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Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park accommodates pets throughout its campground with designated pet-friendly tent sites, RV spots with hookups, and pet-accessible cabins. The park maintains clean facilities and flat camping areas where dogs can stay comfortably with their owners. Campsites are situated in an open area with limited shade trees, providing good visibility for pet owners keeping an eye on their animals. The bathrooms are clean and well-maintained, and the playground provides additional recreation space. Pet-friendly campgrounds near Cardwell, Montana span from developed sites with full hookups to free primitive areas, all listed with photos and reviews on The Dyrt. For RV travelers with dogs, Cardwell General Store and Campground offers level sites with full hookups, clean showers, and grassy areas where rabbits can be spotted in the early mornings – providing entertainment for pets on leashes.
Hiking opportunities abound for campers with dogs at nearby trails, including access at Homestake Pass Dispersed camping area where pets are welcome in a free, more primitive setting. The Missouri Headwaters State Park Campground also permits pets with boat access available for dogs that enjoy water activities. For those concerned about pet care, the small town setting means veterinary services may require some travel, so bringing pet first aid supplies is recommended. Temperature fluctuations in the Montana high country can affect pets, making the shoulder seasons of late spring and early fall ideal for camping with dogs. Some campgrounds have reported deer visiting at night, so keeping dogs leashed and supervised is particularly important for wildlife safety.
"The layout of this state park was somewhat unusual: there are five loops within one larger loop with 32 sites plus seven additional pull-through sites on the outside of the loop."
"Once you are up near the caverns there is plenty of parking for RVs or cars. There is also a shady area to kennel your dogs for a fee, as they are not allowed in the caverns."
from $8 - $90 / night
Check Availability"We pulled off to the side of the General Store next to the RV park for check-in, which was quick and easy."
"This is a nice camping area although the sites are fairly close to each other. There are bugs because of the nearby pond."
"Decent dog park. Decent playground. I did not use the bath house so can’t comment on that. No pool, but did have a nice patio area with tables and chairs behind the store."
"Showers, laundry, restocking the fridge, and letting the dogs run. Perfect spot on our journey"
from $58 - $70 / night
Check Availability"This campsite is located in a beautiful remote area of Montana, only a short hike away from the beginning of the Missouri River. Large site. The only problem was there were many mosquitoes."
"We stayed at Site 16, which is at the far end of the campground and felt nicely tucked away."
from $18 - $30 / night
Check Availability"Harrison Lake FAS campground is a large spacious campground with most campsite being well spread out from each other. "
"This review is for nearby Tobacco Hills campground and Potosi Hot Springs (this was the nearest campground I could find)."
"The spot was close to the highway - lots of potential spots - some “locals” who seem to live out there and run generators 24/7 - we had no problem and got a good night sleep to carry on our journey."
"Found a spot right by the entrance to the large camping area (approx 1/2mile past railroad tracks on the left). We were exposed from 3 sides, luckily we could park our jeep for privacy block."
"Just a short drive to Delmo lake from any of them. The campsites are very spread out so you don’t feel cramped."
"Definitely bare bones and off the beaten path, but if you’re willing to endure a bumpy ride for 20 minutes it’s a great stay!"
"Located in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest near Butte, Montana, Delmoe Lake was a beautiful place to camp for a night."
"Best out of the 7 campsites we visited on our Montana trip! It’s gorgeous and open and has trees you can easily sling up hammocks. Gorgeous lake."
from $8 / night
Check Availability"I love the small number of camping spaces and the rules that all campers actually follow (no loose dogs, no generators)."
"Dog and kid friendly!"
from $33 - $44 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $40 - $80 / night
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GuideNice dog park across the street, sites are a little tight but its perfect for a couple night stay. Awesome that its only 35 miles to Big Sky and its a gorgeous drive. Our sire only had electric/water but i know there are some with full hookups. Picnic tables and fire rings and sites are gravel.
LegendThis is a small KOA. Super friendly staff. Sites are shady unless you have a big rig - that area does not have shade. Decent dog park. Decent playground. I did not use the bath house so can’t comment on that. No pool, but did have a nice patio area with tables and chairs behind the store. I just stayed one night as we are on the road home. I do have one complaint and that is the sprinklers that came on overnight - it soaked the chairs and picnic table by our camper. I think the friendliness of the staff and the shady sites are the main reason for 5 stars.
TravelerWow this was a very unique camping experience up in the boulders. Had a lot of fun walking my dogs and cat up in there. (Yes my cat goes camping too). There was no water pumps on the campground, however there is a nice little creek running through that one could get water. Also there were vault toilets and the one we used was closer to the entrance of the campground. It was clean, however the door didn't lock. Really wish we didn't go on a holiday weekend as it sounded like a dirt bike ho-down and wasn't very relaxing. We will try again during the week or a non holiday weekend. The stars were gorgeous, and the bird watching was phenomenal. At least when there weren't dirt bikes.
ScoutOur favorite campground to date! The hosts are wonderful, helpful, and kind people. The area is just beautiful, with the river only a few steps away, and there is plenty of room for people and pets to run and play. Lots of fun hiking trails nearby. Two big loops for campers (one first-come first-serve, one for reservations); the hosts were happy to point out the best spots to accommodate our 36-ft fifth-wheel. Clean restrooms with water spigots at each. We all love everything about this place!
LegendThis is a nice campground just outside of Townsend Montana. Good information signs about the area and the Lewis and Clark journey. A nice fishing pond is available for children 14 and under. Campground is on the edge of the Missouri river. The only draw back is noise from the nearby highway.
ScoutThis campground is conveniently located near downtown Ennis, Montana. While you're close enough to town to run and get coffee in the morning, your spot will feel tucked back by the river. The only downside of this campground is that occasionally throughout the night you can hear cars and semi-trucks passing over the nearby bridge. Our camp spot was close to the bridge so maybe if you were further back in the campground it wouldn't be as noticeable. Across the river, from our camp spot, we could easily see residential homes. They are nice homes but it doesn't give you a completely secluded feeling because of that.
RangerWe camped here only because the Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park (where we have often camped on trips out west) was full on fourth of July weekend. The host told us about the Cardwell Campground further west.
So we were cranky after the extra drive and the late hour, hoping to find an open site on the holiday weekend. There is also a market and gift shop there. You have to call the host and he comes to escort you to a site.
I kept asking him what the rate was but he ignored me and spoke to my husband! Only after the credit card went through did I find out we were paying $65 for one night, even with a "veteran's discount." Under other circumstances we wouldn't have stayed there as we do not usually stay in such expensive RV parks. We were to learn that private campgrounds rates have gone up.
The park was well kept and we had electric plus sewer and water.
RangerI showed up here late one night on my way to Big Sky and was lucky enough to get a spot. There are plenty of amenities such as toilets, fire pits, and tables. If you are looking to do some night photography there are some great spots just along the river, which the campground borders, that provide some breathtaking views. There can be a bit of noise in the morning with people heading up the road for off road fun but overall this is a great little spot tucked away just off the highway.
RangerFairy Lake Campground is hands down my favorite campground I’ve ever visited. The views of the surrounding mountains and dense forest are absolutely magical—it truly feels like you’ve stepped into another world. The lake itself is stunning, with crystal clear water that looks almost unreal. It’s the perfect place to relax, hike, fish, or just sit back and take in the beauty of Montana.
Like other reviews mention, the 6-mile unmaintained road to get to the campground is definitely rough. The warnings are justified—it’s bumpy, rocky, and slow going. That said, I made it up just fine in my rear-wheel-drive Ranger, and we even saw some regular cars make it (though I’m sure they scraped a rock or two along the way). The drive might test your patience, but it’s 100% worth it once you arrive.
The campground itself is peaceful, not overly crowded, and surrounded by towering trees and mountain views in every direction. It felt remote and wild in the best way possible. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a true Montana mountain camping experience—just come prepared for the road in!
Camping near Cardwell, Montana offers access to high-elevation sites between 4,000-6,000 feet throughout the surrounding Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. Summer temperatures reach mid-80s during day but drop significantly at night, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. The Madison and Jefferson Rivers converge nearby, creating diverse riparian environments with cottonwood groves and sagebrush plateaus.
Explore limestone caverns: At Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park, visitors can tour spectacular cave formations. "Amazing family campsite with amenities, gift shop and stores. For small children it's quite a hike for them, they do get fatigued on the way, there are pit stops along the hill with shade for rest, follow tour guide," notes Carla S.
Visit historic Three Forks: The area where three rivers form the Missouri headwaters offers interpretive trails and fishing access. "From Missouri Headwaters State Park Campground you can see how Lewis and Clark traveled up the Missouri by checking out the dug out canoe that can be found at the entrance of the campground," explains Dexter I.
Mountain biking trails: The Homestake Pass area features miles of dedicated trails for all skill levels. As Andrew H. mentions about Homestake Pass Dispersed, "The spot was close to the highway - lots of potential spots. There are MTB OHV and walking trails nearby."
Lakeside camping: Harrison Lake Campground provides quiet shoreline sites with mountain views. "Great camp ground sites are spread out along the lake no water or electricity just nature. Sites are large enough for campers, tents etc. most site can have multiple campers," reports Aaron H.
Hot springs access: Norris Hot Springs combines camping with natural hot springs. Katherine B. explains, "Come for the hot spring and stay steps away in a great tent or RV site! The RV sites have water and electric hook ups, and there is a portable toilet by the tent sites."
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing at various dog friendly campgrounds near Cardwell. Regarding Delmoe Lake, Nicholas F. notes, "Great campground on the lake. Some sites are more private than others as well as have better views of the lake."
Seasonal variations: Late summer brings algae concerns at some lakes. "The lake is beautiful, but not huge. They also occasionally have periods where the swimming is forbidden due to algae," Michelle M. cautions about Delmoe Lake.
Site reservations: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "Come for the hot spring and stay steps away in a great tent or RV site! At this time; campsites can only be reserved online, so be sure to check the website for availability and call ahead to make sure the pool is open," advises Katherine B. about Norris Hot Springs.
Water quality concerns: Bring your own drinking water to dispersed sites. TheFoxphire F. warns at Homestake Pass Dispersed, "I do not recommend getting water from Butte other than from 'Ultimate Big Spring Water' which cost $15 for 5gal with a jug. Apparently Butte has occasional toxic leakage into the mains from the Toxic Pits."
Cub Ranger program: Children can earn ranger badges through educational activities. Sierra V. recommends Missouri Headwaters State Park Campground: "Did you know you can print out a packet for your little ones to become Cub Rangers at this State Park? There are great amenities for both camping and RV's with a child's playground located on the camp."
Morning hot springs visits: For families using pet friendly campgrounds near Cardwell with hot springs, timing matters. Kierra B. suggests, "If you have kids, mornings are best for space to play and less alcohol about" at Norris Hot Springs.
Cave tour preparation: Younger children may struggle with the cavern hike. "For small children it's quite a hike for them, they do get fatigued on the way, there are pit stops along the hill with shade for rest, follow tour guide," explains Carla S. about Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park.
Partial hookup awareness: Verify your reservation details when booking. Amber W. cautions about Cardwell General Store and Campground: "Double check your hook ups because I did not realize that I booked partial hookups! So for the price of $75 per night I do find it on the pricey side. They do have a dump station on site though."
Limited dump stations: Plan ahead for waste disposal. Diane H. notes about Cardwell General Store and Campground, "The only bad part was that I had to move my trailer to dump the black tank because my site didn't have sewer connections."
Site leveling challenges: Bring leveling blocks for uneven sites. Michael B. shares about Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park: "Had to use all our jack stands to combat the slope of our site (P007). Others looked much more level."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Cardwell, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Cardwell, MT is Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park — Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park with a 4.2-star rating from 37 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Cardwell, MT?
TheDyrt.com has all 93 dog-friendly camping locations near Cardwell, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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