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Signs & Maps

Established Camping

Devil's Elbow Campground

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

ATTENTION: Camping and day-use fees will be charged from April 1st to November 30th. The day-use fee is $5.00 per day, and the camping fee is $25.00 per night. Docks will be removed for the season from all sites starting the week of October 14th. The removal schedule is as follows: Log Gulch on 10/15, Holter Lake Campground on 10/16, White Sandy Campground on 10/17, and Devil's Elbow Campground on 10/17. Water will be shut off for the season at all sites starting the week of October 21st. Both Log Gulch and Holter Campground will have their water shut off on 10/21.

Devil's Elbow Campground, near Helena, Montana, is a scenic spot right on the Missouri River, perfect for those who appreciate nature's beauty. With spacious sites that are well-separated, it offers a peaceful environment for both tent and RV campers.

This campground is all about simplicity and natural charm. Visitors rave about the clean facilities and the stunning views of Hauser Lake, making it a great place for swimming and boating. As one camper put it, “The spaces are wide and long... and well separated.” You’ll find paved trails for walking and biking, along with dog waste stations to keep the area tidy.

If you’re into outdoor activities, you’re in luck. The campground has easy access to a boat launch and a small swimming beach, ideal for families. Plus, the friendly camp hosts are always around to help out. Just remember, there are no electrical hookups or showers, so come prepared for a more rustic experience. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, Devil's Elbow is a solid choice for a relaxing getaway.

Description

Bureau of Land Management

Hauser Lake

Overview

Devil's Elbow Recreation Area is situated on the picturesque "Devil's Elbow" of Hauser Lake. Just a short drive from Helena, the area offers stunning views of the Big Belt and Elkhorn mountains. The area is overflowing with outdoor adventure opportunities. Whether you're into fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, hiking, mountain biking, boating or all of the above; all of these things are immediately accessed from (the greater) Hauser Lake Recreation Area. There is surely an activity for everyone! While just a short drive from Helena, the state capital; the feeling of seclusion and abundant nature is sure to impress.

Recreation

Devil's Elbow offers excellent recreational access. Devil's Elbow has a small beach area, picnic areas, as well as a ramada/pavilion with power and lights, available by advanced reservation. There are vault toilets located in convenient locations throughout the area. There is a network of non-motorized dirt, gravel and paved trails throughout Devil's Elbow, Two Camps Vista and Clark's Bay that allow you to walk or bike around the area without contending with vehicles. There are multiple trails within the larger Hauser Lake Recreation area, as well as multiple fishing access sites, hunting access, wildlife viewing and of course, boating. There are several world class mountain biking trails in the area as well. The recreation opportunities in the area are truly boundless.

Facilities

Devil's Elbow offers excellent recreational access. Devil's Elbow has a small beach area, picnic areas, as well as a ramada/pavilion with power and lights, available by advanced reservation. There are vault toilets located in convenient locations throughout the area. There is a network of non-motorized dirt, gravel and paved trails throughout Devil's Elbow, Two Camps Vista and Clark's Bay that allow you to walk or bike around the area without contending with vehicles. There are multiple trails within the larger Hauser Lake Recreation area, as well as multiple fishing access sites, hunting access, wildlife viewing and of course, boating. There are several world class mountain biking trails in the area as well. The recreation opportunities in the area are truly boundless.

Natural Features

The campground and day use areas are situated in a shrub-steppe landscape, mostly comprised of sage brush and bunch grasses. Every campsite has a view of the lake and mountains. While there are some ponderosa pine and deciduous trees throughout the area, they are scarce and do not provide a large amount of shade, but the lake does help keep the temperatures down a bit on those hot summer days.

Nearby Attractions

Devil's Elbow is located in a prime location to get out and recreate outdoors, or within the capital of Montana. There are hundreds of miles of trails, Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service lands, state parks, the Lewis and Clark Trail and so much more. Helena (only a short drive away) has all the amenities of a large city with small town charm. There are great restaurants, museums, the capitol building, old mining settlements, Last Chance Gulch, Reeder's Alley and a vibrant downtown with a walking mall area.

Charges & Cancellations

Reservation Cancellations & Changes ___ Cancelling a Reservation: Customers may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. Depending on when you cancel in relation to your arrival day, it may be considered a late cancellation (see below). ___ Group Facility (including Cabins and Lookouts): Customers who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee. Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window ___ Individual Campsites: A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. The recreation.gov cancellation policy can be found here: https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies

Fee Info

Additional Camping Units: $25 per day/night <br> Loop C: $50 per reservation for the Ramada/Pavilion plus $25 per night for each site. Max of 2 RVs or tents per site. Each RV/tent costs $25.<br> <strong>*** You must occupy your campsite every night that you have reserved. If you do not show up for 24 hours from "Check-In Time" (2:00 PM), you forfeit the use of that site and are not entitled to any refunds or discounts. </strong> <strong> You must occupy the site you reserved and cannot change sites, or move to a different loop of the campground.***</strong>

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Location

Devil's Elbow Campground is located in Montana

Detail location of campground

Directions

Devil's Elbow Campground is located at 5965 York Road, Helena, Montana 59601. From Interstate 90 driving from Bozeman, exit at Exit: 274 US 287 Helena/Ennis; right turn to continue north on 287 and continue for 57 miles. Turn right onto Lake Helena Drive, then turn right in 450 feet to stay on Lake Helena Drive. Continue for 4 miles through the roundabout. Turn right onto York Road and drive 6.2 miles to Devil's Elbow Recreation Area. From Helena/Butte/Great Falls: Drive to (or exit from I-15 onto) Custer Avenue, head east on Custer Ave. Take left turn onto York Road. Continue on for 16 miles to Devil's Elbow Recreation Area; or take the Lincoln RD exit on I-15, Head East on Lincoln Road until it intersects with Lake Helena Dr (T-Intersection). Take a right (South) on Lake Helena Dr (this route contains portions of dirt and gravel roads) and continue until the road turns back into pavement, take a left (East) on Deal Lane and follow the road until it terminates at York Road. Take a left (North) on York Road and continue for about 2 miles to Devil's Elbow.

Address

5965 York Road
Helena, MT 59602

Coordinates

46.7015917 N
111.8094944 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Water Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 6, 2023

Quiet, clean and beautiful

Right on the Missouri River, this campground is at a wide spot called Hauser Lake. No electricity or dump station but I knew that beforehand. The spaces are wide and long (tho variable) and well separated. The hiking paths are paved with frequent dog poo stations and trash cans. There is a small swimming beach (for kids mostly) and a free 24 slip boat dock. Right now they are having difficulty with the water system so I was directed to a market/gas station 2 miles toward town that is also a dump station. Staff are quite friendly and helpful. Two bars of T mobile. I highly recommend this park!

SiteB19
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Jun. 10, 2022

Beautiful but Primitive

We love this campground. There are a small network of paved and unpaved trails with amazing views of the “lake”. There are places to swim and put a boat in. However, there are no electrical hookups, no potable water, and pit toilets. It is immaculately clean and did I mention the natural beauty that surrounds!

Site21
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Devil's Elbow Campground by Lee G., June 10, 2022
  • Review photo of Devil's Elbow Campground by Lee G., June 10, 2022
  • Review photo of Devil's Elbow Campground by Lee G., June 10, 2022
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Aug. 27, 2021

Mid week quiet

Camped mid week at this campground. There is highway noise during the day but very quiet at night. Boat launch was easy to use for me to launch my kayak. Nice paddling both directions from campground in the morning. Camp host was friendly.

Site12A
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Aug. 13, 2021

Review

Amazing place to camp

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Jul. 23, 2021

Great hosts & beautiful water.

Nice sites, leveled, bathrooms with only a sink. Water available if needed. Quiet peaceful, and a host couple that were very enjoyable. BLM recreation area, so only 15.00 a night. No electric or hookups.

Sitesite 3
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Devil's Elbow Campground by Shawn A., July 23, 2021
Reviewed Jul. 15, 2021

Nice updated BLM campground.

Nice BLM campground, no beach/swim area on-site, have to walk .5 mile trail to Clarks Bay day use for swimming. Great for RVs, no shade for tents (trees are too young and provide no shade yet). Boat ramp area is small.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Aug. 27, 2018

Nice roomy BLM Campground

This is a nice large campground. Large sites with large parking areas. Tent only area has covered picnic tables. Boat launch for those wanting to enjoy the Hauser Lake. A short paved trail leads to a small swim area with a sheltered picnic table. A paved trail goes around most of the campground and trails lead to the nearby Clark's Bay recreation area which has a large swim area and volleyball courts and shelters. A trail also leads to Two Camp Vista with plenty of information on the Lewis and Clark journey through the area. If you like to geocache, several are available in the area.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Devil's Elbow Campground by Dexter I., August 27, 2018
  • Review photo of Devil's Elbow Campground by Dexter I., August 27, 2018
  • Review photo of Devil's Elbow Campground by Dexter I., August 27, 2018
  • (18) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Devil's Elbow Campground have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Devil's Elbow Campground has water hookups.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Devil's Elbow Campground?

    Devil's Elbow Campground allows vehicles up to 60 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Devil's Elbow Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Devil's Elbow Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Devil's Elbow Campground have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Devil's Elbow Campground does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Devil's Elbow Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is unknown.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Devil's Elbow Campground?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Devil's Elbow Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Devil's Elbow Campground, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Devil's Elbow Campground?

    There are 49 campsites at Devil's Elbow Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts