The West Boulder region offers equestrian camping options about 16 miles south of Big Timber, Montana at an elevation of 5,800 feet. Several established campgrounds throughout the area accommodate horse trailers and provide access to backcountry trails that extend into the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. Seasonal weather conditions typically permit camping from late spring through early fall, with occasional road challenges during wet periods.
What to do
Horseback riding on high-elevation trails: Access wilderness trails directly from Eagle Creek Campground which sits near Gardiner. "The site has a horse Corral adjacent to campground. Campground was nice and quiet at night with great view of the night sky," notes Dexter I.
Fishing in mountain creeks: Multiple creek-side camping options provide easy fishing access. At Pig Farm Fishing Access Camp, visitors can enjoy the Yellowstone River. Steve M. reports it has a "great ramp for launching boats or kayaks or fishing from. Yellowstone on one side and beautiful mountains on the other and it's free!"
Winter cabin stays: For those seeking equestrian camping near Pray, Montana during colder months, reserved cabins offer shelter. At Windy Pass Cabin, Shawn S. recommends: "Get up early and hike up to the ridge and good chance you'll see some mountain goats!" The cabin features ample outdoor space for horses and provides firewood.
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: Campers frequently mention creek and river access as top features. At Langohr Campground near Bozeman, Amy S. notes the difference in site quality: "Unless your site is directly on the creek seriously don't bother." Other reviewers consistently rate water-adjacent sites higher.
Clean toilet facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-serviced vault toilets. Mai K. describes Langohr's facilities as "clean, free of odor and bugs" while mentioning the campground's bear-safe storage options: "There are huge bear safe trash and recycling containers near the entrance for campers to use."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The Pray area offers numerous wildlife encounters. At Taylor Fork Road Dispersed camping area, campers enjoy secluded settings with natural surroundings. One camper describes: "The scenery is stunning with easy access to the creek and a huge cliff on the other side. The area is wooded with green grass and wildflowers everywhere."
What you should know
Train noise impacts some areas: Several campgrounds near railways experience periodic disruptions. At Taylor Fork Road Dispersed camping, visitors note the opposite: "This is very remote feeling with no cell reception or views of any paved roads or buildings. You cannot hear traffic from the highway which is about 1/3 miles away."
Bear safety requirements: All campgrounds in the region require proper food storage. Dexter I. reports at Eagle Creek Campground: "Bear proof food lockers for food storage at most sites. No water or trash service. I filtered water from the creek."
Extreme temperature variations: Even summer months can bring freezing temperatures. Joshua M. camped at Taylor Fork Road in August and reports: "It did rain the night we were there and we woke up to 34 degrees. That was shockingly cold for us Arizonans in August."
Limited water sources: Most dispersed and primitive camping areas require bringing your own water. At Eagle Creek, William C. notes: "No water, and you must pack out your trash. Bear lockers are provided for you to secure your food and other 'smellies' away from bears (this is grizzly country)."
Tips for camping with families
Reserve well in advance for peak season: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially those with amenities. William C. advises about Eagle Creek: "We reserved this site online (recreation.gov) six months in advance. They sent us reminders several times."
Choose sites with natural play features: Creeks provide entertainment for children. At VangoBoon near Bozeman, Scott B. shares: "We LOVED visiting with the horses and they were very friendly and did not even mind when our dogs barked at them."
Consider temperature preparedness: Mountain elevations can mean cold nights even in summer. One camper at Taylor Fork Road notes: "I guess that is just something to be prepared for. Overall a great sites with a pit toilet and campfire rings for use."
Look for campgrounds with established boundaries: Some sites offer clearer camping areas. At Pig Farm Fishing Access, Aliesha D. explains: "Not really any established sites from what we found, but it was a great place to stop for the night and very private."
Tips from RVers
Check road conditions before arrival: Many campgrounds require travel on unpaved roads. For those seeking horse-friendly camping near Pray, Montana, Ted A. at VangoBoon reported: "Site was plowed and I had plenty of room for my pickup with GFC camper to fit. Site was easy to find and despite all the snow was plowed for me."
Leveling challenges at some sites: Bring leveling blocks for uneven parking areas. At Taylor Fork Road Dispersed camping, one RVer advises: "There is a rock fire ring and a very uneven parking spot - bring your levelers!"
Limited hookup availability: Most campgrounds near Pray lack traditional RV amenities. Cynthia F. at Yellowstone Dreamin Camp notes their glamping option provides some comforts: "The room had 2 beds (super comfortable and well dressed), refrigerator, couch, writing table and electric fireplace (more for ambiance vs really providing a lot of heat) and still very roomy."
Corral facilities for horse trailers: Several campgrounds accommodate equestrian camping. Cody K. at Taylor Fork Road Dispersed says: "There was a small corral for horses and plenty of room for a horse trailer and truck."
Guide
