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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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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
Check Availability"If you are looking for a quiet campground away from electronic distractions then this campground is for you."
from $30 - $45 / night
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GuideMapping directions are OFF. Follow written instructions from town. The water and electricity are dead (May) still to be prepped for season. Some trees obstructing clearance for tall trailers. Nice open space near river, worked well for two overnight stays.
TravelerPacked full of people (memorial day weekend) but a good spot. Felt very safe. And it was gorgeous next to the water.
GuideWe were planning on camping at Canyon Ferry Lake but it was way too windy! Searched for a campground more out of the wind and landed here. Was definitely less windy and had campsites available! Walking access to river and places to sit on the bank and watch the water and animals. There was one pit toilet. Glad we found this place to get out of the wind. Was good for one night stay but wouldn’t stay more than that. The trains passing through were quite loud and so was the freeway, but other than that it was a decent place for the night.
ScoutIt’s a nice campground at the Craig boat launch. Comes with the noise of a popular boat ramp but it’s right on the river and smack dab in the giant metropolitan town of Craig.
GuideThis our 4th year staying here and visiting the mine-site 28 is on the river and private! Owners are kind and compassionate people ! Always a joy to stay here !
GuideNice quiet spot, we were greeted as we pulled in and were escorted to our site. The views are amazing. The staff are so friendly. Everything was clean and functional.
GuideHad the place 100% to ourselves! Looks like some upgrades happening as well. A nice overnight stop, will stay here again!
ScoutThe campground is just off 90, so a convenient stop if you need a safe place with bathroom amenities. The host was very nice, friendly and helpful. This is a small, privately owned place that is well cared for. It is not especially modern, but that wasn’t our priority. There is some highway noise and there can be freight train sounds (horn). There is a great view of the Anaconda Mtns.
GuideThis is my first time camping on the east shore of Canyon Ferry. Access is very easy and many open spots with fire pits all over. Grounds on some spots are pretty beaten up and some others are very grassy and clean. Several bathrooms around, but no running water or tp stocked. Doesn’t look like this spot is loved on by BLM too much but that’s fair it’s free. Currently the water level is very low and I’m excited to return when it’s full. I like being able to park right near the edge of the reservoir and see all the water out my camper windows.
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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