Helena offers several horse camping campgrounds suited to equestrian travelers with trailers and stock. Indian Meadows Trailhead features a camping area with five developed sites that include picnic tables, metal fire rings, and a vault toilet, with a large parking area designed specifically to accommodate horse trailers. Cottonwood Creek Campground provides another option near Helena with free primitive camping and toilets where pets are allowed. Neither location has dedicated horse corrals, though Indian Meadows serves as a trailhead for two wilderness trails: Mainline Trail #481 and Landers Fork Trail #438. Campground users note the area feels tucked back without being isolated, with enough space for camping with horses and equipment.
The Little Blackfoot River area provides additional equestrian camping opportunities at Kading Campground. Located at the end of Little Blackfoot Road, this quiet campground features 11 sites with picnic tables and fire rings, plus a small public corral located across the road from the campground entrance. Two horse watering troughs are available within the campground itself. A trail at the end of the campground follows the Little Blackfoot River, with a five-mile hike leading to Blackfoot Meadows, a popular fly fishing destination. The campground has been cleared of beetle-killed trees, making the area more open than in previous years. Horse owners should note there is no trash service at these locations, so pack-in/pack-out principles apply.
"Stayed one night while visiting a friend in Helena. Close to the Continental Divide trail, which we briefly hiked. Beautiful trail. Campsites had tables and plenty of shade."
"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."
"Only a mile or so from holter lake so you can drive back to the lake and play around or go to the store."
"If you are looking for a quiet campground away from electronic distractions then this campground is for you."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 - $45 / night
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $45 / night
"Indian Meadows Trailhead is the trailhead for two trails in to the Helena National Forest Scapegoat Wilderness Area, plus it features a camping area with picnic tables and metal fire rings along with"
"We stayed in one of the designated camping areas that has a fire pit in it and it was a good spot, tucked back but not isolated."
RangerSmall campground with around 14 sites, 13 back in an 1 large pull through. Right off Highway 12 so there is some road noise but tolerable. Most sites are sunny with lots of new trees planted. Most are pretty level and several can accommodate 36’ rigs. Has modern vault restrooms and water available in park. No trash service or dump station. High enough elevation to cool off at night.
GuideThe sites were well separated and you didn’t hear any noises from other campers. It wasn’t full when we got there. Beautiful views. Got pretty chilly in the evening. FYI, you get a discount with an America the Beautiful pass. Cons: constant highway traffic noise all night. We had a hard time finding a spot that had a good place to pitch a tent. Ended up using the first site and put the tent on the parking spot area. Probably not a great place for a big tent or big rig.
GuideWe stayed in one of the designated camping areas that has a fire pit in it and it was a good spot, tucked back but not isolated. There was a restroom in the center of the trailhead but no bear box that we saw. We didn’t get there until late at night, around 10, and still had a large number of campsites available. 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.
GuideThis 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. Moderate road noise until dark. Beautiful views and dark skies at night for stargazing
ScoutIt was a clean campground spaces far apart. Pit toilets and water. Water was rusty. It worked for over night.
LegendIndian Meadows Trailhead is the trailhead for two trails in to the Helena National Forest Scapegoat Wilderness Area, plus it features a camping area with picnic tables and metal fire rings along with a vault toilet. The camping loop has five developed sites with tables and fire rings. The area serves as the trail head for two trails, Mainline Trail #481 and Landers Fork Trail #438. Each trail head has a small parking area, but a very large parking are is between the two to allow for additional parking and for horse trailer parking. No water or trash service is available at the site, but can be obtained at the Copper Creek campground a few miles away. Cost is FREE!
ScoutYou 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.
GuideSites have good separation. Potable water taps and vault bathrooms are very clean. Higher elevation for cooler Summer evenings. No hookups. Decent cell signal. Can hear road noise at a distance, but not too loud.
Guide15 sites available at $15 per night. Showed up at 12:30pm on a Sunday and many still available.
Campgrounds near Helena, Montana offer limited options for equestrian camping. Indian Meadows Trailhead provides parking for horse trailers within its large central area between the Mainline Trail #481 and Landers Fork Trail #438 trailheads. The free camping area features five developed sites with picnic tables and metal fire rings. No dedicated horse corrals are available at the trailhead campground, but the site serves as an important access point to wilderness riding areas. The vault toilet facilities are maintained regularly and kept clean, with additional services like water available at nearby Copper Creek campground.
The Little Blackfoot area provides horse-friendly camping at Kading Campground with access to a small public corral located across the road from the campground entrance. Two horse watering troughs within the campground area serve equestrian needs. The trail from the campground follows the Little Blackfoot river, leading to popular fly fishing locations approximately five miles away at Blackfoot meadows. Recently cleared of beetle-killed trees, the campground offers a more open setting than in previous years while maintaining quiet surroundings due to its location at the end of Little Blackfoot road. The limited traffic ensures peaceful camping conditions for both horses and riders. Daily trail rides connect campers to the extensive Helena National Forest trail system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Helena, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Helena, MT is Cromwell Dixon Campground with a 4-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Helena, MT?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Helena, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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