Summit Trailhead Horse Camp serves primarily as an equestrian staging area located between Glacier National Park and the Blackfeet Reservation. The gravel lot provides room for horse trailers and tent sites with access to vault toilets and ample parking for vehicles with trailers. The site connects directly to area hiking and riding trails, typically experiencing minimal human traffic. Visitors should prepare for mosquitoes in evening hours and limited natural shade during summer months.
What to do
Horseback riding access: Trails extend directly from the trailhead, allowing riders immediate entry to forest paths. Glacier Rim River Access offers additional recreational options as "there is a 3 day stay limit at Middle Fork and 16 day stay limit at Glacier Rim."
Swimming in glacier-fed waters: The cold, clear rivers near many horse campgrounds near Flathead National Forest provide swimming spots during summer months. At Glacier Rim, "the river is beautiful and has a little beach for swimming" according to Tee C.
Stargazing opportunities: The minimal light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing at campsites. At Glacier Campground, one camper noted the "incredible night sky. Only other place I've seen so many stars/the Milky Way was Death Valley."
What campers like
Proximity to trail systems: Equestrian sites provide direct access to extensive trail networks. The Summit area offers "good hiking near by which our dog loved," according to Chloe B., making it popular with both riders and hikers.
Creek access for horses: Several equestrian campgrounds feature nearby creek access for watering horses. At Holland Lake Campground, Carmen H. notes it's "pet friendly, and campers regularly leave their water toys, kayaks, canoes, etc., on the shoreline during their stay with no fear of them being stollen."
Peaceful surroundings: Most horse camping areas have minimal traffic and noise. One camper described their Summit experience as "peaceful" and "didn't get much traffic which was perfect for us since we were looking for a peaceful spot to park."
What you should know
Seasonal restrictions possible: Some equestrian sites may have posted signage indicating camping restrictions. Jon S. reported about Summit Trailhead: "Just gravel lot for the trailhead, no camping signs posted."
Bear awareness essential: Both black and grizzly bears frequent horse camping areas. At Red Eagle Campground, a camper reported "there was a bear near camp one of the nights and the staff was on top of the situation, monitoring and making sure we were safe."
Train noise considerations: Railroad proximity affects some camping areas with intermittent train noise. Holland Lake Campground offers an alternative where Carmen H. reports: "This is my favorite camp ground for an escape from reality!"
Tips for camping with families
Bug protection required: Evening mosquitoes can become problematic for children and animals alike. Chloe B. advises Summit visitors to "watch out for the mosquitos they get really bad in the evening hours so bring bug spray for you and any pets."
Alternative accommodations: For families wanting access to horse camping areas with more amenities, nearby options exist. Moose Creek RV Resort is described as having "a variety of sites. We had an asphalt pad, but some were gravel. There were tent spaces as well. The store was nicely stocked and the bathrooms were typical."
Kid-friendly activities: Some nearby locations offer recreational facilities beyond the horse trails. Moose Creek "games for the kids and a sauna for the adults," according to one reviewer.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many horse camping areas have uneven terrain requiring leveling equipment. Mountain View RV Park offers a more level alternative where "site was level and just enough space for trailer and truck(a bit crowded but worked), full sun, no shade and a picnic table."
Water access limitations: Most primitive horse camping areas lack hookups for RVs, requiring self-contained units. For those needing services, Julia M. found Mountain View RV Park has "splitter on the water spiket provided. Light road noise from hwy nearby, but not bad."
Bridge access concerns: Some horse campground access roads have weight or width restrictions. Nancy C. warns about Red Eagle Campground: "The road into the campground is rough and the bridge you have to cross is equally as rough. S.L.O.W."
