Cromwell Dixon Campground offers campers a strategic location on the Continental Divide at McDonald Pass. Situated at higher elevation than surrounding areas, temperatures typically remain 10 degrees cooler than valley locations during summer months. The campground provides 15 sites for $15 per night with vault toilets, potable water, and direct access to the Continental Divide Trail. Most sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
What to do
Hiking the Continental Divide Trail: Cromwell Dixon Campground serves as an access point to the Continental Divide Trail, featuring rolling terrain and scenic views. "Beautiful trail. Campsites had tables and plenty of shade," notes Stephanie T., who stayed at Cromwell Dixon Campground.
Fly fishing at Blackfoot Meadows: Anglers can access prime fishing spots by hiking the trail from Kading Campground. "A five mile hike leads to Blackfoot meadows a popular fly fishing location," according to a reviewer of Kading Cabin.
Stargazing opportunities: The minimal light pollution creates excellent conditions for astronomy enthusiasts. Steve V. from Cromwell Dixon Campground mentions "Beautiful views and dark skies at night for stargazing."
What campers like
Cooler summer temperatures: The higher elevation provides relief during heat waves. "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," reports Will M. about Cromwell Dixon Campground.
Cell service availability: Unlike many remote camping areas, some locations maintain connectivity. Will M. also notes about Cromwell Dixon Campground: "The other big plus is that there is a cell phone tower right above the campground so you have excellent cell phone service."
Proximity to Holter Lake: Some campgrounds offer convenient access to water recreation. Megan B. writes about Cottonwood Creek: "Great secluded spot to set up a tent or boondock. Vault toilets. Only a mile or so from holter lake so you can drive back to the lake and play around or go to the store."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access roads to some campgrounds can be challenging, particularly for larger vehicles or after dark. Matt K. cautions about Indian Meadows Trailhead: "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."
Water quality concerns: While potable water is available at several campgrounds, quality can vary. At Cromwell Dixon Campground, one camper noted: "Potable water taps and vault bathrooms are very clean," while another mentioned: "It was a clean campground spaces far apart. Pit toilets and water. Water was rusty."
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds in the Helena National Forest area operate seasonally. Cromwell Dixon Campground typically runs from Memorial Day to September, while Kading Cabin operates from Memorial Day to October. Winter access is limited by snow conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Equestrian facilities: Several horse campgrounds near Helena National Forest offer specialized amenities. Kading Cabin provides a "small public corral located across the road from the campground, and there are two horse watering troughs in the campground," according to Dexter I.
Availability during peak season: Despite summer crowds in the region, some locations maintain good availability. Brynn V. noted about Cromwell Dixon Campground: "Showed up at 12:30pm on a Sunday and many still available."
Quiet, electronics-free environment: For families seeking to disconnect, certain campgrounds provide ideal conditions. A reviewer describes Kading Campground: "If you are looking for a quiet campground away from electronic distractions then this campground is for you... you will have a nice quiet night as the only vehicle traffic with be those vehicles travel to the campground of near by trail head."
Tips from RVers
Site separation and privacy: Campgrounds offer varying degrees of privacy between sites. Victor E. reports about Cromwell Dixon Campground: "Sites have good separation. Potable water taps and vault bathrooms are very clean. Higher elevation for cooler Summer evenings. No hookups."
No-frills amenities: RVers should prepare for basic facilities without standard hookups. "This is a small, no frills site just outside of Helena, MT. No hookups for RVs; Vault toilets, which were very clean. Pack in/Pack out as there are no trash receptacles," advises Steve V.
Dispersed options for larger rigs: For RVers seeking more space or flexibility, some areas offer dispersed camping. "You can turn right off the highway and easily access dispersed camping around the site. Only drawback is the highway noise but it dies down when it gets dark," suggests Aiden A. about areas near Cromwell Dixon Campground.
