How much does camping cost at Black Sandy State Park?

Camping fees at Black Sandy State Park range from $18/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Black Sandy State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Black Sandy State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Black Sandy State Park before I book?

Yes! Black Sandy State Park has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Black Sandy State Park?

Black Sandy State Park is open Summer season appears popular based on user reviews.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Black Sandy State Park?

Black Sandy State Park does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Black Sandy State Park?

Fire policies at Black Sandy State Park: Campfires are allowed only in established iron fire rings and grills.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Black Sandy State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Black Sandy State Park. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Black Sandy State Park?

Black Sandy State Park offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Black Sandy State Park?

Popular activities at Black Sandy State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Black Sandy State Park

4.13

86 reviews

930 Custer Avenue, Helena, Montana, 59601, United States

SwimmingSummer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,799 ft

Price

$18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on Montana State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,799 ft

Price

$18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on Montana State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Black Sandy State Park

$18.00 - $18.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight tent camping fee is $18 per night. RV camping may have additional charges such as $5 for the use of the dump station, and boat slips for $7...

Standard Site Fee$18.00

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Campground Map

930 Custer Avenue, Helena, Montana, 59601, United States

Black Sandy State Park

930 Custer Avenue, Helena, Montana, 59601, United States

Nearby places

Helena - approximately 10 miles northeast.

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies are available in Helena, including groceries, fuel, and camping essentials.

Weather at Black Sandy State Park

Best Time to Camp at Black Sandy State Park

Summer delivers the best conditions for using Hauser Lake, with daytime highs from the mid-70s to low-90s°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s°F. July and August see the highest crowds. Book weeks or months ahead if you want a lakefront spot. Water sports, fishing, and swimming peak during these months when all facilities are open. Winter brings frigid temperatures and snow, transforming the park into a quiet, frozen landscape with limited accessibility.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is peak season for lake activities; reviewers note best conditions then.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Summer season appears popular based on user reviews.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Year-round camping availability noted, with reviews spanning all seasons.

About Black Sandy State Park

Black Sandy State Park sits on the shores of Hauser Lake, one of the few public access points to this popular water recreation spot near Helena. The campground has tent and RV sites priced at $18/night, most with lake views. Sites are tight and close together. Reviewers frequently compare the layout to a parking lot. But the lakefront location draws boaters, anglers, and swimmers throughout summer.

Black Sandy State Park accommodates a variety of camping options, including spaces for RVs and tents. Group camping is not explicitly mentioned, and the campground primarily caters to RV camping with some provisions for tent sites.

Historical Significance

Interpretive displays throughout the park present local history, though reviews don't specify what events or periods they cover.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the best conditions for using Hauser Lake, with daytime highs from the mid-70s to low-90s°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s°F. July and August see the highest crowds. Book weeks or months ahead if you want a lakefront spot. Water sports, fishing, and swimming peak during these months when all facilities are open. Winter brings frigid temperatures and snow, transforming the park into a quiet, frozen landscape with limited accessibility.

ElevationThe park's elevation creates its own unique mountain lake environment, though specific elevation details await your discovery upon arrival.

Natural Features and SceneryLocated on the western shore of Hauser Lake reservoir, an impoundment of the Missouri River, offering lakeside campsites right by the water with a scenic spot for swimming, fishing, and sunbathing. The park spans 44 acres at 3,669 feet elevation in Lewis and Clark County, near Helena.[1][2][5][6]

Geological RegionSituated within Montana's diverse Region 4, Black Sandy State Park showcases the geological wonders of Hauser Lake's shoreline. The park's distinctive black sandy beaches tell a story written in minerals and time, while the surrounding Belt Mountains stand as ancient sentinels. This unique combination of lakeside geology and mountain vistas creates a landscape that captures the essence of Montana's varied terrain, offering visitors a front-row seat to nature's geological artistry.

Scenic ViewsReviews highlight breathtaking views of the Belt Mountains and the serene lake setting.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is explicitly mentioned; the campground primarily caters to tent and RV campers.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

1:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum of 8 people per site unless at a designated double site.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 8 people per tent site, 16 at double sites.

Groups

Group camping is not mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutRV sites are arranged in a tight, parking-lot style with gravel pads. Spacing between sites is minimal. The dirt and gravel access road into the park is rough. Don't expect shade or natural buffers. One reviewer noted you'll easily overhear your neighbors' conversations.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Montana State Parks platforms or other designated systems.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-serve availability not mentioned explicitly. Majority of reviews recommend reservations in advance due to high demand.

Cancellation PolicyReservations are non-transferable and cannot be sold, bartered, or traded. Failure to comply with ADA site reservation requirements will result in cancellation fees.

AccessibilityThe park is wheelchair accessible to most areas, as noted by a reviewer: 'Dog and kid friendly, wheelchair accessible to most areas, and very friendly park officials.

Site SizeStandard-sized sites, with some complaints about being small and clustered. One user stated, 'Small RV park, very tight sites.

PrivacyLimited privacy due to the close proximity of sites. For instance, a reviewer remarked, 'Like parking lots on the waterfront? Then this is the park for you! Get to know your neighbors! Eavesdrop!

Recommended SitesChoose lakeside sites for better views and swimming access. Double check site layouts for fire pit and table positioning based on camper exit location.

Best CampsitesAll sites are on the water, providing direct lake access; 29 RV sites with electric hookups recommended for convenience, 4-6 tent sites available; boat slips available for water access.[1][5][7]

Need help booking Black Sandy State Park?

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Black Sandy State Park offers a range of amenities catering to outdoor enthusiasts. These include a boat ramp, picnic shelters, and areas for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. On-site utility amenities like drinking water stations and pit/vault toilets are available. Some user reviews highlight the inclusion of fire pits and picnic tables. The park also features a small check-in station with provisions like ice and incidentals.

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors can enjoy numerous activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, and swimming at Black Sandy State Park. The park also provides opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHornets reportedly present during warmer months. Limited cell coverage noted by reviews.

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed only in established iron fire rings and grills.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services include dialing 911. Park staff can also assist. Closest major town for emergency services is Helena.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are available, but recycling is not mentioned.

Water FeaturesLocated directly on Hauser Lake, providing swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities.

Camp HostCampground hosts are reportedly helpful and maintain clean facilities.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.1

86 reviews

Satisfactory

Black Sandy State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Black Sandy State Park generally highlight its beautiful lakeside setting, variety of activities, and clean facilities. However, complaints about small, crowded campsites and limited amenities such as no showers are common.

Review Summaries

Based on 86 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 86 reviews.

Site 1Loved
Site 1 and Site 5 are specifically mentioned as beautiful spots.
site 5Mentioned
The site 5 is also pretty.

What Campers Love

Lakeside sites perfect for swimming, fishing, boating; clean bathrooms; nice swim area; great for water sports and family outings.[1][4]

Based on 86 reviews

Common Concerns

Key complaints include the small size of campsites, lack of privacy, rough gravel road leading to the campground, and absence of showers. One user noted, 'Small RV park, very tight sites,' while...

Based on 86 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

All boats, trailers, rigs, and vehicles must fit entirely within the site; extra equipment won't fit due to tight spacing; occupy rented sites nightly with a camping unit; check for overflow parking...

Based on 86 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews often highlight the park's water activities and bustling atmosphere. Winter reviews focus on the quiet and opportunities for ice fishing. Fall and spring reviews note pleasant hiking...

Based on 86 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Beautiful tent camp spots, nice RV pads, boat slips for $6 night, trees on a black sandy shoreline.' - 'Campground is very nice, most sites are lakeside. Washroom was clean.' - 'The vault bathroom...

Based on 86 reviews

Accessibility Features

The park is noted for its wheelchair accessibility in most areas. One reviewer stated, 'Wheelchair accessible to most areas, and very friendly park officials.'

Based on 86 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The park is described as pet-friendly. One user noted, 'Dog and kid friendly,' but pets must be leashed, which is a common rule across state parks.

Based on 86 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Boaters and swimmers who want a site steps from the water should aim for Site 1 or Site 5 early in the booking window. The boat ramp is rated among the best in the Helena area, fishing runs walleye and trout, and the roped swim area works well for families with kids.

Skip if

No showers and parking-lot-close neighbors are the two dealbreakers here. Sites are so tight that extra vehicles, boats on trailers, and tow rigs often won't fit within the spur, and you'll genuinely hear your neighbors talking through their camp chairs.

Nearby Campgrounds

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White Sandy Campground

6563 HAUSER DAM RD, HELENA, MT 59602, USA

White Sandy Campground sits on the shore of Hauser Lake in Montana's foothills near Helena, managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The mid-sized campground offers tent, RV, primitive, and group sites with a dump station, potable water, and a camp store. Visitors fish, boat, swim, hike, and bike in the Big Belt Mountains backdrop, with fall bringing golden sagebrush and quieter lake conditions.