Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Stanford, MT
Ackley Lake State Park Campground maintains pet-friendly policies throughout its 15 primitive campsites on the shoreline. Pets must be leashed at all times in this Montana state park where fishing, swimming and kayaking opportunities abound alongside camping options. Each site features a fire ring and most have sheltered picnic tables, providing shade for pets during hot summer days. Many Pines Campground offers 24 spacious, private pet-friendly sites nestled among dense forest along Highway 89, creating natural barriers between camping neighbors. The campground's tiered design includes stairs with railings at some sites, leading to tent and campfire areas. Hay Canyon Campground provides free pet-friendly camping with six sites situated among mature trees, including an exceptionally large site near the vault toilet with three picnic tables and an oversized BBQ grill.
Fishing opportunities at various pet-friendly sites allow dogs to cool off in summer months, with Ackley Lake permitting pets along its rocky shoreline. The dispersed camping area at former Indian Hills Campground features two sites with picnic tables and metal fire rings alongside a creek, providing natural water access for pets. Dogs should remain on leash when hiking nearby Memorial Falls, a popular trail accessible from Aspen Campground. Wildlife encounters are common in the Little Belt Mountains surrounding these campgrounds, requiring proper pet management. Campers should pack adequate pet supplies as most sites offer no trash service, running water is limited, and the nearest services are considerable distances away. Temperature variations can be significant, with pets needing protection from both summer heat and chilly mountain nights.
