Established Camping
Hellgate Campground
About
Bureau of Reclamation
Canyon Ferry Lake
Overview
Hellgate Campground is located 30 miles east of Helena, Montana, along Montana Highway 284.__ In July of 1805 the Lewis and Clark Expedition traveled through the Canyon Ferry area exploring and mapping the Missouri River. When Lewis visited the area he described it as a beautiful and extensive plain country of about 10 to 12 miles wide which extended upwards further than an eye could see. In the 1850s the gold rush hit the Canyon Ferry area attracting miners from all over the United States in the hopes of striking it rich.__
Recreation
Canyon Ferry Reservoir offers a wide range of year-round recreational opportunities. Water related activities include everything from swimming and fishing to sailing and motor-boating. Canoeists and kayakers explore the many quiet backwater bays. Jet skiers, windsurfers and water skiers skim the summer waves, while winter draws ice fishermen and ice skaters.
Facilities
Hellgate Campground consists of 69 campsites and 3 Group Use shelters with overnight Camping. Each standard campsite consists of a gravel camping pad, picnic table, and a fire ring. Campsites are limited to one camping unit is permitted per site unless marked as a double campsite. (double campsites are clearly marked on the site posts). Hellgate Boat Ramp and Day Use Area provides two boat ramps, parking area for boat trailers and several day use picnic sites. There are three Group Use Shelter Areas:__ Lewis and Clark Group Use Shelter Includes 15 campsites. Each campsites has a fire ring and picnic table. The shelter is 30___ X 60___ with 12 picnic tables, 3 grills, and 2 group use fire rings. 3 vault toilets are easily accessible.__ York Group Use Shelter Includes 10 campsites. Each campsites has a fire ring and picnic table. The Shelter is 30___ X 60___ and contains 12 picnic tables, and 1 large communal fire ring. 1 vault toilet is easily accessible. (Formerly called Shelter B)__ Hellgate Bay Group Use Shelter Includes 5 campsites. Each with a fire ring and picnic table. The shelter is 30___ X 36___ and contains 7 picnic tables and 2 grills. and 1 large communal fire ring near the shelter.____
Natural Features
Hellgate Campground and Group Use Shelter Area sits along the banks of Canyon Ferry Reservoir in an open valley between the Big Belt and Elkhorns mountain ranges. Along the bank of the reservoir there is a narrow riparian canopy that provides partial shade. __
contact_info
For facility specific information, please call (406) 475-3920.
Nearby Attractions
Hellgate Campground and Group Use Shelter Area is located halfway between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. The city of Helena, Montana, the state capital, is 25 miles away and the city of Townsend, Montana, is 21 miles away. For up to date events visit, click here
Fee Info
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TPoor
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
ScoutHellgate - Lewis and Clark group camp
The camp was perfect for our family reunion camp. Chuck the amp host was very attentive and friendly! He was probably the best host we have ever had over the years! He checked on us several times a day to see if we needed anything!! Kudos to him for his service!! A couple of suggestions are some weeding around camp sites and mosquito control. Great week had by all!! Thanks Chuck!
GuideDecent
The site we had was level and close to the water which was really nice. There were only 2 things that I wasn't a fan of - the fire ring was set in the corner of the site with 2 sides close against parking blocks so you couldn't put more than 3 chairs around the fire and there was a small but steep hill on all side of the site aside from the road. There were lots of other nicer sites though.
TravelerGreat campground for lake and ATV riding!
We stayed here for 4 nights over 4th of July weekend. The camp hosts make rounds quite often, so rules are followed pretty closely. We took ATVs and rode them to a trailhead that starts just across the highway from the campsite. Beautiful trails and a lot of them! We had campsites #1-6 and even through the reservation website says "severe grade", they were great sites with plenty of level areas for a large camper and most of them were shaded and had trees in between the sites. Sites #1-6 are not on the water; so you do have to drive or walk to the water or get a campsite that is right on the water (there are many of those). There are 2 boat ramps with courtesy docks for boats and parking for trailers. A short drive down the road (or drive the boat down) is Kim's Marina which has a convenience store for food, essentials, beer, ice, etc.
Location
Hellgate Campground is located in Montana
Directions
From Helena, MT: Head east along Co Rd 430/Canyon Ferry Rd from Helena, MT, continue for 38 miles to the Hellgate Campground and Group Use Shelter Area sign and turn right. Continue straight until you reach the campground. From Townsend, MT: Head north on Hwy 284 for 21 miles and turn left at the Hellgate Campground and Group Use Shelter Areasign. Continue straight until you reach the campground.
Address
7700 Canyon Ferry Road
Helena, MT 59601
Coordinates
46.6176556 N
111.6401278 W