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
Nearby Activities & Attractions
Boating
Fishing
Hiking
Hunting
Mountain Biking
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Pet friendly
River Access
Water Access
- Beach Access
- Lake Access
- River Access
Pets and Policies
- Pet friendly
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Rates, Sites & Availability
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Site Details
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43 Sites Available
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Reviews (407)
What Guests Are Saying
Devil's Elbow Campground is praised for its cleanliness, friendly hosts, and beautiful walking trails, making it an enjoyable spot for outdoor activities like boating and paddling. Many visitors appreciate the spacious campsites and scenic views of the lake and surrounding nature. However, there are concerns about generator noise and some negative experiences with campground hosts, which have affected the overall atmosphere for a few guests.
What Guests Are Saying
Devil's Elbow Campground is praised for its cleanliness, friendly hosts, and beautiful walking trails, making it an enjoyable spot for outdoor activities like boating and paddling. Many visitors appreciate the spacious campsites and scenic views of the lake and surrounding nature. However, there are concerns about generator noise and some negative experiences with campground hosts, which have affected the overall atmosphere for a few guests.
Review Summary
Mark P
VerifiedSeptember 27, 2022 • Stayed at: 08, Loop: A
There were no camp hosts. We had a reservation but when we arrived out site was taken. They had a note on the post that they also reserved a spot and someone was it in when they arrived. I got online and found the FC sites and we used one of those. The campground was clean and quiet when we were there.
Andy R
VerifiedSeptember 14, 2022 • Stayed at: 01, Loop: A
I was just passing through, so only needed a place to sleep in the car. Campground was empty, so very quiet. Nice location.
Andy R
VerifiedSeptember 14, 2022 • Stayed at: 01, Loop: A
I was just passing through, so only needed a place to sleep in the car. Campground was empty, so very quiet. Nice location.
Andy R
VerifiedSeptember 14, 2022 • Stayed at: 01, Loop: A
I was just passing through, so only needed a place to sleep in the car. Campground was empty, so very quiet. Nice location.
Michael R
VerifiedAugust 23, 2022 • Stayed at: 17, Loop: B
there was no water for our campfires, we were told we would have to go to the lake to get it. I am 66 yrs old with a bad back. Also the irrigation system does not appear to have been used since everything is all dried up. We have been coming to this campground for years and it is in the worst condition we have ever seen it, It is sad to see it in such bad conditions.
Michael R
VerifiedAugust 23, 2022 • Stayed at: 17, Loop: B
there was no water for our campfires, we were told we would have to go to the lake to get it. I am 66 yrs old with a bad back. Also the irrigation system does not appear to have been used since everything is all dried up. We have been coming to this campground for years and it is in the worst condition we have ever seen it, It is sad to see it in such bad conditions.
Michael R
VerifiedAugust 23, 2022 • Stayed at: 17, Loop: B
there was no water for our campfires, we were told we would have to go to the lake to get it. I am 66 yrs old with a bad back. Also the irrigation system does not appear to have been used since everything is all dried up. We have been coming to this campground for years and it is in the worst condition we have ever seen it, It is sad to see it in such bad conditions.
James B
VerifiedAugust 22, 2022 • Stayed at: 10, Loop: A
Devil's Elbow campground was a delight, with only a couple hickups. I am going to discuss those first.
1. The Recreation.Gov site indicates there is water on site. And there was. However, all of the public hydrants were locked up due to 'not being tested'. However, in talking with the folks who worked there, it turns out the water to the Camp Host and BLM Supervisor's house / building come out of the very same well, and they seemingly were dealing with the testing issue just fine. When the temps are knocking on the door of 100 every day, water would have surely been nice to have for the numerous tenters and campers there that couldn't carry their own.
2. Minor ... the directions given for getting there were overly complicated and arguably dangerous to follow in the middle of the night for someone who doesn't know the area. There is a turnoff in Helena that takes one straight to the campground. All paved, no narrow windy gravel roads.
Now the Good. My son is in a powered wheelchair, the paved trails were an absolute godsend for him. He put no fewer than 20 miles on his chair over the four days we were there.
2. The site was wide, easy to back into, and, best of all, flat!
3. The campground was as close to spotless as a BLM campground with high traffic can be. The hosts did a great job of keeping the grounds clean, latrines stocked, and helping people when they could.
4. Quiet hours were enforced, and while it would have been nice to have another hour to run the A/C on those hot nights, I very much appreciated the quiet at night and in the nice, cool mornings.
And, a word of advice. I forgot to rent a boat for our trip. There are a number of excellent boat rental places in and around Helena. If you don't have one, I strongly suggest renting one for a day .... it may seem expensive but, trust me on this, that expense is a heck of a lot less expensive than owning one! Been there, done that. A fun Place, but bring water!
Rachael L
VerifiedAugust 22, 2022 • Stayed at: 20, Loop: B
Great place to stay if you don’t mind dry camping. Boat slips are nice and campsites are large in size. Pit toilets are the cleanest I have ever used.
James B
VerifiedAugust 22, 2022 • Stayed at: 10, Loop: A
Devil's Elbow campground was a delight, with only a couple hickups. I am going to discuss those first.
1. The Recreation.Gov site indicates there is water on site. And there was. However, all of the public hydrants were locked up due to 'not being tested'. However, in talking with the folks who worked there, it turns out the water to the Camp Host and BLM Supervisor's house / building come out of the very same well, and they seemingly were dealing with the testing issue just fine. When the temps are knocking on the door of 100 every day, water would have surely been nice to have for the numerous tenters and campers there that couldn't carry their own.
2. Minor ... the directions given for getting there were overly complicated and arguably dangerous to follow in the middle of the night for someone who doesn't know the area. There is a turnoff in Helena that takes one straight to the campground. All paved, no narrow windy gravel roads.
Now the Good. My son is in a powered wheelchair, the paved trails were an absolute godsend for him. He put no fewer than 20 miles on his chair over the four days we were there.
2. The site was wide, easy to back into, and, best of all, flat!
3. The campground was as close to spotless as a BLM campground with high traffic can be. The hosts did a great job of keeping the grounds clean, latrines stocked, and helping people when they could.
4. Quiet hours were enforced, and while it would have been nice to have another hour to run the A/C on those hot nights, I very much appreciated the quiet at night and in the nice, cool mornings.
And, a word of advice. I forgot to rent a boat for our trip. There are a number of excellent boat rental places in and around Helena. If you don't have one, I strongly suggest renting one for a day .... it may seem expensive but, trust me on this, that expense is a heck of a lot less expensive than owning one! Been there, done that. A fun Place, but bring water!
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
Arrival & departure
- Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Cancellation policy
- Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
- Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
- Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
- Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
- Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
- Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
- Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.
Wildlife & food storage
- Store food in vehicles or bear-proof containers to avoid wildlife encounters.
Safety & rules
- Watch your step to avoid rattlesnakes and bull snakes in the area.
- Black widow spiders are common; their bites can be very painful.
- Beware of Prickly Pear cactus which can cause injury and damage.
- Ensure your watercraft is clean and inspected for invasive species before arrival.
- Prepare for sudden weather changes while camping.
Site capacity
- Campsites allow a maximum of 2 RVs or 2 tents, or 1 RV and 1 tent.
- Some sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Utilities
- No power is available; generators can only be used between 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM.
- There are no facilities for dumping black or gray water.
Local regulations
- No stock animals or non-road legal vehicles are permitted.
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.
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Last updated: June 4, 2026
