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
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Site Details
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43 Sites Available
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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
Michael G
VerifiedNovember 15, 2022 • Stayed at: 48, Loop: B
We pulled in late afternoon/early evening. Found our site, made a fire, retired, and left early morning. Wished I would have fished a bit, as it looked great!
Allen W
VerifiedOctober 7, 2022 • Stayed at: 16, Loop: B
Rain the last day
Mark P
VerifiedSeptember 27, 2022 • Stayed at: 08, Loop: A
There were no camp hosts. We had a reservation but when we arrived out site was taken. They had a note on the post that they also reserved a spot and someone was it in when they arrived. I got online and found the FC sites and we used one of those. The campground was clean and quiet when we were there.
Andy R
VerifiedSeptember 14, 2022 • Stayed at: 01, Loop: A
I was just passing through, so only needed a place to sleep in the car. Campground was empty, so very quiet. Nice location.
Michael R
VerifiedAugust 23, 2022 • Stayed at: 17, Loop: B
there was no water for our campfires, we were told we would have to go to the lake to get it. I am 66 yrs old with a bad back. Also the irrigation system does not appear to have been used since everything is all dried up. We have been coming to this campground for years and it is in the worst condition we have ever seen it, It is sad to see it in such bad conditions.
Rachael L
VerifiedAugust 22, 2022 • Stayed at: 20, Loop: B
Great place to stay if you don’t mind dry camping. Boat slips are nice and campsites are large in size. Pit toilets are the cleanest I have ever used.
James B
VerifiedAugust 22, 2022 • Stayed at: 10, Loop: A
Devil's Elbow campground was a delight, with only a couple hickups. I am going to discuss those first.
1. The Recreation.Gov site indicates there is water on site. And there was. However, all of the public hydrants were locked up due to 'not being tested'. However, in talking with the folks who worked there, it turns out the water to the Camp Host and BLM Supervisor's house / building come out of the very same well, and they seemingly were dealing with the testing issue just fine. When the temps are knocking on the door of 100 every day, water would have surely been nice to have for the numerous tenters and campers there that couldn't carry their own.
2. Minor ... the directions given for getting there were overly complicated and arguably dangerous to follow in the middle of the night for someone who doesn't know the area. There is a turnoff in Helena that takes one straight to the campground. All paved, no narrow windy gravel roads.
Now the Good. My son is in a powered wheelchair, the paved trails were an absolute godsend for him. He put no fewer than 20 miles on his chair over the four days we were there.
2. The site was wide, easy to back into, and, best of all, flat!
3. The campground was as close to spotless as a BLM campground with high traffic can be. The hosts did a great job of keeping the grounds clean, latrines stocked, and helping people when they could.
4. Quiet hours were enforced, and while it would have been nice to have another hour to run the A/C on those hot nights, I very much appreciated the quiet at night and in the nice, cool mornings.
And, a word of advice. I forgot to rent a boat for our trip. There are a number of excellent boat rental places in and around Helena. If you don't have one, I strongly suggest renting one for a day .... it may seem expensive but, trust me on this, that expense is a heck of a lot less expensive than owning one! Been there, done that. A fun Place, but bring water!
Kimberley H
VerifiedJuly 22, 2022 • Stayed at: 27, Loop: B
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
VerifiedJuly 21, 2022 • Stayed at: 01, Loop: A
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
VerifiedJuly 19, 2022 • Stayed at: 18, Loop: B
We love the use of the boat docks and areas to walk and just relax.
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.
