Kading Campground provides limited equestrian facilities near Deer Lodge, Montana. Located along the upper Little Blackfoot River at the end of Little Blackfoot Road, this campground features a small public corral across from the entrance and two horse watering troughs within the campground. The 11 primitive campsites each include picnic tables and metal fire rings. Water is available at Kading Cabin across from the campground entrance. The campground has been cleared of beetle-killed trees, making the area more open than in previous years. Two vault toilets serve the campground, and the lack of electronic distractions ensures a quiet, unplugged experience for campers and their horses.
A trailhead at the end of the road can be reached via a short trail from the campground, offering access to the Little Blackfoot River trail system. The five-mile trail to Blackfoot Meadows provides excellent riding opportunities and connects to popular fly fishing locations. Vehicle traffic is minimal as the only vehicles will be those traveling to the campground or nearby trailhead, creating a peaceful environment for horses. The campground operates seasonally from Memorial Day to October, and advanced reservations can be made. For equestrians seeking more extensive facilities, several Forest Service areas around Deer Lodge offer primitive horse camping opportunities with trailer parking and access to wilderness riding trails that lead to over 40 separate mountain lakes.
"The campground is tucked between two imposing rock walls that deliver wonderful sunset and sunrise scenery."
"Lost Creek State Park is located just outside of Anaconda, and is a perfect location for a quick day-hike or a multi-day trip. It is located in a canyon that is very secluded and has great views."
"If you are looking for a quiet campground away from electronic distractions then this campground is for you."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 - $45 / night
"Close to the Continental Divide trail, which we briefly hiked. Beautiful trail. Campsites had tables and plenty of shade."
"p { margin-bottom: 0.1in; line-height: 115%; } Cromwell Dixon Campground is a nice Forest Service Campground located on the Continental Divide's McDonald Pass."
"Beautiful views here along the Clark Fork River with lots of things to do in the nearby area including visiting the Garnet Ghost town, Philipsburg, Deer Lodge, Anaconda, Butte and Missoula."
"This campsite is pristine, next to a beautiful river, mountains all around. There is a good amount of space between RV campsites, all of which have water and electric."
from $35 - $40 / night
"Beautiful location, classic Montana with trees mountains and rivers! Great restaurant on site. Campsites are the reason for not giving 5 stars. Very tight and not great space for maneuverability."
"There is a basketball court, sand volleyball court, horse shoes and a playground. There’s also a beautiful creek running along the campground with beautiful Mountain views."
from $40 - $100 / night
"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."
"This campsite is right off the exit, but not very noisy. There were several other campers and RVs and trucks there. Even just parts of cars."
"Indian Meadows Trailhead is the trailhead for two trails in to the Helena National Forest Scapegoat Wilderness Area, plus it features a camping area with picnic tables and metal fire rings along with"
"We stayed in one of the designated camping areas that has a fire pit in it and it was a good spot, tucked back but not isolated."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $45 / night
RangerSmall campground with around 14 sites, 13 back in an 1 large pull through. Right off Highway 12 so there is some road noise but tolerable. Most sites are sunny with lots of new trees planted. Most are pretty level and several can accommodate 36’ rigs. Has modern vault restrooms and water available in park. No trash service or dump station. High enough elevation to cool off at night.
GuideGood choice of FCFS sites - keep driving up the valley to check them all out. From the top ones — only a short hike to the waterfall. Very picturesque sunsets. Short drive to Anaconda
GuideThe sites were well separated and you didn’t hear any noises from other campers. It wasn’t full when we got there. Beautiful views. Got pretty chilly in the evening. FYI, you get a discount with an America the Beautiful pass. Cons: constant highway traffic noise all night. We had a hard time finding a spot that had a good place to pitch a tent. Ended up using the first site and put the tent on the parking spot area. Probably not a great place for a big tent or big rig.
GuideWe didn’t actually camp here, just came for the waterfalls and hike. The dump toilet was the cleanest I’ve ever seen. Zero bugs/questionables and smelled of bleach rather than poo. The sites were all partially shaded, and semi private. It’s not a huge place but it’s kind of perfect.
TravelerThis is a lovely campground with clean bathrooms. There are multiple people around taking care that the grounds are clean. Grassy but level campsites.
I had only one issue. It was a bit of a rookie mistake not paying close attention to sewer hookups. I had a full hookup site & didn't notice when the spot next to me was empty, how close their sewer hookup would be right next to my door & my sitting area.
Since I have a small setup, I could have pulled 5+ feet farther and avoided the smell.
TravelerDidn't see a parking over night so gave it a try. Not bad, just a big lot
ScoutCute little RV Park. Sites are very close to each other, so don't expect solitude, but they have free wifi, bathrooms, showers, and laundry on site. Gorgeous surroundings and generally quiet. No highway noise despite being close to the interstate.
GuideWe’re in a valley surrounded by beautiful green mountains. The park is very nice. Apparently fly fishing is the thing here. There is a fly fishing supply store about 100 yards away.
TravelerThe river and waterfall are in the campground which made for lovely white noise when falling asleep. Spaces have lots of privacy. Thimbleberries were ripe during our stay and plentiful. Clean facilities. Water at a pump but not at individual sites. Nice hikes and it wasn’t crowded during the week. Scenery was gorgeous. Would absolutely go again.
Kading Cabin provides one of the few true equestrian camping opportunities in the Deer Lodge area, featuring a public corral across from the campground entrance and two horse watering troughs within the grounds. Located along the upper Little Blackfoot River at the end of Little Blackfoot Road, this quiet destination offers 11 sites with picnic tables and metal fire rings. The campground has been cleared of beetle-killed trees, creating more open spaces for horses and trailers. Water is available at the cabin across from the entrance. Horse owners can access nearby trails directly from the campground via a short connecting path. The campground's end-of-road location ensures minimal vehicle traffic, creating a peaceful environment for both riders and horses.
A five-mile trail from Kading Campground follows the Little Blackfoot River to Blackfoot Meadows, a popular fly fishing destination that also offers excellent riding terrain. The trail connects to additional forest service routes suitable for day rides. The campground operates seasonally from Memorial Day through October, with no reservations required as it rarely fills to capacity. Vault toilets provide basic facilities, while the setting offers natural separation between campsites for privacy. Horse owners appreciate the campground's proximity to the Indian Meadows Trailhead area, which provides additional riding opportunities on well-maintained forest service trails. The combination of river access, mountain views, and direct trail connections makes this location particularly valuable for horse camping enthusiasts seeking primitive camping with natural water sources and grazing opportunities nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Deer Lodge, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Deer Lodge, MT is Lost Creek State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 14 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Deer Lodge, MT?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Deer Lodge, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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