Fortine, Montana sits at an elevation of 3,002 feet in the northwest corner of Montana, approximately 22 miles from the Canadian border. The area experiences warm summers with temperatures averaging 75-85°F and cold winters with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. The region surrounding Fortine features numerous equestrian-friendly camping options that accommodate horse trailers and provide access to extensive trail systems.
What to do
Trail riding access points: At Sheldon Mountain Trailhead Camp, equestrians will find designated facilities for horses. "It's a nice equestrian campground! Picnic tables, metal fire rings with grills, vault toilets. Big pretty pine trees," notes camper Tee C.
Backcountry exploration: The Fairview Ranger Station provides a unique base for exploring remote areas. "There's a nicely fenced in yard gives an extra feeling of security when you hear the bears or wolves at night," reports Juice B. The station includes "a nice sized fire ring and plenty of wood in the garage."
Water activities: The Middle Fork Flathead River offers swimming opportunities at Glacier Rim River Access. "River was very deep and a beautiful swim!" shares Sumner C. "The river is beautiful and has a little beach for swimming," adds Tee C., making this a good option for cooling off after trail rides.
What campers like
Mountain views: Several horse-friendly campgrounds offer exceptional scenery. "Lot's of deer walking around, very safe, locals are very friendly," notes John P. about Grave Creek Campground, which features "views of the mountains" and is located in "grizzly country."
Privacy between sites: At horse-friendly campgrounds near Fortine, many campers appreciate the spacious layout. "It's super peaceful and there weren't many people around," Albert V. says about Glacier Rim River Access, while another reviewer mentions, "Camp neighbors pretty far apart."
Convenient location: Horse campgrounds near Fortine provide strategic access to multiple destinations. The area offers "proximity to Whitefish, Glacier NP is excellent," according to Leland, who stayed at Camp Whispering Pines. Charles Y. adds that it's "5 minutes to Rebecca Farms, 20 minutes to Under The Big Sky Venue, 20 minutes to Flathead and Whitefish Lakes, 40 minutes to Glacier National Park."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many horse campgrounds require navigating unpaved roads. "The road from Polebridge is a little tough for RVs," Clayton S. notes about Tuchuck Campground. Sonja R. confirms this: "Rough road going west from Polebridge not suitable for RVs. Much better road eastbound from Eureka side."
Bear awareness: The Fortine area is bear country. John P. reminds visitors: "You are in grizzly country." Campers should store food properly and carry bear spray when trail riding.
Limited facilities: Many horse-friendly campgrounds offer basic amenities. Tuchuck Campground includes "ramps for loading horses and trough for feeding," according to Clayton S., who also notes the "pit toilet is clean."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Glacier Rim River Access provides family-friendly water activities. "The river is beautiful and has a little beach for swimming. My campsite had a good amount of shade and could fit a big rig easily," shares Tee C.
Stargazing opportunities: The area offers exceptional night sky viewing. Daniel C. at Camp Whispering Pines notes, "The night sky is marvelous. The shower was very well thought out: great water pressure, endless heat, and an open roof to stare up at the stars."
Wildlife viewing: Children often enjoy spotting animals around horse campgrounds near Fortine. "There are a lot of trees) and there's even a fenced yard for doggos to run," mentions Emmett S. about the nearby Heritage Cabin Property.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: RV campers should know that horse campgrounds vary in spacing. "My site is one of the better ones. We have a separate fire pit area, with kind of a split level effect," notes Nat E. about Glacier Campground.
Water and electricity: Not all horse campgrounds offer hookups. At Camp Whispering Pines, Leland observes: "No electric hookups, but there is great cell reception and it's only 10 minutes from downtown Kalispell. The price was reasonable, compared to nightly hotel room rates, but for camping, anything over $35 a night really should have power."
Dump station locations: Many horse campgrounds lack dump stations. RVers should plan accordingly by using facilities in nearby towns. Clayton S. mentions that Tuchuck Campground is primarily "set up as a horse camp" with limited RV amenities.
