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Dispersed camping options dot the landscape around Elliston, Montana, with several designated areas along Forest Road 314 and the Little Blackfoot River. The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest manages multiple camping zones in this mountainous region, including established sites like Cromwell Dixon Campground and Kading Campground. Tent camping, RV sites, and forest cabins are available throughout the area, with the most developed facilities found at Bernie & Sharon's Riverfront RV Park in nearby Garrison. The remote, forested settings provide varied terrain with proximity to rivers and hiking trails, making this area popular for visitors seeking both developed campgrounds and primitive camping experiences.
Road conditions can present challenges for accessing some of the more remote camping areas, particularly after rain or during shoulder seasons. "Up a forest service road, so four-wheel-drive came in handy. A bit muddy," noted one camper about dispersed sites near Elliston. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with many closing after Labor Day and reopening around Memorial Day. Elevation at sites like Cromwell Dixon provides cooler temperatures even during summer heat waves, with one visitor reporting temperatures approximately 10 degrees cooler than in the valleys below. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with stronger signals at higher elevations near communication towers but limited to no coverage in river valleys and forested areas. Water availability is inconsistent at dispersed sites, requiring visitors to bring their own or filter from nearby streams.
The Little Blackfoot River provides a scenic backdrop for several camping areas, with three designated dispersed sites marked by the Forest Service along its banks. A visitor commented that "this was a pretty spot on the river with quite a few sites and a day use area," though noted that "access to the river was a bit tight." Sites with river access typically receive higher ratings, with campers particularly valuing the combination of fishing opportunities and secluded camping. Forest thinning has occurred at several campgrounds due to pine beetle damage, creating more open settings at locations like Cromwell Dixon Campground. This provides unobstructed views for stargazing but reduces shade coverage during hot summer days. Most campgrounds in the region maintain a rustic character with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables but minimal additional amenities.
"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."
"The layout is pretty condensed so I was quite close to my neighbor. Campground was quiet, some road noise outside. An excellent option to break up a drive on I-90."
"The playgrounds are fun for the kiddos and the river walk is super close. There is lots of shade available from the trees, but our site was full sun."
"The access when you turn off at Elliston is not clearly marked but there is only one road that turns off there so its not too difficult to get on the right road."
"Up a forest service road, so four-wheel-drive came in handy. A bit muddy. There are a variety of sites available, some are easier to access than others."
"Moose Creek campground is located along the newly paved Remini Road. This 9 site campground is scheduled to increase to $15 per night. "
"Hiking trail right by the cabin, even found some huckleberry nearby."
"It’s well worth the drive and potholes. Large sites lots of space in between sites too. We had #5 with a short path to the water. Stating one night but I think we’ll stay two. Happy camping!"
"Kaden Campground is a Helena National Forest Campground just about at the end of the road, the trail head for Blackfeet Meadows Trail is just a short distance past the campground. "
from $10 / night
Check Availability"This is a nice large flat right next to the creek with plenty of room for multiple tents or RVs. The site has a large rock fire ring and the big bonus of having a picnic table. "
"Easy access to the creek for fishing. great little fire pit."
"Was nice being close to the creek and there was lots of fallen trees we used for firewood. Quiet spot with a small amount of traffic on the road."
"Helena National Forest's Park Lake Campground sits next to the beautiful Park Lake. A day use areas sits along the east side of the lake."
"Our favorite nearby campground that's for enough away to get everyone to unplug. Peaceful mountain lake with no motors allowed on the water. Fish, kayak, paddle board, and swim."
"On our way to Yellowstone and it was getting late in the day, seen signs for the Old Montana Prison and decided that would be a fun stop."
"wheelchair it will be very difficult to access the bath house or laundry facilities as there is no ramp to get you over the concrete platform the building is on, and there is a 2-4 inch lip from the gravel drive"
"An outhouse is outside. A nice metal fire ring is available with two picnic tables. Fire wood is supplied during the winter months. Wood stove is in the living room area to heat the cabin. "
"It’s a great cabin it’s super close to the road it has two bedrooms they both have 2 beds a double and a single bed."
from $50 - $65 / night
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ScoutBy the interstate, $10 to camp. Takes cash, check or there is a kiosk for cards. Definitely interstate noise and gun shots in the distance, but great for one night stay. You can back in right by the river. Our travel trailer was 27ft and we chose site #3, it was easy to back into to.
RangerReviewed by: The Crew at Hitched4fun.com
If you are looking for an overnight stop while rolling through southwestern Montana on Interstate 15 or Interstate 90, the Butte KOA Journey serves its purpose as a functional travel hub. It is far from a luxury resort destination, but if you need a safe, inexpensive, and easily accessible place to park your rig for the night, it gets the job done.
Campground Grounds & Amenities
It is best to set expectations before pulling in—this is a very basic, older KOA:
Location & Highway Access
Must-See Local Stop: The Berkeley Pit Tour
If you stay here, do not leave town without visiting the Berkeley Pit.
The Hitched4fun Verdict
The Butte KOA Journey won't win awards for landscaping, but its budget-friendly rate, safe atmosphere, and prime interstate convenience make it a viable 3-star overnight rest stop. Pair it with a half-hour visit to the Berkeley Pit to get an authentic taste of Montana's copper history before hitting the highway again.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3 out of 5 Stars)
ScoutMatt and Nicole are a couple of the nicest hard working folks we've met in all of our rv travels. Would highly recommend the Lost Moose to anyone traveling in an RV in that Area. Mark and Sue Ennis, MT
TravelerPlenty of sites to pick, it seems that at least half of them are right on the water. Pit toilets available. Campground host is attentive but not invasive.
ScoutNice for overnight stop cose to I90 sites are tight trails and Butte visitor center next to campground
ScoutGated road at this location, maybe still good from other starting point but no viable sites coming from Rimini that I saw. Road gets a bit rough, did find a rough roadside spot for the night but for the 8-9 mile drive in on dirt roads definitely not worthwhile.
TravelerStopped in overnight. Nice quiet spot on the lake. Toilets were very clean. Enjoyed the hike to the overlook. Hard to find what the off season prices were.
GuideQuiet, few campers, closes Oct. 1st with some campgrounds remaining open. Narrow asphalt roads in campground. Narrow asphalt pad fairly level. Lots of shade in this campground
TravelerSuper clean and very quiet. Full hookups and they take most discount programs. Only drawback is that the sites are a bit close.
The Elliston, Montana area features a mix of both established campgrounds and dispersed camping options primarily within Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. Cromwell Dixon Campground, situated on the Continental Divide at McDonald Pass, offers 15 developed sites with picnic tables, drinking water, and vault toilets. For those seeking more primitive experiences, several dispersed camping areas exist along Forest Road 314 and the Little Blackfoot River. Accommodations range from tent and RV sites to rentable forest service cabins like Moose Creek Cabin and Kading Cabin. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from Memorial Day through early fall.
Road conditions in the dispersed camping areas require careful consideration, with several sites accessible only via forest service roads that may be muddy or closed seasonally. "Up a forest service road, so four-wheel-drive came in handy. A bit muddy," one camper noted about the Forest Road 314 dispersed sites. Weather at higher elevations can be significantly cooler than in the valleys, making campgrounds like Cromwell Dixon a popular summer destination when valley temperatures climb into the 90s. Most dispersed sites lack amenities like toilets or water, requiring visitors to pack in supplies and pack out waste. Cell service varies throughout the area, with better coverage near established campgrounds and diminished connectivity in more remote locations.
Campers frequently mention the Little Blackfoot River as a highlight of the region, with three designated dispersed sites offering varying degrees of river access. These sites include established fire rings and some have picnic tables. A visitor commented that there was "easy access to the creek for fishing" at one of the Little Blackfoot River dispersed sites. Several reviews note the presence of train noise for sites closer to the main roads, while deeper forest sites offer more solitude. Kading Campground, located at the end of Little Blackfoot Road, receives consistently high ratings for its peaceful atmosphere and proximity to hiking trails. Most campgrounds in this area have been cleared of beetle-killed trees in recent years, resulting in more open, less shaded sites but offering excellent views of the surrounding landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Elliston campground?
Campgrounds near Elliston offer varying amenities depending on location. Deerlodge National Forest Lowland Campground provides 11 sites, vault toilets, and a day use area, though there's no cell service for those seeking to disconnect. Black Sandy State Park Campground offers electrical hookups, toilets, and lakeside camping with boat docking facilities. Most area campgrounds feature basic amenities like vault toilets and fire rings, with some providing additional facilities such as picnic areas, fishing access, and water sources depending on the specific location.
Where is the Elliston campground located and how do I access it?
The Elliston area in Montana offers multiple camping options in the surrounding region. Indian Road Campground is located just outside of Townsend, Montana near the Missouri River, with easy access from the nearby highway. For those seeking camping options closer to Elliston, Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite provides drive-in access with free camping opportunities. Many campgrounds in this scenic region of Montana are accessible via major highways and forest service roads, though conditions may vary seasonally.
How much does it cost to stay at Elliston campground?
Camping costs in the Elliston area vary by location and amenities. Goose Bay Marina and Campground offers a primitive camping area that is free to use with vault toilets and fire rings at dispersed sites. For those seeking RV accommodations, 2 Bar Lazy H RV Campground west of Butte provides developed sites with restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities at standard RV park rates. Many national forest and BLM sites in the region typically charge $5-15 per night, while state parks may range from $15-28 depending on amenities and hookups available.
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