Kading Campground near Canyon Ferry Lake accommodates equestrian campers with a public corral located across the road from the main camping area. The 11-site campground includes two horse watering troughs within the camping area, making it practical for overnight stays with horses. Each campsite features a picnic table and metal fire ring, with vault toilets available for camper use. Water access is available at Kading Cabin, positioned directly across from the campground entrance. The campground sits along the upper Little Blackfoot River at the end of Little Blackfoot Road, providing a quiet environment as vehicle traffic is limited to campground visitors and those accessing nearby trailheads.
Trail access begins directly from the campground via a short connecting path leading to a trailhead at the road's end. The trail follows the Little Blackfoot River, with a five-mile hiking route extending to Blackfoot Meadows, a popular fly fishing location. Richardson Campground provides additional horse-friendly options with a horse corral located at its entrance alongside a trailhead, though horses are not permitted within the actual camping area. This small three-site campground sits along a creek but offers limited turnaround space, particularly challenging for vehicles with trailers. Both campgrounds operate as pack-in, pack-out facilities with no trash service, requiring equestrians to manage their waste appropriately, including horse manure.
"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."
"Only a mile or so from holter lake so you can drive back to the lake and play around or go to the store."
"If you are looking for a quiet campground away from electronic distractions then this campground is for you."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 - $45 / night
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $45 / night
RangerSmall campground with around 14 sites, 13 back in an 1 large pull through. Right off Highway 12 so there is some road noise but tolerable. Most sites are sunny with lots of new trees planted. Most are pretty level and several can accommodate 36’ rigs. Has modern vault restrooms and water available in park. No trash service or dump station. High enough elevation to cool off at night.
GuideThe sites were well separated and you didn’t hear any noises from other campers. It wasn’t full when we got there. Beautiful views. Got pretty chilly in the evening. FYI, you get a discount with an America the Beautiful pass. Cons: constant highway traffic noise all night. We had a hard time finding a spot that had a good place to pitch a tent. Ended up using the first site and put the tent on the parking spot area. Probably not a great place for a big tent or big rig.
GuideThis is a small, no frills site just outside of Helena, MT. No hookups for RVs; Vault toilets, which were very clean. Pack in/Pack out as there are no trash receptacles. Moderate road noise until dark. Beautiful views and dark skies at night for stargazing
ScoutIt was a clean campground spaces far apart. Pit toilets and water. Water was rusty. It worked for over night.
ScoutYou can turn right off the highway and easily access dispersed camping around the site. Only drawback is the highway noise but it dies down when it gets dark.
GuideSites have good separation. Potable water taps and vault bathrooms are very clean. Higher elevation for cooler Summer evenings. No hookups. Decent cell signal. Can hear road noise at a distance, but not too loud.
Guide15 sites available at $15 per night. Showed up at 12:30pm on a Sunday and many still available.
RangerI 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.
GuideA Stunning Surprise! In spite of a loss of large pine trees... and having no personal comparison, for us, this was a surprise. So peaceful and with a gorgeous sunset on a vast horizon. The rocky sloped landscape had a lot of wildflowers and made for a pleasant overnight stop with no expectations.
Camping options near Canyon Ferry Lake provide equestrian-friendly facilities at several campgrounds throughout the Helena National Forest. The area sits at approximately 3,800 feet elevation with surrounding mountains reaching over 6,000 feet, creating varied terrain for both riders and hikers. Temperature fluctuations between day and night can be significant even during summer months, with afternoon thunderstorms common between July and August.
Trail riding access: Cromwell Dixon Campground connects to the Continental Divide Trail, providing extensive riding opportunities. "The hike along the CDT trail is a nice hike through rolling terrain," notes Dexter I., who visited the campground.
Fly fishing opportunities: Richardson Campground offers access to quality fishing streams. "Great fishing, Hiking, and wonderful overall experience! Saw tons of wildlife," reports Zeta S., who stayed at the campground.
Stargazing: The higher elevation campgrounds provide excellent night sky viewing conditions. According to Steve V. at Cromwell Dixon Campground, visitors can enjoy "Beautiful views and dark skies at night for stargazing."
Temperature relief: The higher elevation campgrounds provide escape from 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," writes Will M. about Cromwell Dixon Campground.
Creek access: Several campgrounds feature water access for cooling off. "Great secluded spot to set up a tent or boondock. Vault toilets. Only a mile or so from holter lake so you can drive back to the lake and play around or go to the store," explains Megan B. about Cottonwood Creek.
Separation between sites: Many campgrounds offer good site spacing. "Sites have good separation. Potable water taps and vault bathrooms are very clean. Higher elevation for cooler Summer evenings," reports Victor E. about Cromwell Dixon.
Limited turnaround space: Some campgrounds have restricted vehicle maneuvering areas. "Be sure to pay attend to the sign at the beginning of the campground 'NO TURN AROUND' this sign is correct. Once you get past the second campsite their will not be room to turn around if you have a trailer," warns Dexter I. about Richardson Campground.
Pack-in, pack-out requirements: Most equestrian campgrounds require visitors to pack out all trash. "This is a small, no frills site just outside of Helena, MT. No hookups for RVs; Vault toilets, which were very clean. Pack in/Pack out as there are no trash receptacles," explains Steve V. about Cromwell Dixon Campground.
Water quality concerns: Water sources may contain mineral content. One visitor to Cromwell Dixon noted that "Water was rusty. It worked for over night," according to yvonne K.
Electronic disconnection: Horse campgrounds near Canyon Ferry Lake provide opportunities to disconnect. "If you are looking for a quiet campground away from electronic distractions then this campground is for you," writes Dexter I. about Kading Cabin.
Arrival timing: Secure sites early during peak season. "15 sites available at $15 per night. Showed up at 12:30pm on a Sunday and many still available," notes Brynn V. about Cromwell Dixon Campground.
Overnight cooling: Prepare for temperature drops after sunset. "It was a good 10° cooler at this campsite than down in the valleys," mentions Will M., highlighting the need for appropriate sleeping bags even in summer.
Highway noise considerations: Some equestrian campgrounds near Canyon Ferry Lake experience road noise. "You can turn right off the highway and easily access dispersed camping around the site. Only drawback is the highway noise but it dies down when it gets dark," advises Aiden A. about Granite Butte Lookout.
Cell signal availability: Coverage varies by location. "The other big plus is that there is a cell phone tower right above the campground so you have excellent cell phone service," notes Will M. about Cromwell Dixon, which may be important for those needing to stay connected.
Limited hookups: Plan accordingly for boondocking conditions. "No hookups for RVs; Vault toilets, which were very clean. Pack in/Pack out as there are no trash receptacles," states Steve V. about camping at Cromwell Dixon Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Canyon Ferry Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Canyon Ferry Lake is Cromwell Dixon Campground with a 4-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Canyon Ferry Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Canyon Ferry Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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