Kading Campground features a small public corral across the road from the main camping area, suitable for overnight equestrian use. Located along the upper Little Blackfoot River at the end of Little Blackfoot Road, this horse-friendly campsite includes two horse watering troughs within the main campground area. The campground offers 11 individual sites, each equipped with picnic tables and metal fire rings. Campground facilities include two vault toilets, with drinking water available at Kading Cabin located across from the campground entrance. Horse owners benefit from the campground's position at the road's end, ensuring minimal vehicle traffic and quiet nights for easily startled animals.
A trailhead at the end of the road connects directly to a trail following the Little Blackfoot River, providing immediate trail access for riders. This trail leads to Blackfoot Meadows, a popular fly fishing destination approximately five miles from camp. The campground's location in the Helena National Forest provides access to extensive riding opportunities. Indian Meadows Trailhead, another equestrian-friendly area near Elliston, serves as the departure point for two wilderness trails: Mainline Trail #481 and Landers Fork Trail #438. This free camping area includes five developed sites with tables and fire rings, plus ample parking designed to accommodate horse trailers. The recently cleared beetle-killed trees have made the campground more open than in previous years, creating better sightlines for monitoring horses while at camp.
"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."
"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
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $45 / night
"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."
"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."
from $35 - $40 / night
"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."
"Only a mile or so from holter lake so you can drive back to the lake and play around or go to the store."
"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."
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.
TravelerDidn't see a parking over night so gave it a try. Not bad, just a big lot
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.
GuideWe 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. There was a restroom in the center of the trailhead but no bear box that we saw. We didn’t get there until late at night, around 10, and still had a large number of campsites available. The only downside to this location is the access road being full of potholes, and if pulling up to the site late at night be careful for the narrow, winding roads that have a large drop off.
GuideSharon and her partner do an incredible job running this place. They made sure we had a shady pull through near our friends staying in a cabin and even provided a shuttle up and down the river so we could tube! Not the best fishing along the campground but still had some luck with brown trout. They offer a “honey pot” mobile dump station where they come pump your sewage, sometimes offering a free dump for stays of a week or longer. We loved it here and it’s not too far from some awesome attractions like garnet ghost town or rock creek fishing and even Missoula for a night out. I genuinely plan to return with friends some day!
GuideCampground is alongside Lost Creek which offers a pretty nice waterfall accessible by a short paved path. The sites are large and private and somewhat level but many will require leveling. Many of the sites are short, officially 23ft max, but there were several there would easily accommodate our 28 foot rig. toilets. Definitely quiet! No other amenities other than trails. It got very cold (27°) and flurried while we were there! Super surprised that we had some tmobile service! The first 7 sites are asking the entrance road and are exposed. Hold out for the loop at the end of the road for nicer sites.
Equestrian camping near Elliston, Montana offers direct access to the Helena National Forest trail system. Located in Powell County at an elevation of approximately 5,500 feet, this area features a continental climate with cool summer nights and early fall frosts. Beetle kill has affected many forested areas, resulting in more open campsites and improved sightlines throughout campgrounds in the region.
Trail riding opportunities: The Indian Meadows Trailhead serves as the starting point for two wilderness 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," notes Dexter I.
Fly fishing excursions: The Little Blackfoot River provides excellent fishing access points. At Cromwell Dixon Campground, campers can use the Continental Divide Trail for hiking and fishing access. "A five mile hike leads to Blackfoot meadows a popular fly fishing location," according to reviewer Dexter I.
Waterfall viewing: Just 45 minutes from Elliston, Lost Creek State Park Campground features an accessible waterfall. "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," writes Erik B.
Cool summer temperatures: The higher elevation campgrounds provide relief from valley 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," reports Will M. about Cromwell Dixon Campground.
Private camping spaces: Most horse-friendly sites in the area provide good separation between campsites. At Lost Creek State Park, Leland notes: "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."
Cell service availability: Unlike many remote camping areas, some sites near Elliston maintain connectivity. Will M. mentions about Cromwell Dixon: "The other big plus is that there is a cell phone tower right above the campground so you have excellent cell phone service."
Road conditions: Access roads to wilderness trailheads can be challenging. At Indian Meadows Trailhead, Matt K. warns: "The only downside to this location is the access road being full of potholes, and if pulling up to the site late at night be careful for the narrow, winding roads that have a large drop off."
Seasonal water quality: Some campgrounds have intermittent water issues. At Cromwell Dixon, yvonne K. notes: "Pit toilets and water. Water was rusty. It worked for over night."
Limited amenities: Many equestrian-friendly sites lack modern facilities. "No hookups for RVs; Vault toilets, which were very clean. Pack in/Pack out as there are no trash receptacles," explains Steve V. about Cromwell Dixon Campground.
Waterfall accessibility: Families with children will appreciate the easy waterfall access at certain parks. At Lost Creek State Park, Judy T. shares: "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."
Berry picking opportunities: Kids can enjoy seasonal foraging activities. "During our visit the raspberries and thimble berries located along the creek were ripe," mentions Dexter I. about Lost Creek State Park.
Secure overnight stops: When traveling with children, safe overnight options are important. At Bearmouth RV Park, Kim K. found: "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."
Noise considerations: RVers should be aware of potential noise issues. About Bearmouth RV Park, Tadd B. advises: "Interstate noise and the occasional train whistle would keep me from using the facility for nothing more than an overnight stop."
Trailer-friendly sites: Horse trailer owners need adequate parking. At Cottonwood Creek, Megan B. notes: "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."
Mobile services: Some RV parks offer unique amenities for longer stays. Reames C. shares about Bearmouth: "They offer a 'honey pot' mobile dump station where they come pump your sewage, sometimes offering a free dump for stays of a week or longer."
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 4.0-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Elliston, MT?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Elliston, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
