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
No sites found matching your criteria.
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Site Details
Select a site to view details
43 Sites Available
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
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
Andrea C
VerifiedJuly 13, 2025 • Stayed at: 01, Loop: A
We really enjoy the campground overall and would love to keep coming back, but our recent stay was impacted by the camp host’s approach. We found her interactions with guests to be unnecessarily harsh and at times felt like she was harassing people. While we personally avoided direct conflict, we witnessed and overheard several arguments that made the environment uncomfortable. Unfortunately, our friends have decided not to return because of this issue. We had even been warned about this beforehand, which suggests it may be a recurring problem.
We’re sharing this feedback because this is truly a great place that should offer a welcoming, positive experience for all visitors. We hope management will look into this matter and consider ways to improve communication and hospitality so that everyone can enjoy their stay to the fullest.
Chris V
VerifiedJune 27, 2025 • Stayed at: 48, Loop: B
Really enjoyed our stay. But the last day on a Friday, someone STOLE our Water Floating Pad, in the swimming area. We shared it with everyone . It was Blue and Green.
Sheryl B
VerifiedJune 26, 2025 • Stayed at: 26, Loop: B
Someone locked the men's bathroom, and we had to walk to another bathroom. No campground host was on duty
Suzanne H
VerifiedJune 24, 2025 • Stayed at: 25, Loop: B
Our stay at Devil's Elbow Campground was spectacular. It was quiet and well maintained. The walking path around the campsite was perfect for morning and evening strolls with great views of the lake and local wildlife.
Gerhard D
VerifiedJune 23, 2025 • Stayed at: 24, Loop: B
I throughly enjoyed our stay at Devils Elbow Campground. The #24 site easily accommodated our 5th wheel and tow vehicle with enough room for another vehicle as well. The views of the river and surroundings are wonderful. The is lots of room between campsites so it does not feel cramped. We found water spigots in each loop near the vault toilets. Cell service was marginal at the site with 1 bar most times, occasionally 2 bars and sometimes no cell service at all. Texting and cell calls were available mostly, but internet connectability very unreliable. By driving to Lakeside we were able to get internet service to take care of some business. There is a pay phone at the entrance to the campground, I didn't know they even existed anymore. The boat launch, docks and trailer parking is top notch. There is no electricity or dump station in the campground which are the only drawbacks IMO. There is a pay dump site at the general store in Lakeside if you get into a bind. This campground has become a personal favorite of mine and I intend on returning in the future. If they would put in electricity to run A/C it would be heaven since it can get brutally hot outside and inside a camper in the non shaded campsites. This would also cut down on generator use which is a common complaint.
Larry W
VerifiedJune 23, 2025 • Stayed at: 17, Loop: B
I left 3 days early due to complete nazis for campground hosts. They harrassed my wife because I have PTSD and do not sleep at night. I go fishing until midnight and leave the site at 5 am to have breakfast in town. since the nazis didn't see my truck they Ass-u-me I wasn't there. What do you care...I paid for my spot and my camper didn't move? Glad to see people care about veterans.
James F
VerifiedJune 23, 2025 • Stayed at: 21, Loop: B
In general a good experience. You really need to find a camp host that likes people and has a little charisma. Also you need to put out the No Wake signs at the dock. I’ll book again next year.
Daniel D
VerifiedJune 20, 2025 • Stayed at: 35, Loop: B
Campground location is nice. The host try’s to run it like a boot camp and rude to people paying to stay at the campground. Will definitely be looking at other campgrounds to stay at so let because of the host.
SCOTT T
VerifiedJune 18, 2025 • Stayed at: 21, Loop: B
SUPER CLEAN!!! GREAT SPOT
Kelsey T
VerifiedJune 11, 2025 • Stayed at: 17, Loop: B
The campground was beautiful and clean. The walking paths were great and made walking around safe and enjoyable. The boat launch and boat slips made it easy to have our boat with us.
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.
