The best campgrounds near Helena, Montana with swimming

Welcome to Hipcamp, the go-to website for all your camping needs! Whether you're looking for a rustic retreat or a cozy cabin, we've got you covered. With over 180 available options near Helena, Montana, that offer swimming as your preferred activity/terrain, you're sure to find the perfect spot to cool off. Looking for some top-rated campsites? Check out Gallatin River Getaway (159 reviews), Montana Red Devon Ranch (75 reviews), and CedarRose Farm (47 reviews). At an average price of $35 per night, with options as low as $18, you can enjoy the great outdoors without breaking the bank. And don't worry about the amenities - showers, trash facilities, and cooking equipment are popular choices. Plus, if you're up for some adventure, horseback riding, boating, and wildlife watching are just a few of the activities waiting for you. So why wait? Start planning your unforgettable camping trip today!

96% (200)

Top-rated campgrounds

Welcome to Hipcamp, the go-to website for all your camping needs! Whether you're looking for a rustic retreat or a cozy cabin, we've got you covered. With over 180 available options near Helena, Montana, that offer swimming as your preferred activity/terrain, you're sure to find the perfect spot to cool off. Looking for some top-rated campsites? Check out Gallatin River Getaway (159 reviews), Montana Red Devon Ranch (75 reviews), and CedarRose Farm (47 reviews). At an average price of $35 per night, with options as low as $18, you can enjoy the great outdoors without breaking the bank. And don't worry about the amenities - showers, trash facilities, and cooking equipment are popular choices. Plus, if you're up for some adventure, horseback riding, boating, and wildlife watching are just a few of the activities waiting for you. So why wait? Start planning your unforgettable camping trip today!

96% (200)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. CedarRose Farm

99%

(204)

48mi from Helena · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · MT

CedarRose Farm is a fantastic former produce farm that we operated for 21 years, surrounded by other friendly smallholdings, art studios and homesteaders. A clean portapotty is on site starting May 3rd through September 15th. We offer campfire popcorn poppers, complete with kernels, oil and butter! S'Mores kits and toasting forks, with enough goodies for 8 S'mores. Check out our 'Extras' and relax and enjoy yourself! Please ask us about visiting us on the farm, we have a shady outdoor dining room you're welcome to enjoy. Ask for directions to "Sunset Point", its a quick hike to a secret campfire ring with perfect lounge chairs and amazing views! There's always something to do, horses to feed and brush, chickens and ducks that need feed and watched by the pond. Stargazing and birdwatching are great here, its very dark at night, almost no light pollution, and I've counted 43 different birds! We love biking, hiking, paddle boarding and having campers! We know you'll love it as much as we do!

2. York Montana Hideaway

83%

(6)

16mi from Helena · 1 site · RV · Helena Valley Northeast, MT

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. Ponderosa Pine Ranch camp

95%

(63)

49mi from Helena · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Three Forks, MT

Learn more about this land: Our property is in a close proximity to the Fairweather Fishing access on the Missouri River. Camping is not allowed at the access so we would be the closest camping site to this great outdoor playground. There is opportunity for fishing, floating, boating, hunting and swimming in the summer . There are groves of mature trees and open sites available. This is directly off of paved county road. The property adjacent to ours has the original ranch house and barn and other outbuildings that were part of the Ponderosa Pine Ranch which owned most of the valley we're in. The ranch house and buildings were divided away from our part of the property several years ago, so we have our home here and what was mostly pasture. The campsites are all pasture grass with trees for shade. We do not have cell phone service here. We have one site that has 30 amp electricity. Also we do not have trash service .

4. Farm Land Escape

100%

(10)

5.1mi from Helena · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Helena, MT

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

5. Helena West Side Wonder!

100%

(7)

2.8mi from Helena · 1 site · RV · Helena, MT

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!

6. The Mountaintop Disconnect

100%

(3)

31mi from Helena · 1 site · Lodging · Wolf Creek, MT

We don't know much about the history of our property but we can tell you that we plan on keeping it forever. It has absurdly good views at the top and is the perfect amount of remote and accessible for us.Learn more about this land:The property begins at the base of a small mountain and goes straight to the 6000' peak (and a little past). Great views, silent surroundings. You will very much be in the middle of nowhere. Enjoy it. There is a natural spring on the property from which you may get your water. Please no relieving yourself within 100 feet of the spring or uphill from it.

Public campgrounds near Helena

Black Sandy Campground

12mi from Helena · 34 sites · Tents, RVs · in Black Sandy State Park

Mormon Gulch Campground and Picnic Area

28mi from Helena · 16 sites · Tents, RVs · in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Ladysmith Campground

30mi from Helena · 6 sites · in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Whitehouse Campground and Picnic Area

32mi from Helena · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Orofino Campground and Picnic Area

36mi from Helena · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Lowland Campground and Picnic Area

39mi from Helena · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Delmoe Lake Campground and Picnic Area

45mi from Helena · 25 sites · Tents, RVs · in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Doney Cabin

46mi from Helena · 1 site · in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Racetrack Campground and Picnic Area

49mi from Helena · 13 sites · Tents, RVs · in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Stories from the community

L

Lisa

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to CedarRose Farm

I loved the openness, hiking trails available, adjacent to public land. The skies were clear & allowed the billions of stars to shine. Chris cares for his campers & wants to ensure them a wonderful experience.

M

Mason

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to CedarRose Farm

It was very quiet, and so many stars! Chris was very friendly and provided clear directions. Cell service wasn't great, but the sunset was!

G

Grace

August 2025

Tent

1 night at CedarRose Farm

Secluded little spot, Chris was super helpful even though I arrived very late at night. Felt super safe as a solo female traveler. Would love to stop by here again!

D

Denise

August 2025

3 nights at CedarRose Farm

Very peaceful, occasionally the freight train rolls by, but that’s quiet. Lots.Lots of station view. Anyway.

Shelley

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at CedarRose Farm

What a beautiful location! A little bit of a drive north from I-90, but well worth it. Wonderful sunsets and all the stars! Chris was very friendly and a great host. The campsite was a good size. The portapotty and garbage were easy to get to. Ground was easy to stake a tent. We saw several deer, osprey, bats and pelicans. Would definitely stay here again!

The river spot a short walk from the campsite.

Elizabeth

August 2025

19 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Ponderosa Pine Ranch camp

What a perfect gem of a private spot! I needed to have a reset day on a long trip and plug into power and personally don’t like the crammed experience of rv parks (I’m in a campervan). I think another reviewer mentioned the view of the closeness of the mobile home and things around, and yes, you’ll see this when you first come in the driveway, but where you camp is private, covered by trees, and a little oasis. Patricia, the host, is completely lovely, quick to respond and be extra helpful. The stars at night incredible, and a walk across the street to have access to the river was priceless. I would definitely stay again!

N

Noah

August 2025

Tent

7 nights at CedarRose Farm

It was an amazing time and experience at Chris’s property! A perfect getaway and I would highly recommend it for the solo traveler great for families looking to camp in Montana. I explored the hill side lots of deer and wildlife activity. 10/10

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.

A

Austin

July 2025

Tent

3 nights at CedarRose Farm

Awesome scenery, with trails all around. Hope to be back again.

Kara

July 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to CedarRose Farm

Fantastic, secluded space for a night stopover on a road trip with two dogs! We happened to have the whole place to ourselves. Thank you to Chris!

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 ………………………………..

L

Lyndon

July 2025

23 ft travel trailer

With pets

7 nights at Ponderosa Pine Ranch camp

Terrific hosts and a beautiful place to stay. It's a little rough around the edges but we really liked it. Private and relaxing. Small note that the electrical hookup is in the back passenger corner. Bring a long power cord so you can reach it. I believe ours is a 50' and it barely made it. Star link worked perfectly. Water bib is about 100 yards away. I ended up just hand filling a few 5 gallon water totes rather than dragging the trailer over there.

R

Rebecca

July 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at CedarRose Farm

Gorgeous spot. Chris was great. Spot was great. Dog was amazing

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!

T

Thomas

June 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to CedarRose Farm

Great camping spot!! Great for bird watching. Beautiful area!

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!