Equestrian camping near Lincoln, Montana provides access to extensive wilderness trail systems including the Bob Marshall and Scapegoat Wilderness areas. The surrounding Helena National Forest offers elevations ranging from 4,500 to 9,400 feet, creating diverse terrain for horseback riding and hiking. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F during day and 40-50°F at night, with afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August.
What to do
Trail riding from Kading Campground: Access the Little Blackfoot River trail system for day rides or multi-day pack trips. The five-mile trail to Blackfoot Meadows offers popular fly fishing opportunities. "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," notes Dexter I.
Explore ghost towns: Visit nearby Garnet Ghost Town from Bearmouth RV Park. "Beautiful views here along the Clark Fork River with lots of things to do in the nearby area including visiting the Garnet Ghost town, Philipsburg, Deer Lodge, Anaconda, Butte and Missoula," reports Jason A.
Continental Divide hiking: Access the Continental Divide Trail from Cromwell Dixon Campground for day hikes or section hikes. "Close to the Continental Divide trail, which we briefly hiked. Beautiful trail. Campsites had tables and plenty of shade," shares Stephanie T.
What campers like
Secluded riverside camping: Cottonwood Creek offers primitive camping near water. "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," according to Megan B.
Cooler temperatures: Escape valley heat at higher elevation campgrounds. "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," explains Will M. about Cromwell Dixon Campground.
Stargazing opportunities: Clear mountain skies provide excellent night viewing. "Beautiful views and dark skies at night for stargazing," notes Steve V. who stayed at Cromwell Dixon Campground.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads to wilderness campgrounds can be challenging. "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," warns Matt K. about Indian Meadows Trailhead.
Cell service varies: Some sites have unexpected connectivity. "The other big plus is that there is a cell phone tower right above the campground so you have excellent cell phone service," reports Will M. about Cromwell Dixon Campground.
Limited facilities: Most wilderness campgrounds lack water and trash service. "No water or trash service is available at the site, but can be obtained at the Copper Creek campground a few miles away," notes Dexter I. about Indian Meadows Trailhead.
Tips for camping with families
Bring water filters: Many campgrounds lack potable water or have rusty water. "Pit toilets and water. Water was rusty. It worked for over night," reports Yvonne K. about Cromwell Dixon Campground.
Consider river activities: Some campgrounds offer water recreation. "They made sure we had a shady pull through near our friends staying in a cabin and even provided a shuttle up and down the river so we could tube!" shares Reames C. about Bearmouth RV Park.
Open space for play: Look for campgrounds with room for children. "There is a big field next to the river that was great for kids to run around in," notes Hanaa about Benchmark.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most Forest Service campgrounds lack electrical or water hookups. "No hookups for RVs; Vault toilets, which were very clean. Pack in/Pack out as there are no trash receptacles," advises Steve V. about Cromwell Dixon Campground.
Site separation: Many campgrounds offer well-spaced sites. "Sites have good separation. Potable water taps and vault bathrooms are very clean. Higher elevation for cooler Summer evenings. No hookups," explains Victor E.
Late arrivals possible: Some campgrounds accommodate nighttime check-ins. "I was traveling on my own coming home from a holiday weekend. I needed to find a safe comfortable place to sleep for the night. I arrived at 10:30pm and the two gentlemen that greeted me at this RV park could not have been more helpful or kind," shares Kim K. about Bearmouth RV Park.
Legend
