Devil's Elbow Campground

BLM Devil's Elbow Campground. View of the campground. Hauser Lake is on the eastern shoreline.
View from walking path toward Elkhorn Mountains and Hauser Lake
Walking path within Devil's Elbow Recreation site that links to Clark's Bay Day-Use Area
Entrance at Devil's Elbow Campground. Fee kiosk in the background.
View from Hauser Lake towards the boat docks at Devil's Elbow Recreation Site.

Featured amenities

Pet Friendly Pet Friendly
River Access River Access

Sites & Rates

Average nightly rates

43 total sites

RV Sites

38 sites

Tent Sites

5 sites

About Devil's Elbow Campground

Devil's Elbow Recreation Area is situated on the picturesque "Devil's Elbow" of Hauser Lake. Just a short drive from Helena, the area offers stunning views of the Big Belt and Elkhorn mountains. The area is overflowing with outdoor adventure opportunities. Whether you're into fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, hiking, mountain biking, boating or all of the above; all of these things are immediately accessed from (the greater) Hauser Lake Recreation Area. There is surely an activity for everyone! While just a short drive from Helena, the state capital; the feeling of seclusion and abundant nature is sure to impress.

Number of accommodations: 43

Activities & Attractions

Nearby

Boating

Boating

Spring Summer Fall
Fishing

Fishing

Year-round
Hiking

Hiking

Year-round
Hunting

Hunting

Year-round
Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking

Year-round

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - May 1 to Sep 30

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Pet friendly Pet friendly
River Access River Access
Water Access

Water Access

  • Beach Access
  • Lake Access
  • River Access
Pets and Policies

Pets and Policies

  • Pet friendly
Missing information? Let us know

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

43 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 01, Loop: A RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 02, Loop: A RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 03, Loop: A RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 04, Loop: A RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 05, Loop: A RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 06, Loop: A RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 07, Loop: A RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 08, Loop: A RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 09, Loop: A RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 10, Loop: A RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 11, Loop: A RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 12, Loop: A RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 13, Loop: A RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 14, Loop: A RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 15, Loop: A RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 16, Loop: B RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 17, Loop: B RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 18, Loop: B RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 19, Loop: B RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 20, Loop: B RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 21, Loop: B RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 22, Loop: B RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 23, Loop: B RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 24, Loop: B RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 25, Loop: B RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 26, Loop: B RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 27, Loop: B RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 28, Loop: B RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 29, Loop: B RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 30, Loop: B RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 31, Loop: B RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 32, Loop: B RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 33, Loop: B RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 34, Loop: B RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 35, Loop: B RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 36, Loop: B RV
No Hookups
Price not available
43, Loop: TENT Tent
10 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
44, Loop: TENT Tent
10 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
45, Loop: TENT Tent
10 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
46, Loop: TENT Tent
10 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
47, Loop: TENT Tent
10 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
🚐 48, Loop: B RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 LOOP C CAMPSITES WITH RAMADA/PAVILION, Loop: C RV
Water Only
Price not available

Reviews (433)

What Guests Are Saying

Devil's Elbow Campground offers a quiet and comfortable primitive camping experience with well-maintained facilities, beautiful views, and excellent water access, making it ideal for boaters and outdoor enthusiasts. Campers frequently praise the cleanliness of the restrooms and the helpfulness of the camp host, Shelly, enhancing the overall enjoyment of their stay. While some guests noted issues with noise from generators and curfew violations, many expressed a desire to return and highly recommend the campground for its scenic beauty and pleasant atmosphere.

Review Summary

3.9
433 reviews
5
46.0%
199
4
24.5%
106
3
13.2%
57
2
9.2%
40
1
7.2%
31

Kimberley H

Verified

July 22, 2022 Stayed at: 27, Loop: B

5

Love this BLM park! The hosts were over the top great. The pit toilets were the Ritz Carlton of dry camping. The lots were twice the size of a regular Rv lots and nicely laid out. We saw lots of boating campers and while we are not boat owners we could see how this park would be great for camping and boating. Nice paths to walk and only only 15 minutes from Helena. Nice city with lots to offer. Also some great hiking in the area.

We would definitely stay here again and highly recommend to others.

Kimberley H

Verified

July 22, 2022 Stayed at: 27, Loop: B

5

Love this BLM park! The hosts were over the top great. The pit toilets were the Ritz Carlton of dry camping. The lots were twice the size of a regular Rv lots and nicely laid out. We saw lots of boating campers and while we are not boat owners we could see how this park would be great for camping and boating. Nice paths to walk and only only 15 minutes from Helena. Nice city with lots to offer. Also some great hiking in the area.

We would definitely stay here again and highly recommend to others.

Ryan S

Verified

July 21, 2022 Stayed at: 01, Loop: A

5

Outstanding campground situated right next to beautiful Hauser Lake. Plenty of space between sites and clean bathrooms. The hosts were super friendly. There is also some really nice trails near by to explore, which also provide detailed information on the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Ryan S

Verified

July 21, 2022 Stayed at: 01, Loop: A

5

Outstanding campground situated right next to beautiful Hauser Lake. Plenty of space between sites and clean bathrooms. The hosts were super friendly. There is also some really nice trails near by to explore, which also provide detailed information on the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Ryan S

Verified

July 21, 2022 Stayed at: 01, Loop: A

5

Outstanding campground situated right next to beautiful Hauser Lake. Plenty of space between sites and clean bathrooms. The hosts were super friendly. There is also some really nice trails near by to explore, which also provide detailed information on the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Tracy C

Verified

July 19, 2022 Stayed at: 18, Loop: B

3

We love the use of the boat docks and areas to walk and just relax.

Tracy C

Verified

July 19, 2022 Stayed at: 18, Loop: B

3

We love the use of the boat docks and areas to walk and just relax.

Tracy C

Verified

July 19, 2022 Stayed at: 18, Loop: B

3

We love the use of the boat docks and areas to walk and just relax.

Gingermay M

Verified

July 18, 2022 Stayed at: 44, Loop: TENT

3

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

Verified

July 18, 2022 Stayed at: 44, Loop: TENT

3

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.

Location Devil's Elbow Campground

Address:
5965 York Road
Helena, MT, 59602
United States

Elevation: 1131 feet

Distance to downtown

15 mi drive to downtown Helena (about 22 min)

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.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: September 8, 2026

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