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
Report Incorrect Information
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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
Tracy C
VerifiedJuly 19, 2022 • Stayed at: 18, Loop: B
We love the use of the boat docks and areas to walk and just relax.
Tracy C
VerifiedJuly 19, 2022 • Stayed at: 18, Loop: B
We love the use of the boat docks and areas to walk and just relax.
Gingermay M
VerifiedJuly 18, 2022 • Stayed at: 44, Loop: TENT
Very nice area. Our individual campsite had a couple of holes (about 10 inches wide and 3 or 4 inches deep) in the ground so it was kind of hard to find a place for our tent. I did appreciate the walking trails for dogs, though. Again the scenery is beautiful! Wish there was more parking though, our neighbors had 2 cars and the ones on the other side had 3 so we had to park in the (thankfully) empty campsite park space next to ours. Not a bad place to stay, though. Good price.
Gingermay M
VerifiedJuly 18, 2022 • Stayed at: 44, Loop: TENT
Very nice area. Our individual campsite had a couple of holes (about 10 inches wide and 3 or 4 inches deep) in the ground so it was kind of hard to find a place for our tent. I did appreciate the walking trails for dogs, though. Again the scenery is beautiful! Wish there was more parking though, our neighbors had 2 cars and the ones on the other side had 3 so we had to park in the (thankfully) empty campsite park space next to ours. Not a bad place to stay, though. Good price.
Gingermay M
VerifiedJuly 18, 2022 • Stayed at: 44, Loop: TENT
Very nice area. Our individual campsite had a couple of holes (about 10 inches wide and 3 or 4 inches deep) in the ground so it was kind of hard to find a place for our tent. I did appreciate the walking trails for dogs, though. Again the scenery is beautiful! Wish there was more parking though, our neighbors had 2 cars and the ones on the other side had 3 so we had to park in the (thankfully) empty campsite park space next to ours. Not a bad place to stay, though. Good price.
Brian B
VerifiedJuly 16, 2022 • Stayed at: 46, Loop: TENT
Nice campsite. We stayed in one of the TENT ONLY campsites. Close to water and walking trails. Clean pit toilet bathrooms. Nice boat launch area. Not too busy... but could have ben a result of monsoon type weather! We had quite an adventure a few times taking measures to keep our tent secured to the ground. The camp ground hosts were very nice folks and did a nice job of keeping things tidy and orderly. They even checked up on us while making their rounds. Our campsite was pretty clean but had several cig butts and a few pieces of trash that needed to be picked up. We took care of that ourselves so the next group of campers wouldn't have to. Good times in spite of the weather.
Brian B
VerifiedJuly 16, 2022 • Stayed at: 46, Loop: TENT
Nice campsite. We stayed in one of the TENT ONLY campsites. Close to water and walking trails. Clean pit toilet bathrooms. Nice boat launch area. Not too busy... but could have ben a result of monsoon type weather! We had quite an adventure a few times taking measures to keep our tent secured to the ground. The camp ground hosts were very nice folks and did a nice job of keeping things tidy and orderly. They even checked up on us while making their rounds. Our campsite was pretty clean but had several cig butts and a few pieces of trash that needed to be picked up. We took care of that ourselves so the next group of campers wouldn't have to. Good times in spite of the weather.
Brian B
VerifiedJuly 16, 2022 • Stayed at: 46, Loop: TENT
Nice campsite. We stayed in one of the TENT ONLY campsites. Close to water and walking trails. Clean pit toilet bathrooms. Nice boat launch area. Not too busy... but could have ben a result of monsoon type weather! We had quite an adventure a few times taking measures to keep our tent secured to the ground. The camp ground hosts were very nice folks and did a nice job of keeping things tidy and orderly. They even checked up on us while making their rounds. Our campsite was pretty clean but had several cig butts and a few pieces of trash that needed to be picked up. We took care of that ourselves so the next group of campers wouldn't have to. Good times in spite of the weather.
Laura L
VerifiedJuly 8, 2022 • Stayed at: 30, Loop: B
Clean, beautiful and convenient to where I wanted to go. Spotless and odorless pit toilets.
Laura L
VerifiedJuly 8, 2022 • Stayed at: 30, Loop: B
Clean, beautiful and convenient to where I wanted to go. Spotless and odorless pit toilets.
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
