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Hellgate Campground
BORBureau of Reclamation — Helena · Montana · Canyon Ferry Lake
| Agency | BORBureau of Reclamation |
|---|---|
| Area | Canyon Ferry Lake |
| Location | Helena · Montana · Canyon Ferry Lake · 46.61766, -111.64013 · Map |
| Sites | 72 public sites counted from the federal listing — 69 standard nonelectric; 3 group shelter electric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 2 of 72 sites (up to 20 amp where reported) Water hookups at 0 of 72 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 72 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 72 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 120 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 67 sites · 30 ft: 61 sites · 35 ft: 47 sites · 40 ft: 36 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | We only charge fees during "Peak Seasons" the 1st weekend of May through the second weekend of September. |
| Check-in / out | In 5:00 PM · Out 4:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 72 sites, as reported |
| Accessible sites | 8 marked accessible in the listing |
| Accessibility | N |
| Amenities, as reported | Drinking waterLake accessWater spigots |
| Phone | 406-475-3921 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-02-25.
From the official listing
Overview Hellgate Campground is located 30 miles east of Helena, Montana, along Montana Highway 284. In July of 1805 the Lewis and Clark Expedition traveled through the Canyon Ferry area exploring and mapping the Missouri River. When Lewis visited the area he described it as a beautiful and extensive plain country of about 10 to 12 miles wide which extended upwards further than an eye could see. In the 1850s the gold rush hit the Canyon Ferry area attracting miners from all over the United States in the hopes of striking it rich.
Recreation Canyon Ferry Reservoir offers a wide range of year-round recreational opportunities. Water related activities include everything from swimming and fishing to sailing and motor-boating. Canoeists and kayakers explore the many quiet backwater bays. Jet skiers, windsurfers and water skiers skim the summer waves, while winter draws ice fishermen and ice skaters.
Facilities Hellgate Campground consists of 69 campsites and 3 Group Use shelters with overnight Camping. Each standard campsite consists of a gravel camping pad, picnic table, and a fire ring. Campsites are limited to one camping unit is permitted per site unless marked as a double campsite. (double campsites are clearly marked on the site posts). Hellgate Boat Ramp and Day Use Area provides two boat ramps, parking area for boat trailers and several day use picnic sites. There are three Group Use Shelter Areas:
Lewis and Clark Group Use Shelter Includes 15 campsites. Each campsites has a fire ring and picnic table. The shelter is 30’ X 60’ with 12 picnic tables, 3 grills, and 2 group use fire rings. 3 vault toilets are easily accessible.
York Group Use Shelter Includes 10 campsites. Each campsites has a fire ring and picnic table. The Shelter is 30’ X 60’ and contains 12 picnic tables, and 1 large communal fire ring. 1 vault toilet is easily accessible. (Formerly called Shelter B)
Hellgate Bay Group Use Shelter Includes 5 campsites. Each with a fire ring and picnic table. The shelter is 30’ X 36’ and contains 7 picnic tables and 2 grills. and 1 large communal fire ring near the shelter.
Natural Features Hellgate Campground and Group Use Shelter Area sits along the banks of Canyon Ferry Reservoir in an open valley between the Big Belt and Elkhorns mountain ranges. Along the bank of the reservoir there is a narrow riparian canopy that provides partial shade.
Nearby Attractions Hellgate Campground and Group Use Shelter Area is located halfway between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. The city of Helena, Montana, the state capital, is 25 miles away and the city of Townsend, Montana, is 21 miles away. For up to date events visit, click here
Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (406) 475-3920.
Directions, from the listing
From Helena, MT: Head east along Co Rd 430/Canyon Ferry Rd from Helena, MT, continue for 38 miles to the Hellgate Campground and Group Use Shelter Area sign and turn right. Continue straight until you reach the campground.
From Townsend, MT: Head north on Hwy 284 for 21 miles and turn left at the Hellgate Campground and Group Use Shelter Areasign. Continue straight until you reach the campground.
Nearest federal campgrounds
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Trip Card — Hellgate Campground
Helena · Montana · Canyon Ferry Lake
| Agency | BOR · Bureau of Reclamation |
|---|---|
| Location | Helena · Montana · Canyon Ferry Lake |
| Fees | We only charge fees during "Peak Seasons" the 1st weekend of May through the second weekend of September. |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | Electric at 2 |
| Max RV | Up to 120 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 72 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/249999 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.