Sam Billings Memorial Campground features equestrian facilities specifically designed for horse owners near Conner, Montana. The campground sits in the Bitterroot Mountains at an elevation of approximately 4,000 feet, providing access to wilderness trails while maintaining vehicle accessibility. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during the day with cooler 45-55°F nights, while spring and fall seasons see temperature fluctuations requiring layered clothing.
What to do
Trail riding access: Riders at Sam Billings Memorial Campground can directly access the surrounding Bitterroot Mountains trail system. According to a visitor at Mussigbrod Campground, "The drive there is also gorgeous!" when describing the scenic routes throughout the region.
Geology exploration: The Bitterroot area offers interesting geological features. A camper who stayed at Sam Billings Memorial Campground noted, "Stayed we with a friend here to do some surficial geology in the Bitterroots Mt. It was a really nice central area to work out of and it had all we needed from a long day in the field."
Wildlife viewing: The mountains surrounding Conner provide excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. At Mussigbrod Campground, a camper reported, "Saw lots of animals even a video of a Grizzly not but 3 miles from the camp grounds. Another camper had the video of the Grizzly from the night before!"
What campers like
Excellent location: Horse campgrounds near Conner provide strategic access to multiple riding areas. A visitor to Hogan Cabin commented, "Amazing remote location. Great wildlife viewing, snowshoeing, hiking, etc... Spent 3 nights at Hogan Cabin, MT last summer (Aug 2018). I loved the isolation of the location."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area maintain high standards of cleanliness. A camper at Charles Waters Campground stated, "What a great setting in the trees. Campground is clean, sites are well spaced, parking pads are pretty flat and big."
Seasonal fee structure: Many campgrounds in the Conner area offer free camping during off-peak seasons. At Charles Waters, a visitor noted, "Free camping, as no envelopes were out. Alot of traffic today.... Nice campground. No water or electric but paved sites."
What you should know
Bear safety importance: The Conner area has documented bear activity requiring proper food storage. A camper at Mussigbrod Campground warned, "Fishing was slow but we caught fish. Saw lots of animals even a video of a Grizzly not but 3 miles from the camp grounds."
Weather preparation: Mountain conditions change rapidly in the Bitterroots. A visitor to May Creek Campground advised, "May creek is a wonderful campground... it's in a gorgeous cabin and it's easy to find. It's not that far from the highway which is nice if your looking to explore the area."
Limited cell service: Most equestrian campgrounds around Conner lack reliable communication options. A Sam Billings Memorial visitor reported, "No cell service, only 1 mile to the paved road, Ranger station is only about 1/2 mile down that paved road. The Rangers are proactive in sharing any important information such as severe weather, bear activity, or any other notable activity."
Tips for camping with families
Spacing between sites: Family groups often need more room for multiple tents and equipment. A visitor to Charles Waters noted, "Plenty of open sites M-Th, even during the summer. Sites are close-ish together but very private because of the tree cover. The creekside sites are especially lovely."
Water availability considerations: Not all campgrounds provide drinking water year-round. A visitor to Charles Waters mentioned, "Water at the spigots was good, but I was a bit concerned that they were placed so close to the vault toilets."
Arrival timing strategy: For the best site selection, particularly on weekends, arrive early. At Sam Billings, a camper advised, "Only a few sites so if its great weather or holiday show up mid week or even a week ahead if you can."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many equestrian campgrounds in the Conner area have natural, unlevel terrain. A Charles Waters camper noted, "Paves roads, large sites, (sloped, not level) very friendly hosts, water spigots throughout, pit toilets, cement picnic tables."
Length limitations: Most horse-friendly campgrounds near Conner have size restrictions for larger rigs. At Bear Creek Pass Campground, a visitor observed, "Bear Creek Pass Campground is semi-official dispersed camping at Bear Creek Pass, the location of two trail heads... Between is a turn off for the campground which is little more than a pull out and a turn around."
Generator noise considerations: Some campgrounds restrict generator use or have quiet hours. A Charles Waters camper commented, "Trees for shade, clean vaulted toilets. Nice camp sites and camp ground. I gave it 4 star only due to campers with generators. Other than that a great place."
