Hellgate Campground

Canyon Ferry Lake, MT · ≈18.9 mi to Helena
Sites
72
Max rig
65+ ft
Pull-through
Yes
Hookups
20A
ADA
To town
18.9 mi
Signal

✓ Best for

  • Smaller RVs and trailers
  • Boating and water sports enthusiasts
  • Fishing and swimming
  • RVers with electric needs only
  • Pet-friendly camping

✕ Not ideal for

  • Big rigs and large RVs
  • Campers needing water or sewer hookups
  • Those seeking full hookups

Connectivity

Best bet: T-MobileStrong 5G signal here · 3 of 3 carriers reach here
Verizon5G
AT&T5G
T-Mobile5G

What's here

69 Standards (no Hookups)Drive-In access
3 Group Shelters3 separate group reservations · Drive-In access · largest capacity: 150 people
Rig compatibility

Will your rig fit?

Checked against every site's real dimensions.
Your RV length
35ft
35 ft
Your fit summary
See availability →

69 of 72 sites don't report a length.

Amenities & features

Amenities
Campfires allowedDrinking waterElectric hookupsFire pitsGrillsPets allowedPicnic tablesShadeVault toilets
Activities
BoatingCampingFishingSwimming SiteWater SportsWildlife Viewing
Natural features
LakefrontSprings
CampIntel Score

How we score

We score what we can verify.
Workable for mid-size rigsRig fit
Straightforward accessAccess
Good amenitiesConvenience
Verdicts come from our Rig fit, Access & Convenience sub-scores — each built only from verifiable Recreation.gov data.

Where it is

Nearest town: Helena, ~18.9 miGet directions ↗

Photos

Photos: Taryn Preston, USBR, BOR

Overview

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.

Managed by Bureau of Reclamation · Developed campground