The best camping near Helena National Forest

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Helena National Forest adventure.

100% (3 reviews)
100% (3 reviews)

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Community favorites near Helena National Forest

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Helena National Forest

Top-rated campgrounds near Helena National Forest

89%
(18)

Grey Sandy Campground & Store

7 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Helena, MT
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!
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$20
 / night
98%
(98)

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.
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$25
 / night
98%
(60)

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.
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$80
 / night
Booked 2 times

》°☆Montana Family Camp☆°《

5 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Helena, MT
Perfect Hauser Lake, causeway, and National forest basecamp. Sprawling 20 acres set in the center of 4 lakes in the Helena Valley. 1 1/2 miles from Lakeside, a haven for boaters, swimmers and not much further to Helena National Forest, and York. Lakeside offers a gas station, convenience store and wonderful bar/restaurant. Several boat launches and walking paths are also in the area. 9 miles from Helena. Experience a beautiful Prairie setting with awesome sunsets, chickens, horses, quail,and stunning views of Hauser Lake, and several mountain ranges. Talk to Granny Julie about our horses, chickens, quail, and other fun stuff to view at the farm!
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$20
 / night
100%
(6)

Prickly Pear escape

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Montana City, MT
Welcome to our little slice of paradise! Conveniently located just minutes from the Montana City exit on I-90, yet you would never know how close you are to Helena's city center and all the outdoor activities it has to offer. This property is lush with multiple walking trails to gardens and creek access. Camp spots are all level and well maintained with picnic tables and fire rings. Easy access to multiple spots on Prickly Pear Creek with fishing and wading. 10 to 20 minutes to shopping centers, schools, fairgrounds, baseball fields, and soccer fields. Plenty of room for trailers to turn around!
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from 
$45
 / night
100%
(40)

White Bridge Lane Private Campsite

2 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Boulder, MT
Dawson Family Ranch is a family-run business with a focus on sustainable land and agriculture practices. The ranch is located along a mile of the Boulder River between the Elkhorn and Bull Mountain Ranges. The river offers fishing for rainbow and brown trout. Public land access is within a short drive (2-7 miles depending on direction) and offers different recreational opportunities including hiking, hunting, and motorized recreation. Boulder Hot Springs is less than 4 miles away.
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from 
$45
 / night
100%
(2)

The Lost Tepee

1 site · Lodging37 acres · Jefferson City, MT
Get away from it all when you stay under the stars. Here you can sleep in an authentic native tepee! How we don't offer a lot of flare here, but we do offer a fun camping experience. Come relax and chill or maybe go for a hike and catch an amazing sunset. No matter what you will enjoy falling asleep listening to the creek flow and the crickets chirp.
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$60
 / night
100%
(3)

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.
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$115
 / night
100%
(5)

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%
(3)

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 or park a camper. 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 distance(.5 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 (Wedding) Tent available at additional charge.
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$79
 / night
100%
(1)

Hardda Farm Site

1 site · RV, Tent6 acres · Fort Shaw, MT
Hardda Farm is our family homestead and flower farm. We raise animals, vegetables and flowers using regenerative agriculture practices. You may meet our family dairy cow, our milk & wool sheep, and a variety of poultry and waterfowl. We are very near the Sun River and less than an hour’s drive to the Missouri River or the Rocky Mountain front. We enjoy fly-fishing, climbing, and hiking and are happy to recommend some great spots.
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$30
 / night
100%
(1)

The DET Place

2 sites · Tents12 acres · Townsend, MT
Located less than a mile from Townsend, MT, The DET Place offers a serene country getaway close to local amenities. Relax with stunning views of Mount Baldy around a campfire, or head out for a day on Canyon Ferry Lake or the Missouri River. The DET Place has resident horses, barn cats along with whitetail deer, pheasants and the occasional sand hill crane.
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$20
 / night

The best camping near Helena National Forest guide

Overview

About

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!

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