Cromwell Dixon Campground
The campground operates seasonally, typically opening around Memorial Day weekend and closing in mid-October depending on weather conditions. First-come, first-served only; no advance reservations for individual sites. Due to its high elevation on the Continental Divide, opening dates may vary based on snowpack.
Winter Storm Warning issued October 10 at 4:13PM MDT until October 12 at 6:00AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
* WHAT...Heavy, wet snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 6 and 12 inches. Highest snowfall amounts in the northern slopes between 4500 feet and 6500 feet. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Elkhorn and Boulder Mountains, Little Belt and Highwood Mountains, and Snowy and Judith Mountains. * WHEN...Until 6 AM MDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Gusty winds combined with the wet and heavy nature of the snow could bring down tree branches. Isolated power outages are possible. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snowfall amounts will vary drastically from grassy surfaces to roadways, most notably at lower elevations, with accumulations on non-grassy surfaces being confined mainly to between the evening through late morning hours.
Northern Region Camping & Target Restrictions, Pallet Prohibition
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within the states of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Idaho
Weed Free Forage & Mulch Products Order for the Northern Region
It is illegal to possess, store or transport straw, hay, grain, seed or other forage or mulch products on Forest Service lands without documentation that the product is certified as “weed free” by a state certification process that meets or exceeds the North American Weed Free Forage standards.
About
Cromwell Dixon Campground occupies a scenic 9-acre site perched at 6,325 feet elevation directly on the Continental Divide at MacDonald Pass, approximately 15 miles west of Helena via US Highway 12. The campground commemorates aviator Cromwell Dixon, who in 1911 became the first person to fly an airplane across the Continental Divide at this location. The setting offers expansive views encompassing alpine meadows, forested slopes, and distant mountain peaks. The campground features 15 established campsites equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. Facilities include vault toilets and potable water available from a hand pump. This is a pack-it-out site, so campers must remove all trash. The campground sees heavy use during the summer season due to its convenient location and proximity to Helena. Nearby trailhead access to the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail makes this an excellent staging area for day hikes or longer backpacking trips. The area supports diverse recreational activities including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. Pets are permitted but must remain leashed. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with a 14-night maximum stay limit.
Directions
From Helena, travel west on US Highway 12 for approximately 15 miles to the top of MacDonald Pass. The campground entrance is located off Highway 12 at the pass.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | 15ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 449-5490 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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