7 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Dispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area accommodates equestrians with multiple camping options along the Clark Fork River. The campground offers free dispersed camping with sufficient space for horse trailers on relatively level ground. Campsites feature stone fire rings and are spaced generously for privacy, with some sites positioned directly on the riverbank. The area maintains a 6-day stay limit and has pit toilets located at the far end of the campground. Multiple reviews confirm excellent cell service with both Verizon and T-Mobile reporting 3-4 bars, making it suitable for those needing to stay connected while traveling with horses. The sites can accommodate larger vehicles including horse trailers in several locations.
Access to riding trails connects directly from the campground with routes suitable for both beginners and experienced riders. The campground sits approximately 0.5 miles off Highway 135, with west-side access recommended for horse trailers as the eastern entrance has difficult approach angles. The surrounding terrain offers varied riding experiences with forest paths and riverside trails. Poison ivy has been reported throughout the area, requiring caution for both horses and handlers. Road and occasional train noise can be heard but most sites are positioned where river sounds provide natural noise cancellation. The Peninsula Recreation Area section offers particularly spacious sites for equestrians needing room to set up portable corrals or highlines for overnight horse containment.
"On the map, it looks like you can enter/exit either way from 135… but the east side of the road to get back onto 135 is impossible… so we just had to turn around and exit the same way we came in (from"
"Arrived very late in the dark on Friday night coming back from Canada, and found an amazing site next to the river which drowned out all surrounding noise."
"It’s right next to the river with a small boat launch."
"You can hear some highway traffic and the train does com right up next to the river. Not too busy but we were there on a weekday."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"Several spaces available behind the restaurant/ bar and casino- Tucked into the woods but road close- you can walk over for a meal, snack, coffee etc or some delightfully cheesey souvenirs."
"We stopped here on our way out of Montana (our home state). A winter storm rolled in and made the pass impassable."
"5 minutes to Rebecca Farms, 20 minutes to Under The Big Sky Venue, 20 minutes to Flathead and Whitefish Lakes, 40 minutes to Glacier National Park."
"Tucked away where the Kalispell Valley meets the pines, you'll find this campground. Its peaceful here, but the amenities of the city are close by. The views are great."
from $45 - $65 / night
Check Availability"There was only one other camper so it was nice and quiet, it’s very close off the 2 highway so it’s really easy to get to. There are toilets that were ok at the time."
"Underused, but great for horses with fence, etc. Only one other car camper. Beautiful stars at night!"
GuidePicnic table and fire rings. Not much privacy and close to the road. A lot of relational activities in the area for fishing, rafting, boating, hiking and even. Hot springs within an hour drive
RangerThere was only one other camper so it was nice and quiet, it’s very close off the 2 highway so it’s really easy to get to. There are toilets that were ok at the time. Sites had some nice privacy with the trees, the horse camp sites at the back were a little more open but looked to be in really good condition. There were also a couple of hiking trails right at the site with signs. Really beautiful views near the back. Did not have Verizon service.
Scout5 minutes to Rebecca Farms, 20 minutes to Under The Big Sky Venue, 20 minutes to Flathead and Whitefish Lakes, 40 minutes to Glacier National Park. Minutes to Kalispell and a wide variety of food and drink options. Corrals for horses 20 acres and an arena to stretch out. Book a spot, you will love it!
GuideStayed early October and only 1 other camper. Glad it was open, as information is limited and most areas close Sept 15th or Oct 1 and close gates for access. Basic sites, vault toilet. Underused, but great for horses with fence, etc. Only one other car camper. Beautiful stars at night!
TravelerA price that can’t be beat! Several spaces available behind the restaurant/ bar and casino- Tucked into the woods but road close- you can walk over for a meal, snack, coffee etc or some delightfully cheesey souvenirs.
Plug in your rig and unwind for the night-
GuideWe stopped here on our way out of Montana (our home state). A winter storm rolled in and made the pass impassable. This is a FREE RV park with electric hookups…no water, cable, or dumping station, but again, FREE. The snow was hitting hard and having electricity was a lifesaver. There is a really good restaurant and bar here as well as a truck stop and gas station. We have a Class A and the spots were plenty big. Lots of dog walking areas too. Perfect in an emergency and great for a short stay. No long terms and is first come first serve.
TravelerI drove into Whispering Pines weary from travel, seeking a well-earned rest and recharge. I am very pleased to say I received that and more.
Tucked away where the Kalispell Valley meets the pines, you'll find this campground. Its peaceful here, but the amenities of the city are close by. The views are great. The sunrise on my last morning lit up the entire mountain range to the East. The sun sets in a spot that allows you to see out for miles, as the sky continues to glow well after the sun has disappeared from frame. On a clear day, you can even see Heaven's Peak in Glacier National Park from your campsite.
And the night sky is marvelous. The shower was very well thought out: great water pressure, endless heat, and an open roof to stare up at the stars. I will not forget that shower experience for a long time, soaking under the Big Sky.
The last thing I'll say is that the campground host, Charles, is very welcoming and attentive to your needs. The kind of host that makes sure you have clean facilities every step of the way, but leaves your space to enjoy your time the way you want to. We kicked it off right away. It's very clear that he is a nice guy who simply enjoys sharing his love of the state with you.
TLDR; Try this place out, you'll be glad you did.
ScoutIt’s right next to the river with a small boat launch. Right off the highway and the train tracks are on the other side of the river but the highways was fairly quiet at night and we only heard one train.
TravelerArrived very late in the dark on Friday night coming back from Canada, and found an amazing site next to the river which drowned out all surrounding noise. Beautiful and forested with privacy and plenty of space to setup 5 tents. Didn’t have any issues with bugs or mosquitos despite being by the river in August.
Camping opportunities near Hot Springs, Montana feature riverside recreation along the Clark Fork River at elevations between 2,500-3,000 feet. The region sits where the Lolo National Forest meets plains terrain, creating diverse habitat for wildlife and riding trails. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-85°F with cooler nights even during peak season.
Riverside fishing and swimming: Along the Clark Fork River, several campgrounds provide direct water access with varying terrain. At Sloway Campground, campers can "float on the Clark Fork. You can put in right from your campsite, the beach by the pullthru sites, Dry Creek or Superior, then float to your campsite/beach, St Regis, or 14 Mile/Ferry Landing," according to Lisa C.
Wildlife watching: The forest-prairie transition zone supports diverse wildlife populations including deer, eagles, and smaller mammals. One camper at Lolo National Forest Recreation Area noted "Beautiful and forested with privacy and plenty of space... Didn't have any issues with bugs or mosquitos despite being by the river in August" according to Luke L.
Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, the area offers excellent night sky viewing. Daniel C. at Camp Whispering Pines shared, "The night sky is marvelous. The shower was very well thought out: great water pressure, endless heat, and an open roof to stare up at the stars."
Privacy between sites: Many horse campgrounds near Hot Springs provide substantial separation between camping spots. Brian K. mentioned sites at Lolo National Forest Recreation Area are "very private and spacious overlooking river. Minimal road noise. Only a couple spots taken."
Riverfront locations: Proximity to water ranks high on camper preferences. At Pleasant Valley Campground, Alex P. noted, "There were only one other camper so it was nice and quiet... Sites had some nice privacy with the trees, the horse camp sites at the back were a little more open but looked to be in really good condition."
Mountain views: The surrounding landscape offers scenic vistas. At Camp Whispering Pines, Daniel C. described, "The sunrise on my last morning lit up the entire mountain range to the East... On a clear day, you can even see Heaven's Peak in Glacier National Park from your campsite."
Train noise considerations: Several riverside campgrounds experience train noise. At Sloway Campground, Nancy C. advised, "We didn't know there were trains running all night long. It wouldn't be so bad without the whistle. If only we had earplugs, I think that would have helped a lot. Also, I am downloading a white noise app on my phone."
Limited facilities: Most horse-friendly sites offer basic amenities. At 50,000 Silver Dollar Campground, Andi F. noted it provides "FREE RV park with electric hookups... no water, cable, or dumping station, but again, FREE. The snow was hitting hard and having electricity was a lifesaver."
Cell service variation: Connectivity depends on exact location. Josh S. reported "3 bars Tmobile" at Lolo National Forest Recreation Area, while Alex P. found "Did not have Verizon service" at Pleasant Valley Campground.
Water safety awareness: When camping with children near the Clark Fork River, establish clear boundaries. Audrey L. at Lolo National Forest Recreation Area described it as "Absolutely beautiful river, beautiful spot. Great for fishing, swimming, etc."
Noise-sensitive sleeping: Plan for train sounds at riverside sites. Jess R. from Sloway Campground advised: "The noise from the trains was no joke. Woke us up about 5 times overnight, fortunately toddler slept through it. Overall would stay again."
Mid-week timing: For families seeking quieter experiences, consider non-weekend camping. Mai-Lien T. noted about Sloway Campground: "Not too busy but we were there on a weekday."
Approach considerations: Large rigs should assess access routes carefully. Julia R. advised about Lolo National Forest Recreation Area: "The west is the only safe way to enter onto the road to the campsites... the east side of the road to get back onto 135 is impossible... so we just had to turn around and exit the same way we came in (from the west)."
Site selection for larger vehicles: Several Plains/Thompson Falls Area campgrounds accommodate larger rigs. Roxanne E. mentioned, "Small campground in Plains MT with partial hookup (water & electric) and large bathhouse... It was a nice central location."
Free electrical options: RVers can find cost-saving opportunities. At 50,000 Silver Dollar Campground, Rob D. found "Great free camping spot for an overnight stay. Far enough from the interstate to eliminate most road noise... 7 sites have free electrical hookups. There are also picnic tables."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Hot Springs, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Hot Springs, MT is Dispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area with a 4.8-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Hot Springs, MT?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Hot Springs, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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