Helena National Forest, MT is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Montana camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Helena National Forest, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
$6 - $24 / 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."
$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 got a tent site (parked in lot, walked to site maybe 50 feet). It was perfect with shade and right next to the water. Many sites had little or no shade, though."
$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."
$10 - $170 / night
"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."
"off. Trailer was easy to back into our slot, but several places had pull throughs. We would definitely stay here again."
$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"
"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."
"Free, drive-up, no permit needed. Primitive sites, very simple but clean and kept up well. Wooded by a creek."
$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."
$25 / night
"Holter Dam Campground Review
Holter Dam Campground at Holter Dam Recreation site is a BLM 15 site campground located just below Holter Dam."
"A few paved walking paths near the beach area. The narrow paved roads made life interesting. The fish cleaning station is closed due to vandalism. "
"I was able to snag a waterfront spot & had easy access to paddle board. Vault toilets were cleaned and restocked 3 times during my stay. Friday by mid-day, most of the spots are taken."
"It was the least packed during the week and has access to 2 clean vault toilets. There’s great spots towards the end that have easy water access for a kayak or SUP."
$10 / night
TravelerCute spot next to the river, free. Couple trains go by around 1am. Gets a little windy but there are some trees/brush that help. Gravel road, Easily accessible with 2wd. Couple trucks (dam employees) go by around 7am on weekdays. Pit toilet and fire rings
GuideJust driving through
GuideNo hookups
ScoutThis is a city park in Lincoln Montana. There are 8 sites with 50-Amp electric for $30 a night. These sites are electric only, no water or sewer. There is a water hydrant for potable water. I did not see a place to dump. The rest of the apx 20 sites have no hookups and cost $20 a night. We were there in the middle of July, 2025. There were RVs, tent campers and bicyclists. We have 27 foot 5th wheel and just barely had enough room to unhook and park in front of our RV. There is a clean pit toilet and a shower building.
GuideNo amenities. Generator allow 7am to 10pm. Most sites had very little shade. Site 5 & 22 were the most shaded.
TravelerIt’s a great cabin it’s super close to the road it has two bedrooms they both have 2 beds a double and a single bed. It does have propane with a small 2 burner stove it also has a microwave toaster and coffee maker. Very standard for these cabins is you bring your linens but the mattress is a mattress not great but it’s a rustic cabin and VERY AFFORDABLE
RangerCampground is in great location. Right on water just 6 miles off of main highway. It is a gravel road but super easy (no potholes) & big rig friendly. Sites right on water. Open sky for starlink and decent cell service. A little loud during day for day use area (boat ramp & beach area), but quiets down in evening. Picnic table and fire pits at campsites. No hookups but sites are relatively level. Beautiful 360 views. Can book easily on recreation site. Also pit toilets and water stations. Mosquitos are heavy in evening but that’s part of being around water.
RangerDo not follow the directions in the other review, they are wrong. My review follows the directions.
Take the Clancy exit and turn towards clancy. The road looks like its an immediate left with a big arrow sign but its not, drive straight through. About 1/10 mile and you’ll see the brown forest service sign at the T intersection indicating Park Lake is 14 miles after turning right.
3.5 miles pavement becomes a well maintained wide gravel/dirt road the entire way. Soft shoulders though, beware.
If you pick the lake on a gps or follow the listing directions in Dyrt you will mistakenly turn left just shy of 8 miles and find a narrow road going down, no trespassing and dead end signs. If you have a trailer you’ll have to back out up hill.
Instead stay on the main road and don’t stop until you reach the T intersection which is approx. 11.5 miles from the sign that said 14 miles. You’ll see the forest toad sign 4009 and the forest service sign indicating you turn left and will reach the lake in 2 miles with the campground just at the opposite end
22 sites, all paved, all back-in for towable’s. Some are only large enough for a single vehicle with a tiny towable, a few will hold big trucks and 30+ footers. All have a table and fire pit. Hand pump water point, 3 pit toilets which are very clean and well stocked. Sites are a mix from full sun all day to full shade all day. Plenty of open sky in most sites for clear satellite lines.
Plenty of firewood just lying around. Chipmunks and rabbits run around. This is bear country, be prepared and read over the signage if you are inexperienced.
The lake is beautiful, plenty if shore fishing and large day use areas with tables and firepits. Dirt boat launch as this is a non motorized lake, manpower only.
No services or trash. Pack it in pack it out. Closest services are Montana city for minimal needs, Helena for most needs. Clancy has nothing
Be advised, there is only 1 USFS enforcement officer for the area. He was very clear that he doesn’t have the time to respond or investigate any claims of non paying guests, abandon sites, trash being left, quiet hours violations until 2am, dogs of leash, public drunkenness resulting in injury, belligerence or verbal assault. He will investigate violence and fireworks. This isn’t a manpower issue, he makes excuses on what he claims he cannot prove, despite multiple witnesses, and twists policy and law in order to avoid enforcement. Just be aware, on busy weekends its a free for all. Pay attention to your kids
TravelerWonderful hot springs, cold plunge, and sauna for $10. Must bring a towel and amenities. RV park with the nicest people is located down the road.
Camping near Helena National Forest, Montana, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're into fishing, hiking, or just soaking up nature, there’s something for everyone.
Camping near Helena National Forest, Montana, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, it’s a perfect getaway for families, RVers, and nature lovers alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, Helena National Forest offers a wide range of camping options, with 117 campgrounds and RV parks near Helena National Forest and 11 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Helena National Forest is Black Sandy State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 15 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 free dispersed camping spots near Helena National Forest.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Helena National Forest that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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