The best waterside campgrounds near Helena, Montana

Helena is all about the outdoors. Just minutes from the downtown coffee shops and craft breweries, the surrounding valley features hills and mountains rising in every direction. The mighty Missouri River corridor provides endless boating, fishing, and paddling in a number of reservoirs and the river itself, plus three local lakes. With hundreds of miles of hiking trails, mountain biking, and access to both the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest and BLM lands, it’s hard to not fall in love with the area, where campgrounds, RV parks, and regional parks are prolific. If Helena campgrounds are full, try the parks in Townsend to the south.

96% (488) • 18 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Helena

York Montana Hideaway

1. York Montana Hideaway

83%

(6)

16mi from Helena · 1 site

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.

Electrical hookup

Water hookup

Pets

from

$45

/ night

Helena National Forest

2. Helena National Forest

100%

(3)

National forest 17mi from Helena · 109 sites

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

Helena is all about the outdoors. Just minutes from the downtown coffee shops and craft breweries, the surrounding valley features hills and mountains rising in every direction. The mighty Missouri River corridor provides endless boating, fishing, and paddling in a number of reservoirs and the river itself, plus three local lakes. With hundreds of miles of hiking trails, mountain biking, and access to both the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest and BLM lands, it’s hard to not fall in love with the area, where campgrounds, RV parks, and regional parks are prolific. If Helena campgrounds are full, try the parks in Townsend to the south.

96% (488) • 18 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Helena

York Montana Hideaway

1. York Montana Hideaway

83%

(6)

16mi from Helena · 1 site

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.

Electrical hookup

Water hookup

Pets

from

$45

/ night

Helena National Forest

2. Helena National Forest

100%

(3)

National forest 17mi from Helena · 109 sites

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

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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.

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!

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!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best waterside camping near Helena guide

Where to go

Hauser Reservoir

Just 15 minutes from downtown, Hauser Reservoir has a long lakeshore with developed boat ramps, bathrooms, and campsites. This reservoir is the first in a string of three major impoundments, each with excellent fishing and boating opportunities—trout and walleye fishing are popular on the lakes and on the Missouri River below Hauser Dam. Canyon Ferry Reservoir and Holter Reservoir are the subsequent downstream reservoirs, and all three combine to create a major corridor of water recreation and camping. You can even find reservable, boat-access-only campgrounds.

Craig

Craig is the trout capital of Montana, home to the Missouri River’s fabled waters perfect for fly fishing. So many trout feed here due to the cold water spilling from Holter Dam and the huge insect populations that hatch on the water’s surface. Shoreline access points are common, and numerous boat ramps allow access for drift boats and rafts from the dam to the town of Cascade.

Gates of the Mountains

Just outside of Helena, take a boat ride at Gates of the Mountains to experience area scenery while learning about the trials of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Boat tours operate during summer, with several large vessels featuring both open-air seating and covered areas. Riders can see the river constrict between great canyon walls while keeping an eye out for mountain goats and other wildlife on the cliff faces.

Canyon Ferry Reservoir

When it comes to water sports, the Canyon Ferry Reservoir is the place to be. From the campgrounds along the shore, you can paddle, boat, fish, and swim. To the north, Black Sandy State Park offers expansive water and mountain views, while the BLM-run White Sandy area features 32 campsites.

Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest

For shaded mountain campsites and remote adventure, head for this national forest. Sleep next to a creek under towering sequoias at Tenmile, or hit the Continental Divide Trail from your tent camping site at Moose Creek.

When to go

Helena is a year-round destination with plenty of summer and winter activities, though campers will find the most conducive weather conditions in summer from June through October—perfect for mountain biking and paddle boarding. The city’s location near Glacier National Park, a destination busiest in summer, means campsites book up quickly for the summer months around Helena too. Fall and spring offer cool, quiet hikes, while winter visitors should consider an RV site with hookups or a cabin rental with heating due to cold, snowy weather. Get outside for cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and snowshoeing.