The Dyrt can help you find the perfect horse camping site near Missoula. Whether you own a horse or are joining a tour group, equestrian camping is an adventurous and unique way to experience the city. You're sure to find the perfect site for your Montana horse camping excursion.
The Charles Waters campground is paved asphalt with 26 campsites plus one double site, including 4 pull-through, one bicycle site, and one horse site; there is also one accessible site with electric hook-up. The campground also has water; accessible vault toilets; open meadow for activities and can accommodate RV's or trailers to 70 feet. __Please note that the bicycle site and horse site are reserved for those users until 6 p.m. daily after which time if no one is occupying them then they are considered available on a first come first served basis. __A campground host is available Memorial Day through Labor Day.Also associated with the Charles Waters Campground is the Bass Creek Recreation Area. This recreation area includes four picnic sites; an interpretive nature trail; fire ecology trail and numerous trailheads to hiking, biking and stock routes with access to the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. The Larry Creek Group Site is located within the Bass Creek Recreation Area, this large overnight group site is available for reservation through Recreation.gov. __The gate will close to the Larry Creek Group Site on Dec. 1.__For more information please contact the Stevensville Ranger District at (406) 777-5461.
Ekstrom's Stage Station is a collection of historic log buildings reassembled along Montana’s famous Rock Creek, functioning today as a full-service campground. The campground is situated in a large grassy meadow surrounded by tall pine trees. The campground offers water & electric sites, full hookups, as well as tent sites for campers who prefer “roughing it.” For those who forgot their tents, we also have an historic school house and rustic log cabins for rent. For registered campers, there is a bath house with hot showers and we have a laundromat. Unfortunately, the restaurant is closed pending renovations required by the county.
$40 - $100 / night
The Holland Lake Campground and Group Site are located on the shores of Holland Lake in the Swan Valley of northwest Montana. Holland Lake Campground is a great place to enjoy the Flathead National Forest. It offers clean campsites with great lake access and ample opportunities for hiking on the scenic Holland Falls National Recreation Trail. Holland Lake Campground has 38 rentable sites, 24 of which are reservable and 14 for walk-up visitors. The stay limit is 16 consecutive days in the regular camp sites and 10 days in the group site.
The trailhead for the popular and easy Holland Falls National Recreation Trail is near the campground. The 1.6-mile trail climbs 750 feet, following the shoreline of Holland Lake to the base of Holland Falls waterfall. Holland Lake provides visitors with plenty of access to water-related recreation. Boating is popular on the lake, as well as water skiing and fishing. Anglers can look forward to catching a variety of trout and Kokanee salmon. Paddleboards, Kayaks and Canoes are available for rent for $10/hr., $25/4 hrs. or $40/8hrs.
At an elevation of 4,050 feet, the campground sits among Tamarack, Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir trees. There are some sites close to the 416-acre lake; others are further back or higher on the bank. A variety of wildlife, including grizzly and black bear, make their home in the area.
The campground is 25 miles north of the charming town of Seeley Lake.
For facility specific information, please call (406) 210-8199.
Please cancel 4 days prior to first day of reservation. For day of arrival cancellations please call Leona at 406- 210-8199 so we can get the information to the Campground Host. All Considerations will be made after your original reservation dates have passed. *No shows have no chance of a refund.
$20 / night
$35 - $40 / night
Accessed by FS Road 297, this wide, ATV friendly trail provides access to Fish Lake. The dispersed campsites are only reached via the trail on stock, on foot or ATV transport.
The Owl Creek Corral is located at the Owl Creek Packer Camp Trailhead. It is available to reserve for up to seven days. The maximum capacity is 12 head of stock. Metal hay bunks are provided as well as a metal water trough.
Visitors to the area enjoy hiking and horseback riding on a variety of trails, some of which lead into the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area. The corral is approximately a half-mile from Holland Lake, which offers swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities.
The corral is located in the Swan Valley, just south of Holland Lake at an elevation of 4,200 feet. The corral backs up to a stand of mixed conifers, including lodgepole pine and Douglas fir trees.
A general store is located about 20 minutes away (9 miles), in the town of Condon.
$20 / night
$50 - $75 / night
Guide
This is a great location along the Clark Fork river. Staff was very friendly. Sites were well maintained and sufficient.
Cons: Interstate noise and the occasional train whistle would keep me from using the facility for nothing more than an overnight stop.
Traveler
We decided to stop in the Bitterroot Valley and the Charles Waters CG for our needs. Clean, treed space with the creek running behind. Extremely peaceful and just what we needed after a super long, hot day. Quiet campground. We did need to change sites as Site 4 had a very large and active red/black ant nest next to the fire ring and picnic table.
We got in around 6pm on a Sunday night. There were multiple sites still open.
Scout
We got one of the FF sites. And lucked out with site 18. Amazing lake front site. Flushing toilets and wood available. Super quiet. Even on 4th July. LOVED it! Highly recommend the waterfall hike too
GuideSpent several one nighter’s here. Quiet and beautiful. Lots and f trail for hiking. Close enough to Missoula or the other communities in the bitterroot valley.
TravelerWe had a really nice couple of mid week nights here. We couldn’t get two consecutive nights in a row so had to move spots, but it wasn’t a big deal. Our daughter braved a chilly swim and there were lots of dirt roads and little trails for the strider bikes. Bring bug spray, the mosquitos are out. They really go nuts when you first pull in but relax after a few minutes. Keep an eye out for bears. We saw a black bear across the road from the campground. The closest cell service is just outside of Seeley Lake.
Guide
$42 for fire pit and picnic table! No privacy between the spots. That said, it’s a very beautiful setting with big trees, and very quiet. Nice playground for the kids . Showers and bathrooms looked like they had been clean to, but overall were in need of a deep cleaning. The shower curtains were on the toilet stalls… Not sure how you keep those clean thoroughly.
Restaurant was really nice and tasty. Nice people. But they are only open till 230 even though their website says they are open for dinner. I was hoping to stay one more day because it was so peaceful but we needed to get going on our trip.
TravelerThis is definitely 1 of the top 5 in the area even as a usfs camp ground and price. Sites are well spaced, plenty of privacy and greenery, tons of nature, sound of a run off river coming down through the camp, there is a camp host on site as well as paved road and restrooms as well as water fountains. There is tons of trails for hiking, horse back and driving as well as tons of stream access only down fall is not really for fishing.
GuideThis is a good Forest Service campground in a beautiful spot on Holland Lake. The only issues we had were that it is not terribly remote so there are a lot of huge fifthwheelers who think they should have the best spots and they are willing o fight for them. (It’s always other campers that lower the tone…)
GuideWe pulled in and the kids where so excited!! Wonderful people helped us to our spot, we are t up camp, kids went to the playground & then we went down to the restaurant for dinner! Everything was wonderful!
We had the best thunderstorm with hail that night as well…best night ever!!
TravelerThis is a National Forest campground about 25 miles from Missoula. The bathrooms are vaulted toilets and they were spacious and VERY clean. Our site was HUGE and so beautiful. Bass Creek was maybe 50 yards from the camper and is so clear! Fishing wouldn't be great at that location, as the creek is fairly shallow. The parking spot for the camper was super level asphalt, and plenty Ling enough for our 33.5' fifth wheel. Due to lower branches on the drive through the campground, we wouldn't recommend higher profile rigs. Ours sits at 13', and we felt that anything much taller than that might have clearance issues. There's a group spot for 12-20 people, as well as a spot for bicycle camping. There are some amazing trails for hiking, biking, and also horses. We really enjoyed this area!
TravelerI was just here for one night but i liked it a lot clean toilets and good sites. Cash and check only
GuideSpent an overnight here. Very clean and updated. Close proximity to trials and hywy 93.
ScoutWe called the number on their sign when we arrived. It’s pretty shut down with no services but we dry camped. Owner was super nice and we were greeted warmly by her grandkids. They ran our dogs around and tired them out.
GuideWe stayed here for a night as we headed west. It offered everything we needed with a beautiful campground to boot. The laundry facilities were great. The showers were clean and hot. There was an adorable restaurant in the campground. Every single staff member we came across was so friendly. There is a basketball court, sand volleyball court, horse shoes and a playground. There’s also a beautiful creek running along the campground with beautiful Mountain views. WiFi sand cell service worked great. I would absolutely stay again!
GuideYou will not be disappointed camping here! It’s a gem. Had a blast and was lucky to see a moose swim across the lake from our canoe.
Ranger
Easy little spot to set up for the night.
ScoutExtremely clean! Terrific staff!
TravelerEasy access from I-90. Beautiful location, classic Montana with trees mountains and rivers! Great restaurant on site. Campsites are the reason for not giving 5 stars. Very tight and not great space for maneuverability. Was not full so we were fine with a big rig. Had it been full would be a little uncomfortable.
TravelerWe love this campground! The views are gorgeous, the sites big, the pit toilets clean, and the people friendly. At the lodge(and the campground now, too, I believe) you can rent kayaks and/or paddle boards. The hike to the waterfall is beautiful, and swimming and snorkeling in this lake are wonderful due to the clarity and purity. One can also take a fun hike all around the lake in four or five hours(but be sure to bring bug spray) and walk over to see the horses in the adjacent horse campground. Why it didn’t earn five stars: the road to the campgrounds are gravel and heavily trafficked, which means that it can get pretty dusty, creating a blanket of dust over the lake if a busy weekend. Also, because the vast majority of users are kayakers and paddle boarders, the lake’s shape and smaller size mean that it can be a challenge for motorized users to keep distance from them. Overall, a lovely, natural lake.
GuideThis campsite is pristine, next to a beautiful river, mountains all around. There is a good amount of space between RV campsites, all of which have water and electric. There is a big field next to the river that was great for kids to run around in. This feels like more of a stop through campsite than one you’d stay for several days, and it’s perfect for that.
ScoutMy husband and I camped at Holland Lake Campground in July 2020. The campground host was really friendly and helped us out a lot. There are several trails to go on atv rides and you could get out on the lake too. The host have a kayaks you could rent. There's Holland Lake Lodge too but I think you have to book it way in advance to get a room. We camped in our tent while most other campers there had RVs or campers. It's comfortable as long as it doesn't rain on you. There are bathrooms that are fairly clean for a campground with a sink, soap, and TP. The view of the lake is gorgeous and they do fireworks on the lake over 4th of July. If you need to go for a drive to look for food or anything, there's a Mercantile down the main road a few miles and you can also drive to Seeley (in town). There's a gas station in Seeley with really good hot stuff pizza. Anyway we had a really good time out there. Brought our fourwheeler and rode several trails, had a real camping experience.
LegendNice little campground in the Bitterroot Valley. It seemed that there were as many dogs as people in the campground. Sites varied in size and shape and shade. I like the sites on the far side of the loop as they are closer to the creek and away from the dusty road. Water at the spigots was good, but I was a bit concerned that they were placed so close to the vault toilets. There are some pull through sites as well as back in, but since it’s first come, it’s luck of the draw in what you get. I got there around 2 on a Sunday and had 3 sites to pick from. All of the sites were full by 4pm. There are some nice hiking and horseback riding trails across the road, and there is a forest road that goes all the way to the top of the mountains with picnic tables to watch the sunset or sunrise (when the smoke doesn’t cloud the view).
GuideGorgeous. Kayak on the lake. Hike to the waterfall. Well maintained sites. Spacious. Mosquitos as big as baseballs! Bring spray.
GuideNot for the person who wants amenities (no cell service, showers...just flush toilets) but if you want a beautiful spot, this is for you!
RangerPaved level sites. Water and trash bins. Beautiful area lots of trails. First come first serve. Senior discount $7.50 a night.
TravelerMemorial day weekend 2021 fee $15 / night . Clean vault toilets...good well water lots of space between sites. Our only misfortune was Hotshot crews and Helicopters were practicing repelling all weekend in the forest around the campground.
ScoutWe’ve done our big family camping here for 30 years or more. It’s usually crowded and typical of a state park type campground. But it’s close to the lake and views there are spectacular.
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 campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Missoula, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Missoula, MT is Charles Waters Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 14 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Missoula, MT?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Missoula, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
