Hellgate Campground

Show on map 406-475-3921 dagallagher@usbr.gov

7700 Canyon Ferry Road
Helena, MT 59601

Overview

Hellgate Campground is located 30 miles east of Helena, Montana, along Montana Highway 284. In July of 1805 the Lewis and Clark Expedition traveled through the Canyon Ferry area exploring and mapping the Missouri River. When Lewis visited the area he described it as a beautiful and extensive plain country of about 10 to 12 miles wide which extended upwards further than an eye could see. In the 1850s the gold rush hit the Canyon Ferry area attracting miners from all over the United States in the hopes of striking it rich.

Recreation

Canyon Ferry Reservoir offers a wide range of year-round recreational opportunities. Water related activities include everything from swimming and fishing to sailing and motor-boating. Canoeists and kayakers explore the many quiet backwater bays. Jet skiers, windsurfers and water skiers skim the summer waves, while winter draws ice fishermen and ice skaters.

Facilities

Hellgate Campground consists of 69 campsites and 3 Group Use shelters with overnight Camping. Each standard campsite consists of a gravel camping pad, picnic table, and a fire ring. Campsites are limited to one camping unit is permitted per site unless marked as a double campsite. (double campsites are clearly marked on the site posts). Hellgate Boat Ramp and Day Use Area provides two boat ramps, parking area for boat trailers and several day use picnic sites.
There are three Group Use Shelter Areas:

Lewis and Clark Group Use Shelter Includes 15 campsites. Each campsites has a fire ring and picnic table. The shelter is 30’ X 60’ with 12 picnic tables, 3 grills, and 2 group use fire rings. 3 vault toilets are easily accessible.

York Group Use Shelter Includes 10 campsites. Each campsites has a fire ring and picnic table. The Shelter is 30’ X 60’ and contains 12 picnic tables, and 1 large communal fire ring. 1 vault toilet is easily accessible. (Formerly called Shelter B)

Hellgate Bay Group Use Shelter Includes 5 campsites. Each with a fire ring and picnic table. The shelter is 30’ X 36’ and contains 7 picnic tables and 2 grills. and 1 large communal fire ring near the shelter.

Natural Features

Hellgate Campground and Group Use Shelter Area sits along the banks of Canyon Ferry Reservoir in an open valley between the Big Belt and Elkhorns mountain ranges. Along the bank of the reservoir there is a narrow riparian canopy that provides partial shade.

Nearby Attractions

Hellgate Campground and Group Use Shelter Area is located halfway between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. The city of Helena, Montana, the state capital, is 25 miles away and the city of Townsend, Montana, is 21 miles away. For up to date events visit, click here

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (406) 475-3920.

Camp site features

Across 72 camp sites:

Electric hookups: 2 of 72 sites
Fire pit: all 72 sites
Picnic table: 70 of 72 sites
Pets allowed: all 72 sites
ADA accessible: 8 of 72 sites
Group sites: 3 of 72 sites
Longest RV: 120 ft
Largest party: 150 people
Power up to 20 amps
Equipment: RV/MOTORHOME, Tent

Fees

We only charge fees during "Peak Seasons" the 1st weekend of May through the second weekend of September.

Directions

From Helena, MT: Head east along Co Rd 430/Canyon Ferry Rd from Helena, MT, continue for 38 miles to the Hellgate Campground and Group Use Shelter Area sign and turn right. Continue straight until you reach the campground. From Townsend, MT: Head north on Hwy 284 for 21 miles and turn left at the Hellgate Campground and Group Use Shelter Areasign. Continue straight until you reach the campground.

Stay Limit

Check in from 5 PM, check out by 4 PM.

Reviews

240 reviews

5 stars

137

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

julie j

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

We rented the big group site lewis and clark A for an annual family party and the camp host was beyond helpful and amazing..He and his wife are so awesome in so many ways...wonderful experience and hope they are there next season as well...thanks so much. Julie Johnson East Helena.

Kerry H

Loop:B

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

We've never been able to get on the lake, and it was great. it is more windy though, and can be chilly still in june.

Nolan W

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Had a great time good site, clean and a very great host. Thanks for the good time can’t wait to do it again

Chester K

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

We really enjoy Hellgate campground, and area. Our group not only brought a boat but a SXS, so enjoyed fishing and offroading up the canyon. Very pretty. Bathrooms were clean, and supplied with TP. Campground was clean. Hosts were very nice, and made the stay even more enjoyable. One complaint. We picked this week to pick chokecherries. This year there were none. Maybe you can get more rain next year. :)

Julie Ann W

Loop:C

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Clean, quiet. Liked that most of the sites had direct access to the lake. Sites were a bit close to each other, and lots of people had dogs running around off-leash while we were there. Would have been nice if that rule was enforced better.

Jacqueline P

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Camp host was wonderful! Grounds were clean and beautiful.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve