Reservations are available at Black Sandy State Park Campground, and given how quickly sites fill on summer weekends, booking ahead is worth the effort. The campground sits on the edge of Hauser Lake, roughly 15 minutes from Helena, and runs year-round at rates between $6 and $24 per night. The access road is dirt, winding, and dusty in dry conditions, so low-clearance vehicles should take it slow. RVs up to 35 feet are accommodated, though several reviewers note that maneuvering larger rigs into the tight sites takes patience.
Water access is the defining feature here. As Nancy C. puts it, "all sites are on the water," with docks behind most campsites so boaters can leave their boats in the slip overnight. The layout skews heavily toward RV use, with only a handful of tent-only sites near the entrance. Sites are close together throughout, and crowding is a recurring observation in reviews, particularly in July and August. There is no shade to speak of, so sunscreen and a sun shelter are worth packing.
The lake supports swimming, kayaking, and fishing. Hauser Dam, just down the road, provides access to good trout water, with rainbow, brook, and brown trout below the dam, and a hiking trail along the Missouri River. A short trail within the campground leads to a lake overlook, though the hiking options on-site are limited. A small camp store carries basic supplies. Cell service is unreliable across carriers, with Verizon users reporting one bar or none. The Grey Sandy Campground and White Sandy Campground are both within a half mile for campers who want nearby alternatives if Black Sandy fills up.
Facilities shift with the season. Flush toilets operate during the main season; vault toilets take over in the off-season. Water at the campsites comes from a shared spigot rather than individual hookups, and the dump station is located at the campground entrance. Electric hookups remain on even after the main bathhouse closes in late fall, making the campground usable well into the shoulder season. Campers visiting in August may spot bald eagles in the area near Hauser Dam, which reviewers cite as a notable seasonal draw. Arriving early in the week during peak summer months gives the best chance of securing a waterfront site.
Description
One of the few public parks on the shores of Hauser Lake, this popular campground provides access for boating, waterskiing, walleye and trout fishing, and other water activities. Interpretive displays describe the history of this area.
<font>ADA designated campsites may only be reserved and occupied by a party who can provide proof of disability upon arrival. Proof of eligibility for at least one member of your party will be required in the form of a DMV (or other states equivalent) issued person with disabilities placard or disabilities motor vehicle license plate. The eligible member of your party must be an occupant of the site for the entire reserved period. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in the cancellation of your reservation and forfeiture of your reservation fee. Additional cancellation fees will be applied. </font>
Camping is allowed in designated areas only. All boats, trailers, rigs and motorized vehicles must fit entirely within the campsite parking-spur provided. Any equipment that does not fit entirely within the campsite parking-spur must be parked outside the campground in an area designated by the park manager.
Open fires are allowed only in established iron fire rings and grills. Propane and LPG camp stoves are allowed. Smoking is not allowed except in enclosed vehicles or developed sites at least 3 feet in diameter and cleared of all flammable materials.
Reservations are non-transferable and cannot be sold, bartered, or traded. The primary occupant and/or their party are the only persons authorized to camp in the site during the duration of their reservation.
Check-in time is 2:00pm for campsites (local time).
Check-out time is 1:00pm for campsites (local park time). Late checkouts may incur additional fees unless prior arrangements have been made with park staff.
The maximum capacity at each individually signed or numbered campsite is eight (8) people. This typically involves a single camping unit, which includes, but not limited to, a tent, motor home, camping bus, truck mounted camper shell, pull-type camper, or other device designed and commonly used for sleeping. In the event the site is designated as Double Site, the site capacity for that site is doubled to allow for sixteen (16) people and two camping units.
Campfires are allowed in designated areas only!
Pets must be kept on a leash. Please check with destination park staff for local restrictions.
Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00pm to 7:00am.
Fireworks are prohibited in all parks at all times. No Exceptions..
All watercraft entering Montana must be inspected before launch and purchase Vessel AIS Prevention pass. For more information visit cleandraindrymt.com.
In case of an emergency when visiting Montana State Parks, please dial 911. You may also wish to notify park staff for additional assistance if necessary.
For non-emergency assistance please contact park staff.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
All watercraft entering Montana must be inspected before launch and purchase Vessel AIS Prevention pass. For more information visit Clean.Drain.Dry. **Attention:** The campground is small with campsites right next to each other. Extra equipment, vehicles, trailers, toys, etc. will not fit in the site with your camping unit. Overflow parking may be available but is limited. **All rented campsites must have a camping unit and be occupied nightly and cannot be rented for extra equipment.**
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBlack Sandy State Park Campground is located in Montana near Helena National Forest
Directions
Black SandyState Park is located 7 miles north of Helena on I-15, then 4 miles east on Secondary 453, then 3 miles north on county road.
Address
930 Custer Avenue
Helena, MT 59601
Coordinates
46.74500087 N
111.88700036 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 6/16/26
AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 6/16/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 21 min from Helena, MT
- 1 hr 19 min from Great Falls, MT
- 1 hr 36 min from Bozeman, MT
- 2 hrs 1 min from Missoula, MT
