Best Campgrounds near Elliston, MT
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.
