Equestrian camping near Glen, Montana offers riders access to mountain terrain with varying difficulty levels. The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest region sits at elevations between 5,000-8,000 feet, creating distinct temperature variations between day and night. During summer months, daytime temperatures typically reach the 70s-80s while dropping into the 40s-50s overnight.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: The national forest system provides multiple bridle trails suitable for day rides or extended pack trips. Countryside RV Park serves as a convenient base for exploring these trails, with one visitor noting, "Beautiful location with mountains all around. Great place to stopover driving thru."
Fishing access: Nearby lakes and streams offer excellent fishing opportunities for campers. At Mussigbrod, campers report good fishing despite seasonal variations. "Fishing was slow but we caught fish," shares one visitor who camped in spring.
Wildlife viewing: The area supports diverse wildlife including deer, elk, and occasionally bears. As one Mussigbrod camper observed, "Saw lots of animals even a video of a Grizzly not but 3 miles from the camp grounds. Another camper had the video of the Grizzly from the night before!"
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds in the region offer natural separation between camping spots. At Mussigbrod, one camper appreciated that "All the campsites are pretty isolated from each other by the pine trees so you can't really see your neighbors."
Lake activities: Lake Shore Lodge provides direct lake access with boat launching facilities. "The campground is situated right on the northern shore of Ennis Lake and has a boat launch ramp for those looking to fish," notes one visitor who stayed there in early July.
Mountain views: The surrounding landscape offers scenic vistas that campers consistently mention. Countryside RV Park receives praise for its "very spacious park well kept and great views of the surrounding countryside."
What you should know
Weather conditions: The area can experience sudden weather changes and strong winds. One Countryside RV Park camper warns, "Beautiful location but can be very windy. We were there on a very windy night."
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be prevalent during warmer months, particularly near water. A Mussigbrod Campground visitor advises, "Lovely view you can camp close to the lake down the road or on the lake side streams for fishing, bring big spay lots of mosquitoes."
Limited amenities: Many equestrian-focused sites provide corrals but minimal other facilities. Antelope Mountain View specifically accommodates horses but lacks standard amenities like drinking water, electric hookups, and restroom facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Lake swimming: Mussigbrod's lake offers pleasant swimming opportunities for children. According to one visitor, "The lake is beautiful and not too cold. You can definitely bring a non-motorized boat to go around the lake in."
Spring camping benefits: Early season camping can provide advantages. "The camp grounds were not busy, and no mosquitoes right now," reports a spring visitor to Mussigbrod.
Seasonal planning: Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally with limited availability. Mussigbrod operates from "June 20 to Labor Day," requiring families to plan accordingly for their horse camping trips.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: While some campgrounds accommodate larger rigs, access can be challenging. At Horse Prairie Cabin, the drive-in access requires careful navigation, especially for those hauling horse trailers.
Hookup availability: Limited full-hookup sites exist in the region. Lake Shore Lodge provides more extensive services, with one RVer noting, "Our site had water, sewer, and 30amp service. We were able to fit our 39ft toy hauler in with almost no issues."
Campground amenities: Bathroom facilities vary significantly between locations. One camper at Countryside RV Park describes, "Bathrooms were very small with curtain stalls that hit your knees," highlighting the importance of checking specific facilities when planning horse camping trips.
