Best Equestrian Camping in Montana

A state of staggering variety, Montana is truly one of the nation’s best camping destinations. The eastern part of the state characterized by badlands and prairie, the west is where most of the fun is found. Camping in Montana means sleeping in some of the most sensational landscapes anywhere in the USA.

With no fewer than 50 state parks and two of the greatest national parks in America, Montana is an adventurer’s paradise. The brightest star in Montana’s firmament is Glacier National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is blessed with magnificent mountainscapes. If you’re looking to go camping in Montana, Glacier should be at the top of your list.

Many explorers look for camping in Montana’s Yellowstone National Park, a sliver of which lies along the state’s southwestern border. Few people know this, but Montana is a superb access point to the world’s very first national park. If a visit to Yellowstone is on your itinerary, make sure to enter the park via the scenic Beartooth Highway.

Another great camping destination in Montana is gorgeous Flathead Lake, located within the Kootenai Tribes Flathead Reservation and the contiguous USA’s largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. Numerous recreation areas surround Flathead Lake, offering excellent picnicking, fishing and camping. More adventure-minded travelers might want to attempt an ascent of Granite Peak, the highest mountain in the state.

If you’re looking to travel off the beaten path, Montana offers you plenty of opportunities to do so. With more than 70 different mountain ranges belonging to the giant Rocky Mountains chain, it is easy to unplug and get closer to nature while camping in Montana. Pick a lesser-known campground and explore Montana “behind the scenes”.

In addition to fishing, rock climbing, and camping in Montana, there are myriad other ways to enjoy the state’s glorious natural scenery. Go mountain biking, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, backpacking...the list of choices is never-ending!

Best Equestrian Sites in Montana (83)

    1. Glacier Campground

    51 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    Website
    +1 (406) 387-5689

    $45 - $120 / night

    "Montana is absolutely gorgeous! I may be biased because I go to college in Montana, but there is so many great outdoor activities. The mountains and scenery are my favorite."

    "Great place tucked away from the road. Sites are smaller. Place was clear even the showers. Hot water in the morning not so much at night."

    2. 7th Ranch RV Park

    37 Reviews
    Garryowen, MT
    Website
    +1 (406) 638-2438

    "You can bring your horse or off road vehicles too."

    "We stayed at 7th Ranch RV Park in Garryowen, Montana in September 2021. This wonderful park is situated just a small drive from the Custers Last Stand and The Battle Of Little Bighorn."

    3. Bowman Lake Campground — Glacier National Park

    32 Reviews
    Polebridge, MT
    Website
    +1 (406) 888-7800

    $10 - $15 / night

    "When I say off the beaten path I should really be saying unpaved path. Make sure you have good shock absorbers on your vehicle, as it is miles and miles of dirt roads to get here."

    "Cool spot to hang around for a couple days. The 3 hikes right off the campground are pretty cool with the Bowman lake trial being the easiest. Relatively busy campground while I was there."

    4. Moose Creek RV Resort and Bed & Breakfast

    21 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    Website
    +1 (406) 387-5280

    "Campground was relatively quiet despite its close proximity to the highway. Everything was very clean and organized. Camp host was friendly."

    "It’s very close to the West entrance to Glacier National Park. We found fun things to do in nearby Hungry Horse, CowY, and Columbia Falls."

    5. Holland Lake Campground

    19 Reviews
    Condon, MT
    Website
    +1 (406) 752-7924

    $22 - $250 / night

    "The hike to the waterfall is beautiful, and swimming and snorkeling in this lake are wonderful due to the clarity and purity."

    "This is one of my favorite spots in Montana. The lake itself is gorgeous, and the camping spots are beautiful. There's even one site on the island, if you brought a canoe or kayak, as we did!"

    6. Yellowstone Park-Mountainside KOA

    20 Reviews
    West Yellowstone, MT
    Website
    +1 (406) 646-7662

    "Campground is in a great location close to Yellowstone entrance. It’s a big campground and as expected it can be a little cramped."

    "This campground was an excellent place to get away from the crowds and relax after a day in the park."

    7. Charles Waters Campground

    19 Reviews
    Florence, MT
    Website

    "Traveling south in Montana and found this lovely little place. Trees, meadows and solitude. Just the way I like it"

    "There is tons of trails for hiking, horse back and driving as well as tons of stream access only down fall is not really for fishing."

    8. Johnson's Campground & RV Park

    19 Reviews
    Babb, MT
    Website
    +1 (406) 450-0035

    $32 - $187 / night

    "I noticed from walking around not all have a grill, so if that's important to you I'd specifically ask during reservations."

    "We were supposed to stay at the KOA, but they had water damage issues and told us of this campground, right around the corner."

    9. Lost Creek State Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Anaconda-Deer Lodge County, MT
    Website
    +1 (406) 542-5500

    "The campground is tucked between two imposing rock walls that deliver wonderful sunset and sunrise scenery."

    "Lost Creek State Park is located just outside of Anaconda, and is a perfect location for a quick day-hike or a multi-day trip. It is located in a canyon that is very secluded and has great views."

    10. Sloway Campground

    13 Reviews
    Superior, MT
    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."

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Equestrian Camping Reviews in Montana

491 Reviews of 83 Montana Campgrounds


  • Kathi F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 20, 2021

    Meyers Creek Cabin

    Best horse camp cabin

    This is one of the best camping cabins for equestrians that I found so far in Montana. Getting from the main road into the cabin can be a bit tricky for vehicles over 30 feet. This cabin has plenty of room to sleep 6. There are Corrals for horses and pasture. And the trails into the forest service are endless in a couple different directions. There is also a vault toilet for day travelers. The cabin has electricity and running water a fire ring and it's also close to a creek. The only down holes are mosquitoes and you cannot overnight camp only rent the cabin so if you're planning a trip you need to plan and Reserve this cabin in advance as it goes really fast every year.

  • Nancy C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2021

    Mountain View RV Park

    Good basecamp for adventuring

    I can't add much to Julie M.'s review. Very thorough and accurate. AT&T service was just ok. We did visit Hungry Horse Dam. Beautiful and the story behind the name is interesting. Montana Distillery is close by in Coram and a good brewery/restaurant in Columbia Falls. Lots of things for kids and teens close by. Amazing Fun Center, Glacier Highline, Putt Putt in West Glacier and many others. Really nice place for a basecamp.

  • Sadie P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 23, 2025

    Sam Billings Memorial Campground

    The best in SW Montana

    12 sites with good tables and fire rings. This is a well maintained NFS campground. 3 vault toilets that are kept clean. Sites #1 & #2 get the most sun, are the largest, and can accommodate any size RV. The remaining sites vary in size. #2 can easily hold 5 full size trucks side by side, or three medium size trailers/5th wheels with their tow vehicles. It also has 3 large tables, plenty of open ground for tents, and is ideal for large groups and families. Toilets are located across from site 3, between 5/6, across from 12. #7 is low ground camping you walk down to with minimal shade and perfect for hot weather days.

    The exit is at site 12, one way travel thru the campground. Across the street from the exit is the entry to sites 1-4 horse camping. Small sites with table, fire ring, and enough room for a small tent. There are 3 large metal structures with 3 chains each for horses and 2 horizontal tie out bars. No room to park horse trailers on that pull thru. One trailer spot across from site 4 by the “stock water trail” sign, the rest can park 50 yards down the road at the trail head/turn around. There are 2 additional tie out areas here for horses and plenty of room for horse trailers and several other vehicles.

    Be sure to read the notice above the envelope box before you pay. From weather dependent dates chosen by the Rangers there is no cost from late Oct to late May. Otherwise it is $10 per night, $5 with golden or access passes.

    No cell service, only 1 mile to the paved road, Ranger station is only about 1/2 mile down that paved road. The Rangers are proactive in sharing any important information such as severe weather, bear activity, or any other notable activity.

    Details: Ranger station on the main road less than a mike from the entrance. They show up once a week Ravialli county sheriff is who to call on weekends and holidays, they will respond Be bear aware in season Equestrian specific campsites Trailhead next to the CG So much firewood laying around There are some karens that have been “coming here my whole life” and think they own the place; avoid Only three site requires walking access, the rest are drive right in to. Only a few sites so if its great weather or holiday show up mid week or even a week ahead if you can Free stays out of season, otherwise it’s a daily fee, pay at the entrance sign

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 25, 2022

    Benchmark

    Access two wilderness areas from once campsite

    Benchmark campground allows the hiker or horse rider access to two wilderness areas from the adjacent trail head.  This 25 site campground is set up for camping with or with out horses.  The area has several horse corrals and parking for horse trailers.  Some of the campsites are right next to the horse corrals, but many are far from those corrals.  Each site features a picnic table and metal fire ring.  Sites are well spread apart.  Cost is $10 per night, plus $5 more for a second vehicle.  Campground has two water pumps and vault toilets.  The adjacent trail head is for Straight Creek Trail #212, which will have you in the Bob Marshall Wilderness in a matter of minutes, and if you continue down the trail you will enter the  Scapegoat Wilderness.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 25, 2021

    Eagle Creek Campground

    Remote camping feel just outside Gardiner and Yellowstone NP

    Eagle Creek campground is a nice small 16 site campground a few miles above Gardiner Montana and only a few minutes from the Yellowstone entrance.  Getting to the campground requires a steep 2 mile drive which the road recommends 4 wheel drive for to help with the incline and to prevent washboard.  Sites sit in a grassy open area with willows and other small trees and bushes around the edge.  Small creek runs along the campground.  Site #1 would the site to get it you can, out of view from the rest of camp and has two picnic tables.  The site has a vault toilet.  All sites have a metal fire ring and picnic table. Bear proof food lockers for food storage at most sites.  No water or trash service.  I filtered water from the creek.  Their is a horse Corral adjacent to campground.  Campground was nice and quiet at night with great view of the night sky.  No cell service.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 25, 2022

    South Fork

    Camp and access the Bob Marshall by foot or horse.

    South Fork Campground located at the end of Benchmark road is one of the campgrounds to use for accessing the Bob Marshall Wilderness.  This seven site campground and trail head gives the hiker and horseback rider a pleasant campground with plenty of room for horse trailer parking, corrals for the horses and campsites with picnic tables and metal fire rings.  Campground has water available and vault toilets.  ADA sites as well.  Campground sits next to one of the more popular access points for the Bob Marshall Wilderness area and the Continental Divide Trail.  Most of the campsites sit under large pine and fir trees.  Sites are well spread apart.  Your proximity to horse corrals varies by site and if horses are present.

  • Kayla K.
    Sep. 28, 2016

    Glacier Campground

    Gorgeous!!!

    Montana is absolutely gorgeous! I may be biased because I go to college in Montana, but there is so many great outdoor activities. The mountains and scenery are my favorite. Some college friends and I have done a lot of camping over the years together, and Glacier Campground was one of my favorites. The campground is awesome, and is a few exits down from the Glacier National Park. Trees surround you within the campground, which was great because my friends and I had hammocks so those were easy to hook up with all the trees! One thing we really enjoyed doing was we did some horse back riding! There is a place nearby where you can go and do this. We had a blast!! There are many lakes and rivers too that are great. We enjoyed swimming in the lake, and also rented some kayaks at a local shop a few miles away. The campground does offer spots for tents, RVs and they also have cabins. We chose to tent because we are poor college students :). Maybe at some point we would try renting a cabin because they looked pretty fun. We didn't reserve our spot ahead of time, but we were able to get a spot still. It was in the spring time, so I'm sure if it was in the summer months you might want to call and make a reservation. Each campsite does have a table and fire pit which came in handy for us. We only stayed for the weekend, but wish we could have stayed longer to do some hiking. Because Glacier National Park is right around the corner, I know they have great hikes. If you are into hiking, I would definitely research hikes in that area. I can't wait to come back!!

  • C
    Aug. 6, 2021

    Holland Lake Campground

    Great camping, swimming, paddling, hiking, views

    We love this campground! The views are gorgeous, the sites big, the pit toilets clean, and the people friendly. At the lodge(and the campground now, too, I believe) you can rent kayaks and/or paddle boards. The hike to the waterfall is beautiful, and swimming and snorkeling in this lake are wonderful due to the clarity and purity. One can also take a fun hike all around the lake in four or five hours(but be sure to bring bug spray) and walk over to see the horses in the adjacent horse campground. Why it didn’t earn five stars: the road to the campgrounds are gravel and heavily trafficked, which means that it can get pretty dusty, creating a blanket of dust over the lake if a busy weekend. Also, because the vast majority of users are kayakers and paddle boarders, the lake’s shape and smaller size mean that it can be a challenge for motorized users to keep distance from them. Overall, a lovely, natural lake.

  • Y
    Jul. 10, 2021

    7th Ranch RV Park

    Awesome

    This one of the nicest RV parks we’ve stayed at in 15 years of RVING. Very clean. 600 acres to explore if you want. You can bring your horse or off road vehicles too.


Guide to Montana

Horse camping in Montana offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes while enjoying the company of your equine companions. With a variety of campgrounds equipped with horse-friendly amenities, equestrians can find the perfect spot to set up camp.

Tips for equestrian camping in Montana

  • Ensure you have the necessary gear for both you and your horse, including proper saddles, feed, and water containers, as some campgrounds may have limited resources.
  • Always check the specific rules regarding horses at each campground, as some may have restrictions on where horses can be tied or ridden.
  • Be prepared for varying terrain and weather conditions, and plan your routes accordingly to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like spacious sites and water access

  • At Glacier Campground, you can find spacious sites that accommodate both tents and horse trailers, making it a great choice for equestrian campers.
  • 7th Ranch RV Park offers well-maintained facilities and ample space for horses, ensuring a comfortable stay for both you and your animals.
  • Bowman Lake Campground features sites that are close to trails, allowing easy access for horseback riding in the beautiful surroundings.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy scenic rides along the trails near Johnson's Campground & RV Park, which is conveniently located near Glacier National Park.
  • Experience the breathtaking views and diverse wildlife while riding in the area surrounding Holland Lake Campground, known for its tranquil atmosphere.
  • Explore the numerous hiking and riding trails available at Lost Creek State Park Campground, where you can enjoy the beauty of Montana's wilderness with your horse.