Equestrian camping near Clancy, Montana offers access to trails along the Continental Divide with elevations ranging from 4,500 to 6,000 feet. The camping season typically runs from Memorial Day through mid-October, with July and August providing the most reliable weather conditions. Most horse-friendly campgrounds in the area feature basic amenities with varying degrees of separation between sites and proximity to trailheads.
What to do
Trail riding to Blackfoot Meadows: The trail following the Little Blackfoot River provides a five-mile ride to prime fly fishing locations. "A trail head at the end of the road can be reached from a short trail at the end of the Kading Campground. The trail follows the Little Blackfoot river. A five mile hike leads to Blackfoot meadows a popular fly fishing location," notes Dexter I.
Waterfall viewing: Located just outside Anaconda, Lost Creek State Park offers accessible waterfall viewing within walking distance of campsites. "If you are looking for a quiet campground away from electronic distractions then this campground is for you," says Dexter I. about Kading Campground. For a different waterfall experience, Sean H. describes Lost Creek State Park: "You have to start by going to the waterfall, which is a very easy 100 yard, paved hike."
Continental Divide hiking: Access mountain trails directly from campgrounds located on or near the divide. "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," explains Dexter I. about Cromwell Dixon Campground.
What campers like
Cooler temperatures: The higher elevation provides relief during summer heat waves. Will M. notes about Cromwell Dixon Campground: "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."
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer well-spaced sites for a more secluded experience. "Sites have good separation. Potable water taps and vault bathrooms are very clean. Higher elevation for cooler Summer evenings," comments Victor E. about Cromwell Dixon Campground. Similarly, at Lost Creek State Park, Ruby Y. appreciates: "Our spot was perfect, with a little picnic table that was chained but able to be moved slightly and a fire pit with a metal grill."
Limited vehicle traffic: Several campgrounds are positioned at road endpoints, minimizing passing traffic. "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," says Dexter I. about Kading Campground.
What you should know
Water availability varies: Not all campgrounds provide drinking water, and quality can differ between locations. At Cromwell Dixon Campground, yvonne K. notes: "It was a clean campground spaces far apart. Pit toilets and water. Water was rusty. It worked for over night."
First-come, first-served policies: Many sites cannot be reserved in advance, requiring early arrival during peak season. "15 sites available at $15 per night. Showed up at 12:30pm on a Sunday and many still available," reports Brynn V. about Cromwell Dixon Campground.
Cell service considerations: Despite remote locations, some campgrounds maintain connectivity. Will M. mentions about Cromwell Dixon Campground: "The other big plus is that there is a cell phone tower right above the campground so you have excellent cell phone service."
Pack-in, pack-out requirements: Most horse-friendly campgrounds lack trash service. "Pack in/Pack out as there are no trash receptacles," advises Steve V. about Cromwell Dixon Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible waterfall viewing: Some locations offer paved paths suitable for all mobility levels. "A nice hundred yard path that is paved to the waterfall for anyone with mobility issues," mentions Erik B. about Lost Creek State Park.
Seasonal berry picking: Depending on timing, wild berries provide a family-friendly activity. "During our visit the raspberries and thimble berries located along the creek were ripe," reports Dexter I. about Lost Creek State Park, while Jen confirms: "Thimbleberries were ripe during our stay and plentiful."
White noise benefits: Creekside sites offer natural sound buffers between campers. "The river and waterfall are in the campground which made for lovely white noise when falling asleep," says Jen about Lost Creek State Park.
Tips from RVers
Length restrictions: Many horse-friendly campgrounds have size limitations for rigs. "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," shares Lisa K. about Lost Creek State Park.
Site selection strategy: Loops typically offer better sites than straight-line layouts. Timothy advises about Lost Creek State Park: "Keep driving all the way back to the loop at the end. It has some great sites here."
Boondocking options: Some areas permit dry camping near water sources. Megan B. reports about Cottonwood Creek: "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."
Legend
