Best Equestrian Camping near Helena, MT

Are you in need of a campground near Helena, MT? Helena is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Helena, MT. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Helena, Montana (5)

    1. Cromwell Dixon Campground

    10 Reviews
    Elliston, MT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 449-5490

    "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."

    2. Cottonwood Creek

    1 Review
    Wolf Creek, MT
    24 miles
    Website

    "Only a mile or so from holter lake so you can drive back to the lake and play around or go to the store."

    3. Kading Cabin

    1 Review
    Elliston, MT
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 449-5201

    $30 - $45 / night

    "If you are looking for a quiet campground away from electronic distractions then this campground is for you."

    4. Granite Butte Lookout

    Be the first to review!
    Canyon Creek, MT
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 362-7000

    $45 / night

    5. Indian Meadows Trailhead

    2 Reviews
    Lincoln, MT
    45 miles
    Website

    "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."

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Helena, MT

14 Reviews of 5 Helena Campgrounds


  • Stephanie T.
    Jul. 30, 2016

    Cromwell Dixon Campground

    Good access to Continental Divide trail

    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. There was a highway near the campground, which unfortunately meant we had occasional noise at night.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2022

    Indian Meadows Trailhead

    Suprise camping area at trailhead

    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 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!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2022

    Cromwell Dixon Campground

    No Frills

    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. Moderate road noise until dark. Beautiful views and dark skies at night for stargazing

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 24, 2019

    Kading Cabin

    Have a quiet unplugged night at Kading Campground

    If you are looking for a quiet campground away from electronic distractions then this campground is for you. Kading Campground is located along the upper Little Blackfoot river at the end of Little Blackfoot road. Being at the end of the road and located along the river 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. Kading Campground has 11 sites, each site has a picnic table and metal fire rings. The campground has two vault toilets. Water is available at Kading Cabin located across the road from the campground entrance. A small public corral is located across the road from the campground, and there are two horse watering troughs in the campground. A trail head at the end of the road can be reached from a short trail at the end of the campground. The trail follows the Little Blackfoot river. A five mile hike leads to Blackfoot meadows a popular fly fishing location. The campground has been recently cleared of its beetle killed trees making the campground much more open than it used to been, but this is still a nice quiet campground to visit.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2019

    Cromwell Dixon Campground

    Nice camground on the Continental Divide

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    Cromwell Dixon Campground is a nice Forest Service Campground located on the Continental Divide's McDonald Pass. The campground has 15 campsites serviced by two vault toilets and water spigots. This is a Trash-in Trash-out campground. The campground has a mixture of drive and and pull through sites. All sites are first come first served. This campground use to be nicer until pine beetles killed most of the trees. All the dead trees have been removed making this campground more open, with little cover from the winds. Cromwell Dixon is very busy during the summer months. The campground is available in the shoulder seasons if snow drifts are not blocking your access to the campground. Nearby the campground are trail heads for the Continental Divide trail heading south along the trail. The hike along the CDT trail is a nice hike through rolling terrain.

  • M
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Indian Meadows Trailhead

    Great Spot, Bad Road

    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. 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.

  • Will M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2021

    Cromwell Dixon Campground

    Great place to avoid summer heat

    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. You sit right below the continental divide with good access to the continental divide trail. The other big plus is that there is a cell phone tower right above the campground so you have excellent cell phone service. It's a nice clean little campground with a pit toilet and water available.

  • Aiden A.
    Jul. 9, 2022

    Cromwell Dixon Campground

    Nice, comfortable, easy to access campground.

    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.

  • Megan B.
    Jul. 16, 2018

    Cottonwood Creek

    Right next to the 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.


Guide to Helena

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 well-reviewed spots, equestrians can find the perfect place to set up camp.

Tips for equestrian camping near Helena, Montana

  • The Cromwell Dixon Campground provides a peaceful environment with good site separation, making it ideal for horse camping while enjoying beautiful views.
  • At Kading Cabin, you'll find a small public corral and horse watering troughs, ensuring your horses are well taken care of during your stay.
  • Indian Meadows Trailhead features a camping area with picnic tables and metal fire rings, perfect for relaxing after a day of riding.

Equestrian campgrounds include Kading Cabin

  • Kading Cabin is located along the upper Little Blackfoot River, offering a quiet atmosphere away from electronic distractions, perfect for a serene camping experience.
  • The campground has two vault toilets and water available across the road, making it convenient for both campers and their horses.
  • A nearby trail leads to Blackfoot Meadows, a popular spot for fly fishing, adding an extra adventure for those camping with horses.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • Granite Butte Lookout allows for horse camping with access to picnic tables and the freedom to enjoy campfires, although it lacks drinking water and toilets.
  • Cottonwood Creek offers a secluded spot right next to the creek, ideal for setting up a tent or boondocking with your horse nearby.
  • The Indian Meadows Trailhead serves as a trailhead for two trails in the Helena National Forest, providing ample riding opportunities right from your campsite.

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 10 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.