Is drinking water available at Ellison Ranch?

Potable water is available at 1 of 6 sites at Ellison Ranch. The 'experts' warn against giardia in the river. We can show you where to fill your water bottles from a safe source.

Does Ellison Ranch have picnic tables?

Picnic tables are available at 1 of 6 sites at Ellison Ranch.

Does Ellison Ranch have a playground?

A playground is available at 3 of 6 sites at Ellison Ranch.

How do you get to the sites at Ellison Ranch?

2WD accessible. Park at your site. Wheelchair accessible at some sites.

Are pets allowed at Ellison Ranch?

Yes — Ellison Ranch is pet-friendly. Off leash.

Are campfires allowed at Ellison Ranch?

Fire ban in effect. Campfires are temporarily unavailable due to a fire ban. However, the ban still allows charcoal grills, gas firepits, gas BBQs and gas stoves.

What is the check-in process at Ellison Ranch?

Meet and greet with your host Kent at some sites; head straight to your site at the others.

What is the cancellation policy at Ellison Ranch?

Flexible at some sites; Strict at the others. Full refund 24 hours before check in time starts.

What time is check-in and check-out at Ellison Ranch?

Check-in at 2pm. Check-out at 12pm.

How far in advance can you book at Ellison Ranch?

Same-day bookings welcome, up to 12 months ahead.

Does Ellison Ranch have toilets?

No — no toilets at Ellison Ranch.

Does Ellison Ranch have showers?

No — no showers at Ellison Ranch.

Does Ellison Ranch have cooking equipment?

No — no cooking equipment at Ellison Ranch.

Does Ellison Ranch have wifi?

No — no wifi at Ellison Ranch. Come up by the house to connect to WiFi.

Does Ellison Ranch have trash disposal?

No — no trash disposal at Ellison Ranch. We have no "facilities". We have hundreds of other animals that share this space with us, and none of THEM leave trash. All of us in this modern world appreciate the nicety of toilet paper and plastic bags, but please, pack them all out with you.

Dylan having the time of her life, living out her ranch dog dreams.

Incredible views heading out of the valley.

Some of the Ellison Ranch cattle (in what I believe to be cow paradise).

All 100 photos

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Ellison Ranch

Hosted by Kent · Mc Leod, Montana

6 sites · RV, Tent · 2000 acres

97%

223 reviews

Best Hipcamps in Montana

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2025.

Amazing views

Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.

Best in Montana: Finalist

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.

Staff verified

Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.

This ranch was homesteaded in 1896 by a German immigrant, and has been in the family for 120 years. We enjoy sharing that history with anyone who is interested. We have 5 designated drive-in sites along the West Boulder River. Each is separate and well spaced. Only #1 has any close traffic - and that is occasional ranch vehicles.

Select a site

RV/tent sites

6 sites

Site 5 - Ellison Ranch Camp

98%

(100)

RV/tent site · Sleeps 10 · Vehicles under 60 ft

This is located in a nook away from the county road and next to the river. This site is best for large rigs and large groups. Come in off the county road, and through the gate marked "Property of Ellison Ranch - no Public Access". Swing out toward the solar panels, and back around to your right.

No campfires

No toilet

No potable water

Pets allowed

No electrical hookup

No showers

Site 4 - Ellison Ranch Camp

100%

(61)

RV/tent site · Sleeps 6 · Vehicles under 60 ft

We refer to #4 as Ted's Beach, as it is his favorite place for an evening by the river. This is right off the county road and across a small field to the river. You can set up just over the brow to have a quiet and private space.

No campfires

No toilet

No potable water

Pets allowed

No electrical hookup

No showers

Site 2 - Ellison Ranch Camp

96%

(58)

RV/tent site · Sleeps 6 · Vehicles under 45 ft

Site #2 is very private. Come in the main ranch road, and swing off through the gate to your left. Circle around on the path to the right, and right down to the hidden site along the river.

No campfires

No toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

No electrical hookup

No showers

Site 1 - Ellison Ranch Camp

92%

(39)

RV/tent site · Sleeps 10 · Vehicles under 60 ft

This site is right off the main ranch road. It is quick and easy. Bigger rigs have room to spread out and to turn around. Our corrals are right across the river, and occassionaly we are working cows there ahorseback. It's not so private as others, as our ranch vehicles cross the nearby bridge.

No campfires

No toilet

No potable water

Pets allowed

No electrical hookup

No showers

Site #3 - Ellison Ranch

92%

(13)

RV/tent site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 45 ft

Site #3 is private, off the county road, and next to the river. Wonderful views of the surrounding mountains.

No campfires

No toilet

No potable water

Pets allowed

No electrical hookup

No water hookup

Whit's deck

100%

(3)

RV/tent site · Sleeps 8 · Vehicles under 30 ft

This site includes a deck overlooking the West Boulder River. It has spectacular views up the West Boulder Valley. The nearest neighbor is a small summer cabin a few hundred yards upriver.

No campfires

No toilet

No potable water

Pets allowed

No electrical hookup

No water hookup

Reviews

97%· 285 reviews

Themes

Review summary
Generated from real Hipcamper reviews
Ellison Ranch offers a serene and picturesque camping experience along a river, with many praising the tranquil environment and stunning mountain views. The campsite is noted for its privacy and natural beauty, making it a perfect getaway for those looking to escape into nature. Many reviewers appreciate the seclusion and the opportunity for stargazing, although some noted the drive in can be a bit challenging. Overall, it's a beloved spot for both families and individual campers seeking peace and quiet in a beautiful setting.
Shiloh R.
Camped in a 19 ft truck camper at Site 2, Oct 2026.
Recommends
Great little camping spot. Well kept. Go to sleep with the sound of the little river next to it. Beautiful views. Quiet.
Blake J.
Camped in a 24 ft class c at Site 5, Sept 2026.
Recommends
Beautiful spot on the river! We had no problem getting there in our 24 foot RV. Thanks for the stay Kent 🙏👌
Dana G.
Camped in a 25 ft class b at Whit's deck with friends, Sept 2026.
Recommends
Love the privacy and gorgeous views of the mountains Even had a few drop in visitors. The deck made for easy set up to enjoy the river. Will return!

Amenities

Fire pitsTemporarily unavailable due to a fire ban
Potable waterAt some sites
Picnic tablesAt some sites
PlaygroundAt some sites
No toilets
No showers
No electricity hookup
No water hookup
No wifi
No laundry
No trash disposal
No cooking equipment
No hot tub

Things to know

2WD accessiblePark at your site. Wheelchair accessible at some sites.
Pet-friendlyOff leash.
Fire ban in effectCampfires are temporarily unavailable due to a fire ban. However, the ban still allows charcoal grills, gas firepits, gas BBQs and gas stoves.
Check-in processMeet and greet with your host Kent at some sites; head straight to your site at the others.
Cancellation policyFlexible at some sites; Strict at the others. Full refund 24 hours before check in time starts.
Check-in and check-outCheck-in at 2pm. Check-out at 12pm.
Booking windowSame-day bookings welcome, up to 12 months ahead.