Indian Meadows Trailhead serves as a gateway to several horse-friendly trails in the Helena National Forest. Located approximately 30 miles from Garrison, Montana at an elevation of 4,600 feet, this free camping area offers primitive accommodations for equestrian enthusiasts. The access road contains numerous potholes requiring careful navigation, especially after dark when visibility is limited on the narrow mountain roads.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: The Indian Meadows Trailhead provides access to multiple wilderness trails. "Indian Meadows Trailhead is the trailhead for two trails in to the Helena National Forest Scapegoat Wilderness Area... The area serves as the trail head for two trails, Mainline Trail #481 and Landers Fork Trail #438," notes camper Dexter I.
Mountain lake exploration: Visit the scenic lakes near East Fork Group Area for fishing and photography. Nick T. shares, "The lake at the top of the hill is a sight to be seen with the surrounding mountains. There are hiking trails and access to a massive wilderness area that has in excess of 40 separate lakes."
Waterfall viewing: Take a short hike to see impressive waterfalls at Lost Creek State Park. "After a very long 125 yard hike you will be treated with the 50 foot Lost Creek Falls," says Dexter I., adding that "A nice hundred yard path that is paved to the waterfall for anyone with mobility issues."
What campers like
Cooler temperatures: The higher elevation at Cromwell Dixon Campground provides relief during hot summer months. Will M. explains, "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."
Cell service availability: Some campgrounds offer unexpected connectivity. "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 Campground, which can be important for those needing to stay connected.
Riverside camping: Many campgrounds provide water access. At Bearmouth RV Park, campers enjoy "a beautiful river, mountains all around" according to hanaa, who adds "There is a big field next to the river that was great for kids to run around in."
What you should know
Water availability varies: Not all horse campgrounds near Garrison provide potable water. At Indian Meadows Trailhead, "No water or trash service is available at the site, but can be obtained at the Copper Creek campground a few miles away," according to Dexter I.
Pine beetle impact: Forest conditions have changed at some sites. Dexter I. notes about Kading Cabin, "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."
Road conditions: Access roads to remote trailheads can be challenging. 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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer recreational facilities for children. At Ekstrom's Stage Station Campground, eugenia W. shares that "We pulled in and the kids where so excited!! Wonderful people helped us to our spot, we are t up camp, kids went to the playground & then we went down to the restaurant for dinner!"
Berry picking opportunities: Seasonal fruit can be found at some locations. At Lost Creek State Park, one camper noted, "During our visit the raspberries and thimble berries located along the creek were ripe," providing a fun activity for children.
Trail difficulty considerations: Select appropriate trails based on children's abilities. For easier options, Erik B. recommends, "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."
Tips from RVers
Limited site length: Many horse campgrounds near Garrison have size restrictions. At Lost Creek State Park, Lisa K. advises, "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."
Equestrian facilities: Some campgrounds offer special amenities for horses. Dexter I. mentions that Kading Campground has "a small public corral located across the road from the campground entrance, and there are two horse watering troughs in the campground."
Parking considerations: Allow extra time to position larger vehicles. Indian Meadows Trailhead features "a very large parking are is between the two to allow for additional parking and for horse trailer parking," according to Dexter I.
