Lake Camping Near Clancy, Montana, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2026

In Clancy, you’ll find over 110 lake camping spots, many within casting distance of the water and tucked among rolling hills. Expect average nightly rates around $52, with some sites dipping as low as $35. Crowd favorites include Farm Land Escape (8 reviews), Big Black Barn on the Lake (3 reviews), and Helena West Side Wonder! (2 reviews). Most sites allow campfires, welcome pets, and have toilets that don’t smell like a science experiment gone wrong. Bring a rod—fishing and swimming are common ways to spend the day. Keep your eyes peeled for deer at sunrise and eagles overhead. If you want a lakeside sunrise and a shot at a quiet morning paddle, this corner of Montana delivers.

92% (38)

Top-rated campgrounds near Clancy

In Clancy, you’ll find over 110 lake camping spots, many within casting distance of the water and tucked among rolling hills. Expect average nightly rates around $52, with some sites dipping as low as $35. Crowd favorites include Farm Land Escape (8 reviews), Big Black Barn on the Lake (3 reviews), and Helena West Side Wonder! (2 reviews). Most sites allow campfires, welcome pets, and have toilets that don’t smell like a science experiment gone wrong. Bring a rod—fishing and swimming are common ways to spend the day. Keep your eyes peeled for deer at sunrise and eagles overhead. If you want a lakeside sunrise and a shot at a quiet morning paddle, this corner of Montana delivers.

92% (38)

Top-rated campgrounds near Clancy

1. Farm Land Escape

100%

(10)

14mi from Clancy · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

Please contact me through here 1-2 days prior to your arrival so I can get your area ready. As there may be one other camper from time to time as well. I want you to have the privacy and the experience as if it was only you and you’re family staying. This 53 acres use to be owned by a guy named John Helberg which is who the road is named after. It’s the original homestead land dated over 100 years ago where they farmed for there dairy cows and other livestock. This is right off a dead end road. You will have a view of a Montana farm field with the Rocky Mountains in the background. Dark nights out of the town means the stars will be out and about! This is a quiet secluded area there is a house near by, he is an older gentlemen you won’t even know he’s there. Depending on time of year there will be a field full of crop or the farm getting farmed. There very well could be some horses near by to pet!! Located 10 minutes from the lakes. 5 minutes from a reservoir. 10 minutes from town. 15 min to closest hiking areas. Helena really is the heart of fun very centralized for all directions of fun! Very easy pull in and pull out area. Please not there may be other campers enjoying as well Black Sandy State Park and Helena National Park are both under 15 miles away. Enjoy hiking and If you’re the boating type, head down the Missouri river in search of a rumored rope swing or jump off the boat for a dip in the crystal waters of Hauser Lake. Looking to avoid all the crowds or enjoy a solitary weekend under the endless Montana sky? Just head to Black Sandy during the winter months! You’ll find the same great stunning views and an ice skating experience that will put your grandparents’ childhood tales to shame. I do have power 50 amp, fresh water, grey water hook up, no black water. This option may not be available all of the time. Nearby is a brown shop this is area is rented out and off limits to camp stayers. The patio area on shop is not for the hipcampers thank you

2. York Montana Hideaway

83%

(6)

23mi from Clancy · 1 site · RV

As opposed to the thousands of runoff creeks in Western Montana, the unique Trout Creek Canyon has one of the few spring fed streams. It's rather large volume of water flows from several groups of canyons and drainages in the Little Belt mountains, bubbling out of the ground six miles up at the foot of the beautiful Vigilante canyon and terminating in the Missouri River three miles further down. Over the last 150 years a  number of gold and silver mines have operated in the gulches at the side of the canyon. A pictorial history is available at the community park and in the social hall. If you're lucky you might even still see a few mountain goats on your way up the canyon.

3. Helena West Side Wonder!

100%

(7)

11mi from Clancy · 1 site · RV

Bring your camper and park where everything about Helena is accessible! If your goal is to hear the wind in the trees and enjoy the outdoors - this is your spot! You can bike/hike on Mount Helena or head into downtown and enjoy sporting events, breweries and all things Helena has to offer. We are 2 miles from downtown Helena and at the base of the Mount Helena hiking/biking trails. This is a private lot with trees that includes water and power. You take what you came with (including garbage) and leave our spot the same as you found it. This is a residential community, so quiet hours start at 10 pm and no large groups are allowed. We do not have a dump station, but there is one within 4 miles. Beautiful location with amazing star gazing, wildlife and outdoor adventures. Quiet neighborhood - so no parties! Less than 1/2 mile of dirt road off the level and paved (just above Montana Wild and Spring Meadow Lake) and easy access to Mount Helena. Plenty of room for large campers!

4. Helena National Forest

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(3)

109 sites · Helena Valley Northeast, Montana

The Helena National Forest straddles the continental divide and offers adventurers a whirlwind of majestic scenery and recreation. Nicknamed the “million acre backyard” you’re gonna love exploring the hiking, biking and off roading trails in Gates of the Mountains and the Helena River Valley, which boasts jaw dropping views of the Big Belt Mountains. Anglers will need to be yanked out of the crystal clear Missouri River—the trout are just begging to be caught. Campgrounds are close by and backcountry lovers will find plenty of chances to explore the trails and see incredible wildlife. Don’t pass up a chance to hop the Continental Divide trail or visit Helena National Forest. You’re gonna feel like you’re on top of the world!

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

5. Grey Sandy Campground & Store

89%

(23)

21mi from Clancy · 7 sites

Our campground is centrally located between Black Sandy State Park and White Sandy State Park. Our store is packed with everything you need to make your stay unforgettable! From camping essentials and cozy firewood to a wide array of candy, snacks, beer, wine, and refreshing drinks, we've got you covered. Need some last-minute fishing gear or a fun souvenir? We've got those too! Swing by and discover all the amazing things we have in store for you!

Public campgrounds near Clancy

A thunderstorm fast approaching the campground in the evening.

Park Lake Campground

7.9mi from Clancy · 22 sites · in Helena National Forest

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(1)

Cromwell Dixon Campground

12mi from Clancy · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · in Helena National Forest

Moose Creek Cabin

13mi from Clancy · 1 site · in Helena National Forest

Moose Creek Campground

13mi from Clancy · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · in Helena National Forest

Eagle Guard Station

15mi from Clancy · 1 site · in Helena National Forest

Coulter Campground

22mi from Clancy · 7 sites · in Helena National Forest

Kading Cabin

23mi from Clancy · 1 site · in Helena National Forest

Kading Campground

23mi from Clancy · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · in Helena National Forest

Bar Gulch Cabin

25mi from Clancy · 1 site · in Helena National Forest

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(1)

Vigilante Campground

28mi from Clancy · 14 sites · Tents, RVs · in Helena National Forest

Indian Flats Cabin

30mi from Clancy · 1 site · in Helena National Forest

Gipsy Lake Campground

38mi from Clancy · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · in Helena National Forest

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Leslie

August 2025

26 ft Class C

2 nights at Helena West Side Wonder!

We very much enjoyed camping on Annette's land. It's close to trails and downtown Helena. We parked and used our bikes and ebikes to get around. The spot is tucked into trees on a quiet rural street. We found Helena to be very charming and welcoming. We spent an afternoon at Broadwater Hot Springs, just a few miles away. $17 day use fee and you can use their various pools, sauna, and gym. Poolside snack service too!

Daniel & Renee

August 2025

18 ft pop-up camper

1 night at York Montana Hideaway

This is our second time this summer on Christian's land, so obviously it's a big thumbs up! Christian is a super great and amiable host who enjoys sharing this little paradise; Campsite was on lush green grass adjacent to a perennial spring-fed creek. Lots of birds and wild flowers! This is a beautiful location, but please be sure you are 100% self-contained as there is no power, or waste disposal. Overall, one of the nicest places We've hipcamped in Montana!

M

Matthew

August 2025

23 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to York Montana Hideaway

Great spot on a cool creek. Christian is a wonderful host. He showed exceptional hospitality.

E

Elena

July 2025

24 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to York Montana Hideaway

We loved Christian’s property for our two night stay in our camper. He was a pleasure to meet and made sure we had everything we needed including potable water. The beautiful spring creek is a treat to have at your front door, and you’re minutes away from Hauser Lake. Convenient place to stay to explore the area including lots of hiking opportunities.

P

Paul

July 2025

28 ft travel trailer

6 nights at Helena West Side Wonder!

Great site close to plenty of biking ………………………………..

Lindy

July 2025

27 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at York Montana Hideaway

York is a little gem! We were able to do Hauser Lake and Canyon Ferry. We rode our bikes and had a burger at the York bar. Fantastic location right on Trout Creek!

T

Teresa

July 2025

32 ft travel trailer

With pets

6 nights at Helena West Side Wonder!

This location is snug in a small but ample plot. The back end is nicely wooded and its location stays super nice temperature wise. Hope on our next Montana trip it is still available! It’s conveniently located not far from anything in Helena. Owner and neighbors are super friendly!

Daniel & Renee

June 2025

18 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to York Montana Hideaway

Really enjoyed spending a couple of quiet nights on Christian's land! Christian is a super great and amiable host who was very helpful, and easy to communicate with. My campsite was on lush green grass adjacent to a perennial spring-fed creek. Lots of birds and wild flowers! This is a beautiful location, but please be sure you are 100% self-contained as there is no power, water, or waste disposal. Overall, one of the nicest places I've hipcamped in Montana!

C

Colin

June 2025

38 ft fifth wheel

Weekend Trip to Farm Land Escape

Farm fields all around, and only a couple of sites, make for a tranquil setting with easy access to town.

D

Darci

May 2025

27 ft travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Helena West Side Wonder!

This was the 2nd time we have stayed at this spot. It is in a quiet neighborhood with easy in/out. The nearby hiking/biking trails are a bonus. We will continue to stay anytime we are in Helena.