Hellgate Campground

Star4.19
232 reviews
7700 Canyon Ferry Road
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

3,829 ft

Price

$10 - $170/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

69 campsites

Season

Open May 2–September...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Bureau of Reclamation site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

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January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Hellgate Campground
$10.00 - $170.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees are charged only during peak seasons, May 6 through September 10. Rates vary by site type: Standard Nonelectric ($10–$20/night), Tent Only...
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Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$170.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
406-475-3921dagallagher@usbr.gov
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What Campers Say

4.19

Satisfactory

Based on 232 reviews

58 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanwaterlake

Some mention

noisemosquitoes

"Reviews of Hellgate Campground reflect a mix of experiences. Numerous users praise its scenic location and access to activities like boating and fishing. However, recurring complaints focus on management issues, facility cleanliness, and maintenance problems."

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Campground Map

7700 Canyon Ferry Road

Hellgate Campground

7700 Canyon Ferry Road

Driving directionsFrom 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 Area sign. Continue straight until you reach the campground.
The road access quality has received mixed reviews. While the official directions imply a straightforward route, user reviews highlight significant issues such as "wash boarded bad and pot holes everywhere" and "deplorable" conditions for RVs. Several guests advise driving cautiously due to the rough terrain.
Nearby places
Helena, Montana (25 miles)
Townsend, Montana (21 miles)
Nearby supplies
Kim's Marina, located nearby, provides supplies for campers. Both Townsend and Helena (25 miles away) have additional options for groceries, camping gear, and other essentials.

Best Time to Camp at Hellgate Campground

Experience Montana's dynamic weather patterns at Hellgate, where each season brings its own charm and character. Summer visitors should come prepared for nature's full experience, including the presence of mosquitoes that thrive in the warm months. Afternoon winds typically pick up between 3 and 7 PM, creating perfect conditions for sailing and windsurfing enthusiasts. While occasional storms sweep through the valley, bringing dramatic skies and refreshing rains, they only add to the campground's wild beauty and authentic outdoor experience.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Peak season for boating and swimming but also busiest, with noise, mosquitoes and overcrowding complaints.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Shoulder season offers quieter visits and retained scenic appeal; fewer crowd-related issues.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Quieter shoulder-season visits possible; variable weather but good early-season lake access.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed outside May–Sept dates; winter rating not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 6–September 10.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 2–September 14 (reservable dates vary; peak season is May 6–September 10).

About Hellgate Campground

Discover your perfect Montana escape at Hellgate Campground, where 69 thoughtfully placed campsites and 3 spacious group shelters nestle along the sparkling shores of Canyon Ferry Reservoir. This scenic haven serves as your gateway to endless outdoor adventures, from sunrise fishing expeditions to sunset paddling sessions. Whether you're seeking a peaceful family getaway or an action-packed weekend with friends, Hellgate's diverse recreational offerings and stunning natural backdrop create memories that last a lifetime.
The campground provides a range of camping options, including standard nonelectric sites, group shelters, and tent-only areas. RV camping is supported but lacks electrical hookups, and group shelters cater to large gatherings.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
5PM
Check-out
4PM
Stay Limit
  • Maximum 14 nights per visit
  • rolling 30-day period limit.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Hellgate Campground offers a plethora of recreational opportunities centering on its proximity to Canyon Ferry Reservoir. Activities such as fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and water sports are prevalent, attracting campers who enjoy both outdoor adventure and relaxation. The campground is also noted for its scenic views of the reservoir and surrounding valley. However, some reviews indicate challenges with overcrowding in high seasons and pest management issues, such as mosquitoes.
FishingFishing is a popular activity at Canyon Ferry Reservoir, with ample opportunities to catch local species. Specific details about fish types are not provided.
SwimmingThe campground provides access to swimming areas in the reservoir, which are frequently enjoyed by campers. However, one review notes that the beach area can sometimes become unusable due to overgrowth and mosquitoes.
BoatingHellgate Campground has two boat ramps and parking areas for boat trailers, making it convenient for motorized and non-motorized boating activities. Reviews highlight the area's suitability for kayaking and exploring quiet backwater bays.
Wildlife viewingThe campground's location near the reservoir and between mountain ranges provides opportunities for wildlife viewing. Specific species are not mentioned.
Beach activitiesBeach-related activities are available and often enjoyed by families. However, issues such as overgrowth and mosquitoes have been cited as detracting from the experience.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes, rough roads, and unleashed dogs have been noted as challenges.

Weather at Hellgate Campground

Reviews

4.2
232 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Hellgate Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews of Hellgate Campground reflect a mix of experiences. Numerous users praise its scenic location and access to activities like boating and fishing. However, recurring complaints focus on management issues, facility cleanliness, and maintenance problems.
Review Summaries
Based on 232 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights from positive reviews include the campground's proximity to the lake, family-friendly atmosphere, clean bathrooms (in some instances), and the friendliness of certain camp hosts. Many...
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Based on 232 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback includes poor road conditions leading to the campground, lack of adherence to rules (e.g., noise, leash policies), infestation of mosquitoes, and maintenance issues like unclean...
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Based on 232 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing bug spray due to mosquitoes, arriving prepared with necessary supplies as there is no camp store, and reserving spots early to secure a desirable location.
Based on 232 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most active season but also when the campground experiences the highest issues, such as overcrowding, noise, and mosquitoes. Spring and fall offer quieter experiences, though weather...
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Based on 232 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The campground is beautiful but poorly managed." "Bring bug spray—mosquitoes are relentless in July." "Great for kayaking and exploring the lake."
Based on 232 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific feedback highlights issues with proximity and privacy, such as "very close together where there is no privacy." Certain loops near the water are preferred, while users noted issues with...
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Based on 232 reviews

Accessibility Features

Few reviews mention accessibility specifically. One review noted that the group sites were accessible for elderly family members during a reunion.
Based on 232 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

While the campground is pet-friendly, unchecked leash rules have led to complaints about loose dogs and their waste around campsites.
Based on 232 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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