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Facilities
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Camping

Established Camping

Vigilante Campground

Vigilante Campground, near Helena, Montana, is a charming spot that offers a peaceful escape into nature. Tucked along a rocky canyon with a stream running nearby, it’s a great place to unwind and soak in the beauty of the outdoors.

The campground features designated sites equipped with picnic tables and fire pits, perfect for evening gatherings. Visitors have noted the area’s tranquility, with multiple hiking trails accessible right from the campground, including a trailhead for the challenging Hanging Valley trail. As one camper mentioned, “Nice quiet secluded area,” making it ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, the nearby creek provides a refreshing spot to cool off during hot days. While the campground can get busy on weekends, the ample shade from fir trees offers a comfortable retreat. Just remember to arrive early to snag your preferred site, as it’s a popular destination.

With its rustic charm and proximity to hiking trails, Vigilante Campground is a fantastic base for exploring the stunning Montana wilderness. Whether you’re pitching a tent or parking your RV, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors.

Description

National Forest

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.

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Location

Vigilante Campground is located in Montana

Detail location of campground

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

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Access

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

Stay Connected

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

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

Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

6 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 13, 2022

Secluded and Beautiful

A bit hard to find but go past the Helicopter and keep going down the dirt road for a mile or two. All the campsites sit along a rocky canyon and a stream runs parallel to the road. All sites have a picnic table and fire pit. One of my fav camping spots I’ve visited

  • Review photo of Vigilante Campground by Kyle K., October 13, 2022
Reviewed Jul. 9, 2021

Secluded Campground

Nice quiet secluded area. Multiple trailheads for popular hiking trails near campground (one is in the campground). Creek nearby to cool off in the heat. Camp sites arent hug but enough space to feel comfortable.

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Aug. 8, 2018

Good hiking trails

A nice little campground. Two nice hiking trails, the fairly flat Trout Creek trail runs through the canyon a 6 miles round trip. A trail head in camp for Hanging Valley trail, 11+ mile round trip, lots of climbing to get to a hole in the wall that lets you look straight down into the canyon. Campground is very busy during the weekend, plenty of shade with lots of fir trees in the campground. A black bear is in the area this year.

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Jul. 8, 2018

Fun place

A cool camping spot, but often crowded. Come early to get your spot.

Reviewed Oct. 1, 2017

Great basecamp for the area.

Free, drive-up, no permit needed. Primitive sites, very simple but clean and kept up well. Wooded by a creek. Pretty sure a bear came through camp one night so make sure to follow all the bear guidelines. Cute small town of York is nearby, got to see a cattle drive which was pretty neat.

Reviewed Jul. 20, 2016

Vigilante Campground

Road to this is pretty rough in spots. No accessible water, bathrooms, firewood must be found or brought in. Campground can get a bit crowded in the area with few spots, stake your campsite early, very small creek, but good hiking and wildlife to be seen on the cliffs.

  • Review photo of Vigilante Campground by Carla S., July 20, 2016
  • Review photo of Vigilante Campground by Carla S., July 20, 2016
  • Review photo of Vigilante Campground by Carla S., July 20, 2016
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at Vigilante Campground?

    Vigilante Campground allows vehicles up to 16 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Vigilante Campground?

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

  • Does Vigilante Campground have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Vigilante Campground does not have wifi.