Best Campgrounds near Helena, MT
Camping options near Helena, Montana include a mix of state park, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and private facilities within easy reach of the city. Black Sandy State Park Campground provides waterfront sites along Hauser Lake about 12 miles northeast of downtown, while the Helena North KOA offers cabins, tent sites, and RV hookups with amenities like laundry and showers closer to town. Additional options include White Sandy Campground, Devil's Elbow Campground, and Cromwell Dixon Campground, which accommodate both tent and RV camping with varying levels of amenities across different land management jurisdictions.
Many Helena-area campgrounds operate seasonally, with most facilities opening around Memorial Day and closing after Labor Day, though several remain open year-round. The region experiences distinct seasonal changes that affect camping conditions throughout the year. "The campground was clean and the sites were spacious. No one enforced the quiet hours, which was an issue," noted one visitor about White Sandy Campground. Water access represents a key consideration, with several reviewers mentioning algae issues during summer months at some lake locations. Most developed campgrounds provide toilets, though amenities like showers, electric hookups, and drinking water vary considerably between locations.
Campers frequently highlight the water views as a major attraction in the Helena region. Several campgrounds sit directly on Hauser Lake or Canyon Ferry Reservoir, offering boating and fishing opportunities. According to one visitor, "This is a fairly unknown campground along Hauser Lake. If you come to this campground you will most likely will have the place to yourself." Sites with water access tend to fill quickly during summer weekends. While some campgrounds feature spacious sites with reasonable privacy, others are described as having sites positioned close together. The availability of shade varies between locations, with some offering tree cover while others provide more open settings. Most BLM and Forest Service campgrounds near Helena have fire rings and picnic tables, though visitors should verify if fires are permitted during their planned stay.
