Equestrian camping sites and dispersed camping opportunities dominate the landscape near Troy, Montana, a small town nestled in the Kootenai National Forest at elevations ranging from 1,900-4,500 feet. Several designated horse-friendly campgrounds provide access to extensive trail systems within the surrounding national forest. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F during daytime hours, with cooler nights dropping to 40-50°F even in July and August.
What to do
Trail riding access: Pleasant Valley Campground offers direct access to hiking and horse trails right from the campsite. "Beautiful stars at night! Underused, but great for horses with fence, etc," notes Wendy L. The campground features designated equestrian sites with fencing facilities.
Riverside activities: Pack River Dispersed Site provides natural water access approximately 48 miles from Troy. "There are several dispersed sites up here along Pack River. Good for horses, camping and solitude," reports T&A Adventures. The river setting creates opportunities for fishing, swimming, and watering horses after trail rides.
Water sports: Lakes near Troy offer various recreation possibilities. According to Emma T., Pack River Dispersed Site is "on the river and very peaceful. Remember to leave no trace and pack out your trash!" Many equestrian campers combine trail riding with water activities during summer months.
What campers like
Solitude and quiet: Horse campgrounds near Troy tend to remain uncrowded even during peak season. Alex P. mentions Pleasant Valley Campground was nearly empty: "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." Many equestrians appreciate the lack of congestion.
Dark skies: The remote location of Fairview Ranger Station creates excellent stargazing opportunities. "If you're looking to get away from it all, this is definitely the place," shares Jessie U. The cabin's secure fenced yard provides peace of mind when "you hear the bears or wolves at night," according to Juice B.
Simple amenities: Basic facilities meet most equestrian camping needs. Lynn notes that Sheldon Mountain Trailhead Camp is a "convenient dirt spot with a few places." The straightforward setup works well for horse trailers and camping gear without unnecessary frills.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to horse-friendly dispersed camping often requires navigating challenging roads. Emma T. warns about Pack River Dispersed Site: "Lots of washboard/rutted sections on the road and some steep areas getting to certain campsites." High-clearance vehicles are recommended, especially when towing horse trailers.
Limited connectivity: Cell service ranges from weak to nonexistent at most equestrian camping locations. Alex P. reports "Did not have Verizon service" at Pleasant Valley Campground. Plan communications accordingly and consider bringing alternative navigation tools.
Environmental considerations: Bull River Guard Station visitor Evelyn M. notes the cabin's historic character comes with expected wildlife encounters: "Some complaints of mice - but that's to be expected from a building from 1908." Proper food storage is essential at all camping locations near Troy.
Tips for camping with families
Cabin options: For families seeking more comfort while still accessing horse trails, Bull River Guard Station offers enclosed accommodations. "Awesome guard station! Cozy little cabin type that fits a family of 4 perfectly. Right by the Bull River with great fishing and fly fishing areas and swimming in the Bull River," shares Corinne G.
Swimming locations: Several horse-friendly campgrounds offer water access for children. Lionhead Campground at Priest Lake State Park features "beautiful white sand with crystal clear water," according to Scott B., who ranks it as his "favorite campground of hundreds I've been to."
Weather preparation: Mountain elevations mean temperature fluctuations even in summer. Pack layers and rain gear for unexpected weather changes. "We stayed in a tent only spot... The spot was somewhat small," notes Alex W. about Round Lake, suggesting families should consider space requirements carefully when selecting sites.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most equestrian-focused campgrounds have limited RV capacity. Kendra T. observed at Sheldon Mountain Trailhead Camp: "You can still park in any of the sandy/dirt road but can't pull off anywhere." Small to mid-sized RVs work best at most horse-friendly campgrounds near Troy.
Seasonal access: Several campgrounds close during winter months. Access to Heritage Cabin Property remains available during shoulder seasons, with Emmett S. noting its value as "the chosen jumping off point for many explorers" and mentioning it can "accommodate a group of up to six people and an RV or Travel Trailer up to 24'."
Hookup availability: Most horse-friendly sites offer minimal or no hookups. When available, electrical connections may be unreliable in remote locations. Plan for boondocking capabilities and bring sufficient water supplies for both humans and horses.
