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!
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!
Get ready for a big camping adventure in the Big Belt Mountains when you stay at Vigilante Campground. This 14-campsite, 7-acre campground provides easy access to both the Hanging Valley National Recreation Area AND the Trout Creek Canyon Trail. Tighten up your boots, pack some water and yummy snacks, and embark on some super scenic trail hiking!Read more...
Cromwell Dixon Campground is located right on the Continental Divide. Views from camp are stunning, so bring your camera! You’ll see the surrounding meadows, wooded slopes, and distant mountain ranges. Not too shabby. You can access the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail nearby, so lace up your hiking boots!Read more...
Indian Flats Cabin is so close to incredible hiking you might only rest your head here! Drive up the cabin in the summer and fall or snowmobile your way up in the winter, drop off your gear, and hike to Hogback Mountain to see incredible panoramic views of Beaver Creek Canyon. There’s a cozy wood stove for winter warm-ups and perhaps after a summe Read more...
Bar Gulch Cabin was originally built in the 1930s as a base for mining operations. But, alas, even the best laid plans don’t always pan out. The cabin has been a recreation haven since its inauguration, and we couldn’t be happier about it! It keeps watch over an open and grassy meadow that’s surrounded by forest and tons of other landscapes (river Read more...
Calling all kayakers and canoeists! Coulter Campground is a boat-in campground in a beautiful river canyon. The campground can only be accessed by boat from the Gates of the Mountains Boat Club or the Holter Dam Area. The campground is on the east side of the Upper Holter Lake, AKA you should cast a line and catch perch or trout for dinner! Meriwe Read more...
Location, location, location. Yep, it’s all about a prime location at Copper Creek Campground. Not only are campers close to an onsite creek, but just across the road you’ll find the refreshing Snowbank Lake. Plus, if you’re looking for a rousing hiking adventure, the Indian Meadows Trailhead is just a two-mile drive away. Read more...
Moose Creek Cabin is a stunning little white-topped wonder with plenty of adventure out the back door! It's a rare cabin that's got modern electricity, but you won’t even need the lights once you’ve got the fireplace pumping—there’s plenty of lumber in the woodshed to keep your crew warm. The Continental Divide Trail is close by for exploring the Read more...
Moose Creek Campground is a small campground within walking distance of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, and you'll want to bring your best hiking boots and camera for this one. The campground is also near a picnic area and environmental education trail where you can learn about the plants and wildlife in the region. Read more...
Pitch your tent at Park Lake Campground, near the shores of the lake. Park Lake is an ideal destination for anglers, so come on down and cast a line for cutthroat and greyling trout. Non-motorized boats are permitted in the lake, so tote your kayak along and enjoy views of the surrounding mountain scenery while gliding through the water. Read more...
Situated in the grasslands of the Elkhorn Mountains, Eagle Guard Station is prime real estate in Big Sky country! The raddest part about staying here isn’t the old school wood stove or bunk bed-style sleeping, it’s the up close and personal look at the forest's elk herds—you may run into one (or 100) steps away from the front porch. You could also Read more...
Feel home on the range and deep in the forest at Cummings Cabin. This cozy cabin offers plenty of nearby cross country trails, hiking, and access to the highly fishable Blackfoot River. There’s a nearby stream for treating water, as well as a seasonal hand pump. Channel your inner lumberjack to split logs for the woodstove and be sure to bring som Read more...
Mountain lakes, shady trails, and…odd rock formations? Yep, Gipsy Lake Campground has got it all. Tackle the trail that extends from the campground all the way into the Big Belt Mountains to see a cool area called the Needles, home to some funky rock formations. The unusual shapes will make for a GREAT Instagram shot! Gipsy Lake is also a good spo Read more...
Afraid of heights? Then you’ll probably want to avoid Aspen Grove Campground at all costs—or try and face your phobia! For those of you who don’t mind pitching a tent at 4,800 feet, you’ll be rewarded with a prime camping spot and some awesome views. Nestled amid Cottonwood trees right next to the pretty Blackfoot River, this high-elevation campgr Read more...
Wanna take a dog sled up to a log cabin for a winter weekend getaway? Kading Cabin is looking good for you then, friend! This CCC-built beauty can be accessed by car in the summer, but otherwise, adventure yourself up the grassy clearing along the Little Blackfoot River for a weekend of fly fishing, hiking, and forest shenanigans. You’ll want to b Read more...
Kading Campground sits next to the Little Blackfoot River. This campground is ideal for visitors looking for hunting, fishing, and hiking opportunities, and is adjacent to the proposed Electric Peak Wilderness Area. A nearby trail leads to Blackfoot Meadows and into Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, and emerges near Whitehouse Campground. Brin Read more...
Rillway Cabin is your year-round go-to spot for relaxation in Helena National Forest. A picturesque creek setting and moss-covered canyon walls put you in the heart of the wilderness; trails, snowmobiling, and fishing are right out the back door! There’s beds, a fireplace, a propane stove, an outhouse, and cookware to keep you comfy. Lights, beddi Read more...
You’ll be king (or queen) of the canyon if you’re lucky enough to claim the ONE campsite up for grabs at Skidway Campground. The campground sits at the top of Deep Creek Canyon, providing some pretty views of the scenic areas below. Nearby you’ll find some quality hiking trails and fishing spots. . . you know, just perks of being royalty. Read more...
Why can't I see these campgrounds when I search with dates?
Campgrounds operated by federal and state agencies are not yet bookable on Hipcamp. Learn more.
Helena National Forest
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!
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!
Activities in the park
17 campgrounds in Helena National Forest
Get ready for a big camping adventure in the Big Belt Mountains when you stay at Vigilante Campground. This 14-campsite, 7-acre campground provides easy access to both the Hanging Valley National Recreation Area AND the Trout Creek Canyon Trail. Tighten up your boots, pack some water and yummy snacks, and embark on some super scenic trail hiking!Read more...
Cromwell Dixon Campground is located right on the Continental Divide. Views from camp are stunning, so bring your camera! You’ll see the surrounding meadows, wooded slopes, and distant mountain ranges. Not too shabby. You can access the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail nearby, so lace up your hiking boots!Read more...
Indian Flats Cabin is so close to incredible hiking you might only rest your head here! Drive up the cabin in the summer and fall or snowmobile your way up in the winter, drop off your gear, and hike to Hogback Mountain to see incredible panoramic views of Beaver Creek Canyon. There’s a cozy wood stove for winter warm-ups and perhaps after a summe Read more...
Bar Gulch Cabin was originally built in the 1930s as a base for mining operations. But, alas, even the best laid plans don’t always pan out. The cabin has been a recreation haven since its inauguration, and we couldn’t be happier about it! It keeps watch over an open and grassy meadow that’s surrounded by forest and tons of other landscapes (river Read more...
Calling all kayakers and canoeists! Coulter Campground is a boat-in campground in a beautiful river canyon. The campground can only be accessed by boat from the Gates of the Mountains Boat Club or the Holter Dam Area. The campground is on the east side of the Upper Holter Lake, AKA you should cast a line and catch perch or trout for dinner! Meriwe Read more...
Location, location, location. Yep, it’s all about a prime location at Copper Creek Campground. Not only are campers close to an onsite creek, but just across the road you’ll find the refreshing Snowbank Lake. Plus, if you’re looking for a rousing hiking adventure, the Indian Meadows Trailhead is just a two-mile drive away. Read more...
Moose Creek Cabin is a stunning little white-topped wonder with plenty of adventure out the back door! It's a rare cabin that's got modern electricity, but you won’t even need the lights once you’ve got the fireplace pumping—there’s plenty of lumber in the woodshed to keep your crew warm. The Continental Divide Trail is close by for exploring the Read more...
Moose Creek Campground is a small campground within walking distance of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, and you'll want to bring your best hiking boots and camera for this one. The campground is also near a picnic area and environmental education trail where you can learn about the plants and wildlife in the region. Read more...
Pitch your tent at Park Lake Campground, near the shores of the lake. Park Lake is an ideal destination for anglers, so come on down and cast a line for cutthroat and greyling trout. Non-motorized boats are permitted in the lake, so tote your kayak along and enjoy views of the surrounding mountain scenery while gliding through the water. Read more...
Situated in the grasslands of the Elkhorn Mountains, Eagle Guard Station is prime real estate in Big Sky country! The raddest part about staying here isn’t the old school wood stove or bunk bed-style sleeping, it’s the up close and personal look at the forest's elk herds—you may run into one (or 100) steps away from the front porch. You could also Read more...
Feel home on the range and deep in the forest at Cummings Cabin. This cozy cabin offers plenty of nearby cross country trails, hiking, and access to the highly fishable Blackfoot River. There’s a nearby stream for treating water, as well as a seasonal hand pump. Channel your inner lumberjack to split logs for the woodstove and be sure to bring som Read more...
Mountain lakes, shady trails, and…odd rock formations? Yep, Gipsy Lake Campground has got it all. Tackle the trail that extends from the campground all the way into the Big Belt Mountains to see a cool area called the Needles, home to some funky rock formations. The unusual shapes will make for a GREAT Instagram shot! Gipsy Lake is also a good spo Read more...
Afraid of heights? Then you’ll probably want to avoid Aspen Grove Campground at all costs—or try and face your phobia! For those of you who don’t mind pitching a tent at 4,800 feet, you’ll be rewarded with a prime camping spot and some awesome views. Nestled amid Cottonwood trees right next to the pretty Blackfoot River, this high-elevation campgr Read more...
Wanna take a dog sled up to a log cabin for a winter weekend getaway? Kading Cabin is looking good for you then, friend! This CCC-built beauty can be accessed by car in the summer, but otherwise, adventure yourself up the grassy clearing along the Little Blackfoot River for a weekend of fly fishing, hiking, and forest shenanigans. You’ll want to b Read more...
Kading Campground sits next to the Little Blackfoot River. This campground is ideal for visitors looking for hunting, fishing, and hiking opportunities, and is adjacent to the proposed Electric Peak Wilderness Area. A nearby trail leads to Blackfoot Meadows and into Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, and emerges near Whitehouse Campground. Brin Read more...
Rillway Cabin is your year-round go-to spot for relaxation in Helena National Forest. A picturesque creek setting and moss-covered canyon walls put you in the heart of the wilderness; trails, snowmobiling, and fishing are right out the back door! There’s beds, a fireplace, a propane stove, an outhouse, and cookware to keep you comfy. Lights, beddi Read more...
You’ll be king (or queen) of the canyon if you’re lucky enough to claim the ONE campsite up for grabs at Skidway Campground. The campground sits at the top of Deep Creek Canyon, providing some pretty views of the scenic areas below. Nearby you’ll find some quality hiking trails and fishing spots. . . you know, just perks of being royalty. Read more...
Why can't I see these campgrounds when I search with dates?
Public campgrounds (book externally) —