The best camping in Spring Meadow Lake State Park, MT

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Spend a family-friendly day on the water at Spring Meadow Lake State Park in Helena.  

The best camping in Spring Meadow Lake State Park, MT

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.
A Canyon Stay with Mini A-frame

1. A Canyon Stay with Mini A-frame

100%
(20)
9.8mi from Spring Meadow Lake State Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Cascade, MT
Experience an unforgettable getaway at our canyon retreat. Our property is located on 190+ acres, and is surrounded by mountain, canyon and river views. Find a secluded campsite or stay at our mini A-frame, with Blue-Ribbon trout fishing right nearby. Guests will find a private and peaceful setting to relax and connect. LOCATION DETAILS ☀ 2 min from I-15 exit on a private road ☀ 10 min to nearest grocery and gas station in Cascade, MT ☀ 5 min to nearest bar & grill, Missouri River Inn ☀ 3 min to nearest boat ramp/fishing access for the Missouri River ☀ 30 min to Holter Lake ☀ 12 min to fly fishing stores, restaurants and bar & grills in Craig, MT ☀ 18 min to fly fishing stores, restaurants and bar & grills, gas station in Wolf Creek, MT ☀ 45 min to downtown Helena, MT ☀ 3.5 hours to Yellowstone National Park ☀ 2.5 hours to Glacier National Park ☀ 30 min to Great Falls International Airport ☀ 50 min to Helena Regional Airport ☀ 2 hours to Bozeman International Airport ☀ 2.5 hours to Missoula International Airport Important notes: - Please bring your own water - 4WD recommended for closest access to our sites.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$23
 / night
》°☆Montana Family Camp☆°《

3. 》°☆Montana Family Camp☆°《

93%
(14)
33mi from Spring Meadow Lake State Park · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · Helena, MT
PLEASE BE AWARE! There are no toilets onsite and no water available from October 1st to May 1st. We are open through the winter, but you'll need to be fully containted, and not need water or toilets. Fantastic Hauser Lake, causeway, and National forest basecamp or for a quick overnight stay when you're passing through. 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, roosters, horses, guinea fowl, and stunning views of Hauser Lake and several mountain ranges. Talk to Granny Julie about our horses, chickens, guinea fowl, and other fun stuff to view at the farm! Animals do make noise, and we do have roosters. Guinea Fowl are watchdogs and alert to danger, so they can be noisy from time to time. The horse likes to let us know she wants treats. :) We are a family farm, so children do visit Granny; please drive accordingly. Please note! We are adding picnic tables to the sites to better serve you.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$20
 / night
Farm Land Escape

4. Farm Land Escape

100%
(10)
34mi from Spring Meadow Lake State Park · 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
Pets
Potable water
from 
$80
 / night
The Trail Enthusiast's Basecamp!

5. The Trail Enthusiast's Basecamp!

98%
(132)
36mi from Spring Meadow Lake State Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$45
 / night
Relax Inn Montana

6. Relax Inn Montana

98%
(32)
37mi from Spring Meadow Lake State Park · 8 sites · Tents, Lodging · Helena, MT
Half way between Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park - Perfect place to stop and rest between adventures : ) Outdoor Living at its finest : )) 2 Acres of unique quiet spaces in a park like setting - Tent Site 1 - has 2 Secluded improved Spaces Tent Site 2 - Open field unimproved 3 or 4 tent spaces Bld 1 is pet friendly and has 2 cabins with a pass through door for larger groups - Cabin 1 - sleeps 2 Cabin 2 - sleeps 5 Bld 2 is pet free and has 2 cabins with a pass through door for larger groups Cabin 3 - sleeps 4 Cabin 4 - sleeps 2 10 miles outside of Helena, the Capital of Montana 5 miles from 3 lakes ( Canyon Ferry Lake - Lake Helena - Hauser Lake ) Surrounded by prime hunting areas - 45 min to skiing A set of cast iron tubs that are always nice to take a soak after a hot days hike - a yin yang patio with gas firepit for a relaxing evening of sharing - a quiet (phone free) gazebo great for reflection - a covered BBQ pavilion with gas grill and gas firepit to gather round - a real fire pit area with picnic table (local wind and fire restrictions apply accordingly) - purest of potable well water on spigot in fire ring area - Solars that light the paths in the night - Pets are welcome just need to pick up after them ! A Greenhouse full of games camping chairs and tents if needed - An oversized porta potty between the cabins making it easier for families with kids 5 miles from 3 lakes for those who love to fish, boat, hike, float or just toss rocks - also around the corner you can dig for sapphires - 4 hours to Glacier National Park - 4 hours to Yellowstone National Park - Crystal Park or maybe a boat ride at The Gates of the Mountains - A tour train of downtown Helena - Too much to list around here - I am new at this so bear with me as I navigate this process and continue to improve spaces for your enjoyment - as always your feedback is appreciate for future improvements - and a guest book is in each cabin and the Gazebo for your comments : ) It is Rustic but not Crazy roughin' it - Great family space : ) This is my private sanctuary that I have the honor of sharing with those who appreciate simple rustic outdoor living at its finest - I invite you, my friends and family to Relax Inn Helena and make your own amazing memories
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$50
 / night
Roomy deck, firepit, 1890s guide cabin

12. MT Keene Life is Good Lodge

4.1mi from Spring Meadow Lake State Park · 1 site · Lodging · Craig, MT
Wade the Dearborn in the back yard of this 3-bedroom house (fourth bedroom/living room or guide cabin next door ($150/stay to open) on 10 acres of the former Gary Cooper Ranch. Don’t be surprised to see deer, geese and ducks in the window nudging their way near the deck, especially at the spring waterfall that cascades down the slope. if you are especially quiet and observant, the hundreds of acres of park and ranch across the river also have mountain goats, bears, antelope and even the mountain lion. Help yourself to the library, watch satellite television or DVD movies, or read from the house’s library. The public put-in is an 11 hour trip; private access to two shorter put-ins make this a recommended site for many Montana guides. Launch from the back yard and float one half mile down the Dearborn River to the Missouri River or from anywhere on the Dearborn to your own private fishing hole among some of nature’s oldest rock outcroppings. Only few miles from the Missouri Inn over the bridge where the Untouchables was filmed, enjoy the canyon or visit the Lewis and Clark’s Tower Rock and surrounding Park. From this base, see the spectacular Glacier Park or the continent’s largest dinosaur digs to the northwest, float the Lewis and Clark Trail by pontoon boat and lunch at the island where one of the nation's most famous fires occurred, or travel south to Yellowstone National Park or Jackson Hole, each an easy day’s visit. Bring your dogs to the kennel behind the house, hang on the deck with river and tremendous rock views, play pool or light the outside fire pit for a campfire. BBQ or enjoy the new, custom kitchen and fisherman’s décor. In the evening, take your pick of 3 spacious bedrooms where at the end of the day 6 extra long beds await or tie a few at the fly-tying table.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$375
 / night
Up river view on the Missouri River.

15. Rodeo Basecamp Along the Mighty MO

24mi from Spring Meadow Lake State Park · 1 site · Lodging · Cascade, MT
Mid century original vintage ranch home located on acreage adjacent to Missouri River and state fishing access site. 3 bedrooms with 2 full sized beds and 2 queen sized fold-out sofas. Indoor half-bath (shower and sink) with serviced portable toilet outside. Fully equipped kitchen and generous living room with big windows. Immediate yard is partially fenced due to ongoing water/sewer projects and pets are welcome. Mudroom adjacent to kitchen is indoor pet area. Hundreds of conservation and grazing acres available to enjoy abundant wildlife: pheasants, eagles, osprey, bull and rattle snakes, ground squirrels, owls, deer, and coyotes exist amongst grazing cattle and horses. Beautiful morning and evening light. Third and fourth generation family members are restoring property to friendly use so areas open to access are clearly flagged/signed. More information in house binder and on-site.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$100
 / night
Sagebrush Mountain View

17. Sagebrush Mountain View

27mi from Spring Meadow Lake State Park · 5 sites · RVs · Helena, MT
Wide open space with natural landscape and amazing view of the Helena Valley and surrounding mountain ranges. This land is undisturbed, aside from the road and parking pull-throughs that have been created for RV parking. Self contained units only and as they say, "Pack it in, pack it out". See what Lewis and Clark traveled through as they made their way west from the Missouri River. Prickly Pear Cactus, sagebrush and natural grasses are prevalent. Helena, the capital of Montana is a mere 20 minute drive, where all the amenities of a small town exist. National Forest abounds to the west and Canyon Ferry Reservoir is 20 minutes to the east. Access to the property is 4.25 miles from Interstate 15. This is a high mountain dessert with an elevation of 4090' above sea level. Average rainfall is 6", so campfires are not allowed due to the dry grasses and sagebrush. Pets are allowed on leashes and quiet time is from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM. We are located approximately half way between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks.
Pets
from 
$45
 / night
Rockinon R.’s Land

18. Rockinon R.’s Land

100%
(1)
29mi from Spring Meadow Lake State Park · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Helena, MT
Welcome to RockinonRanch, a peaceful 50-acre retreat nestled in the scenic North Valley—just 20 minutes from Helena, Montana. This is an authentic Montana homestead, rich with rustic charm and surrounded by trees, birds, and big-sky views. Whether you’re here to unplug, stargaze, or explore nearby wilderness, you’ll find the space and quiet you need. 🌿 A True Montana Homestead Experience Our property is an original homestead, and we’re continually working to restore and care for the land. While you’re here, you may notice signs of its historic roots. For example, there’s an old dump area on the property—not visible from the campsite—which will be clearly marked with signs. For safety and privacy, we kindly ask that guests do not enter that area, as well as avoid the house and barn zones, which are private. 🌌 Unmatched Tranquility & Natural Beauty Enjoy nights under crystal-clear skies with no traffic noise—just the occasional call of coyotes in the distance. It’s an ideal spot for stargazing, birdwatching, and total relaxation. 🛶 Private, Peaceful Campsite by the Pond Set near a quiet pond (note: swimming is not recommended), your campsite is surrounded by nature. You’ll be the only guests on the property during your stay—we offer two sites but only book one at a time to ensure complete privacy. 🐾 Pet & Wildlife Friendly You’re welcome to bring your dog(s), but please keep them leashed at all times. Our pets roam freely, including chickens, peacocks, sheep, alpacas, cats, and dogs. 🏕️ Amenities Include Fire pit Charcoal grill Portable toilet (“Little Jonny”) Kayak rentals available (with vests and dry bags) Shuttle service available for an additional cost 🧭 Nearby Attractions Marysville – 15 minutes Missouri River (Gates of the Mountains) – 25 minutes Plenty of nearby hiking, paddling, and outdoor activities 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Great for Families – With Caution Kids are welcome! However, please keep a close eye on them, especially around the pond and other natural features. 🚫 A Few Friendly Rules Respect marked areas (e.g. old dump, barn, and house) No wandering near private buildings Clean up after your pets Be kind to nature—leave no trace 🌟 We’re proud to share our quiet slice of Montana with you. Whether you’re staying for a night
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$50
 / night

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The best camping in Spring Meadow Lake State Park, MT guide

Overview

About

Spring Meadow Lake State Park is a beautiful day-use park in Helena, Montana. The lake is a popular spot for kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, and swimming, while its 0.8-mile trail laps the lake, giving visitors a chance to glimpse the park’s water birds, turtles, and muskrats. Fishers can cast for bass and trout from the park’s ADA-accessible dock in the warm months, but during winter, the lake freezes over and hosts ice skating and ice fishing. Although there is no campground here, there are a variety of Hipcamps and RV parks with full hookups in Helena, and many scenic campgrounds nearby in the nearby Helena National Forest.

When to go

Spring Meadow Lake State Park is fun to visit year-round. Spring visitors may see scruffy Canada gGeese goslings chasing their moms. Come summer, the lake is a popular way to beat the heat among locals. Because of its urban location, the park tends to be more accessible in winter than more remote parks in Montana, making it a great place to try ice fishing and ice skating close to town.

Know before you go

  • Dogs are not permitted at Spring Meadow Lake State Park from April 15 to October 15.
  • There are no lifeguards present at Spring Meadow Lake.
  • The park has a large covered pavilion that can be rented out for day use.
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