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Best Equestrian Camping near Hamilton, MT

48 Reviews

Bear Creek Pass Campground provides hitching posts and a loading ramp for horses near two trailheads in the Bitterroot Mountains. The facilities show limited recent use but remain functional for equestrians planning day rides or overnight trips. The campground functions as semi-official dispersed camping with minimal designated tent sites. A vault toilet is available near the larger parking area between the two trailheads. The one identifiable campsite contains a fire ring in an area where vegetation has been pressed down, suitable for overnight camping before starting on a hike or ride.

Located approximately 1 mile from Highway 93, Charles Waters Campground offers access to numerous hiking and horseback riding trails directly across from the campground. The trailhead provides additional parking for horse trailers with ample space for loading and unloading. Clean vault toilets and good well water are available throughout the campground. Several riders note the trails are well-maintained and suitable for horses with forest roads extending to mountain overlooks with picnic tables. Bass Creek flows nearby, providing water access for horses during warmer months. The campground remains open from May through November, with a $10 nightly fee ($7.50 with senior discount). Sites are paved and reasonably level, accommodating both tent campers and smaller RVs.

Map showing campgrounds near Hamilton, MontanaExplore the Map

Best Equestrian Sites Near Hamilton, Montana (11)

    1. Charles Waters Campground

    20 Reviews
    Florence, MT
    22 miles
    Website

    "There is tons of trails for hiking, horse back and driving as well as tons of stream access only down fall is not really for fishing."

    "Fishing wouldn't be great at that location, as the creek is fairly shallow. The parking spot for the camper was super level asphalt, and plenty Ling enough for our 33.5' fifth wheel."

    2. Old Barn Studios

    Be the first to review!
    Hamilton, MT
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 270-2628

    $50 - $75 / night

    3. Bear Creek Pass Campground

    1 Review
    Darby, MT
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 821-3913

    4. Sam Billings Memorial Campground

    4 Reviews
    Conner, MT
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 821-3269

    "Toilets are located across from site 3, between 5/6, across from 12. #7 is low ground camping you walk down to with minimal shade and perfect for hot weather days."

    "If your a good walker Montana is for you, the water amazes me at how clear it is but very cold, if your lucky you'll find a hot spring."

    5. Ekstrom's Stage Station Campground

    8 Reviews
    Clinton, MT
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 825-3183

    $40 - $100 / night

    "Beautiful location, classic Montana with trees mountains and rivers! Great restaurant on site. Campsites are the reason for not giving 5 stars. Very tight and not great space for maneuverability."

    "There is a basketball court, sand volleyball court, horse shoes and a playground. There’s also a beautiful creek running along the campground with beautiful Mountain views."

    6. Bearmouth RV Park

    8 Reviews
    Drummond, MT
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 825-9950

    $35 - $40 / night

    "This campsite is pristine, next to a beautiful river, mountains all around. There is a good amount of space between RV campsites, all of which have water and electric."

    "Beautiful views here along the Clark Fork River with lots of things to do in the nearby area including visiting the Garnet Ghost town, Philipsburg, Deer Lodge, Anaconda, Butte and Missoula."

    7. Mussigbrod

    4 Reviews
    Wisdom, MT
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 689-3243

    "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"

    "The lake is beautiful and not too cold. You can definitely bring a non-motorized boat to go around the lake in. The drive there is also gorgeous!"

    8. East Fork Group Area

    1 Review
    Philipsburg, MT
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 859-3211

    "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."

    9. Hogan Cabin

    1 Review
    Sula, MT
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 689-3243

    $45 / night

    "I loved the isolation of the location. Up at 7200ft you get a little winded hiking around, but the incredible scenery is worth it."

    10. Out Post Campground

    2 Reviews
    Frenchtown, MT
    50 miles

    "And it’s a huge bonus to be outside and enjoying greasy air. The grounds were very close to the highway and easy to access."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Hamilton, MT

1 Photos of 11 Hamilton Campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Hamilton, MT

48 Reviews of 11 Hamilton Campgrounds

  • Sadie P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 23, 2025

    Sam Billings Memorial Campground

    The best in SW Montana

    12 sites with good tables and fire rings. This is a well maintained NFS campground. 3 vault toilets that are kept clean. Sites #1 & #2 get the most sun, are the largest, and can accommodate any size RV. The remaining sites vary in size. #2 can easily hold 5 full size trucks side by side, or three medium size trailers/5th wheels with their tow vehicles. It also has 3 large tables, plenty of open ground for tents, and is ideal for large groups and families. Toilets are located across from site 3, between 5/6, across from 12. #7 is low ground camping you walk down to with minimal shade and perfect for hot weather days.

    The exit is at site 12, one way travel thru the campground. Across the street from the exit is the entry to sites 1-4 horse camping. Small sites with table, fire ring, and enough room for a small tent. There are 3 large metal structures with 3 chains each for horses and 2 horizontal tie out bars. No room to park horse trailers on that pull thru. One trailer spot across from site 4 by the “stock water trail” sign, the rest can park 50 yards down the road at the trail head/turn around. There are 2 additional tie out areas here for horses and plenty of room for horse trailers and several other vehicles.

    Be sure to read the notice above the envelope box before you pay. From weather dependent dates chosen by the Rangers there is no cost from late Oct to late May. Otherwise it is $10 per night, $5 with golden or access passes.

    No cell service, only 1 mile to the paved road, Ranger station is only about 1/2 mile down that paved road. The Rangers are proactive in sharing any important information such as severe weather, bear activity, or any other notable activity.

    Details: Ranger station on the main road less than a mike from the entrance. They show up once a week Ravialli county sheriff is who to call on weekends and holidays, they will respond Be bear aware in season Equestrian specific campsites Trailhead next to the CG So much firewood laying around There are some karens that have been “coming here my whole life” and think they own the place; avoid Only three site requires walking access, the rest are drive right in to. Only a few sites so if its great weather or holiday show up mid week or even a week ahead if you can Free stays out of season, otherwise it’s a daily fee, pay at the entrance sign

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2020

    Bear Creek Pass Campground

    Semi-official dispersed camping at Bear Creek Pass

    Bear Creek Pass Campground is semi-official dispersed camping at Bear Creek Pass, the location of two trail heads. I surveyed the site during a hike but did not stay over night. 

    There are two trail heads, about 1/2 mile apart. Between is a turn off for the“campground” which is little more than a pull out and a turn around. I didn’t see tent sites off the road. A little further on is a large parking area with vault toilet. A little beyond that a small parking area near the second trail head. Between these two is the one place that did look like a camp site. There was one fire ring and vegetation had been pressed down. 

    There are facilities for horses: several hitching posts and a loading ramp. These don’t look like they have been used for a while. We did see signs that horses were up here recently but the area is little impacted by horse use. 

    The area is in open pine forest with meadows. There is a stream flowing near by. 

    I would certainly sleep in my vehicle over night here or set up a tent. You can overnight here before starting on a hike from one of the trail heads. However, this site has little to recommend itself as a destination for an extended stay or overflow if nearby Schumaker is full.

  • Terrance R.
    May. 17, 2023

    Charles Waters Campground

    Great nature

    This is definitely 1 of the top 5 in the area even as a usfs camp ground and price. Sites are well spaced, plenty of privacy and greenery, tons of nature, sound of a run off river coming down through the camp, there is a camp host on site as well as paved road and restrooms as well as water fountains. There is tons of trails for hiking, horse back and driving as well as tons of stream access only down fall is not really for fishing.

  • T
    Jun. 20, 2022

    Charles Waters Campground

    Beautiful campground!

    This is a National Forest campground about 25 miles from Missoula. The bathrooms are vaulted toilets and they were spacious and VERY clean. Our site was HUGE and so beautiful. Bass Creek was maybe 50 yards from the camper and is so clear! Fishing wouldn't be great at that location, as the creek is fairly shallow. The parking spot for the camper was super level asphalt, and plenty Ling enough for our 33.5' fifth wheel. Due to lower branches on the drive through the campground, we wouldn't recommend higher profile rigs. Ours sits at 13', and we felt that anything much taller than that might have clearance issues. There's a group spot for 12-20 people, as well as a spot for bicycle camping. There are some amazing trails for hiking, biking, and also horses. We really enjoyed this area!

  • Jen F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 15, 2025

    Charles Waters Campground

    Clean,quiet,beautiful

    Traveling south in Montana and found this lovely little place. Trees, meadows and solitude. Just the way I like it

  • Mary Ellen H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2021

    Ekstrom's Stage Station Campground

    Convenient, gorgeous, snug and delicious!

    Easy access from I-90. Beautiful location, classic Montana with trees mountains and rivers! Great restaurant on site. Campsites are the reason for not giving 5 stars. Very tight and not great space for maneuverability. Was not full so we were fine with a big rig. Had it been full would be a little uncomfortable.

  • Kelli D.
    May. 2, 2018

    Sam Billings Memorial Campground

    Perfect views

    If your a good walker Montana is for you, the water amazes me at how clear it is but very cold, if your lucky you'll find a hot spring.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2021

    Ekstrom's Stage Station Campground

    Great Stay

    We stayed here for a night as we headed west. It offered everything we needed with a beautiful campground to boot. The laundry facilities were great. The showers were clean and hot. There was an adorable restaurant in the campground. Every single staff member we came across was so friendly. There is a basketball court, sand volleyball court, horse shoes and a playground. There’s also a beautiful creek running along the campground with beautiful Mountain views. WiFi sand cell service worked great. I would absolutely stay again!

  • Jade M.
    Jul. 12, 2018

    Mussigbrod

    beautiful with lots of different camping options

    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

Guide to Hamilton

Horse camping in Montana offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and hit the trails.

Equestrian campgrounds include ample facilities for horses

  • At Bear Creek Pass Campground, you'll find hitching posts and a loading ramp, making it easy to manage your horses before hitting the trails.
  • Mussigbrod provides a serene environment with plenty of space for your horses to roam, surrounded by beautiful pine trees.
  • Hogan Cabin offers a remote location with access to trails, perfect for those looking to enjoy nature with their horses.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • Charles Waters Campground features well-spaced sites that provide privacy and a peaceful atmosphere for both campers and their horses.
  • May Creek has picnic tables and fire pits, allowing for a comfortable camping experience while accommodating your equine needs.
  • Ekstrom's Stage Station Campground includes facilities for horses and is conveniently located near various trails for exploration.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy hiking and horseback riding on the numerous trails accessible from Bear Creek Pass Campground, where you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Bitterroot National Forest.
  • Mussigbrod is known for its stunning lake views and opportunities for fishing, making it a great spot for a multi-activity camping trip.
  • Explore the scenic trails around Hogan Cabin, where wildlife viewing and hiking are popular among visitors looking to connect with nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Hamilton, MT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Hamilton, MT is Charles Waters Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 20 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Hamilton, MT?

TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Hamilton, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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