Warning
GeneralConstruction to replace the potable water and irrigation lines at Devil’s Elbow will occur June 8–23. To ensure visitor and contractor safety, the site will be temporarily closed during this period. This upgrade will provide visitors with more dependable water service, reduce maintenance downtime, and support long‑term recreational use. Alternative camping may be available at White Sandy, Holter Lake, or Log Gulch. Additional recreation options may be found through Montana FWP or the Bureau of Reclamation at Canyon Ferry. For more information, call (406) 233‑1093.
About Devil's Elbow Campground
Number of accommodations: 43
Campground Amenities
-
Beach Access -
Pet Friendly -
Lake Access -
River Access
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Sites & Availability
43 Sites Available
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Site Details
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43 Sites Available
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Reviews (136)
What Guests Are Saying
Devil's Elbow Campground is praised for its cleanliness, beautiful water views, and extensive walking trails, making it a great spot for outdoor activities like boating and paddleboarding. Many guests appreciated the friendly and helpful campground host, and the spacious sites contribute to a pleasant atmosphere. However, some visitors expressed concerns about noise from generators and a few negative interactions with the host, particularly regarding enforcement of quiet hours and rules.
What Guests Are Saying
Devil's Elbow Campground is praised for its cleanliness, beautiful water views, and extensive walking trails, making it a great spot for outdoor activities like boating and paddleboarding. Many guests appreciated the friendly and helpful campground host, and the spacious sites contribute to a pleasant atmosphere. However, some visitors expressed concerns about noise from generators and a few negative interactions with the host, particularly regarding enforcement of quiet hours and rules.
Review Summary
Jerry S
VerifiedAugust 14, 2025 • Stayed at: 09, Loop: A
We enjoyed our stay at Devil's Elbow - great view of the lake from our site. Close enough to Helena to enjoy the city but feel like we were camping in the outdoors. Lots of beautiful scenic drives nearby.
nicole s
VerifiedAugust 11, 2025 • Stayed at: 17, Loop: B
The camp ground host was horrible. I have been camping here since I was a kid. Quite time for her ment bed time for everyone. People were inside of their campers. She even knocked on their campers to yell quite time to them. We had a fire (quite time). 2 adults were enjoying the fire. Everyone else was in bed. One was sober and one had beers. So I know it wasn't a party. She came into our camp to yell "quite time". They were both having a normal conversation. She did this twice to us. My dog is a highly trained service dog. She proceeded to walk into our camp the 3 days that we were there to yell at us that my dog needs to be chain/leashed to something. My dog stays right by my side. If i jumped off a cliff, my service dog would too. She was out of this world harassing in nature.
No more devils elbow for us.
Nancy R
VerifiedAugust 11, 2025 • Stayed at: 48, Loop: B
Great time!
Very clean!
Efficient host!!!!
Raleigh B
VerifiedAugust 11, 2025 • Stayed at: 44, Loop: TENT
Camp host was a nightmare, she seemed to enjoy confrontation. Harassed us multiple times for no good reason.
Douglas B
VerifiedJuly 29, 2025 • Stayed at: LOOP C CAMPSITES WITH RAMADA/PAVILION, Loop: C
The grounds are kept clean and staff were very helpful.
Only problem we had with this stay were conflicting statements made by hosts on what could be done after hours.
Debra G
VerifiedJuly 26, 2025 • Stayed at: 12, Loop: A
Awesome
Nicolas C
VerifiedJuly 21, 2025 • Stayed at: 36, Loop: B
The camp host was very rude and doesn’t seem to appreciate kids that want to play outdoors. She needs to find another profession, like maybe prison guard.
Laura L
VerifiedJuly 18, 2025 • Stayed at: 46, Loop: TENT
I want to say a word of thanks for getting potable water back on site--those were tough summers of wasting a lot of plastic without the well heads. I really enjoyed getting back to pumping water. The website asked me how many cars we would have when I made my online reservation. I registered two. When we got to camp, the host said the tent site could only have one car. The site next to us with an RV had 2 trucks, 1 car, and their RV. One was parked on the grass next to our tent. Camp host said that was fine but we could only have one car. If that is the rule, please fix the registration interview at recreation.gov.
Jesse G
VerifiedJuly 14, 2025 • Stayed at: 16, Loop: B
Nice camp ground
Norma U
VerifiedJuly 14, 2025 • Stayed at: 02, Loop: A
Quiet, nice views and friendly hosts!
Location Devil's Elbow Campground
Address:
5965 York Road
Helena, MT, 59602
United States
Devil's Elbow Campground is located at 5965 York Road, Helena, Montana 59601. From Interstate 90 driving from Bozeman, exit at Exit: 274 US 287 Helena/Ennis; right turn to continue north on 287 and continue for 57 miles. Turn right onto Lake Helena Drive, then turn right in 450 feet to stay on Lake Helena Drive. Continue for 4 miles through the roundabout. Turn right onto York Road and drive 6.2 miles to Devil's Elbow Recreation Area. From Helena/Butte/Great Falls: Drive to (or exit from I-15 onto) Custer Avenue, head east on Custer Ave. Take left turn onto York Road. Continue on for 16 miles to Devil's Elbow Recreation Area; or take the Lincoln RD exit on I-15, Head East on Lincoln Road until it intersects with Lake Helena Dr (T-Intersection). Take a right (South) on Lake Helena Dr (this route contains portions of dirt and gravel roads) and continue until the road turns back into pavement, take a left (East) on Deal Lane and follow the road until it terminates at York Road. Take a left (North) on York Road and continue for about 2 miles to Devil's Elbow.
Latitude & Longitude: 46.7016 / -111.809
Elevation: 1131 feet
Policies & Rules
| Category | About |
|---|---|
| General |
*** You must occupy your campsite every night that you have reserved. If you do not show up for 24 hours from "Check-In Time" (2:00 PM), you forfeit the use of that site and are not entitled to any refunds or discounts. ***
|
| General |
Prairie rattlesnakes and bull snakes inhabit this area. Be cautious of where you step or reach into. |
| General |
Black widows are very common in the area; while not usually deadly, their bite can be extremely painful and has caused local necrosis of the associated tissues and severe illness. |
| General |
Prickly Pear cactus are a native plant that will prick you, rip your clothing or your tent and can be very hard to remove. |
| General |
Campsites are limited to no more than 2 RVs or 2 tents or a combination of 1 RV and 1 tent. Each RV or tent is considered a camping unit and must pay the fee per unit. |
| General |
There is no power available on site for campers and generators are only allowed from 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. |
| General |
There is no black or gray water dump on site. |
| General |
First-come, first-served sites are available in this campground. |
| General |
If you plan to bring a watercraft with you, please remember to always: Clean, Drain, Dry and Inspect your craft for Aquatic Invasive Species. |
| General |
Weather can change drastically in this area. Be prepared for any type of weather event. |
| General |
Stock animals are not allowed in this facility. Non-road legal ATVs, UTVs or motorcycles are not allowed in this facility. |
| General |
Check out time is 11:00 A.M. |
Warnings & Advisories
Warning
GeneralConstruction to replace the potable water and irrigation lines at Devil’s Elbow will occur June 8–23. To ensure visitor and contractor safety, the site will be temporarily closed during this period. This upgrade will provide visitors with more dependable water service, reduce maintenance downtime, and support long‑term recreational use. Alternative camping may be available at White Sandy, Holter Lake, or Log Gulch. Additional recreation options may be found through Montana FWP or the Bureau of Reclamation at Canyon Ferry. For more information, call (406) 233‑1093.
