M
Michael
Guide
GuidePleasant Valley Campground
Bathrooms are clean. Sites have picnic tables and fire rings. It's free. Couple different options sitewise for starlink the site by the horse's stable is wide open. Beautiful stars at night.
Equestrian Camping near Dayton, MT
1 campground with availability next weekend
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Camp Whispering Pines offers horse-friendly accommodations with dedicated corrals across 20 acres of land and an arena for exercise. Located 5 minutes from Rebecca Farms and approximately 40 minutes from Glacier National Park, this campground provides convenient access for equestrians traveling with their animals. The campground features spacious sites with picnic tables, clean facilities including an outdoor shower with instant hot water, and portable toilets. Campers reference The Dyrt for top tips on camping near Dayton, Montana. No electric hookups are available, but drinking water is provided, and fires are permitted within designated areas.
Trail riders have access to multiple riding opportunities in the surrounding region, with the campground serving as a central base for exploring nearby natural attractions. The property's 20-acre expanse provides ample room for horses to stretch out after traveling. Glacier National Park's equestrian trails are accessible within a 40-minute drive, while Flathead and Whitefish Lakes are approximately 20 minutes away. The campground's location balances country atmosphere with proximity to amenities, as it sits just minutes from Kalispell with its variety of food and supply options. Cell reception is excellent throughout the property, allowing riders to stay connected while enjoying their horse camping experience. Sites accommodate both tent camping and RVs, though no hookups are available for the latter.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Dayton (14)
1. Horses Welcome | Hot Shower | Close to Everything
"5 minutes to Rebecca Farms, 20 minutes to Under The Big Sky Venue, 20 minutes to Flathead and Whitefish Lakes, 40 minutes to Glacier National Park."
"Tucked away where the Kalispell Valley meets the pines, you'll find this campground. Its peaceful here, but the amenities of the city are close by. The views are great."
Check Availabilityfrom $45 - $65 / night
2. Glacier Campground
"Montana is absolutely gorgeous! I may be biased because I go to college in Montana, but there is so many great outdoor activities. The mountains and scenery are my favorite."
"Great place tucked away from the road. Sites are smaller. Place was clear even the showers. Hot water in the morning not so much at night."
Check Availabilityfrom $45 - $120 / night
3. Moose Creek RV Resort and Bed & Breakfast
"Location & West Glacier Access When visiting Glacier, proximity to the park gates is everything."
"It’s very close to the West entrance to Glacier National Park. We found fun things to do in nearby Hungry Horse, CowY, and Columbia Falls."
4. Holland Lake Campground
"The hike to the waterfall is beautiful, and swimming and snorkeling in this lake are wonderful due to the clarity and purity."
"Stayed here on a photography trip through northwest Montana and it more than earned the stop. Big timber over the sites, real spacing between neighbors, and quiet after dark."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $22 - $250 / night
5. Glacier Rim River Access 10363
"There's a big parking lot with room for at least 10 cars and our spot was a very short walk away."
"This site is tucked away between the road and the river. It's super peaceful and there weren't many people around (some stayed in their car, and there was one other tent pitched by the river)."
6. Dispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area
"Arrived very late in the dark on Friday night coming back from Canada, and found an amazing site next to the river which drowned out all surrounding noise."
"On the map, it looks like you can enter/exit either way from 135… but the east side of the road to get back onto 135 is impossible… so we just had to turn around and exit the same way we came in (from"
7. Mountain View RV Park
"We did visit Hungry Horse Dam. Beautiful and the story behind the name is interesting. Montana Distillery is close by in Coram and a good brewery/restaurant in Columbia Falls."
"Big grassy area in the middle of the RV park with picnic tables, great for walking dogs or just relaxing in the grass. There is also a small basketball court."
8. Timber Wolf Resort
"The downsides were it's a steel walk to grills, internet, and bathrooms. But very pleasant. You can hear the road but it's not loud."
9. Bear Creek River Access Boating Site
"Wide open gravel lot and spots close to the river. There is road noise of course and a good amount of train activity, but it wasn’t obnoxious."
"Worked summer work near here and me and a group of friends would always come kick back here 🤘🏻"
10. Lazy D C Bar Ranch
"Visited with the horses, steers, and dogs! Wonderful for this city slicker!"
Drive Time
- 1 hr 30 min from Missoula, MT
- 2 hrs 46 min from Coeur d'Alene, ID
- 3 hrs 10 min from Helena, MT
- 3 hrs 50 min from Great Falls, MT
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Dayton, MT
6 Photos of 14 Dayton Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Dayton, MT
155 Reviews of 14 Dayton Campgrounds
Juliana J.
RangerDispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area
Stunning and easy access
This was a GREAT site to camp at. I drove all the way down the roads to site 18 which has easy river access and a large rock firepit. It wasn’t as private as some of the other sites, but there weren’t any other campers in eye view. Cool rocks and birds. You could see a bridge with both cars and trains passing. Aside from one of the biggest spiders I’ve seen in my life (I’ve probably lived a privileged life in this regard) that I spotted on the beach, there were virtually no other creepy crawlers OR flies/bees/mosquitos to complain about. Bathrooms on site but no other amenities.
Aaron S.RangerMoose Creek RV Resort and Bed & Breakfast
The Ultimate West Glacier Basecamp (With Starlink & Scenic Loop Tips)
Reviewed by: The Crew at Hitched4fun.com
If you are planning an epic trip to explore Glacier National Park, your choice of home base can make or break your trip logistics. We stayed four nights at Moose Creek RV Resort in West Glacier, Montana, and it served as the ultimate launchpad for exploring every corner of this iconic national park.
Location & West Glacier Access
When visiting Glacier, proximity to the park gates is everything. Moose Creek is super close and remarkably convenient to the West Glacier entrance, allowing you to beat the morning rush onto Going-to-the-Sun Road without spending hours in transit beforehand. (Still arrive early at park entrance!)
Campground Vibe, Grounds & Amenities
The park has that authentic, rustic Montana feel while providing all the modern comforts you need after long days on the trail:
- The Setting: The resort is tucked into a dense forest of tall pine trees on all sides, offering a serene, quiet, and shaded environment that feels completely immersed in nature.
- Facilities & Resupply: The campground is spotless and well-maintained. The laundry facilities were very clean and a huge help halfway through a long road trip.
- Camp Store & Morning Perks: Having a solid on-site convenience store stocked with essentials was great, and having hot breakfast options available right on the property made fueling up for early morning park excursions effortless.
- Staff: The team here was exceptionally friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable about the surrounding area.
Starlink Performance Under the Pines
For RVers who work remotely or rely on satellite internet like we do, camping under heavy pine canopies can often be a connectivity nightmare. However, even with dense pine trees surrounding our site, our Starlink dish locked onto signal and worked reliably throughout our entire four-night stay—a massive plus for staying connected in the Montana backcountry.
Glacier Park Routes & A Must-Do Tow-Vehicle Loop
During our four days, we were able to make the jaw-dropping drive across the Going-to-the-Sun Road twice round-trip, plus an additional one-way trek on our final day.
For your tow vehicle or passenger car, here is a scenic driving loop you should not miss:
- The Route: Take Going-to-the-Sun Road all the way east to Saint Mary. Head south along Highway 89 to Kiowa, then cut onto Montana Highway 49 up and over the pass down to Highway 2. From there, take Highway 2 west along the southern boundary of the park all the way back to West Glacier.
- CRITICAL Big-Rig Warning: Do NOT attempt Highway 49 in a motorhome, fifth wheel, or large trailer. It is extremely steep, narrow, and winding. It is strictly meant for your unhitched tow vehicle or car.
- The Payoff: With your truck or car, it is an unforgettable drive. There are virtually no crowds, the panoramic mountain vistas are stunning, and we even spotted a bear hanging out right along the side of the road!
The Hitched4fun Verdict
Moose Creek RV Resort is everything a national park gateway camp should be: clean, quiet, scenic, and packed with practical amenities that make traveling easy. Whether you are looking for reliable Starlink connectivity under the pines or quick access to the best drives in North America, this park delivers. We highly recommend it to anyone heading into Big Sky Country!
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars— Highly Recommended by the Hitched4fun.com crew!
- llexi H.
ScoutDispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area
10/10 recommend
river will sing you sweet and sleepy. and the pit toilet is awesome!! good sleep spot at site 9 for tents. stopped here on our way from seattle to glacier. perfect stop
Kylee R.RangerDispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area
Awesome spot
Great area, don’t stop at the first open site you see.
Kim G.
LegendMoose Creek RV Resort and Bed & Breakfast
Lovely RV Park next to Glacier NP
We chose this smaller RV park for its proximity to Glacier National Park and the bike path into Glacier. Sadly, it has been raining a lot but we still like the place. The sites are somewhat typical spacing for an RV park but the setting feels more natural with a lot of trees. Some road noise, but it does down at night. The bathrooms, in what seems to be a portable building but they are clean, modern, with great water pressure and plenty of hot water. We’d stay here again.
- EEdgars E.
TravelerHolland Lake Campground
Nice campground
★★★★★
Stayed here on a photography trip through northwest Montana and it more than earned the stop. Big timber over the sites, real spacing between neighbors, and quiet after dark. Clean facilities, water available, and the campground host was friendly and low-key.
The lake is the draw. Calm water in the early morning gives you mirror reflections of the Swan Range — worth setting an alarm for. Holland Falls trail is a short hike with a solid payoff, and the beach and boat ramp are an easy walk from the loops.
No hookups and basically no service, so come prepared. That's a feature, not a complaint. Five stars, would come back.
- DDeb H.Scout
Dispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area
Loved it!!
Easy access, beautiful spot overlooking the river. Clean pit toilet. Some road and train noise
- jjennifer H.Guide
Bear Creek River Access Boating Site
Great spot
Stayed 4 days/3 nights
Great place! Wide open gravel lot and spots close to the river. There is road noise of course and a good amount of train activity, but it wasn’t obnoxious. There is a spot that’s more private in the trees but the road to get to that spot had too much of a quick incline/decline for me to feel ok in my rig. If you have a shorter wheel base you can easily get up there.
Guide to Dayton
The Flathead Valley region near Dayton, Montana sits at around 3,000 feet elevation on the western shore of Flathead Lake. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F during the day, while winters see average lows in the 20s. The surrounding national forests and waterways provide diverse terrain for camping, with options ranging from developed sites with corrals to dispersed riverside locations.
What to do
Trail riding: Campers staying at Camp Whispering Pines can access numerous riding trails within a short drive. "5 minutes to Rebecca Farms, 20 minutes to Under The Big Sky Venue, 20 minutes to Flathead and Whitefish Lakes, 40 minutes to Glacier National Park," notes Charles Y. The property's large arena provides space to exercise horses before heading out to trails.
Waterfall hiking: Holland Lake area offers hiking opportunities with waterfall views. "There is a beautiful waterfall that is visible from the camp ground and is a fairly easy hike too," writes Sara C. about Holland Lake Campground. The trail to Holland Falls is suitable for most ability levels while providing scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
Fishing and water activities: Several campgrounds provide river access for fishing, swimming, and paddling. The Middle Fork Flathead River offers clear water for recreation. "River was very deep and a beautiful swim!" reports Sumner C. about their experience at Glacier Rim River Access. Water temperatures remain cool even during summer heat waves.
What campers like
Outdoor shower experience: Many equestrian camping sites near Dayton feature outdoor shower facilities. "The shower is amazing! Instant hot water for as long as you'd like," Taylor C. shares about Camp Whispering Pines. The outdoor shower design allows campers to rinse off after dusty trail rides while enjoying mountain views.
Night sky viewing: The minimal light pollution creates exceptional stargazing opportunities. "The stars gave us a show every night and it was very quiet," notes Taylor C. about their camping experience. Some campers report being able to clearly see the Milky Way on cloudless nights.
Privacy between sites: Lolo National Forest Recreation Area offers dispersed camping with ample space between sites. "Mostly peaceful and camp neighbors pretty far apart," says Beth T. about riverfront camping. Josh S. adds: "Plenty of space, both large and small sites. Room for a 30' in a couple of the sites." The natural vegetation helps create privacy barriers between camping areas.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in the region operate from May through September due to winter conditions. "We had a really nice couple of mid week nights here. We couldn't get two consecutive nights in a row so had to move spots," shares Sara D. about Holland Lake Campground. Weekends fill quickly during peak summer months.
Wildlife awareness: Bear activity requires proper food storage and awareness. "There are both black and grizzly bears that frequent this area daily, so be very careful with your food, and bear aware when hiking," warns Carmen H. Some trails may close temporarily due to bear activity, as one reviewer noted: "I didn't get to go to the falls because there was a dead mule off the trail which drew attention of some grizzlies."
Cell connectivity: Service varies significantly between locations. "I had one bar of Verizon service, so I could send and receive messages, but pics sent very slowly," reports Tee C. about Glacier Rim River Access. Many riverside camping areas have limited or no cell coverage, while sites closer to towns offer better connectivity.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly hiking: Select trails with manageable distances and interesting features. "The hike to the Holland Falls is short but totally worth it! Clean lake perfect for swimming and paddleboarding," recommends Talia H. from Holland Lake Campground. The trail gains about 750 feet of elevation over 1.6 miles.
Insect preparation: Bring appropriate repellents, especially for riverside camping. "Bring bug spray, the mosquitos are out. They really go nuts when you first pull in but relax after a few minutes," advises Sara D. Mosquitoes are most active during evening hours in June and July.
Weather readiness: Mountain weather can change rapidly, requiring appropriate gear. "If you are looking for a clean, quiet place to camp in Kalispell, give this place a try," mentions Leland about their stay during a July heat wave. Temperature fluctuations of 30+ degrees between day and night aren't uncommon.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup awareness: Glacier Campground provides electrical and water connections for RVs. "There is a dump station, and propane fill up on site. It's $25 to dump," notes Marcus K. Adding: "Make sure you bring an extension cord to hook up your electric just in case you have a short standard cord on your camper."
Site selection considerations: RV sites vary considerably in size and levelness. For those with horses, specialized campgrounds offer corrals and larger parking areas. "The RV area was narrow and did not allow much room to move around. The site was also partially on an incline, so care had to be used," cautions Tamara B. about Timber Wolf Resort.
Supply planning: Limited services require careful planning. "It's only 10 minutes from downtown Kalispell," mentions one reviewer about equestrian camping near Dayton, Montana. The proximity to towns allows for restocking supplies while maintaining a rural camping experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
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campsite near Dayton, MT?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Dayton, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Dayton, MT is Horses Welcome | Hot Shower | Close to Everything with a 5.0-star rating from 7 reviews.
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equestrian camping near
Dayton, MT?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Dayton, MT?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Dayton, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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