Best Equestrian Camping near Bynum, MT
Benchmark Campground and South Fork Campground serve as primary access points to the Bob Marshall Wilderness for equestrians and hikers. Benchmark features 25 campsites with picnic tables and metal fire rings, while South Fork offers 7 sites. Both campgrounds include horse corrals and ample trailer parking areas specifically designed for horse transport vehicles. Campsites at Benchmark cost $10 per night plus $5 for a second vehicle. The campgrounds provide vault toilets and drinking water through pumps. Sites are well-spaced throughout the grounds, with some positioned directly adjacent to the horse corrals while others are situated farther away, allowing campers to select based on proximity preference to equine areas. Most campsites rest under large pine and fir trees, providing natural shade for both horses and riders.
The Straight Creek Trail #212 connects directly to Benchmark Campground, allowing riders immediate access to the Bob Marshall Wilderness within minutes of leaving camp. Continuing along this trail leads to entry points for the Scapegoat Wilderness, creating opportunities for extended backcountry riding experiences. South Fork Campground includes ADA-accessible sites alongside its horse facilities. Both locations maintain metal fire rings at each campsite, though South Fork prohibits fires according to campground rules. The campgrounds operate seasonally, with Benchmark typically open from Memorial Day through November 30. Trail access from these equestrian campgrounds represents one of the more popular entry points to the Bob Marshall Wilderness and the Continental Divide Trail, making them strategic basecamp locations for both day rides and overnight pack trips into the wilderness areas.
