Best Equestrian Camping near Conner, MT

Sam Billings Memorial Campground provides dedicated equestrian camping options near Conner, Montana. The campground features four horse-specific sites, each equipped with a table and fire ring suitable for small tents. Three large metal structures with chains serve as horse tie-outs, along with two horizontal tie-out bars. The well-maintained Forest Service facility offers clean vault toilets and spacious camping areas. Specific parking arrangements for horse trailers include one spot across from site 4 and additional parking at the trailhead area approximately 50 yards down the road. The trailhead parking area contains two additional tie-out areas for horses with ample space for horse trailers and several vehicles.

Trail access directly from the campground provides excellent riding opportunities in the Bitterroot Mountains. Horse owners can access nearby wilderness areas with minimal travel between the campground and riding trails. The campground typically charges $10 per night during the regular season (late May through late October), but offers free camping during the off-season. Visitors should check notices posted above the payment envelope box for current fee information. Bear awareness is important in this area during certain seasons. The relatively central location makes this an ideal base camp for exploring the surrounding terrain. The campground's isolated sites separated by pine trees create privacy while still maintaining adequate space for both horses and camping equipment.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Conner, Montana (8)

    1. Sam Billings Memorial Campground

    4 Reviews
    Conner, MT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 821-3269

    "Toilets are located across from site 3, between 5/6, across from 12. #7 is low ground camping you walk down to with minimal shade and perfect for hot weather days."

    "If your a good walker Montana is for you, the water amazes me at how clear it is but very cold, if your lucky you'll find a hot spring."

    2. Hogan Cabin

    1 Review
    Sula, MT
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 689-3243

    $45 / night

    "I loved the isolation of the location. Up at 7200ft you get a little winded hiking around, but the incredible scenery is worth it."

    3. Mussigbrod

    4 Reviews
    Wisdom, MT
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 689-3243

    "Lovely view you can camp close to the lake down the road or on the lake side streams for fishing 🎣 bring big spay lots of mosquitoes"

    "The lake is beautiful and not too cold. You can definitely bring a non-motorized boat to go around the lake in. The drive there is also gorgeous!"

    4. Bear Creek Pass Campground

    1 Review
    Darby, MT
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 821-3913

    5. May Creek

    1 Review
    Gibbonsville, MT
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 689-3243

    "It’s not that far from the highway which is nice if your looking to explore the area. It’s peaceful and quiet, and not busy."

    6. Charles Waters Campground

    19 Reviews
    Florence, MT
    44 miles
    Website

    "There is tons of trails for hiking, horse back and driving as well as tons of stream access only down fall is not really for fishing."

    "Fishing wouldn't be great at that location, as the creek is fairly shallow. The parking spot for the camper was super level asphalt, and plenty Ling enough for our 33.5' fifth wheel."

    7. Old Barn Studios

    Be the first to review!
    Hamilton, MT
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 270-2628

    $50 - $75 / night

    8. East Fork Group Area

    1 Review
    Philipsburg, MT
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 859-3211

    "The lake at the top of the hill is a sight to be seen with the surrounding mountains. There are hiking trails and access to a massive wilderness area that has in excess of 40 separate lakes."

Show More
Showing results 1-8 of 8 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Conner, MT

30 Reviews of 8 Conner Campgrounds


  • Sadie P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 23, 2025

    Sam Billings Memorial Campground

    The best in SW Montana

    12 sites with good tables and fire rings. This is a well maintained NFS campground. 3 vault toilets that are kept clean. Sites #1 & #2 get the most sun, are the largest, and can accommodate any size RV. The remaining sites vary in size. #2 can easily hold 5 full size trucks side by side, or three medium size trailers/5th wheels with their tow vehicles. It also has 3 large tables, plenty of open ground for tents, and is ideal for large groups and families. Toilets are located across from site 3, between 5/6, across from 12. #7 is low ground camping you walk down to with minimal shade and perfect for hot weather days.

    The exit is at site 12, one way travel thru the campground. Across the street from the exit is the entry to sites 1-4 horse camping. Small sites with table, fire ring, and enough room for a small tent. There are 3 large metal structures with 3 chains each for horses and 2 horizontal tie out bars. No room to park horse trailers on that pull thru. One trailer spot across from site 4 by the “stock water trail” sign, the rest can park 50 yards down the road at the trail head/turn around. There are 2 additional tie out areas here for horses and plenty of room for horse trailers and several other vehicles.

    Be sure to read the notice above the envelope box before you pay. From weather dependent dates chosen by the Rangers there is no cost from late Oct to late May. Otherwise it is $10 per night, $5 with golden or access passes.

    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.

    Details: Ranger station on the main road less than a mike from the entrance. They show up once a week Ravialli county sheriff is who to call on weekends and holidays, they will respond Be bear aware in season Equestrian specific campsites Trailhead next to the CG So much firewood laying around There are some karens that have been “coming here my whole life” and think they own the place; avoid Only three site requires walking access, the rest are drive right in to. Only a few sites so if its great weather or holiday show up mid week or even a week ahead if you can Free stays out of season, otherwise it’s a daily fee, pay at the entrance sign

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2020

    Bear Creek Pass Campground

    Semi-official dispersed camping at Bear Creek Pass

    Bear Creek Pass Campground is semi-official dispersed camping at Bear Creek Pass, the location of two trail heads. I surveyed the site during a hike but did not stay over night. 

    There are two trail heads, about 1/2 mile apart. Between is a turn off for the“campground” which is little more than a pull out and a turn around. I didn’t see tent sites off the road. A little further on is a large parking area with vault toilet. A little beyond that a small parking area near the second trail head. Between these two is the one place that did look like a camp site. There was one fire ring and vegetation had been pressed down. 

    There are facilities for horses: several hitching posts and a loading ramp. These don’t look like they have been used for a while. We did see signs that horses were up here recently but the area is little impacted by horse use. 

    The area is in open pine forest with meadows. There is a stream flowing near by. 

    I would certainly sleep in my vehicle over night here or set up a tent. You can overnight here before starting on a hike from one of the trail heads. However, this site has little to recommend itself as a destination for an extended stay or overflow if nearby Schumaker is full.

  • Terrance R.
    May. 17, 2023

    Charles Waters Campground

    Great nature

    This is definitely 1 of the top 5 in the area even as a usfs camp ground and price. Sites are well spaced, plenty of privacy and greenery, tons of nature, sound of a run off river coming down through the camp, there is a camp host on site as well as paved road and restrooms as well as water fountains. There is tons of trails for hiking, horse back and driving as well as tons of stream access only down fall is not really for fishing.

  • T
    Jun. 20, 2022

    Charles Waters Campground

    Beautiful campground!

    This is a National Forest campground about 25 miles from Missoula. The bathrooms are vaulted toilets and they were spacious and VERY clean. Our site was HUGE and so beautiful. Bass Creek was maybe 50 yards from the camper and is so clear! Fishing wouldn't be great at that location, as the creek is fairly shallow. The parking spot for the camper was super level asphalt, and plenty Ling enough for our 33.5' fifth wheel. Due to lower branches on the drive through the campground, we wouldn't recommend higher profile rigs. Ours sits at 13', and we felt that anything much taller than that might have clearance issues. There's a group spot for 12-20 people, as well as a spot for bicycle camping. There are some amazing trails for hiking, biking, and also horses. We really enjoyed this area!

  • Kelli D.
    May. 2, 2018

    Sam Billings Memorial Campground

    Perfect views

    If your a good walker Montana is for you, the water amazes me at how clear it is but very cold, if your lucky you'll find a hot spring.

  • Jen F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 15, 2025

    Charles Waters Campground

    Clean,quiet,beautiful

    Traveling south in Montana and found this lovely little place. Trees, meadows and solitude. Just the way I like it

  • Jade M.
    Jul. 12, 2018

    Mussigbrod

    beautiful with lots of different camping options

    Lovely view you can camp close to the lake down the road or on the lake side streams for fishing 🎣 bring big spay lots of mosquitoes

  • Nick T.
    Jul. 14, 2020

    East Fork Group Area

    Awesome!

    The river by the camp sites is absolutely beautiful. The lake at the top of the hill is a sight to be seen with the surrounding mountains. There are hiking trails and access to a massive wilderness area that has in excess of 40 separate lakes. Definitely recommended! To get this this portion of camp sites, as soon as you get to the dam you take a very hard right. It’s 180 degree turn to the right. I took a picture of the sign and road so you don’t miss it!

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2021

    Charles Waters Campground

    Quiet camping in the Bitterroots.

    Nice little campground in the Bitterroot Valley. It seemed that there were as many dogs as people in the campground. Sites varied in size and shape and shade. I like the sites on the far side of the loop as they are closer to the creek and away from the dusty road. Water at the spigots was good, but I was a bit concerned that they were placed so close to the vault toilets. There are some pull through sites as well as back in, but since it’s first come, it’s luck of the draw in what you get. I got there around 2 on a Sunday and had 3 sites to pick from. All of the sites were full by 4pm. There are some nice hiking and horseback riding trails across the road, and there is a forest road that goes all the way to the top of the mountains with picnic tables to watch the sunset or sunrise (when the smoke doesn’t cloud the view).


Guide to Conner

Horse camping in Montana offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and equestrian-friendly amenities, making it a perfect getaway for horse lovers.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • The Bear Creek Pass Campground features several hitching posts and a loading ramp, catering to equestrian needs, even if they show signs of limited use.
  • At Hogan Cabin, horse accommodations are available, allowing riders to enjoy the remote beauty of the area while having a place for their horses.
  • Mussigbrod provides a scenic environment for horse camping, with access to both drive-in and boat-in options, making it versatile for different camping styles.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • The trails near Bear Creek Pass Campground offer excellent hiking opportunities, perfect for those looking to explore the surrounding open pine forests and meadows.
  • Hogan Cabin is situated in a prime location for wildlife viewing, with opportunities for snowshoeing and hiking in the breathtaking scenery.
  • Campers at Mussigbrod can enjoy fishing and observing local wildlife, including the chance to spot a grizzly bear nearby.

Tips for equestrian camping near Conner, Montana

  • When visiting Bear Creek Pass Campground, be prepared for limited facilities, as there are no drinking water or firewood available on-site.
  • At Hogan Cabin, remember to bring your own water, as the cabin lacks running water, but it does have a vault toilet for convenience.
  • For a more social experience, Mussigbrod offers a beautiful lake setting with isolated campsites, perfect for enjoying nature while still having some privacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Conner, MT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Conner, MT is Sam Billings Memorial Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Conner, MT?

TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Conner, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.