Ellison Ranch

We had a wonderful stay in camp spot 4. The banks to the river were pretty steep right by the camping spot, but there is a mowed path to a more accessible point. If you follow the directions they send, you'll drive right to the spot. Camp spots 4 and 5 are just South of spots 1-3. We'll definitely be back and not just because we caught a vibrant Northern Lights display while we were there!

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· July 2026

Total seclusion here!

21 ft truck camper · With pets ·

We loved our one-night stay and honestly would have easily extended it for an extra night if we could have! Only minor hiccup was communication; I never heard back from the host, after his initial welcome message, and I even called the number listed because I had questions, but it gave an "issue as dialed" error. Despite that, the actual stay was incredible. Total seclusion here. A few vehicles drove by on the nearby dirt road, but it never bothered us. We chose to set up camp on the higher side, away from the fire ring. At that location, we didn't find a spot that was perfectly level—though that was completely my fault since I didn't bring leveling blocks! Even so, it gave us perfect, easy access to the river, which my kids absolutely loved dipping their feet into. Just a heads-up for families: the water flow was incredibly strong and very cold during our stay (first week July), so definitely keep a close eye on the little ones.For the drive in, we came from the west through Livingston and headed out via Big Timber. The views along that route are absolutely stunning and well worth the trip. It is a long drive on dirt roads, but my truck handled it effortlessly. My gauges only showed a max 7-degree pitch with a 4-degree roll. I kept it in 2H the entire time and never needed to engage 4x4, though having tires with good traction definitely helped. If you are at all unsure about your rig or the terrain, taking the route through Big Timber is a great choice.

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· July 2026

23 ft travel trailer · With pets ·

This is our 2nd time at Ellison Ranch. We absolutely love the views, the solitude, and quiet atmosphere that this place brings. We were fortunate enough to have a clear skies during our stay were able to see the Northern Lights flicking above camp. It was an awesome experience. We also loved that we are able to escape the noise of fireworks over the 4th of July weekend. Our dogs were very thankful for this. Kent was very accommodating and quick to answer any questions that we have had. I would highly recommend this place. It is by far the best Hipcamp we have ever stayed at.

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· July 2026

Tent · Group trip ·

Gorgeous place deep in ranch country. The road in was long and rough but doable. The instructions to find our site were a bit unclear but we found it eventually. The only problem was that we couldn’t stay longer!

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· July 2026

20 ft travel trailer · With pets ·

Wonderful place! We loved everything about it! It was a great Montana experience.

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· July 2026

30 ft travel trailer · With pets ·

We love this spot! It’s great for the whole family!

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· June 2026

23 ft Class C · With kids ·

This was absolutely the BEST camping spot i've ever camped at. It has to be one of the most beautiful paces on Earth! The host was super helpful and friendly.

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· June 2026

16 ft campervan · With pets ·

Way off the beaten path, this place is a hidden gem! The five spots are carefully chosen for level ground and access to the river. They are well maintained, with nicely-mown grass and gentle access from the road. They’re far enough apart that you won’t know you have neighbors even if the site “next” to you is occupied. There are NO SERVICES at the sites or anywhere nearby. You MUST be fully self-contained. It’s well worth both the drive and the isolation once you’ve set up camp. Wildlife is abundant. The fishing is good. The quiet is sublime.

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· June 2026

Beautiful!!!

20 ft travel trailer · With kids ·

This was our third time camping at Ellison Ranch and it’s one of our favorite spots in Montana. The property is gorgeous and so secluded. Zero light pollution makes for wonderful stargazing and the river is a bonus for wading and looking at rocks. This trip has become an annual trafition and one we very much look forward to.

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· June 2026

Tent · With pets ·

What a quintessential Montana scene! We loved our stay at Ellison ranch even though we were just passing through for the night. Would love to come back and do a few days. The river was loud but nice to go to sleep to. We arrived at sunset to elk and a gorgeous rainbow in the background. Great spot to setup and easy to get to. Definitely recommend!

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· June 2026

25 ft rooftop tent · With pets ·

I loved this spot! Such an incredible place. Kent was very accommodating. Thank you for having us

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· June 2026

Impeccably maintained spot!

20 ft pop-up camper · With pets ·

Wow—what a gorgeous spot, and so impeccably maintained! It was such a treat to camp on this land. The setting is incredibly secluded and quiet, which made it perfect for our crew of two dogs and two kiddos. Thank you so much for sharing this special place—we loved it so much that we’ve already booked two return trips. Can’t wait to get back and explore more in this area!

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· June 2026

20 ft campervan ·

Amazing views, spread out sights and a beautiful drive in.

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· June 2026

27 ft fifth wheel · With pets ·

We love this site! We have been going for years now and love the beautiful quiet views next to the running river! The area is always prepped and ready with lots of areas to explore.

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· May 2026

30 ft travel trailer · With pets ·

Some of the most beautiful country in Montana that I have seen! Great site!

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· May 2026

18 ft pop-up camper · With pets ·

Such a great spot we came to this hip camp last year and loved it. Any spot with this ranch is truly a gem of a place to camp!

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· May 2026

26 ft travel trailer · With pets ·

Beautiful and quiet spot to get away for the weekend! Will definitely be back.

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· May 2026

Perfect spot

Tent · With pets ·

Amazing, private, green and lush spot. Glorious views, stars forever, my dog went nuts running around and swimming.

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· November 2025

19 ft campervan · With pets ·

Wonderful site by the river! I’ve stayed here a few times and it’s great!

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· October 2025

Highly Recommend (read)

Tent · With pets ·

Site #3 - Ellison Ranch

Camped in spot 3, very beautiful spot! The directions are accurate but finding the pull off was a bit difficult. It is before the bridge; don’t cross the bridge it is behind you. GREAT little spot to stay and the water that runs through makes it a very peaceful area. Highly recommend!

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· October 2025

19 ft Class B ·

Peaceful, isolated but always felt safe. Great stream fifty feet away.

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· September 2025

What more can you ask for!!

23 ft travel trailer · With pets ·

The Ellison ranch is the epitome of hipcamping! Big ranch, lots of space and privacy. The dogs so enjoyed it!! They also loved when I would get in the river with them for fun :) Kent and his ranch hand are there if you need them! I've always enjoyed ranchers because I come from ranchers. Good people! The sights around the area are spectacular not to mention the wildlife!! Do not miss Natural Bridge Falls. It isn't far away at all. The drive alone is spectacular! I rode my bike for 13 miles from the ranch down a forest road and it was breath taking. I really enjoyed my time in Big Timber as well. I love small towns where people are polite, helpful and friendly. If you have an rv, Big Timber Tire has an rv dump even after hours.

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· September 2025

Great Stay

36 ft Class C · With pets ·

Beautiful valley and location. Host was great with regard to communication.

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· September 2025

Camp Site 4

20 ft travel trailer ·

Camping site #4 was very peaceful and tucked away along the river. We enjoyed the beautiful views and easy access to the river to hang out on the rocks, and our pup loved the wide open freedom. Thank you for sharing your amazing property with us!

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· September 2025

Amazing Spot!

Tent · With pets ·

Had a great time at Ellison Ranch! We were at spot #2 and it was amazing. Will definitely be back.

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· July 2025

40 ft travel trailer · With pets ·

The land and river are beautiful and we enjoyed the solitude and being in the country. You share the area with lots of wildlife, and cows, and should be comfortable with managing barb wire tension fences to access the site. Read the directions carefully to get to the site. Experience with maneuvering camper trailers in tighter spaces and small hills is important.

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· July 2025

Site #3 - Ellison Ranch

The ranch is spectacular. Site 3 is small and sloped but with some patience and effort we were able to back our rpod in and get it level. The river, the mountains, the birds, the air... it was so refreshing. I would stay in any available site here, it is a special place.

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· July 2025

Montana Jewel

13 ft campervan · With pets ·

Incredible spot on the West Boulder. Quiet, wildflowers and wildlife galore. Nothing but the sound of the creek rushing by. Mowed areas to camp (two sites in #4 to choose from - check out the one up top before you unpack at the first one). This is a real jewel so I hate to give it such a great review. But, I reckon everyone deserves a chance to enjoy it. Just be respectful of the neighbors, don’t spinfish or take trout - you aren’t in Missouri, and clean up after yourself. You are in one of the most beautiful spots in the country and it is special.

Recommends

· July 2025

21 ft travel trailer · With kids ·

This place is beautiful! All of the sites are well worth the stay. Would stay again! Thank you for all the communication from the host. They were amazing!

Recommends

· July 2025

21 ft travel trailer · With pets ·