Plains is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Plains. Find the best campgrounds near Plains, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
"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."
$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."
"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."
"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!"
"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."
TravelerSmall 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.
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.
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.
RangerWe 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.
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.
ScoutSo 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).
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.
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.
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.
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