Horse campsites near Heart Butte, Montana range from primitive equestrian areas to more developed campgrounds approximately 30 minutes away, giving riders flexible options depending on the amenities they need. Summit Trailhead Horse Camp provides primitive camping facilities for equestrians near Heart Butte, Montana. Located off Highway 2, this dispersed camping area features a dirt lot with space for horse trailers and direct access to nearby trails. The campground offers basic amenities including pit toilets but lacks drinking water, electric hookups, and shower facilities. The site accommodates both tent and RV camping with ample space for horses and equipment. Some campers report finding peaceful spots close to the creek that provide enough room for multiple people to camp together with their horses.
Johnson's Campground & RV Park, located 6 W Shore Road in St Mary, offers more developed facilities approximately 30 minutes from Heart Butte. This established campground accommodates tent, RV, and cabin camping with amenities including drinking water, electric hookups, and shower facilities. The campground provides access to nearby riding trails and serves as a convenient base for exploring the eastern side of Glacier National Park. Sites include picnic tables and fire pits, though tent sites are grouped together with varying degrees of privacy. The campground operates seasonally from May 1 to October and requires reservations. Trailer parking is available, though some visitors note that RV sites are positioned close together on top of a hill where strong winds can occur.
"This campground is right outside the Two Medicine entrance to Glacier National Park, just as you turn off of Highway 49 onto Two Medicine Rd."
"Campground owned by blackfeetcampgrounds.com/ I camped next to the creek under trees. There was a grizzly sighting that the hosts warned me of, but I did not see."
from $25 - $45 / night
"We found a nice spot close to the challenge cabin up in Summit that was close to the creek. I the area was big enough for multiple people to camp in."
"I noticed from walking around not all have a grill, so if that's important to you I'd specifically ask during reservations."
"We were supposed to stay at the KOA, but they had water damage issues and told us of this campground, right around the corner."
from $32 - $187 / night
"Wide open gravel lot and spots close to the river. There is road noise of course and a good amount of train activity, but it wasn’t obnoxious."
"Worked summer work near here and me and a group of friends would always come kick back here 🤘🏻"
"This Campground is only 10 minutes away from the St Mary gate for Glacier National Park. It is run by the Blackfeet tribe and they do a great job."
"So, I booked online, a lakeside electric & I thought, from looking at the website, I’d have a view of the lake- not so, I had a view of aspens."
ScoutAdvertised starting at $38, we paid $56 for a spot in a meadow with a fire ring, not even a picnic table. No WIFI, no reception,bathroom was old and dirty along with waiting line for use of toilet. Location was great property was nice but you don’t get much for your money. I would not recommend.
GuideDecent commercial campground....close to East entrance to GLACIER NP...nothing overtly fancy but clean restrooms, showers...friendly staff..onsite restaurant
ScoutLoved it. Spent four nights in West Glacier at Apgar and then came here to tour East Glacier after a poor experience with the KOA. Quiet, beautiful views, very friendly staff, great location. I will be back. This is the perfect mix of in park experience with amenities to make it comfortable. Baths/ Showers were definitely nicer than the park baths.
GuideStayed 4 days/3 nights
Great place! Wide open gravel lot and spots close to the river. There is road noise of course and a good amount of train activity, but it wasn’t obnoxious. There is a spot that’s more private in the trees but the road to get to that spot had too much of a quick incline/decline for me to feel ok in my rig. If you have a shorter wheel base you can easily get up there.
GuideCampground owned by blackfeetcampgrounds.com/ I camped next to the creek under trees. There was a grizzly sighting that the hosts warned me of, but I did not see. Not too many other campers, but it is a large property. There is access to the Two Medicine lake. I very much enjoyed my stay.
GuideWe retreated here after getting evacuated from Many Glacier Campground due to flooding. We are off grid so a tent site is what we booked. $56 is a little pricey but there are showers, laundry and flush toilets so that’s a perk. Tent sites are nice and spread out, RV sites look a little tighter. Beautiful views from the top of the hill. Staff has been very friendly and accommodating.
GuideThe location is unmatched. We could see the St. Mary’s entrance station from our RV site. Many Glacier was an easy 20 min drive in the opposite direction. To be this close to the park while enjoying pull-thru and FHU, made it worthwhile for us.
That said, the other reviews are accurate. No TMobile service, so I added Starlink, and it didn’t help. During the day, this was no problem, as we were at Glacier! However, I needed to work after the kids went to bed, and was unable to. WiFi, though advertised, is only available on the front steps of the office and still was extremely weak. I placed an Amazon order a few days prior to arrival and it was delivered on time, so that was nice.
Our biggest issue was the dump station. It is not designed well - rebar crossing inside the pipe - which created a clog that we didn’t know about until it built up pressure and blew our hose off the RV. What a disaster!
Still we’d stay again, because the location is fantastic.
GuideSpots are a little tight and facilities are older but everything worked well for us. The campground is reasonably priced and super close to Glacier. If you need a decent place to stay for an affordable price while you explore Glacier then this is a good option.
TravelerLate August I was the only one there overnight. Starlink works great but no cell service. Lots of people pull off to look but few stay. Big River Trail head is supposed to be here (40+) miles but didn't have time to explore
Dispersed camping near Heart Butte, Montana offers unique access to the Lewis and Clark National Forest at elevations between 4,500-7,000 feet. The area experiences heavy snowfall in winter months with late summer bringing temperatures in the 70-80°F range. Camping sites typically open from June through September, with some primitive areas remaining unplowed until mid-June.
Horseback riding trails: The Summit Trailhead Horse Camp provides direct trail access for equestrians. As reviewer Chloe B. notes, "We found a nice spot close to the challenge cabin up in Summit that was close to the creek. The area was big enough for multiple people to camp in."
Fishing spots: Bear Creek River Access provides excellent fishing opportunities along with boat launching facilities. According to Cody L., this is a "Great spot for launching rafts. Also very good choice for relaxing and getting away for a few hours to a day."
Swimming access: Chewing Blackbones Campground offers lake swimming during summer months. One camper noted, "Great places to swim," while another mentioned "Available canoes and kayaks for rent. Water is cold but doable for swimming if you can get acclimated."
Wildlife viewing: The area around Heart Butte contains habitat for moose, bears, and smaller mammals. Nicholas H. at Johnson's Campground & RV Park reported, "Wildlife passes through frequently, and we were able to see a moose walking through the woods right next to our site."
Proximity to Glacier National Park: Campers appreciate the location for exploring Glacier. Anthony D. at Red Eagle Campground stated, "This campground is right outside the Two Medicine entrance to Glacier National Park, just as you turn off of Highway 49 onto Two Medicine Rd."
Quieter alternatives to park campgrounds: When park campgrounds fill up, nearby options provide relief. Bill P. noted at Red Eagle Campground, "Great in crowded campground 90+ sites and only maybe a dozen filled. Glacier NP was full."
Creek-side campsites: Water access ranks highly among camper preferences. As Chloe B. mentioned about Summit Trailhead Horse Camp, "We found a nice spot close to the challenge cabin up in Summit that was close to the creek."
Cultural experiences: The Blackfeet Reservation offers authentic cultural opportunities. One camper at Chewing Blackbones Campground shared, "The whole complex was clean, well manicured and cool to see authentic native American culture."
Limited facilities at dispersed sites: Most dispersed camping locations near Heart Butte have minimal amenities. Jon S. reviewed Summit Trailhead Horse Camp noting, "Just gravel lot for the trailhead, no camping signs posted."
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally. Chewing Blackbones Campground runs from "Jun 1 - Sep 30" according to their listing.
Bathroom conditions vary: Facility quality differs significantly between campgrounds. Aaron L. reported about Chewing Blackbones, "We loved this campground and believe this could be a 5 star but the bathrooms are just horrible specifically the showers."
Reservation challenges: During peak season, finding campsites requires planning. Kennedy F. at Red Eagle Campground advised, "This campground was amazing! very chill and friendly staff. Repairs on electric mentioned in previous reviews is finished! $25 for non electric sites and $45 for electric."
Mosquito protection required: Insects can be problematic, especially near water. Chloe B. warned about Summit Trailhead Horse Camp: "Just watch out for the mosquitos they get really bad in the evening hours so bring bug spray for you and any pets."
Check lake temperature before swimming: Mountain lakes remain cold even in summer. Aaron L. noted at Chewing Blackbones Campground: "Water is cold but doable for swimming if you can get acclimated."
Pack additional water: Many sites lack reliable water sources. Tee C. mentioned about Summit Trailhead Horse Camp: "Right off highway 2, this campsite is a dirt lot with a pit toilet next to the road and train tracks. Minimal shade, no service."
Plan for weather changes: Mountain conditions can shift rapidly. Phil P. at Bear Creek River Access Boating Site shared: "Late August I was the only one there overnight. Starlink works great but no cell service."
Road conditions check: Access roads may be rough for larger rigs. Nancy C. advised about Red Eagle Campground: "PSA: The road into the campground is rough and the bridge you have to cross is equally as rough. S.L.O.W."
Limited electrical hookups: Not all sites offer reliable power connections. Jim M. noted at Red Eagle: "The owners are working to get all the hookups repaired. 93 sites lots of different types of sites. All the workers are very nice Electrical sites are 48$ non are 28."
Site spacing concerns: Some RV parks position units closely together. Chris Y. warned about Johnson's Campground: "Sites are TIGHT! Can't even open canopy without hitting next door unit."
Wind exposure: Some campgrounds have weather vulnerabilities. Bill P. mentioned about Red Eagle Campground: "They have 95 spots, all lot of shade but also some sunny options if you have solar panels and require recharging."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Heart Butte, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Heart Butte, MT is Red Eagle Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Heart Butte, MT?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Heart Butte, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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