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Elliston Dispersed Camping on Forest Road 314 offers pets-allowed sites in forested terrain with varying accessibility. Some spots require four-wheel-drive, especially during muddy conditions. The first site off the road features rocky ground unsuitable for tent stakes but provides a quiet overnight experience with no neighbors. Beyond the initial site, visitors can find more secluded spots among the trees. Cromwell Dixon Campground, Park Lake Campground, and Kading Campground also welcome pets, providing more established facilities including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Sites at Kading have short paths leading to the Little Blackfoot River, perfect for dogs that enjoy water.
The Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite provides a spacious area for camping with pets alongside the river. Large, flat terrain accommodates multiple tents or RVs, with rock fire rings and picnic tables at designated sites. A short trail leads to the river, though it requires some scrambling. The nearby Scott Reservoir Dispersed area offers additional pet-friendly camping with 4-5 fire rings overlooking the water. For those seeking more comfortable accommodations with pets, Moose Creek Cabin and Lost Horse Cabin permit pets, with the latter providing beds for up to eight people and a large open floorplan. Both cabins include outhouses, fire rings, and picnic tables. Park Lake Campground features paved sites perfect for children on bicycles, with the added benefit of cell service despite its remote mountain setting.
"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 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. "
"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"Road going around to the other side of the reservoir is gated and closed now."
"There were just a few cars driving back down the mountain in the evening. But no one bothered."
"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."
from $60 / night
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ScoutWe enjoyed an incredible weekend at this campground. Nice clean restrooms, spacious sites, and they even pick up your trash every morning. Great dog park. The owners are very helpful and friendly . We definitely will be back.
GuideA lot of water stations. The boat dock parking area allowed camping along the perimeter. A few paved walking paths near the beach area. The narrow paved roads made life interesting. The fish cleaning station is closed due to vandalism. Our first day was 105F which made the lake more inviting. Evening low of 76F. No pets on the fairly small swim beach. All other water access has large rocks for erosion mitigation.
Our Saturday departure was delayed by FWP boat inspection at the entrance and a long line was inbound to Holter Lake.
ScoutNice place, quite and inviting. Walking distance to all the amenities of town. This park has a pit toilet and flush toilets, also showers, potable water and garbage service. Huge spots with lots of space. Pull through spots perfect for RV or tent camping. Sites available with or without hookups. Playground for kids and it's pet friendly! We love this park.
ScoutClean. Had outhouses. Pet and family friendly drive to accessible. Tent and camper parking. Right on the water.
TravelerWow this was a very unique camping experience up in the boulders. Had a lot of fun walking my dogs and cat up in there. (Yes my cat goes camping too). There was no water pumps on the campground, however there is a nice little creek running through that one could get water. Also there were vault toilets and the one we used was closer to the entrance of the campground. It was clean, however the door didn't lock. Really wish we didn't go on a holiday weekend as it sounded like a dirt bike ho-down and wasn't very relaxing. We will try again during the week or a non holiday weekend. The stars were gorgeous, and the bird watching was phenomenal. At least when there weren't dirt bikes.
TravelerThe campground itself is nice. It’s on a cove and sheltered from the wind. It is right in the middle of a village so you are surrounded by houses. The current caretaker is quite rude and not accommodating unfortunately. Pets must be leashes.
TravelerVery friendly. Campground store, campground hosts.
Lake access, boat access.
Pet friendly.
Picnic tables and gazebos throughout the park.
Clean bathrooms, outhouse and showers available.
Full electric, sewer hook up spots available.
ScoutNot too busy during the weekday. Picnic table and metal fire ring. I didn’t see any bathrooms but might have missed them as I drove in at night. Not a lot of trees so there isn’t much privacy, but the other sites were far enough away that it didn’t matter. Pretty windy. I heard coyotes at night so keep your pets close, otherwise it’s very quiet and peaceful. Just a stones throw away from the water.
LegendThis is a nice campground just outside of Townsend Montana. Good information signs about the area and the Lewis and Clark journey. A nice fishing pond is available for children 14 and under. Campground is on the edge of the Missouri river. The only draw back is noise from the nearby highway.
Dispersed camping near Elliston, Montana offers overnight options at elevations between 5,000-6,000 feet in the Helena National Forest. Forest Road 314 serves as the primary access point, with road conditions varying seasonally due to spring snowmelt and summer thunderstorms. Campers should prepare for temperature fluctuations common in this mountainous region, where overnight lows can drop significantly even during summer months.
Mountain biking access: The Continental Divide Trail is accessible from Cromwell Dixon Campground, providing single-track options for experienced riders. "A nice hike, take the short trail at the end of the campground to the Blackfoot Meadows Trail head. A 5 mile hike (10 round trip) will take you to Blackfoot Meadows and some very good fly fishing," notes Dexter I.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings at Scott Reservoir Dispersed area offer opportunities to spot deer, chipmunks and rabbits. "Great place to camp for overlooking the reservoir. Ran into one local taking pictures but left soon after. About 4-5 rock fire rings fairly close together," reports Don S.
Stargazing: The mountain elevation provides excellent night sky visibility. "Beautiful views and dark skies at night for stargazing," mentions Steve V. from Cromwell Dixon Campground, where limited light pollution creates optimal viewing conditions.
River access: Kading Campground offers direct pathways to water. "Our site had a small path down to the river (which was amazing!). The site had more than enough room for a travel trailer and truck," explains Lauren C., highlighting the convenient water entry points.
Temperature relief: Higher elevations provide escape 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," shares Will M. about his summer experience.
Mountain views: Scenic vistas surround many sites, particularly at Scott Reservoir Dispersed. "You're right by the water with great mountain view, couldn't ask for more. There's a nice hand full of spots you could pull up in a car, maybe two spots your could fit a small trailer in," describes Ashley C.
Cell service availability: Connectivity varies by location and carrier. "The other big plus is that there is a cell phone tower right above the campground so you have excellent cell phone service," notes Will M. about Cromwell Dixon, while many dispersed sites lack coverage.
Road conditions: Access requires appropriate vehicles for some sites. "Road is a bit rough, would be hesitant to bring a low clearance vehicle up there," cautions Lauren C. about Kading Campground, while others mention "not the best roads but I got up there fine with my 2015 Outback."
Limited facilities: Park Lake Campground offers more amenities than dispersed sites. "The campground has two vault toilets (a third one sits at the entrance to the campground in the day use area). Water is available from two hand pumps in the campground," explains Dexter I., contrasting with the more primitive options.
Paved sites for kids: Some campgrounds offer child-friendly terrain. "The entire campground is paved! Perfect for the kiddos on their bicycles," recommends Heather about Park Lake Campground, making it ideal for families with young cyclists.
Boulder exploration: Natural features provide entertainment. "The kids will love all the large boulders to climb on," mentions Dexter I. about Park Lake Campground, offering natural playground alternatives.
Day-use areas: Combined camping and day activities work well for restless children. "A day use area sits along the east side of the lake," notes a reviewer, explaining how families can mix camping with separate recreation spaces when children need variety.
Site dimensions: Bernie & Sharons Riverfront RV Park accommodates larger rigs with specific hookups. "We were driving an electric car (Tesla) and were told that we could use the 30 amp to recharge it at no extra costs. At less than $40 for a site with 30 amp this was a steal compared to what we paid at other campgrounds," shares JP C.
Pull-through availability: Some sites offer easier parking options. "We have a 40' w/tow and opted for a pull through for 1 night," mentions James and Susan K., highlighting the convenience for larger vehicles at Bernie & Sharons.
Pet-friendly cabin option: Lost Horse Cabin welcomes pets in more substantial accommodations. "Nice spacious log cabin with plenty of room to roam/hike in the area. Beds for up to 8 people, wood stove and firewood on site," notes K B., making it suitable for RVers seeking an alternative to vehicle camping with their pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Elliston, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Elliston, MT is Cromwell Dixon Campground with a 4-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Elliston, MT?
TheDyrt.com has all 107 dog-friendly camping locations near Elliston, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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