Best Campgrounds near Helena, MT

Are you in need of a campground near Helena, MT? Helena is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Helena, MT. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Helena, Montana (127)

    1. Black Sandy State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Helena National Forest, MT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 458-3221

    $6 - $20 / night

    "Pull up next to the lake. Electric, wood, toilets, noisy boat docking, gnats available. Office super friendly and helpful. Fishing near dam close by."

    "This campground is pretty small but is located right on the edge of the lake making for some nice views and a relaxing environment."

    2. Court Sheriff Campground

    18 Reviews
    Helena, MT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 475-3921

    $15 - $30 / night

    "Half an hour outside of Helena is a beautiful reservoir lake. Court Sheriff Campground spreads out along its shore. Many sites are waterside and you can see families playing in it."

    "We didn’t want to stay in Helena and looked around the Missouri. This spot was so nice! We had a spot in some shade, and looked right into the water."

    3. Helena North KOA

    6 Reviews
    Helena, MT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 458-3725

    "Great spot near Glacier National Park, quick to get to! Dog friendly, cabins and fun little round (yurt-like) metal buildings to stay in too! Plus over sized lawn chess!"

    4. White Sandy Campground

    8 Reviews
    Helena, MT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 458-4744

    $25 - $140 / night

    "The entrance is right before Black Sandy. The dump station is just past the entrance and does have potable water (if not closed in winter) In mid Sept, only one loop was open."

    "Near the water. Good hiking"

    5. Devil's Elbow Campground

    7 Reviews
    Helena, MT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 227-3570

    $25 - $140 / night

    "There are a small network of paved and unpaved trails with amazing views of the “lake”. There are places to swim and put a boat in."

    "Boat launch for those wanting to enjoy the Hauser Lake. A short paved trail leads to a small swim area with a sheltered picnic table."

    6. Hellgate Campground

    15 Reviews
    Helena, MT
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 475-3921

    $10 - $170 / night

    "Canyon Ferry Lake is an expansive lake reaching 33 miles from Townsend to Helena, MT. "

    "If you don’t have a boat and don’t want to BBQ, there’s not much to do, but the views are pretty all around. Went here with a local."

    7. Cromwell Dixon Campground

    10 Reviews
    Elliston, MT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 449-5490

    "Stayed one night while visiting a friend in Helena. Close to the Continental Divide trail, which we briefly hiked. Beautiful trail. Campsites had tables and plenty of shade."

    "This is a small, no frills site just outside of Helena, MT. No hookups for RVs; Vault toilets, which were very clean. Pack in/Pack out as there are no trash receptacles."

    8. Park Lake Campground

    6 Reviews
    Clancy, MT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 449-5490

    "Helena National Forest's Park Lake Campground sits next to the beautiful Park Lake. A day use areas sits along the east side of the lake."

    "Our favorite nearby campground that's for enough away to get everyone to unplug. Peaceful mountain lake with no motors allowed on the water. Fish, kayak, paddle board, and swim."

    9. Moose Creek Campground — Helena Lewis And Clark National Forest

    6 Reviews
    Elliston, MT
    13 miles

    "It is close enough to Helena that you are not too far from civilization should you want to pick up supplies or make a phone call."

    "Moose Creek campground is located along the newly paved Remini Road.  This 9 site campground is scheduled to increase to $15 per night. "

    10. Riverside Campground

    5 Reviews
    Helena, MT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 475-3921

    $15 - $106 / night

    "This campground seems to get less traffic than those on the lake. Paved roads through the campground, walking paths with benches. Nice boat ramp with plenty of parking."

    "Located below a dam, this quiet park is much more than meets the eye. My husband and I spent a night here in April. It was the off season - so camping was free. There was a warm, CLEAN bathroom."

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Recent Reviews near Helena, MT

455 Reviews of 127 Helena Campgrounds


  • Tim T.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Elliston Dispersed Camping on Forest Road 314

    Nice Spot - No Traffic

    This was an easy to get to camping spot with nice, dispersed sites and we had the place all to ourselves.  The access when you turn off at Elliston is not clearly marked but there is only one road that turns off there so its not too difficult to get on the right road. We had the area to ourselves and did not hear or see any other vehicles on the road the whole time we were there.  There were lots of free range cattle though.

    One thing worth mentioning is that these sites are not far from the main road and the train tracks.  The trains come by on a semi-frequent basis and you will definitely hear the train whistle and track noise.  It wasn't a deal breaker for us, but something to keep in mind.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Court Sheriff Campground

    Some Drawbacks

    I am absolutely impressed with the well maintained, clean, nicely laid out/designed campground. I think this is one of the most beautiful recreation spots I’ve found this year. This place gets 10 stars for its cleanliness and layout along the waterline. So fantastic. I arrived after the reservation season so there’s no garbage, host or fees. The water level is down 25 feet so there’s no water anywhere near the campsite edges like there would be in the midst of summer. I will definitely be returning for several summer paid visits. My criticism is there is a road that to my complete surprise had constant traffic at all hours of the night. Those drivers are the squib y troglodytes that roam all hours of the night (God only knows owns what they do during the daytime) and they’re the type that have that loud obnoxious turbo exhaust that they have to slam their gas peddle right next to the campground. My other complaint is folks running generators through the night against posted rules. Extremely loud music, nonstop barking dogs, generators and proximity to vehicles on highway is absolutely sucky . I’ll only return here when there’s a host to squash these types of inconsiderate jerks. The BLM here takes such great care and pride in their district. I am very appreciative.

  • E
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Hooper Park

    Great campground and park

    Nice place, quite and inviting. Walking distance to all the amenities of town. This park has a pit toilet and flush toilets, also showers, potable water and garbage service. Huge spots with lots of space. Pull through spots perfect for RV or tent camping. Sites available with or without hookups. Playground for kids and it's pet friendly! We love this park.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Court Sheriff Campground

    Nice spot in Canyon Ferry

    I was very pleased by our stay here! We didn’t want to stay in Helena and looked around the Missouri. This spot was so nice! We had a spot in some shade, and looked right into the water. Toilets were clean, campground had lots of walking areas, and scenery was very pretty. Would definitely come again!

  • S
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Hellgate Campground

    Great spot!

    Nice spot. Easy walk onto the beach. Not a steep cliff. Good fishing. We will be back to this area again.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Lost Moose Meadows Campground

    Great campground

    Awesome spot, the owners make everything super clear. You can book online and when you get there, there’s a little packet with your info. Only complaint is it’s very bare, no trees in sight for shade. Otherwise the views were great!! Would be back!

  • Bille W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    7R Guest Ranch Motel & RV Park

    Lovely area very quiet

    We were the only nomads all the other campers were local seasonal fishing guides so it was very quiet. The lodge and rooms are nice.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Indian Creek RV Campground

    Great place to stop and regroup

    Grounds are nice and clean. Laundry room and bathrooms are very clean. Host is very nice. Bring your own WiFi.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Lost Moose Meadows Campground

    Lost Moose Meadows

    Awesome view! Super friendly owners. Great place to relax. Very quiet considering you’re just off a highway.


Guide to Helena

Camping near Helena, MT, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're into fishing, hiking, or just relaxing by the water, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Many campers enjoy fishing in the nearby lakes. One reviewer at Holter Dam Rec. Site Campground mentioned, "The campground is right next to a large boat launch for anyone getting on the water."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the campgrounds. A visitor at Cromwell Dixon Campground noted, "You can turn right off the highway and easily access dispersed camping around the site."
  • Swimming: Enjoy the water at places like Black Sandy State Park Campground. One camper said, "All the sites are on the water. Nice swim area."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A review for Court Sheriff Campground highlights, "The lake is right against the sites and makes for a beautiful place to stay."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds are well-maintained. A visitor at Hellgate Campground mentioned, "The camp host was amazing and works really hard to keep the sites in tip-top shape."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers appreciate the peaceful environment. One reviewer at Goose Bay - Dispersed Camping said, "I felt so secluded here on a Sunday night."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds lack certain facilities. A camper at Black Sandy State Park Campground pointed out, "You must already have water or get it at the dump station at the entrance."
  • Crowded Weekends: Expect busier crowds on weekends. A visitor at Holter Dam Rec. Site Campground noted, "Our Saturday departure was delayed by FWP boat inspection at the entrance and a long line was inbound."
  • Bugs: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in warmer months. A camper at Confederate Campground mentioned, "The mosquitoes were absolutely bloodthirsty and aggressive."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with easy access to water and activities. A reviewer at White Sandy Campground said, "Beautiful big widely spaced sites. Excellent beach area."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games or outdoor toys. A visitor at Cromwell Dixon Campground suggested, "If you don't fish or boat/kayak/SUP, relaxation would be the next most popular thing to do."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep everyone fueled for fun. A camper at Court Sheriff Campground noted, "Great campground with a mix of sites and day use."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Black Sandy State Park Campground mentioned, "Most sites are really tight to get into with a larger rig."
  • Bring Water Containers: Some sites don’t have water hookups. A camper at Hellgate Campground advised, "You must use a bucket or jug for water at the campsites."
  • Be Ready for Generators: Many sites may have campers using generators. A visitor at Holter Dam Rec. Site Campground noted, "None have electrical service so there are lots of generators."

Camping near Helena, MT, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's a spot waiting for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Helena, MT?

According to TheDyrt.com, Helena, MT offers a wide range of camping options, with 127 campgrounds and RV parks near Helena, MT and 16 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Helena, MT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Helena, MT is Black Sandy State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 15 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Helena, MT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 free dispersed camping spots near Helena, MT.

What parks are near Helena, MT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Helena, MT that allow camping, notably Helena National Forest and Canyon Ferry Lake.