Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Helena, MT
Black Sandy State Park Campground on Hauser Lake allows pets across all tent and RV sites with minimal restrictions. Helena North KOA accommodates pets in their cabins, tent sites, and RV spaces, featuring a large gravel dog run area for exercise. Court Sheriff Campground and White Sandy Campground also welcome pets, with spacious sites providing room for pets to relax while remaining leashed. Riverside Campground and Devil's Elbow Campground offer water access points where dogs can cool off during summer months. Most campgrounds require pets to be on-leash at all times, cleaned up after, and not left unattended. The large dog zone at Helena North KOA remains well-maintained and clean according to visitor experiences.
Hiking trails near Helena's pet-friendly campgrounds provide excellent exercise opportunities for dogs, particularly those connecting to the extensive trail systems around Mount Helena City Park. Summer algae blooms at White Sandy Campground occasionally affect water quality, requiring pet owners to monitor conditions before allowing dogs to swim. Several campgrounds sit directly on Hauser Lake, offering water access for pets that enjoy swimming, though leash rules apply even at shorelines. Most campgrounds maintain fire restrictions that apply to all visitors including those with pets. Campers with electric vehicles should note that Helena North KOA prohibits EV charging at campsite hookups with significant penalties, while accommodating pets at all sites. The variety of pet-friendly options ranges from basic facilities at Cromwell Dixon Campground to full-service amenities at Helena North KOA.
