The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Equestrian Camping near Plains, MT

38 Reviews

Dispersed camping opportunities near Plains, Montana are limited for equestrians, as most established campgrounds in the area do not offer dedicated horse corrals or specialized equine facilities. Lolo National Forest Recreation Area provides free dispersed camping approximately 30 minutes from Plains with sites that can accommodate small horse trailers, though campers must use highlines or portable corrals for their horses. The campground features established fire rings and offers river access where horses can be watered with proper distance from camping areas. Campers report the main dirt road is well maintained but some offshoots can be steep and rocky for larger rigs.

Trails in the surrounding Lolo National Forest connect riders to backcountry routes with varying terrain suitable for day rides. Plains/Thompson Falls Area and Sloway Campground provide established camping options that while not specifically designated for horses, can accommodate equestrians who bring portable containment systems. Campers should note the train tracks that run near Sloway Campground, as the noise can potentially startle horses unaccustomed to trains. Water access is available at the Clark Fork River, though riders should bring their own feed storage containers and waste management solutions. Sites are typically spacious enough for standard horse trailers with adequate room for portable corrals at sites further from the river.

Map showing campgrounds near Plains, MontanaExplore the Map

Best Equestrian Sites Near Plains, Montana (8)

    1. Dispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area

    12 Reviews
    Paradise, MT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 329-3750

    "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."

    2. Sloway Campground

    13 Reviews
    Superior, MT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 822-4233

    $15 / night

    "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."

    3. 50,000 Silver Dollar Campground

    10 Reviews
    De Borgia, MT
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 678-4242

    "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."

    4. Plains/Thompson Falls Area

    1 Review
    Thompson Falls, MT
    16 miles

    5. Fish Lake Trailhead

    1 Review
    Superior, MT
    42 miles
    Website

    6. Pleasant Valley Campground

    2 Reviews
    Trout Creek, MT
    44 miles
    Website

    "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!"

    7. Out Post Campground

    2 Reviews
    Frenchtown, MT
    49 miles

    "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."

    8. Lazy D C Bar Ranch

    Be the first to review!
    St. Ignatius, MT
    41 miles
    Website
Show More
Showing results 1-8 of 8 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Plains Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Plains, MT

1 Photos of 8 Plains Campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Plains, MT

38 Reviews of 8 Plains Campgrounds

  • Roxanne E.
    Sep. 6, 2020

    Plains/Thompson Falls Area

    Sanders County Fairgrounds, Plains MT

    Small camground in Plains MT with partial hookup (water & electric) and large bathhouse. This camground is not on this sites map. It was a nice central location.

  • Alex P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2020

    Pleasant Valley Campground

    Nice and quiet

    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. 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.

  • W
    Oct. 9, 2024

    Pleasant Valley Campground

    Perfect stop for primitive

    Stayed 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!

  • Renee Z.
    Apr. 29, 2022

    50,000 Silver Dollar Campground

    FREE RV space w Electric!

    A 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-

  • Andi F.
    Jan. 5, 2022

    50,000 Silver Dollar Campground

    A free spot

    We 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.

  • Megan K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2020

    Out Post Campground

    Great pit stop to Yellowstone

    We tried to get a AirBnb in this area but it was crazy expensive.

    We made an overnight reservation for this spot and it was great to get our precaming game going.

    They were kinda expensive but it totally beat paying the local costs for lodging. 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.

  • Jared W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2025

    Sloway Campground

    Clean next to the river

    It’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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2024

    Dispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area

    Easy, peaceful and beautiful

    So gorgeous! Tent camped along the river! Very spaced out campsites, nice for lots of privacy and quiet! Signs to be aware of bear country but took precautions. Rock fire pits at each site. Super easy for quick stop road tripping (0.5 miles off main road)! Stayed in early September on a road trip to Glacier, was able to find our site decently well in the dark! Verizon cell service 3-4 bars! Loved it!

    The west is the only safe way to enter onto the road to the campsites. 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 the west).

  • Mai-Lien T.
    Sep. 11, 2020

    Sloway Campground

    Perfect camping layover spot

    Lots of camp sites right on the river. Spaced out very nicely. 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.

Guide to Plains

Horse camping in Montana offers a unique blend of scenic landscapes and outdoor adventures, perfect for equestrian enthusiasts looking to explore the great outdoors with their horses.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • At Sloway Campground, you can enjoy fishing and floating on the Clark Fork River, with easy access from your campsite.
  • The Out Post Campground serves as a great pit stop for those heading to Yellowstone, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors while preparing for your next adventure.
  • Horseback riding trails are abundant in the area surrounding Pleasant Valley Campground, providing a peaceful escape into nature.

Tips for equestrian camping near Plains, Montana

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • Sloway Campground is big rig friendly and allows pets, making it a convenient choice for horse campers.
  • The Out Post Campground features electric hookups and picnic tables, providing a comfortable stay for both you and your horse.
  • At Pleasant Valley Campground, you'll find basic amenities like vault toilets and a peaceful environment, ideal for a relaxing getaway with your horse.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prepare my horse for camping in the plains environment?

Prepare your horse for plains camping by gradually conditioning them for longer rides in similar terrain before your trip. Pack appropriate feed and supplements since grazing may be limited at designated sites like Plains/Thompson Falls Area. Bring portable fencing or high-lines if staying at locations without horse facilities. Consider weather protection including fly masks and sheets for sun and insect defense. Plan for water access, as some campgrounds have limited water sources. Pack a comprehensive first aid kit specifically for equine needs, and ensure your horse is up-to-date on vaccinations, particularly for areas with wildlife interaction. Familiarize your horse with camping equipment and noise before the trip to reduce stress.

Where can I go horseback riding on the plains in Montana?

Pleasant Valley Campground offers excellent facilities for horseback riding with designated horse camp sites and fencing. It's easily accessible off Highway 2 and provides a peaceful riding environment with minimal crowds. The Lolo National Forest area also offers expansive terrain for riders, with Dispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area providing access to beautiful forested trails and riverside riding opportunities. Both locations offer stunning Montana plains landscapes with varying terrain suitable for different riding skill levels.

What are the best seasons for horse camping in the plains?

Late spring through early fall provides optimal conditions for horse camping in Montana's plains. Sloway Campground offers riverside access with adequate spacing between sites, ideal for summer camping with horses when water access is important. Note that many campgrounds including 50,000 Silver Dollar Campground have limited seasonal availability with most closing between September 15th and October 1st. Early fall (September-early October) offers beautiful conditions with fewer insects and cooler temperatures, though be prepared for potential early snow. Summer provides the most reliable access but brings higher temperatures and more insects. Always verify seasonal closures before planning your trip.

What permits are required for horse camping in the plains?

Horse camping in Montana's plains typically requires standard campground fees at developed sites like Out Post Campground, which may have additional charges for equestrian facilities. For dispersed camping in national forests, you'll need a Recreation Pass in designated fee areas. Some locations require Weed-Free Feed certification to prevent spreading invasive species - bring certified hay or pellets. When crossing between different land management areas, trail permits may be required. Contact the local Forest Service or BLM office for specific regulations, as requirements vary by location. For overnight stays, campfire permits may be needed depending on seasonal fire restrictions and current conditions. Always check current regulations before your trip.

Keep Exploring