Walk-in tent camping defines the experience at Fish Hawk Campground, where six sites sit above Canyon Ferry Lake near Helena. Five of the sites require carrying gear downhill from the parking area, with only the ADA-accessible site positioned next to the vault toilet for drive-up access.
The campground operates on a pack-in, pack-out basis, though trash cans are available at the vault toilet. Each site includes a picnic table and established fire ring, with spacing that provides distance between campers despite limited privacy screening. Three sites require the steepest walk down from the parking area. Lake access remains easy from all sites, allowing campers to reach the water for fishing or other activities.
Busy periods are common at this free Bureau of Reclamation facility. Dexter I. notes "This campground is often busy," reflecting its popularity among campers willing to carry their gear. The parking area accommodates six standard vehicles plus one handicapped spot, with some visitors using vans for stealth camping in the more level parking spaces.
Campers seeking drive-up sites with hookups might consider Ponderosa - Canyon Ferry Reservoir USBR just over a mile north along the reservoir.
Description
Currently a Day Use Only facility 2025
Map & DirectionsFish Hawk Campground is located in Montana near Helena National Forest
Coordinates
46.63330005 N
111.71729975 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 5/13/26- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 5/13/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 5/13/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 5/13/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Fish Hawk Campground - DAY USE ONLY - CAMPGROUND PERMANENTLY CLOSED needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 19 min from Helena, MT
- 1 hr 20 min from Bozeman, MT
- 1 hr 27 min from Great Falls, MT
- 1 hr 57 min from Missoula, MT
