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
Norma U
VerifiedJuly 14, 2025 • Stayed at: 02, Loop: A
Quiet, nice views and friendly hosts!
Jesse G
VerifiedJuly 14, 2025 • Stayed at: 16, Loop: B
Nice camp ground
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
