The best campgrounds near Elliston, Montana with horseback riding

Looking for the perfect camping experience near Elliston, Montana? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 400 options to choose from, you're sure to find the ideal accommodation for your adventure. Whether you're into fishing, wildlife watching, or wind sports, there's something for everyone. And don't just take our word for it – check out the top-rated campsites like Primrose Meadows (652 reviews), Gallatin River Getaway (159 reviews), and Montana Red Devon Ranch (75 reviews). Plus, with prices starting as low as $18 per night and popular amenities like showers, pets, and trash facilities, your camping experience will be convenient and comfortable. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable outdoor adventure!

95% (126)

Top-rated campgrounds near Elliston

Looking for the perfect camping experience near Elliston, Montana? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 400 options to choose from, you're sure to find the ideal accommodation for your adventure. Whether you're into fishing, wildlife watching, or wind sports, there's something for everyone. And don't just take our word for it – check out the top-rated campsites like Primrose Meadows (652 reviews), Gallatin River Getaway (159 reviews), and Montana Red Devon Ranch (75 reviews). Plus, with prices starting as low as $18 per night and popular amenities like showers, pets, and trash facilities, your camping experience will be convenient and comfortable. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable outdoor adventure!

95% (126)

Top-rated campgrounds near Elliston

1. Big-Enough Ranch

97%

(70)

26mi from Elliston · 2 sites · Lodging

Horse ranch on 40 acres located just outside of Boulder, MT. Exceptional views and peace and quiet at this retreat cabin. 20 acres to the East has and old hunting cabin alongside a creek. Also an old mining test pit from the late 1800’s mining boom, as well as a hand built irrigation ditch that runs through the property.

2. Gunslinger Gulch Ghost Town

93%

(54)

38mi from Elliston · 29 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Step back in time and camp under the wide-open skies of Montana’s Wild West! Gunslinger Gulch is a real-deal ghost town turned Old West experience, nestled just outside Anaconda in the heart of Big Sky Country. This is dry camping with a twist — surrounded by rustic buildings, rolling hills, and the spirit of the frontier. ⛺ What You’ll Get: Large, level spots for tents, vans, trailers, or RVs (no hookups) Community Campfire available (fire conditions/weather permitting) Epic sunrises, star-studded skies, and wide-open space Access to authentic Western movie sets, vintage photo ops, and cowboy history. Peace, quiet, and a front-row seat to Montana’s natural beauty Experience More: Add-on trail rides (2026), ghost town tours, or chuckwagon dinners (in season) Take unforgettable old-time photos in full costume. Catch special events, reenactments, and live music throughout the year. 🚫 What to Know Before You Go: This is DRY camping — no water, electric, or dump station (bring your own supplies) We’re rustic, just like the pioneers liked it Pets welcome (must be leashed and picked up after) Horse camping also available. Please inquire. Cell service may be limited, wifi available— a perfect excuse to unplug! 📸 Perfect for: Travelers looking for a unique overnight stay, road-trippers with a taste for the Old West, off-grid enthusiasts, history lovers, and anyone craving something different. Come camp where legends once rode — only at Gunslinger Gulch.

3. York Montana Hideaway

83%

(6)

36mi from Elliston · 1 site · RV

As opposed to the thousands of runoff creeks in Western Montana, the unique Trout Creek Canyon has one of the few spring fed streams. It's rather large volume of water flows from several groups of canyons and drainages in the Little Belt mountains, bubbling out of the ground six miles up at the foot of the beautiful Vigilante canyon and terminating in the Missouri River three miles further down. Over the last 150 years a  number of gold and silver mines have operated in the gulches at the side of the canyon. A pictorial history is available at the community park and in the social hall. If you're lucky you might even still see a few mountain goats on your way up the canyon.

4. Helena National Forest

100%

(3)

109 sites · Helena Valley Northeast, Montana

The Helena National Forest straddles the continental divide and offers adventurers a whirlwind of majestic scenery and recreation. Nicknamed the “million acre backyard” you’re gonna love exploring the hiking, biking and off roading trails in Gates of the Mountains and the Helena River Valley, which boasts jaw dropping views of the Big Belt Mountains. Anglers will need to be yanked out of the crystal clear Missouri River—the trout are just begging to be caught. Campgrounds are close by and backcountry lovers will find plenty of chances to explore the trails and see incredible wildlife. Don’t pass up a chance to hop the Continental Divide trail or visit Helena National Forest. You’re gonna feel like you’re on top of the world!

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

5. Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

79%

(14)

633 sites · Wisdom, Montana

Adventuring in the largest national forest in Montana should definitely be added to your summer (or winter!) to do list. Activities abound in The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, including wilderness trekking, scenic drives to killer views, camping among smallish forest sites, downhill and cross-country skiing in the winter, lake fishing, picnicking, and exploring historic wild-west ghost towns in the summer. You can also check out parts of the Continental Divide trail which crosses through this park, and cheer on thru-hikers in the final stretch of their epic journey. You may just have to flip a coin to decide between the plethora of outdoor fun in this 3.35 million acre forest. The choice is yours, all you have to do is pick one and get going!

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

6. MT Keene Life is Good Lodge

48mi from Elliston · 1 site · Lodging

Wade the Dearborn in the back yard of this 3-bedroom house (fourth bedroom/living room or guide cabin next door ($150/stay to open) on 10 acres of the former Gary Cooper Ranch. Don’t be surprised to see deer, geese and ducks in the window nudging their way near the deck, especially at the spring waterfall that cascades down the slope. if you are especially quiet and observant, the hundreds of acres of park and ranch across the river also have mountain goats, bears, antelope and even the mountain lion. Help yourself to the library, watch satellite television or DVD movies, or read from the house’s library. The public put-in is an 11 hour trip; private access to two shorter put-ins make this a recommended site for many Montana guides. Launch from the back yard and float one half mile down the Dearborn River to the Missouri River or from anywhere on the Dearborn to your own private fishing hole among some of nature’s oldest rock outcroppings. Only few miles from the Missouri Inn over the bridge where the Untouchables was filmed, enjoy the canyon or visit the Lewis and Clark’s Tower Rock and surrounding Park. From this base, see the spectacular Glacier Park or the continent’s largest dinosaur digs to the northwest, float the Lewis and Clark Trail by pontoon boat and lunch at the island where one of the nation's most famous fires occurred, or travel south to Yellowstone National Park or Jackson Hole, each an easy day’s visit. Bring your dogs to the kennel behind the house, hang on the deck with river and tremendous rock views, play pool or light the outside fire pit for a campfire. BBQ or enjoy the new, custom kitchen and fisherman’s décor. In the evening, take your pick of 3 spacious bedrooms where at the end of the day 6 extra long beds await or tie a few at the fly-tying table.

7. Pipestone Ringingrocks Rv & Cabins

96%

(23)

46mi from Elliston · 5 sites · RVs

Welcome DIRECTIONS These Campsites are in Pipestone so Take Pipestone exit heading west take a immediate right on gravel rd. (Road to Ringing Rocks theres a sign Pipestone Ringing rocks RV and Cabins with red arrow pointing east follow it for about a 1 1/2 miles crossing 3 cattle gaurds and a railroad track go another 50 yards and there a gate # 234 on post and the RV spots are just past the cabins. enjoy the views and to take in the fresh Montana air there's also a fire pit (fire wood for sale) and a picnic table set up ( potable Water fill available, there are no public Bathrooms so Rv must have Bathrooms in them) ,for you and your family to enjoy a nice outing and look at the Montana stars in Big Sky country there are also hundreds of miles of trails to enjoy utv,dirt bike,peddle bike. or just a nice nature walk all these trails are shared in them

8. The Mountaintop Disconnect

100%

(3)

34mi from Elliston · 1 site · Lodging

We don't know much about the history of our property but we can tell you that we plan on keeping it forever. It has absurdly good views at the top and is the perfect amount of remote and accessible for us.Learn more about this land:The property begins at the base of a small mountain and goes straight to the 6000' peak (and a little past). Great views, silent surroundings. You will very much be in the middle of nowhere. Enjoy it. There is a natural spring on the property from which you may get your water. Please no relieving yourself within 100 feet of the spring or uphill from it.

9. Bozeman Hot Springs Campground & RV Park

87mi from Elliston · 23 sites

Bozeman Campground stands out for its serene environment, conveniently located just five minutes away from exceptional golfing and premier fly-fishing opportunities along the Gallatin River. This unique setting allows visitors to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying a variety of outdoor activities. For those looking to explore further, the campground serves as an ideal base for day trips to fascinating destinations such as Virginia City and Lewis and Clark Caverns. History enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby Museum of the Rockies, home to the largest T. Rex skull in the world. Additionally, Yellowstone National Park is only a short drive away, with fishing access available just 40 minutes south and the west entrance located 82 miles from the campground. After a day of adventure, guests can unwind at the campground, where children can engage in fun activities like gold panning or enjoy the refreshing pool and splash park. Bozeman Campground truly offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement for the whole family.

10. Black Sandy State Park

34 sites · Helena Valley Northeast, Montana

Discover Black Sandy State Park's scenic shores and outdoor fun.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

11. Lolo National Forest

92%

(12)

395 sites · Alberton, Montana

You are going to be filled to the brim with glee when you discover Lolo National Forest. Seriously; this is the kind of place you can stand with your feet in a crystal clear stream, bighorn sheep filling the meadow, with the sun setting behind snowcapped mountain peaks in the distance. And that’s just a roadside pull off! With over two million acres to explore, hikers, bikers and backcountry seekers will be stoked on the supa-lush forest, and trails like Cougar Peak Lookout and the Lolo Peak trail (which we assure you is not low-low). Boat for a day in Seeley Lake, or cast a line into pristine mountain streams for a try at the trout. Dinner is going to taste great over the campfire! Through the meadows or up the peaks, it’s easy enough to get your share of adventure at Lolo.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Camper favorites near Elliston

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

MT Keene Life is Good Lodge

48mi from Elliston · 1 site · Lodging

Wade the Dearborn in the back yard of this 3-bedroom house (fourth bedroom/living room or guide cabin next door ($150/stay to open) on 10 acres of the former Gary Cooper Ranch. Don’t be surprised to see deer, geese and ducks in the window nudging their way near the deck, especially at the spring waterfall that cascades down the slope. if you are especially quiet and observant, the hundreds of acres of park and ranch across the river also have mountain goats, bears, antelope and even the mountain lion. Help yourself to the library, watch satellite television or DVD movies, or read from the house’s library. The public put-in is an 11 hour trip; private access to two shorter put-ins make this a recommended site for many Montana guides. Launch from the back yard and float one half mile down the Dearborn River to the Missouri River or from anywhere on the Dearborn to your own private fishing hole among some of nature’s oldest rock outcroppings. Only few miles from the Missouri Inn over the bridge where the Untouchables was filmed, enjoy the canyon or visit the Lewis and Clark’s Tower Rock and surrounding Park. From this base, see the spectacular Glacier Park or the continent’s largest dinosaur digs to the northwest, float the Lewis and Clark Trail by pontoon boat and lunch at the island where one of the nation's most famous fires occurred, or travel south to Yellowstone National Park or Jackson Hole, each an easy day’s visit. Bring your dogs to the kennel behind the house, hang on the deck with river and tremendous rock views, play pool or light the outside fire pit for a campfire. BBQ or enjoy the new, custom kitchen and fisherman’s décor. In the evening, take your pick of 3 spacious bedrooms where at the end of the day 6 extra long beds await or tie a few at the fly-tying table.

Pipestone Ringingrocks Rv & Cabins

96%

(23)

46mi from Elliston · 5 sites · RVs

Welcome DIRECTIONS These Campsites are in Pipestone so Take Pipestone exit heading west take a immediate right on gravel rd. (Road to Ringing Rocks theres a sign Pipestone Ringing rocks RV and Cabins with red arrow pointing east follow it for about a 1 1/2 miles crossing 3 cattle gaurds and a railroad track go another 50 yards and there a gate # 234 on post and the RV spots are just past the cabins. enjoy the views and to take in the fresh Montana air there's also a fire pit (fire wood for sale) and a picnic table set up ( potable Water fill available, there are no public Bathrooms so Rv must have Bathrooms in them) ,for you and your family to enjoy a nice outing and look at the Montana stars in Big Sky country there are also hundreds of miles of trails to enjoy utv,dirt bike,peddle bike. or just a nice nature walk all these trails are shared in them

The Mountaintop Disconnect

100%

(3)

34mi from Elliston · 1 site · Lodging

We don't know much about the history of our property but we can tell you that we plan on keeping it forever. It has absurdly good views at the top and is the perfect amount of remote and accessible for us.Learn more about this land:The property begins at the base of a small mountain and goes straight to the 6000' peak (and a little past). Great views, silent surroundings. You will very much be in the middle of nowhere. Enjoy it. There is a natural spring on the property from which you may get your water. Please no relieving yourself within 100 feet of the spring or uphill from it.

Bozeman Hot Springs Campground & RV Park

87mi from Elliston · 23 sites

Bozeman Campground stands out for its serene environment, conveniently located just five minutes away from exceptional golfing and premier fly-fishing opportunities along the Gallatin River. This unique setting allows visitors to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying a variety of outdoor activities. For those looking to explore further, the campground serves as an ideal base for day trips to fascinating destinations such as Virginia City and Lewis and Clark Caverns. History enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby Museum of the Rockies, home to the largest T. Rex skull in the world. Additionally, Yellowstone National Park is only a short drive away, with fishing access available just 40 minutes south and the west entrance located 82 miles from the campground. After a day of adventure, guests can unwind at the campground, where children can engage in fun activities like gold panning or enjoy the refreshing pool and splash park. Bozeman Campground truly offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement for the whole family.

Public campgrounds near Elliston

Kading Cabin

8.9mi from Elliston · 1 site · in Helena National Forest

Kading Campground

9mi from Elliston · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · in Helena National Forest

Moose Creek Campground

10mi from Elliston · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · in Helena National Forest

Moose Creek Cabin

10mi from Elliston · 1 site · in Helena National Forest

A thunderstorm fast approaching the campground in the evening.

Park Lake Campground

16mi from Elliston · 22 sites · in Helena National Forest

100%

(1)

Cromwell Dixon Campground

20mi from Elliston · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · in Helena National Forest

Whitehouse Campground and Picnic Area

21mi from Elliston · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Mormon Gulch Campground and Picnic Area

21mi from Elliston · 16 sites · Tents, RVs · in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Ladysmith Campground

21mi from Elliston · 6 sites · in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Orofino Campground and Picnic Area

22mi from Elliston · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Doney Cabin

25mi from Elliston · 1 site · in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Cummings Cabin

29mi from Elliston · 1 site · in Helena National Forest

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

D

Daniel

August 2025

30 ft fifth wheel

1 night at Pipestone Ringingrocks Rv & Cabins

Clean and quiet. Close to Ringing Rocks and tons of ATV trails. No hookups but water is available at a spigot. Sites are graveled and have a picnic table, a couple of chairs and a fire pit. Watch out for catus if you get off the established roads and gravel pads. We camped there on 8/6/2025 with a 30-foot 5th wheel. Rigs of any size are OK. Most sites are back-in, but a couple of sites are pull through. Don't be surprised when you see the extra cost for the HipCamp fees.

Daniel & Renee

August 2025

18 ft pop-up camper

1 night at York Montana Hideaway

This is our second time this summer on Christian's land, so obviously it's a big thumbs up! Christian is a super great and amiable host who enjoys sharing this little paradise; Campsite was on lush green grass adjacent to a perennial spring-fed creek. Lots of birds and wild flowers! This is a beautiful location, but please be sure you are 100% self-contained as there is no power, or waste disposal. Overall, one of the nicest places We've hipcamped in Montana!

M

Matthew

August 2025

23 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to York Montana Hideaway

Great spot on a cool creek. Christian is a wonderful host. He showed exceptional hospitality.

E

Elena

July 2025

24 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to York Montana Hideaway

We loved Christian’s property for our two night stay in our camper. He was a pleasure to meet and made sure we had everything we needed including potable water. The beautiful spring creek is a treat to have at your front door, and you’re minutes away from Hauser Lake. Convenient place to stay to explore the area including lots of hiking opportunities.

R

Rita

July 2025

39 ft fifth wheel

With pets

3 nights at Pipestone Ringingrocks Rv & Cabins

Even though there were no trees, the views were fabulous! Away from everyone yet close enough to go find them if you want to!

Lindy

July 2025

27 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at York Montana Hideaway

York is a little gem! We were able to do Hauser Lake and Canyon Ferry. We rode our bikes and had a burger at the York bar. Fantastic location right on Trout Creek!

Daniel & Renee

June 2025

18 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to York Montana Hideaway

Really enjoyed spending a couple of quiet nights on Christian's land! Christian is a super great and amiable host who was very helpful, and easy to communicate with. My campsite was on lush green grass adjacent to a perennial spring-fed creek. Lots of birds and wild flowers! This is a beautiful location, but please be sure you are 100% self-contained as there is no power, water, or waste disposal. Overall, one of the nicest places I've hipcamped in Montana!

M

Marcie

May 2025

15 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Pipestone Ringingrocks Rv & Cabins

We really enjoyed camping at the spot! It was quiet, Kleen and Melodie was a great host