OutReserve

Devil's Elbow Campground

Warning

General

Construction 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.

Devil's Elbow Campground
Devil's Elbow Campground
View from walking path toward Elkhorn Mountains and Hauser Lake
Devil's Elbow Campground
Walking path within Devil's Elbow Recreation site that links to Clark's Bay Day-Use Area

Featured amenities

Pet Friendly
Pet Friendly
River Access
River Access

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

Campground Amenities

  • Beach Access
    Beach Access
  • Pet Friendly
    Pet Friendly
  • Lake Access
    Lake Access
  • River Access
    River Access

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 closed - Opens on May 1

Sites & Availability

43 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 01, Loop: A
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 02, Loop: A
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 03, Loop: A
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 04, Loop: A
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 05, Loop: A
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 06, Loop: A
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 07, Loop: A
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 08, Loop: A
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 09, Loop: A
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 10, Loop: A
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 11, Loop: A
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 12, Loop: A
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 13, Loop: A
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 14, Loop: A
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 15, Loop: A
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 16, Loop: B
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 17, Loop: B
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 18, Loop: B
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 19, Loop: B
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 20, Loop: B
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 21, Loop: B
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 22, Loop: B
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 23, Loop: B
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 24, Loop: B
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 25, Loop: B
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 26, Loop: B
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 27, Loop: B
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 28, Loop: B
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 29, Loop: B
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 30, Loop: B
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 31, Loop: B
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 32, Loop: B
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 33, Loop: B
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 34, Loop: B
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 35, Loop: B
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 36, Loop: B
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
43, Loop: TENT
10 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
44, Loop: TENT
10 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
45, Loop: TENT
10 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
46, Loop: TENT
10 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
47, Loop: TENT
10 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
🚐 48, Loop: B
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 LOOP C CAMPSITES WITH RAMADA/PAVILION, Loop: C
Water Only
$25.00
/ per night

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.

Review Summary

3.9
136 reviews
5
45.6%
62
4
24.3%
33
3
13.2%
18
2
9.6%
13
1
7.4%
10

Michael H

Verified

October 9, 2023 Stayed at: 43, Loop: TENT

5

Solid campsite with adequate amenities for tent campers. A quiet respite from the city. Well kept walkways and great views of the Colorado River.

J Scott L

Verified

October 7, 2023 Stayed at: 23, Loop: B

5

We camped at Belle Foursche CG in a37 ft 5 th wheel. Camping in the off season is the best. No crowds, generally warm days, and fall weather. Nice! The only bad thing is the gift shop is low on inventory.

Scott P

Verified

September 26, 2023 Stayed at: 19, Loop: B

5

Very Clean, Right On The River We Only Stayed Over Night But If Traveling Through There Again Will Stay There Again. Only Draw Back Was The Online Map Very Poor As Far As Trying To Locate To Spots Next To Each Other. When Looking On Line Every Spot I Looked At Said For Handicapped. So I finally Booked Two Spots When I Got There There Were No Handicapped Signs Saying That Theses Spots Were For Handicapped Only
,

Harold S

Verified

September 17, 2023 Stayed at: 35, Loop: B

1

Camp host rude condisending no water, dangerous NO lighting. NO lights in parking area nor restrooms and very dark and dangerous at the boat slips. Do NOT even think about fishing after dark very dangerous

Christy H

Verified

September 17, 2023 Stayed at: 35, Loop: B

5

Campground hosts were some of the nicest and most reasonable hosts we have camped with. Love the ability to keep our boat docked for the weekend.

Stan T

Verified

September 16, 2023 Stayed at: 16, Loop: B

5

Wry clean and nice. Had a wonderful time with my family.

Norma U

Verified

September 9, 2023 Stayed at: 48, Loop: B

5

The spots are separated enough uncertain areas. It makes it comfortable! Great views!

Peg F

Verified

September 1, 2023 Stayed at: 08, Loop: A

5

While we can't always count on whom we're camped next to the experience this time was lovely. The two sets of hosts are so pleasant. Please compensate them so they continue to be the hosts, please. I knew of the water issue before I came so I was prepared. Except for weekends the camp is very peaceful and quiet.

John R

Verified

August 31, 2023 Stayed at: 23, Loop: B

5

Was a great time, the weather was not too hot or cold. We enjoyed hiking the trails. Will be glad when the water problem is fixed, though.

Richard J

Verified

August 28, 2023 Stayed at: 35, Loop: B

1

False advertisement. There was not water to use. The fish cleaning station was locked up. The ONLY green grass was the section that the camp hosts stay. The only sprinklers were the parcel near the camp hosts. The only mowed area was near the camp hosts. One of the camp host (male- camper closer to the lake) had a very loud foul mouth. There is no reason to talk that way, it is very rude. We had 5 campsites, 4 for 7 nights. Unfortunately, the campground is not maintained.

Location Devil's Elbow Campground

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

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. ***
*** You must occupy the site you reserved and cannot change sites, or move to a different loop of the campground.***
Caution: While it is uncommon to sight a bear in the area, it is possible. Bears, raccoons, ravens, seagulls, magpies and other animals will get into your food if not properly stored. Please be prepared to store your food either in your vehicle, RV or trailer or in a bear-proof container while camping.

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

General

Construction 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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