## Overview

Indian Flats Cabin is nestled in a hollow of old-growth trees in the shadow of Hogback Mountain, offering a remote lodging experience in the Big Belt Mountains in west-central Montana.  
  
The present Indian Flats Guard Station started its days as the Conway Station on Rock Creek in the Jim Ball Basin. The cabin was constructed in 1944 and replaced the original Conway Station. Rangers used this cabin when fulfilling duties in the area. In 1969, the cabin was relocated to its present location below Indian Flats.  
  
During the summer and fall months, the cabin is typically accessible by car. During the winter months, poor road conditions and heavy amounts of snow can be present. Access to the cabin during snow conditions is via an 8-mile stretch of road passable by snowmobiling, snowshoeing or skiing. Guests should be prepared to pack in many of their own supplies.

## Recreation

Plenty of opportunities are available for hiking, mountain biking and wildlife viewing near Indian Flats Cabin.  
  
A hike through nearby Refrigerator Canyon passes through a 10-foot wide, 200-foot high canyon that was carved through limestone rock by a small mountain stream. The canyon is appropriately named, as breezes blowing over the stream and through the canyon's rock walls cause evaporative cooling, creating temperatures 20 degrees cooler than surrounding areas.  
  
An active fire lookout sits at the top of Hogback Mountain near the cabin. The Lookout is accessible by passenger vehicle and is manned by Forest Service personnel from mid-June through September. A short walk from the lookout offers spectacular panoramic views into Beaver Creek Canyon and surrounding landscapes.

## Facilities

The single-room cabin is furnished with 2 sets of bunk beds with mattresses and accommodates up to 4 people. A wood stove provides heat for the cabin and a propane stove is available for cooking. The kitchen is equipped with a table and chairs, propane lantern, cleaning supplies, dishes, utensils and cookware.  
  
An axe and snow shovel are provided. Firewood may be available, but it is not guaranteed. An outhouse with vault toilet is located nearby.  
  
There is no electricity or water at this facility. Guests must bring a sufficient amount of water for drinking, cooking and washing, as well as 1 or 2 small propane cylinders to use for the lantern or stove.  
  
Guests need to bring their own sleeping bags, flashlights, linens, towels, dish soap, matches, first aid kit, toilet paper and garbage bags. All trash and food must be packed out, and guests are expected to clean the cabin before leaving.   
  
No firewood provided from June 1st - August 31

## Natural Features

Indian Flats Cabin is backed by mixed conifer forest, and a small stream flows in front of it. Hogback Mountain is located within a mile of the cabin at an elevation of 7,813 feet.  
  
The area around the cabin offers a variety of landscapes, from river banks to subalpine terrain. Valley bottoms, dense forests, meadows and barren ridges are mixed with streams, rivers and lakes.  
  
Wildlife in the area abounds. Elk, deer, squirrels and a variety of birds are commonly seen. The more elusive badger, wolverine, mountain lion and lynx find habitat in nearby areas as well. 

## Nearby Attractions

The Gates of the Mountains Wilderness and the Missouri River are a short drive from the cabin, offering chances to explore.

Indian Flats Cabin

Vigilante Campground is located approximately 24 miles northeast of Helena in the Big Belt Mountains. To access the campground travel northeast of Helena on Highway #280, across the Missouri River to the small community of York. At York continue driving straight on Road #4 to the campground. This 7 acre campground provides access to the Hanging Valley National Recreation Trail and the scenic Trout Creek Canyon Trail.

Vigilante Campground

Refrigerator Canyon Back Country Camp Site

## Overview

Bar Gulch Cabin is located in the Big Belt Mountain Range in Helena National Forest. The cabin was originally constructed in the 1930s on Forest Service lands to be used for mining purposes. Instead, it was used for recreational purposes and issued a special use permit, which was transferred to several owners until it was donated to the Forest Service in 1988.  
  
Today the cabin is a rustic getaway for guests seeking relaxation and recreation in west-central Montana. It is accessible by car, but snow removal is not provided in winter. The cabin offers several amenities, but guests should be prepared to bring some of their own supplies and gear.

## Recreation

Guests at the cabin can step out to several hiking opportunities right out the backdoor. Belt Divide Trail and Bar Gulch Trail are favorites in the area. Bar Gulch Trail is actually an old road through a timbered gulch, and is mainly used for hunting.  
  
The Ridge Trail, located along the crest of the Big Belt Mountains, is a favorite for those on foot, offering expansive views of the surrounding mountain ranges as well as overnight camping opportunities.  
  
Guests can take advantage of boating and fishing at Canyon Ferry Lake, which is only five miles away. The lake offers excellent fishing opportunities for rainbow trout, perch, ling and walleye. The wildlife viewing near the lake is quite impressive as well. It is one of the best in the country for viewing large concentrations of bald eagles. A wildlife management area at the end of the reservoir is home to a colony of terns and pelicans.

## Facilities

The small, single-room cabin can accommodate up to six people with two bunkbeds and a full-sized bed with mattresses. The cabin has a skylight, an antique cook stove, propane lanterns and a wood stove for heat. The kitchen is equipped with a table and chairs, a propane stove, some cooking utensils and cookware. A picnic table, campfire ring and accessible pit toilet are outside. An axe and snow shovel are available. Firewood may be stocked at the cabin, but it is not guaranteed. The cabin does not have electricity, running water or indoor plumbing. Guests must bring a sufficient amount of water for drinking, cooking and washing during their stay. Propane is not provided for the lanterns or propane stove, so guests must bring one or two small cylinders. Bringing an additional light source is also recommended. Other supplies to bring include sleeping bags, linens, towels, cooking gear, dish soap, matches, first aid kit, toilet paper and garbage bags. Guests are expected to pack out all trash and food and clean the cabin before leaving. No firewood provided from June 1st - August 31.

## Natural Features

Bar Gulch Cabin sits in a grassy, open clearing surrounded by a canopy of mixed-conifer forest.  
  
The area around the cabin offers a variety of landscapes, from river banks to subalpine terrain. Valley bottoms, dense forests, meadows and barren ridges are mixed with streams, rivers and lakes.  
  
The area offers unique opportunities for viewing wildlife. Elk, bighorn sheep, mule and white-tailed deer, black bear, moose and a variety of birds are commonly seen. The more elusive badger, wolverine, mountain lion and lynx find habitat here as well.

Bar Gulch

## 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 several amenities that will make your stay enjoyable and comfortable. Devil's Elbow is a 48-site campground that has spacious and level gravel parking pads that accommodate RVs, camper trailers and tents. Of the 48 sites, there are five sites that are specifically designated for tents. Reservations are available for Loop A and Group Site-Loop C, which accommodate both RVs and tents. Each campsite is large enough to accommodate any size RV or camper trailer in addition to extra room for tents and parking.   
  
  
Devil's Elbow features a large concrete boat launch with a courtesy dock, as well as day use and overnight dock slips for campers. The docks are first-come, first-served with no assigned slips. A fish cleaning station is available near the day-use parking at Devil's Elbow. There are men's and women's vault toilets located in each loop of the campground as well as near the boat launch. There is potable water provided throughout the campground and day use areas, as well as garbage dumpsters. Every campsite contains a fire ring with a grill grate in addition to a picnic table. There are also picnic tables and small pavilions throughout the areas and benches along the lake to take in the views. There is a small marina, general store with gas and a bar/restaurant just a half mile away.

## 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

Devil's Elbow Campground

Black Sandy State Park

## Overview

White Sandy is located on the west side of Hauser Lake at the confluence of Prickly Pear creek. White Sandy faces Eldorado Bar and the beautiful Big Belt mountains. It is in an ideal location for outdoor recreation, wildlife watching, water sports, camping and swimming. 

## Recreation

White Sandy offers excellent recreational access. There is a 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 site. There are trails throughout White Sandy as well as in the surrounding area. Additionally, 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. World class mountain biking trails abound in the area as well. The recreation opportunities are truly boundless.

## Facilities

White Sandy offers several amenities that will make your stay enjoyable and comfortable. White Sandy is a 32-site campground that has spacious and level gravel parking pads that accommodate RVs, travel trailers and tents. Reservations are available for Loop A (Lake Side) and Group Site-Loop C, which accommodate both RVs and tents. Each campsite is large enough to accommodate any size RV or camper trailer in addition to extra room for tents and parking. 

White Sandy features a large concrete boat launch with a courtesy dock, as well as areas to beach your vessel. A fish cleaning station is available near the day-use parking at White Sandy. There are vault toilets located in each loop of the campground as well as near the boat launch and beach area. There is potable water provided throughout the campground and day use areas as well as garbage dumpsters. Every campsite contains a fire ring with a grill grate in addition to a picnic table. There are also picnic tables and small pavilions throughout the area. There is a small general store across from the entrance to White Sandy, additionally, Black Sandy state park is located just 1/4 mile up the road, which offers an RV dump station which is free to use if you are staying at White Sandy.

## 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

White Sandy 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

White Sandy Campground

Court Sheriff Campground is located at the very north end of Canyon Ferry Reservoir, 30 miles east of Helena, Montana, along Montana Highway 284. Court Sheriff Campground offers year-round access to a wide range of recreational opportunities. Court Sheriff Campground is named for the Sheriff family. In 1865 Court Sheriff moved into the region from the state of Illinois to Montana to work the mines. Court Sheriff first worked the mines in Diamond City, then hired on as a carpenter to help build a wooden flume for the Magpie-Gave Hill ditch. In 1875 he opened a general mercantile to serve the miners east of the Missouri River at Cavetown. He moved to nearby Canyon Ferry in 1880, and by 1883 had established a general store and later added a livery stable and two-and-a-half-story hotel. 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, ice boaters and ice skaters. Facilities Court Sheriff Campground is very popular and a well-developed campground. The campground is paved with 48 campsites, most are located along the water. During the peak summer months services include vault toilets, potable water, trash, recycling containers and a campground host. Natural Features Court Sheriff Campground sits at the north end of Canyon Ferry Reservoir between the Big Belt and Elkhorns mountain ranges. Nearby Attractions Court Sheriff Campground on Canyon Ferry Reservoir is located halfway between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park along with the capital city of Helena, Montana. For up to date events visit, www.helenamt.com. ADA Access: N

Court Sheriff Campground

## Overview

Riverside Campground is located 30 miles east of Helena, Montana, below the dam at the northern end of Canyon Ferry Reservoir. Riverside Campground provides space for campers, day users, and large groups. 27 paved campsites, a group use area with a picnic pavilion, 6 pit toilets, an accessible fishing dock, a boat ramp and day use picnic area. This popular location below the dam attracts many families, boaters and fisherman. 

  


## 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

**Riverside Campground** has **27** **campsites** , a group use camping area, a boat ramp, parking area for boat trailers and several day use picnic sites. Each campsite has a paved camping pad, a fire ring and picnic table. During the peak summer months services include vault toilets, potable water, dumpsters and campground hosts. 

**Riverside Group Campsites** include exclusive access to a picnic shelter, accessible vault toilets and **7** **campsites**. The picnic shelter is 30' X 45' with 8 picnic tables and a large fire ring. Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring. The group campsites and pavilion are set apart from the rest of the campground, providing adequate space and privacy for groups to enjoy.

## Natural Features

Riverside Campground sits below Canyon Ferry Dam along the banks of Hauser Reservoir. The current is swift, and swimming is not advised. Ample fish in the water makes this a prime location for bird watching. Loons, cormorants and pelicans are often present patrolling the waters; while bald eagles and osprey make appearances to showcase their fish hunting skills.  


## Nearby Attractions

Riverside Campground is located halfway between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. The city of Helena, Montana, the state capital, is 25 miles away. For up to date events visit, [www.helenamt.com.](http://www.helenamt.com)

Riverside Campground

Chinamens Gulch - Canyon Ferry Reservoir USBR

Jo Bonner Campground

USDA Forest Service

This place is amazing.  Remember to bring small propane cans, lanterns, and mantels to replace any broken one's on the gas lanterns.

Indian Flats Cabin

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