The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Missoula. Missoula is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Missoula, MT. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.
"This 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."
"Lots and f trail for hiking. Close enough to Missoula or the other communities in the bitterroot valley."
"And it’s a huge bonus to be outside and enjoying greasy air.
The grounds were very close to the highway and easy to access."
$40 - $100 / night
"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."
"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."
$35 - $40 / night
"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."
"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!"
$22 - $250 / night
"The hike to the waterfall is beautiful, and swimming and snorkeling in this lake are wonderful due to the clarity and purity."
"This is one of my favorite spots in Montana. The lake itself is gorgeous, and the camping spots are beautiful. There's even one site on the island, if you brought a canoe or kayak, as we did!"
"If you can stand the hordes of mosquitos and constant trail of hikers coming through the area hiking to Lake Dinah."
$20 / night
$50 - $75 / night
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!
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.
ScoutBeautiful 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.
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.
GuideSharon and her partner do an incredible job running this place. 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! Not the best fishing along the campground but still had some luck with brown trout. They offer a “honey pot” mobile dump station where they come pump your sewage, sometimes offering a free dump for stays of a week or longer. We loved it here and it’s not too far from some awesome attractions like garnet ghost town or rock creek fishing and even Missoula for a night out. I genuinely plan to return with friends some day!
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.
TravelerTraveling south in Montana and found this lovely little place. Trees, meadows and solitude. Just the way I like it
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.
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!
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
Where can I find horse camping areas near Missoula, Montana?
For horse camping near Missoula, Charles Waters Campground is an excellent option located about 25 miles from the city. This National Forest campground offers spacious sites with plenty of room for horse trailers and access to numerous trails for riding. Another great choice is Owl Creek Packer Camp, which is specifically designed for equestrian use with dedicated facilities for horses. The camp features reservable sites and is big-rig friendly, making it ideal for horse trailers. Both locations provide access to Montana's stunning wilderness areas and trail systems perfect for exploring on horseback.
What amenities are available at horse campgrounds in Missoula, MT?
Horse campgrounds around Missoula typically offer essential amenities to accommodate both riders and their horses. Ekstrom's Stage Station Campground provides easy access from I-90, an on-site restaurant, clean shower facilities, and laundry services, though sites can be tight for larger rigs with horse trailers. Bearmouth RV Park offers pull-through sites with shade, river access, and helpful staff who can provide information about local riding trails. Most horse-friendly campgrounds in the area feature vault toilets, water sources, and enough space for trailer parking. Some provide corrals or hitching posts, while others require portable corrals or high-lines for containing horses overnight.
When is the best season for horse camping around Missoula?
The optimal season for horse camping around Missoula is late spring through early fall (mid-May to September). Holland Lake Campground offers gorgeous views and access to beautiful riding trails during summer months when the weather is most reliable. Summer temperatures are typically comfortable for both horses and riders. Lazy D C Bar Ranch is accessible during this prime season as well. Fall brings spectacular changing colors but cooler temperatures. Spring can be muddy on many trails, making footing difficult for horses. Winter conditions generally make horse camping impractical due to snow, ice, and freezing temperatures that affect both trail conditions and camping comfort.
Keep Exploring
