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."
"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."
$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. "
$10 / night
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.
The local USFS in Helena overseas the location. They do not visit regularly which is likely due to the drive. Be prepared to drive to tell cell service if you don’t have satellite if there are questions or concerns.
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
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.
ScoutMy family and I cannot recommend this campground enough. It is immaculately clean with new everything(sinks, showers, buildings etc.). It is very quiet, and the owners are the nicest people. The views are so serene with the RV’s being in a meadow surrounded by beautiful mountains on all sides. The RV’s are spaced out a good distance apart where you aren’t on top of each other. Each site comes with a very large and sturdy fire pit and large picnic table! We stayed at many different campgrounds between Alabama and northern Montana on our out west trip, and we rate this one FAR superior to every other one we stayed at! The town of Lincoln is very small and secluded, but there are some very good restaurants in town and some different hikes to do. We highly recommend that you stay here if you are traveling through the area!
ScoutPlenty of boondocking sites as you approach the campground. The campground, offers full hooks and dry camp. There's a small "C" store, a dump station, propane exchange, showers, drinking water and a boat ramp. You'll need to make reservations for the campground. Come early for boondocking, it fills up by the weekend.
GuideAmazing time here. Many spots. My only two complaints is people leave their trash. So pack out what you bring in. Second if you are shooting have enough insight to know where your bullets are going.
Views are amazing and the place is great.
GuideMy husband and I started hiking up here long before we ever camped. We found out just this year you could camp into the park and we love it. It's so quiet and peaceful and the views are amazing. There is a ton of spots to camp at as long as you walk off the tail a ways you won't even notice hikers during the day nor will they notice you. If your up for hauling in your stuff and back out and don't mind not having access to a bathroom or a fire pit and as we did sleeping under the stars it's a perfect place to try
ScoutThis is the nicest RV park we have stayed in in Montana! They have very large spaces with lots of room between guest spots! We were there for 8 days and already have 3 more resevations for 2026. The bathrooms and showers were sparkly clean and they pick up your trash daily. GREAT views and Lincoln, MT is a great little town with a lot of great bars and restaurants. So much to do within a day's drive. Matt& Nicole were wonderful hosts! Fantastic job on your campground! See you soon!
GuideThis place is off the beaten path but aren’t all the best spots? You can park right on the stream there are fire rings and man is it quiet! Cute little homestead town as you pull up to the road and the road is well maintained! Wild life wild flowers and large pull off areas that are well groomed. I can’t understand why this place is not visited more often!
ScoutNice spot along a stream. Seems to be a weekend spot for locals from Helena. I was told by locals that it has been free until 2025 and is now $10. It's primitive with a picnic table, and sit was fairly level.
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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