Best Equestrian Camping near Elliston, MT

We're here to help you find where to go horse camping in Elliston. It's easy to find Elliston equestrian campgrounds with the Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect site for your Montana horse camping excursion.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Elliston, MT (7)

    Camper-submitted photo from Cromwell Dixon Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cromwell Dixon Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cromwell Dixon Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cromwell Dixon Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cromwell Dixon Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cromwell Dixon Campground

    1. Cromwell Dixon Campground

    10 Reviews
    21 Photos
    41 Saves
    Elliston, Montana

    Cromwell Dixon Campground, located right on the Continental Divide, provides spectacular views of surrounding country encompassing meadows, timbered slopes, and far away mountains. Trailhead access to the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail is nearby. ACTIVITIES Camping Picnicking

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Kading Cabin
    Camper-submitted photo from Kading Cabin
    Camper-submitted photo from Kading Cabin
    Camper-submitted photo from Kading Cabin
    Camper-submitted photo from Kading Cabin
    Camper-submitted photo from Kading Cabin

    2. Kading Cabin

    1 Review
    15 Photos
    15 Saves
    Elliston, Montana

    Overview

    Kading Cabin is located 16 miles south of Elliston, Montana in Helena National Forest. This site has served the Forest Service since the early 1900s when the agency was forming. It was selected for its central location, trail and wagon road accessibility, and telephone line service at the time, ensuring that it would be valuable for both administrative and protective work. The present cabin was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Renovations and repairs were made to the facility in the 1960s and again in the early 1990s. Today, the cabin is a rustic retreat for guests seeking relaxation and recreation in central Montana. The cabin is typically accessible by car; however, heavy amounts of snow in winter can close the road to vehicles. Access to the cabin is via a 7-mile stretch of road passable by snowmobile, snowshoe, skis or dog sled. Guests must be prepared to pack in several of their own supplies.

    Recreation

    Plenty of hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities exist along the numerous trails and roads that can be accessed within a short distance from the cabin. Fly fishing on the Little Blackfoot River is excellent. Brown trout are found in good numbers and large sizes below Elliston. Brook and cutthroat trout are found above Elliston. Whitefish can be found throughout the length of the river. In winter, guests will enjoy snowshoeing, skiing and snowmobiling on trails throughout the area.

    Natural Features

    Hemmed in by old-growth, conifer forest, Kading Cabin sits at the edge of a grassy clearing. The Little Blackfoot River flows near the cabin, a tributary to the Upper Clark Fork watershed. It drains an area of 265,300 acres from the Boulder Mountains north of Butte and west of Helena. The area around the cabin offers a variety of landscapes, from river banks to subalpine terrain. Valley bottoms, dense forests, meadows and barren ridges are mixed with streams, rivers, and lakes. Wildlife in the area abounds. Elk, deer, squirrels and a variety of birds are commonly seen. The more elusive badger, wolverine, mountain lion and lynx find habitat in nearby areas as well.

    Nearby Attractions

    Plenty of historic mines are scattered throughout the area, including Charter Oak Mine and the Mill and the Monarch Mine.

    • Reservable
    • Equestrian
    • Cabins
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Firewood Available
    • Drinking Water

    $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Lost Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bearmouth RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Bearmouth RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Bearmouth RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Bearmouth RV Park

    4. Bearmouth RV Park

    6 Reviews
    4 Photos
    37 Saves
    Drummond, Montana
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $35 - $40 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Cottonwood Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Cottonwood Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Meadows Trailhead
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Meadows Trailhead
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Meadows Trailhead
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Meadows Trailhead
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Meadows Trailhead
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Meadows Trailhead

    6. Indian Meadows Trailhead

    1 Review
    14 Photos
    28 Saves
    Lincoln, Montana

    The Indian Meadows Trailhead provides access into the Scapegoat Wilderness. The site is not usually accessible by passenger vehicles until late May.

    General Notes: Provides access to the Scapegoat Wilderness. Food Storage order in effect. Limited stock campsites available.

    Parking: Ample parking provided for large stock trailers.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Granite Butte Lookout
    Camper-submitted photo from Granite Butte Lookout
    Camper-submitted photo from Granite Butte Lookout
    Camper-submitted photo from Granite Butte Lookout
    Camper-submitted photo from Granite Butte Lookout
    Camper-submitted photo from Granite Butte Lookout

    7. Granite Butte Lookout

    Be the first to review!
    9 Photos
    4 Saves
    Canyon Creek, Montana

    Overview

    The Granite Butte Lookout is located at 7,587 feet above sea level atop the Continental Divide of North America. The 15' by 15' lookout cabin sits atop a 20' tall wooden tower that was first built in 1932. The structure was rebuilt in 1962 and has been recently renovated. This tower was listed on the national register of historic lookouts in 2008 and offers guests a glimpse into the life of a Forest Service Lookout. Located near Lincoln, MT the lookout offers direct access to the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail which stretches along the back bone of the continent from Canada to Mexico. It is accessible by vehicle, but be forewarned, the road is rough towards the end and high-clearance vehicles are recommended. The lookout has the basic amenities including a bed, auxiliary cots, tables, chairs, dishes, cutlery, and a woodstove are provided, but guests should prepare to bring their own bedding, water, and propane.

    Recreation

    The Continental Divide Trail passes right by the lookout tower and offers guests access to as many miles as they care to hike, bike, or ride on horseback. There are several other trails for guests to explore within a 1/2 hour drive. The cabin also offers winter recreation opportunities with cross-country skiing opportunities out the back door and nearby access to over 200 miles of groomed snowmobile trails.

    Facilities

    The Continental Divide Trail passes right by the lookout tower and offers guests access to as many miles as they care to hike, bike, or ride on horseback. There are several other trails for guests to explore within a 1/2 hour drive. The cabin also offers winter recreation opportunities with cross-country skiing opportunities out the back door and nearby access to over 200 miles of groomed snowmobile trails.

    Natural Features

    The lookout is located atop a grassy ridge directly on the Continental Divide. The area around the cabin offers spectacular views, abundant wildflowers, high elevation white bark pine stands, open meadows, and large rock outcroppings. There are lower elevation conifer stands and streams located nearby as well. Wildlife in the area abounds; including the more common elk, mule and white-tailed deer, squirrel, black bear, and a variety of birds. The more elusive grizzly bear, badger, wolverine, mountain lion, and lynx can be found here as well.

    Nearby Attractions

    The nearby town of Lincoln offers restaurants, bars, art galleries, a sculpture park, and many events that are put on in the community throughout the summer. Visitors can also access the scenic Blackfoot River and Copper Creek from town and the nearby area.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Equestrian
    • Picnic Table

    $45 / night

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Showing results 1-7 of 7 campgrounds

Recent Equestrian Reviews in Elliston

30 Reviews of 7 Elliston Campgrounds


  • Erik B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost Creek State Park Campground
    Aug. 31, 2023

    Lost Creek State Park Campground

    Great site. Close waterfall and nice hike.

    First come first served sites but we were surprised to have many available. A nice hundred yard path that is paved to the waterfall for anyone with mobility issues. A longer hike up to the bridge is nice and wooded.

  • Tadd B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Bearmouth RV Park
    Aug. 20, 2023

    Bearmouth RV Park

    Nice place for an overnight

    This is a great location along the Clark Fork river. Staff was very friendly. Sites were well maintained and sufficient.

    Cons: Interstate noise and the occasional train whistle would keep me from using the facility for nothing more than an overnight stop.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cromwell Dixon Campground
    Aug. 7, 2022

    Cromwell Dixon Campground

    No Frills

    This is a small, no frills site just outside of Helena, MT. No hookups for RVs; Vault toilets, which were very clean. Pack in/Pack out as there are no trash receptacles. Moderate road noise until dark. Beautiful views and dark skies at night for stargazing

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Meadows Trailhead
    Jul. 17, 2022

    Indian Meadows Trailhead

    Suprise camping area at trailhead

    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 a vault toilet.  The camping loop has five developed sites with tables and fire rings.  The area serves as the trail head for two trails,  Mainline Trail #481 and Landers Fork Trail #438.  Each trail head has a small parking area, but a very large parking are is between the two to allow for additional parking and for horse trailer parking.  No water or trash service is available at the site, but can be obtained at the Copper Creek campground a few miles away.  Cost is FREE!

  • Aiden A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Cromwell Dixon Campground
    Jul. 9, 2022

    Cromwell Dixon Campground

    Nice, comfortable, easy to access campground.

    You can turn right off the highway and easily access dispersed camping around the site. Only drawback is the highway noise but it dies down when it gets dark.

  • VThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cromwell Dixon Campground
    Jul. 9, 2022

    Cromwell Dixon Campground

    Quiet with nice views

    Sites have good separation. Potable water taps and vault bathrooms are very clean. Higher elevation for cooler Summer evenings. No hookups. Decent cell signal. Can hear road noise at a distance, but not too loud.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost Creek State Park Campground
    Sep. 6, 2021

    Lost Creek State Park Campground

    Waterfall almost in the campground

    Lost Creek State Park campground is a 25 site campground along lost creek. This campground sits in a narrow canyon with colorful white and pink granite walls extending over 1000 feet above the campground. If you like waterfalls then you are in luck, after a very long 125 yard hike you will be treated with the 50 foot Lost Creek Falls. Since this campground is at the end of the road, it is very quiet. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring. Several vault toilets are located through out the campground. During our visit the raspberries and thimble berries located along the creek were ripe. The campground starts pretty much right after you enter the park. The more private sites were located in the beginning of the park. Water is available, but you will need to take your trash with you as no trash service is available. If you want a longer hike than the 250 yard water fall hike, he forest service has a trail head in the park. The trail follows lost creek higher into the mountains.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost Creek State Park Campground
    Sep. 4, 2021

    Lost Creek State Park Campground

    Beautiful but crowded

    Lost Creek is in a beautiful canyon spot, with numerous (25) sites to accommodate all types of campers (huge RV’s to tents). Camping spots are nice, but close to one another and the campground is often full. This means, if you do find a spot, you will have to deal with neighbors . There is a beautiful hiking trail that starts at the top of the campground and there is a beautiful waterfall and rushing creek that is a pleasure to listen to at night. (It almost drowns out the noise from neighboring campers if you find a spot on the creek.)

  • Will M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cromwell Dixon Campground
    Aug. 31, 2021

    Cromwell Dixon Campground

    Great place to avoid summer heat

    I stayed there for a few weeks when the temperature is down in the valley started to get into the upper 90s and near 100. It was a good 10° cooler at this campsite than down in the valleys. You sit right below the continental divide with good access to the continental divide trail. The other big plus is that there is a cell phone tower right above the campground so you have excellent cell phone service. It's a nice clean little campground with a pit toilet and water available.

  • h
    Camper-submitted photo from Bearmouth RV Park
    Aug. 6, 2021

    Bearmouth RV Park

    Gorgeous & convenient location, but hwy is loud

    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. There is a big field next to the river that was great for kids to run around in. This feels like more of a stop through campsite than one you’d stay for several days, and it’s perfect for that.

  • Camp Comet
    Camper-submitted photo from Cromwell Dixon Campground
    Jul. 11, 2021

    Cromwell Dixon Campground

    A Beautiful Surprise!

    A Stunning Surprise! In spite of a loss of large pine trees... and having no personal comparison, for us, this was a surprise. So peaceful and with a gorgeous sunset on a vast horizon. The rocky sloped landscape had a lot of wildflowers and made for a pleasant overnight stop with no expectations.

  • FreeganDave H.
    Camper-submitted photo from O'Neill Campground
    Jan. 25, 2021

    O'Neill Campground

    On theBoulder river

    Nice camp ground. It’s primitive , has a couple fire pits. Pack it in pack it out! Quit except the highway is just up and over the river. Free

  • Judy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost Creek State Park Campground
    Nov. 27, 2020

    Lost Creek State Park Campground

    A waterfall for a neighbor

    Lost Creek State Park has a beautiful canyon setting and a pretty waterfall just a very short hike from your campsite. We stayed in site #14 where was the closest site. We could hear the waterfall from there. Our stay was on September 9, 2019. We paid $28 as a non-resident. Potable water was from a large pump spigot. The vault toilets were very clean and we saw the ranger several times. There are some trails nearby and a beaver pond along the road in. The road in is narrow but paved and you will be gawking at the scenery.

    This has been one of our favorite campgrounds and we plan to return.

  • Timothy
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost Creek State Park Campground
    Aug. 31, 2020

    Lost Creek State Park Campground

    Very private

    Absolutely loved this hidden spot back in the valley between two mountains. Has a short walk back to a very nice waterfall. Definitely recommend this spot if you are passing through. Keep driving all the way back to the loop at the end. It has some great sites here.

  • Morgan N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Bearmouth RV Park
    Aug. 11, 2020

    Bearmouth RV Park

    Great!

    We stopped here for one night on our way to Olympic National Park and I’m so glad we did. The grounds are SO well maintained and the owners are super nice. There are cute flower beds all around and the cabins are adorable.

  • R
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost Creek State Park Campground
    Jul. 22, 2020

    Lost Creek State Park Campground

    Beautiful, quiet creekside camping

    This campground is well maintained and tucked away between beautiful rock formations, a rushing creek, and aspens. Our spot was perfect, with a little picnic table that was chained but able to be moved slightly and a fire pit with a metal grill. Perfect getaway spot and very dog friendly!

  • Sean H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost Creek State Park Campground
    Jun. 26, 2020

    Lost Creek State Park Campground

    Beautiful, easy access, well maintained

    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. You have to start by going to the waterfall, which is a very easy 100 yard, paved hike. If you’re staying overnight, campgrounds are located right next to the trailheads and offer tables, campfire rings, and well-water. The prices for both day use and overnight use differ for state residents and out of state residents. If you’re staying multiple days, take advantage of the miles of trails that will bring you to different creeks and mountain lakes!

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Bearmouth RV Park
    Sep. 17, 2019

    Bearmouth RV Park

    Nice family run park

    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.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost Creek State Park Campground
    Jul. 28, 2019

    Lost Creek State Park Campground

    On the road to nowhere!

    I would think you either need to decide this campground is a destination or, like us, pick it as a midway point between Yellowstone and Glacier. 21 sites, no reservations but was told the campground rarely fills. I really did not feel the love when we arrived here. We didn’t know the layout and after Sites 1-6, the (gravel) road seemed to go on for quite some distance without seeing any additional sites. We settled into Site 4, which was very close to Site 5. This would be good if you were with friends, but we hedged our bets that after 5 pm on a Sunday, no one would take that spot and we were right. These sites have no shade, however, and it was very hot until the sun dipped below the rock walls surrounding the campground. Only pit toilets but they were exceptionally clean. Early the next morning, I set out for the mile walk to see the rest of the park. Site 7 is about a quarter-mile from Site 6 and has a seemingly private pit toilet as Sites 8-21 are another half mile up the road from Site 7. Sites 8-21 have a few pit toilets (also clean) and drinking water (Sites 1-7 do not). They are also more shaded. There is a nice waterfall accessible via a short, paved path from the end of the park as well as an additional trailhead (this I did not explore). Two small day-use areas; one between sites 6 and 7 and one at the end of the loop. The host was very friendly. There is a pack-in/pack-out policy. By the time we left, I was loving this place much more and might have given it five stars except for the steep price: $28 for non-residents for basically dry camping– compared to what we got in Idaho, this price is very high!

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Bearmouth RV Park
    Jul. 6, 2019

    Bearmouth RV Park

    Right oFF the highway but just what I needed.

    I was traveling on my own coming home from a holiday weekend. I needed to find a safe comfortable place to sleep for the night. I arrived at 10:30pm and the two gentlemen that greeted me at this RV park could not have been more helpful or kind.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Kading Cabin
    Jun. 24, 2019

    Kading Cabin

    Have a quiet unplugged night at Kading Campground

    If you are looking for a quiet campground away from electronic distractions then this campground is for you. Kading Campground is located along the upper Little Blackfoot river at the end of Little Blackfoot road. Being at the end of the road and located along the river you will have a nice quiet night as the only vehicle traffic with be those vehicles travel to the campground of near by trail head. Kading Campground has 11 sites, each site has a picnic table and metal fire rings. The campground has two vault toilets. Water is available at Kading Cabin located across the road from the campground entrance. A small public corral is located across the road from the campground, and there are two horse watering troughs in the campground. A trail head at the end of the road can be reached from a short trail at the end of the campground. The trail follows the Little Blackfoot river. A five mile hike leads to Blackfoot meadows a popular fly fishing location. The campground has been recently cleared of its beetle killed trees making the campground much more open than it used to been, but this is still a nice quiet campground to visit.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cromwell Dixon Campground
    Jun. 12, 2019

    Cromwell Dixon Campground

    Nice camground on the Continental Divide

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    Cromwell Dixon Campground is a nice Forest Service Campground located on the Continental Divide's McDonald Pass. The campground has 15 campsites serviced by two vault toilets and water spigots. This is a Trash-in Trash-out campground. The campground has a mixture of drive and and pull through sites. All sites are first come first served. This campground use to be nicer until pine beetles killed most of the trees. All the dead trees have been removed making this campground more open, with little cover from the winds. Cromwell Dixon is very busy during the summer months. The campground is available in the shoulder seasons if snow drifts are not blocking your access to the campground. Nearby the campground are trail heads for the Continental Divide trail heading south along the trail. The hike along the CDT trail is a nice hike through rolling terrain.

  • Megan B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Cottonwood Creek
    Jul. 16, 2018

    Cottonwood Creek

    Right next to the creek

    Great secluded spot to set up a tent or boondock. Vault toilets. Only a mile or so from holter lake so you can drive back to the lake and play around or go to the store.



Guide to Elliston

Horse camping in Montana offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and hit the trails.

Tips for equestrian camping near Elliston, Montana

  • At Kading Cabin, you'll find a small public corral and horse watering troughs, making it convenient for your horses during your stay.
  • The Indian Meadows Trailhead features a camping area with picnic tables and metal fire rings, plus access to trails in the Helena National Forest, perfect for horseback riding.
  • Granite Butte Lookout allows for horse camping, providing a scenic backdrop for your outdoor adventures.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • Lost Creek State Park Campground offers a peaceful environment with nearby trails, ideal for riding and exploring the beautiful canyon setting.
  • At Cottonwood Creek, you can enjoy a secluded spot with access to nearby lakes, perfect for a refreshing break after a day of riding.
  • The Bearmouth RV Park is big rig friendly and provides ample space for horse trailers, making it a convenient stop for equestrian travelers.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like trails and water access

  • Cromwell Dixon Campground features a drive-in access point and allows pets, making it a suitable choice for horse camping.
  • The Indian Meadows Trailhead not only has picnic tables but also serves as a trailhead for two popular trails, perfect for horseback riding.
  • Kading Cabin is located along the Little Blackfoot River, providing a serene setting for both you and your horse after a day of riding.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Elliston, MT?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Elliston, MT is Cromwell Dixon Campground with a 4-star rating from 10 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Elliston, MT?

    TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Elliston, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.