to prevent erosion and contamination. Generally, horses must be kept at least 100 feet from water sources, secured when not being ridden, and fed certified weed-free hay to prevent introducing invasive species. Manure management is required at all sites. Contact the Butte Ranger District office before your trip for current regulations and to check if any special permits are needed for overnight horse camping.

When is the best season for horse camping around Butte?

The optimal season for horse camping around Butte is late spring through early fall (mid-June through mid-September), with July and August offering the most reliable weather conditions. Kading Campground along the upper Little Blackfoot river provides excellent summer horse camping with access to mountain trails and water for your animals. For those seeking dedicated horse facilities, Antelope Mountain View offers horse corrals and is accessible during the warmer months. Be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms in summer and check trail conditions before heading out, as spring can bring muddy conditions and fall may have early snow at higher elevations.