A rough dirt road leads two miles past a helicopter landing pad to reach this small Forest Service campground tucked into a rocky canyon. Sites line up along Trout Creek, where the sound of running water provides a constant backdrop to camping activities. The campground accommodates RVs up to 16 feet, though the access road and compact sites favor tent camping and smaller rigs.
Multiple hiking trails begin near the campground, including the popular Trout Creek Canyon trail that winds six miles through the canyon. The Hanging Valley trailhead starts within the campground itself, offering an 11-mile round trip climb to a rock formation overlooking the canyon below. Kyle K. notes that "all the campsites sit along a rocky canyon and a stream runs parallel to the road."
Weekend crowds arrive early to claim the limited sites, particularly those closest to the creek. Black bears frequent the area, so proper food storage remains essential. The campground provides basic amenities including picnic tables and fire rings at each site, though campers must bring their own firewood or gather it locally. For those planning extended stays in the Helena National Forest region, campgrounds around Helena National Forest offer additional options.
Reserve sites in advance during peak summer months, as this free campground fills quickly on Friday afternoons.
Description
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundVigilante Campground is located in Montana
Directions
In Helena, MT, at the intersection of Montana and Custer Avenues, take Custer Ave. east 1.3 miles to a "Y" intersection. Bear left at intersection onto York Rd. and go 24.3 miles to campground.
Coordinates
46.76669624 N
111.65048382 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 1 hr 11 min from Helena, MT
- 2 hrs 11 min from Bozeman, MT
- 2 hrs 14 min from Great Falls, MT
- 2 hrs 48 min from Missoula, MT
