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 (126)

    1. Black Sandy State Park Campground

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

    $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."

    2. Court Sheriff Campground

    17 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

452 Reviews of 126 Helena Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • TheFoxphire F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Homestake Pass Dispersed

    Bring drinking water!

    Already left a review but forgot to mention —about water. I do not recommend getting water from Butte other than from “Ultimate Big Spring Water” which cost $15 for 5gal with a jug. Apparently Butte has occasional toxic leakage into the mains from the Toxic Pits. Very sad and unfortunate. We were weary even getting filtered refill water from Walmart. Either bring your own drinking water or buy bottled. There is an rv park in Pipestone that said they’d allow fill-up there, though not sure what the fee would be, but they’re seemed super nice and willing to help out.

  • TheFoxphire F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Homestake Pass Dispersed

    Great spot

    Rolled in on Sunday afternoon. Found a spot right by the entrance to the large camping area (approx 1/2mile past railroad tracks on the left). We were exposed from 3 sides, luckily we could park our jeep for privacy block. This is definitely the place that all the locals bring out their quads and dirt bikes on weekends. Daily drive through by park rangers so that was nice. There’s a 16 day limit here and the rangers do keep a close eye on it. And several people do come here to stay for the full limit so it looks like people be living here, but they’re constantly ushered out by rangers. Found several good running/biking trails. The boulders are quite amazing! I could definitely feel bear vibes while on the trails, though we never saw one. Cows did come to our campsite nightly and dig through our fire pit. Several big classA’s in and out. Several other campers running gens all day.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Lichen Cliff

    Nice spot

    This has a large pullout from the road. It is along the creek, which is pretty. It has a fire pit and a picnic table. I probably won’t stay here again because Montana charges $18 a night for non-residents. It’s too expensive for essentially a parking spot.


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 126 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.