Daisy Dean Camp Campground

For those who call Montana home, there's a deep-seated appreciation for the kind of camping experience that’s truly off the beaten path. It's about finding a spot where the only sounds are the wind, the rustle of leaves, and the occasional call of a wild animal. Daisy Dean Camp Campground, nestled in the vast expanse of the Lewis and Clark National Forest, offers exactly this kind of authentic, no-frills escape. Located near the quiet community of Martinsdale, this is a place for campers who are self-sufficient and value solitude over amenities. It's a testament to the state's enduring wild spirit, and a free-of-charge destination that invites you to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in nature.

Daisy Dean Camp is not your typical crowded state park or bustling RV resort. It’s a primitive campground, which means it provides a basic framework for a camping trip—a few large sites with picnic tables and fire rings—but leaves the rest up to you. This is the beauty of it. It’s a blank canvas for your Montana adventure, whether you’re a solo backpacker, a family with a small RV, or an equestrian enthusiast with a trailer full of horses. The area’s unique charm comes from its high elevation and the wide-open landscape of the national forest, where you might find yourself sharing the views with roaming elk or cattle. This is a place for those who understand and respect the wilderness, and who are prepared to be fully responsible for their own needs, from water to trash disposal.

What makes Daisy Dean Camp particularly special is its accessibility for a variety of recreational pursuits. It’s a hub for multi-use trails, accommodating hikers, ATV riders, and horseback riders. The presence of horse corrals and hitching posts highlights its suitability for equestrian campers, a detail that many other campgrounds lack. This versatility ensures that regardless of your preferred mode of exploration, you will find a way to enjoy the surrounding wilderness. The serene views, the clean mountain air, and the sheer sense of space are what draw people here. This guide will provide you with all the essential information to help you plan your visit, ensuring you are well-prepared for a rewarding and authentic Montana camping experience at Daisy Dean Camp.

Location and Accessibility

Daisy Dean Camp Campground is located on Findon Ln, Martinsdale, MT 59053, USA, within the Lewis and Clark National Forest. The campground is situated at an elevation of approximately 6,085 feet, which provides cool, refreshing temperatures, especially during the peak of summer. The journey to the campground is part of the experience. The access road is a dirt and gravel road once you leave the paved highway. It is generally smooth, but the final mile is noted for being bumpy, requiring a slower speed to navigate successfully. This rustic road ensures that the campground maintains a certain level of seclusion, preventing excessive traffic and keeping the atmosphere peaceful.

While the campground is off the beaten path, it is still within a reasonable distance of the community of Martinsdale, a place where you can find some basic supplies before heading out. However, given the primitive nature of the site, it is highly recommended that you arrive with all the food, water, and gear you will need for your stay. The rugged access road makes it less suitable for large vehicles, though the sites themselves are large enough to accommodate all sizes of RVs. The on-site parking for day use also makes it a great spot to meet up with friends or family for a day of hiking or riding, even if they aren't camping overnight.

The remote location means that cell service is often unreliable or non-existent, which is a welcome feature for those seeking a true digital detox. It encourages campers to focus on their surroundings and the company they keep, rather than on screens. The landscape here is truly Big Sky Country at its finest, with expansive views and an open-air feel. The remoteness is part of the appeal, but it also necessitates a higher level of preparedness. You'll need to be aware of the wildlife in the area, which includes elk, bears, coyotes, and mountain lions, and take proper precautions for food storage to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Services Offered

• Public Restroom: A vault toilet is available on-site, providing a basic but important convenience for campers.
• Spacious Campsites: There are three large sites, each with a picnic table and a fire ring with a swing-away grill, capable of accommodating a wide range of RV and tent sizes.
• Day-Use Parking: A designated parking area is available for day visitors, making it easy for friends to meet up for a day of activities without needing to camp overnight.
• Horse Corrals and Hitching Posts: The campground is equipped with facilities for horses, catering specifically to equestrian campers and providing a dedicated space for their animals.
• No-Fee Camping: Daisy Dean Camp is a free campground, making it an incredibly accessible option for everyone, from seasoned campers to those looking to try a rustic experience without a financial commitment.

Features / Highlights

• Primitive and Rustic Charm: The campground’s simple, undeveloped nature ensures a quiet, off-grid experience that feels truly wild and authentic.
• Multi-Use Trails: The area is crisscrossed with trails that can be used for hiking, horseback riding, and ATV use, providing diverse recreational opportunities.
• Wildlife Viewing and Hunting: The surrounding forest is home to a variety of wildlife, making it a great spot for nature observation and a popular destination for hunters during the appropriate season.
• Extended Stay Limit: Campers can enjoy a stay of up to 16 consecutive days, allowing for a more extended and immersive outdoor experience.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The large, open sites and variety of activities make it a great place for families with children to explore and play.
• Scenic Views and Open Landscape: Situated at a high elevation, the campground offers great views of the surrounding landscape, providing a picturesque backdrop for your stay.

Contact Information

For more information, you can contact the local ranger district office. While the campground is a first-come, first-served site and does not require a reservation, it is always a good practice to check for any fire restrictions or road closures before you go.

Address: Findon Ln, Martinsdale, MT 59053, USA

Phone: (406) 791-7700

What is worth choosing

For the Montanan who prefers the genuine to the polished, Daisy Dean Camp Campground is an exceptional choice. The most compelling reason to choose this spot is its authenticity as a wilderness destination. In an era where many campsites feel more like parking lots with picnic tables, Daisy Dean offers a true return to a more primitive style of camping. The lack of amenities like water and trash service is not a drawback; it's a feature that encourages self-sufficiency and a deeper connection with the natural world. It forces you to be mindful of your impact and leave no trace, which is a fundamental principle of responsible outdoor recreation.

The campground’s free, first-come, first-served policy adds to its low-key appeal. It removes the stress of planning months in advance and allows for spontaneous trips. Its appeal to different user groups—from RVs to tent campers, and especially equestrians—makes it a truly versatile destination. You can spend your day exploring the beautiful trails on foot or by ATV, then return to your large, private campsite for a peaceful evening around the fire. The knowledge that you are in a wild area, potentially sharing the space with native wildlife, adds an element of excitement and wonder that is hard to find at more developed sites. While some might find the bumpy road or the lack of running water a deterrent, those who understand the value of a rustic experience will see these as small prices to pay for the serenity and beauty that Daisy Dean Camp offers. It’s an opportunity to truly experience the big sky, the quiet nights, and the raw beauty of Montana, all on your own terms.

Daisy Dean Camp Campground

Findon Ln, Martinsdale, MT 59053, USA