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The best camping near Black Sandy State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Black Sandy adventure.

Discover Black Sandy State Park's scenic shores and outdoor fun.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Black Sandy State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Black Sandy State Park

97%
(72)

The Trail Enthusiast's Basecamp!

2 sites ¡ RVs, Tents5 acres ¡ Helena, MT
This five-acre oasis was once a landscape nursery. So given the close proximity to downtown we are a hidden sanctuary from the outside world, secluded by cottonwood trees and mature foliage. The site now serves as a wedding venue and offers views of Mount Helena to the South and the Sleeping Giant to the North. Learn more about this land: Pitch a tent in our aspen grove or park your camper/RV in the grassland field. You're close to downtown with lots of privacy/scenery. You'll have views of regal Mount Helena to the South and The Sleeping Giant to the North. The South Hill trail complex is a great place to explore as well as the Scratchgravels. The Missouri River is only 20 minutes away as well as Lake Hauser and Canyon Ferry. If new to the area and interested in history, we recommend the Tour Train. We also have several great breweries - our favorites include Ten Mile and Blackfoot Breweries (a perfect stop you can ride to after a trail ride/hike in the South Hills). This site is perfect for those wanting to explore Downtown Helena, it's renowned trail systems, but still sleep under the stars. Pets are allowed. Please make sure you pick up after them. There is water throughout the property that you are welcome to use for cleaning, but it is not potable.
from 
$25
 / night
100%
(1)

Big Black Barn on the Lake

1 site ¡ RV10 acres ¡ Helena, MT
Welcome to beautiful Helena, Montana! We have over 10 acres on Lake Helena with direct access to the lake! You will see cranes, pelicans, bald eagles, all kinds of water fowl, otters, muskrats, jack rabbits, ground squirrels, deer and more! You will have access to fish, paddle board, kayak, whatever your heart desires! We are also 5 minutes from Lake Hauser so if you would like to boat or jetski, that is also just right around the corner! There is a horsetrail right across the street and you can head straight up into the mountains from there if you wish. Hiking in every direction, and the mighty Missouri river just minutes away for world class fishing and an amazing float in the summer! This is your stop for close access to all your wild life adventures!
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$35
 / night
98%
(48)

Big-Enough Ranch

2 sites ¡ Lodging40 acres ¡ Boulder, MT
Horse ranch on 40 acres located just outside of Boulder, MT. Exceptional views and peace and quiet at this retreat cabin. 20 acres to the East has and old hunting cabin alongside a creek. Also an old mining test pit from the late 1800’s mining boom, as well as a hand built irrigation ditch that runs through the property.
from 
$80
 / night
Booked 10 times

Lakeview Farms

2 sites ¡ RVs, Tents23 acres ¡ Helena Valley Northeast, MT
Are small startup hay farm that has beautiful views of Hauser reservoir with three recreational sites on it within a 15-minute drive as well as 15 minutes the other direction allows two access points to lake Helena. we have a large flock of chickens that free roam the property as well as dairy cow who wanders through the front yard and Hayfield. Nearby Lakeside Bar and Grill has a great menu with lake access and music on the weekends, that is within walking distance. about 2 miles from our property there in the Helena Reservoir that has lovely walking trails, that your pets can run off leash as well as fishing access.
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$20
 / night
100%
(1)

Date Street Cabin @ C Lazy M Meadow

1 site ¡ Lodging7 acres ¡ MT
A small cabin sleeps 4 with 2 queen beds and room to stake a tent. Sits on 6 acres with a creek bed under large trees and overlooks a meadow. Includes an outhouse, potable water, grill, picnic table and a "smokeless" fire pit. Dishes, utensils, firewood and bedding included. Come stay in MT City; only 5 miles from all historic Helena has to offer! 4 restaurants/bars within walking (>1 mi.). 3 large lakes w/in 10 miles with beaches, boating and sight seeing opportunities; the Missouri river within 15 miles for fishing, boating, paddle boarding, hiking and biking. Come relax! Sleeps 4 in beds. Additional guests allowed with permission and fee (tents and/or or campers). While exploring Helena, we recommend the Walking Mall and the lower end of Last Chance Gulch for shopping and dining. You can also do a self guided tour of the Capitol building and then ride the tour train through Helena to get a quick history lesson. If you want to do something outside, we suggest Houser Lake at Lakeside with a bar and grill, a beach, fire pit, volley ball, etc. There is also guided boat rides at Gates of the Mountains on Holter Lake (about 20 miles towards Great Falls). If you are looking to go hiking, Mount Helena is a nice hike, but maybe a bit much for small kiddos, unless you have a backpack. If you'd like additional suggestions, please don't hesitate to reach out. Hope you enjoy your stay! Party Tent available at additional charge.
from 
$85
 / night
Booked 1 time

Tea Meadows

1 site ¡ RV, Tent20 acres ¡ Helena, MT
Tea Meadows is nestled in the foot hills of Helena’s North valley where there are a variety of outdoor activities to do such as: Admire my lovely horses, they love carrots or bring yours! Stalls or runs available at additional pricing. Located right behind us are the North hills, tons of trails, hiking and biking or whatever you desire to do outdoors. Go take a tour boat and see the famous Gates of the Mountains. 20 minutes away. Head over to Hauser lake and hit the water. Swim, Fish, Cliff Jump. Hit the local rope swing. 10 minutes away. Head to downtown Helena for a mountain bike trail or ride from the property. I could possibly take you on a horse back ride depending on your experience.
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$55
 / night
100%
(4)

The Junkyard

4 sites ¡ RVs, Tents2 acres ¡ East Helena, MT
The junkyard is a nice pet friendly spot about 6 miles from downtown Helena. Right near a creek, hikes, and the lake. It is a commercial area, as I run a towing company, but pretty quiet, you might even find some camper parts! I have water and power on site as well. I really enjoy the van life and nomad community and love to help out.
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$39
 / night
100%
(5)

Farm Land Escape

3 sites ¡ RVs, Tents53 acres ¡ 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.
from 
$65
 / night

The Homestead

2 sites ¡ Lodging600 acres ¡ Clancy, MT
The Homestead is located in Clancy, Montana on a 600 acre portion of a private ranch. This is a camping experience...think upscale tent camping for the adventurous soul! The tents are nestled in the foothills of the Elkhorn Mountain Range and sit right above the Strawberry Creek trail. You will be surrounded by stunning views of Sheep Mountain to the west, Casey Peak to the east, and the Helena Valley and Gates of the Mountains Wilderness to the north. Mountain bike, hike, trail run, explore and/or relax! Just a short drive to Helena, MT for more trails, dining or other activities.
from 
$115
 / night
100%
(1)

Mercedes B.’s Land

3 sites ¡ Lodging16 acres ¡ Helena, MT
from 
$150
 / night
100%
(2)

Mountain Biker's Getaway

1 site ¡ RV20 acres ¡ Helena, MT
We have a 20 acre parcel where we live that is right next to the trail system and also 5 minutes from downtown Helena. We love hosting our friends who come to mountain bike and enjoy Helena and are happy to host you! We have a small trail cut into the property that is available for your use and a forest for you to play in
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$25
 / night
100%
(1)

West Side Wonder

1 site ¡ RV1 acre ¡ Helena, MT
Enjoy camping in the trees on Mount Helena. Trail access for biking, hiking, running, dog walking and wildlife watching. Power and water are available. There is a dump station 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). Plenty of room for large campers!
from 
$55
 / night

The best camping near Black Sandy State Park guide

Overview

About

Turn an afternoon into a month-long retreat at Black Sandy State Park, where legend has it salmon and trout jump right into your boat before you even have a chance to cast your line. Black Sandy offers a rare chance to camp right on the shores of the Hauser Reservoir, the perfect locale for fisher(wo)men, waterskiers, and sunbathers alike. 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.

Notable campgrounds

  • Lakeside Campsites: Wake up to the gentle lapping of waves with a stay at one of the park's coveted lakeside spots.
  • Electric Hookup Sites: Enjoy the convenience of electrical hookups available from May 1 to November 30 for your RV or camper.
  • First-Come, First-Served Tents: For the spontaneous traveler, snag one of the non-electric tent sites on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book in advance to secure your spot, as reservations can be made up to one day before arrival.
  • For same-day camping, call the park office at 406-458-3221 to check for any available sites.
  • Consider off-peak times for a better chance at snagging a prime campsite.
  • Explore nearby camping options if Black Sandy State Park is fully booked.

When to go

The best time to visit Black Sandy State Park is between May 1 and November 30 when all facilities, including electrical hookups, are available. The park is open year-round, but winter brings limited facilities and a serene, snowy landscape for those seeking a quieter visit.

Know before you go

  • Check for any special restrictions or closures before your visit, especially during extreme weather conditions.
  • Remember, there is no lifeguard on duty, so always exercise caution when enjoying water activities.
  • ADA accessible options are available, ensuring everyone can enjoy the park's natural beauty.
  • Pets are welcome but must be kept on leashes to protect wildlife and fellow visitors.
  • Montana residents can enjoy free daily entrance with the state parks fee included in their vehicle registration.

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