How much does camping cost at Hellgate Campground?

Camping fees at Hellgate Campground are $10 - $170/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Hellgate Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Hellgate Campground 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 Hellgate Campground before I book?

Yes! Hellgate Campground has 2 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 Hellgate Campground?

Hellgate Campground is open May 01 to September 10. 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 Hellgate Campground?

Hellgate Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Hellgate Campground have?

Hellgate Campground has 69 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Hellgate Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Hellgate Campground. 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 Hellgate Campground?

Hellgate Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Hellgate Campground?

Popular activities at Hellgate Campground include Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Hellgate Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Hellgate Campground?

Fire policies at Hellgate Campground: While at Canyon Ferry Reservoir: CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY boats and any other recreational equipment that comes in contact with water. Never dump unwanted bait, worms, fish parts or other organisms into the water. For more information visit https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/ STOP THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES. REMOVE plants, seeds, animals and mud from boots, gear, pets, and vehicle. CLEAN your gear before entering and leaving the recreation site. STAY on designated roads and trails and use local fi. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.21

282 reviews

7700 Canyon Ferry Road

CReport Card

SwimmingSummer 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

Book on Bureau of Reclamation Official Website

Get Directions

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

Book on Bureau of Reclamation Official Website

Get Directions

Hellgate Campground

$10.00 - $170.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Double Campsite NONELECTRIC: $20.00; GROUP SHELTER - Hellgate Bay: $90.00; GROUP SHELTER - Lewis and Clark: $170.00; GROUP SHELTER - York : $130.00;...

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Group Site Fee$170.00

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Provider

406-475-3921dagallagher@usbr.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

7700 Canyon Ferry Road

Hellgate Campground

7700 Canyon Ferry Road

Nearby places

Helena, Montana (25 miles)

Townsend, Montana (21 miles)

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.

Weather at Hellgate Campground

Current alerts(9)

All campsites are to be considered single unit sites unless marked as a double site. Single campsites are limited to one camping / sleeping unit per campsite.
Campsites are available for each of the following shelters: Lewis & Clark Shelter 'A' - 15 campsites $170.00 / night. York Shelter 'B' - 10 campsites $130.00 / night. Hellgate Bay 'C' - 5 campsites $90.00 / night.
Campsites must be occupied each night.
No electrical source for camp trailers or RVs is available at shelters.

Best Time to Camp at Hellgate Campground

Best season: fall. Early fall (early September) offers the best mix of mild weather, quieter campsites and peak fishing as Canyon Ferry Reservoir cools — expect daytime highs around 60–80°F in early September with nights dropping to the mid-30s–50°F. Water recreation (paddling, late-season boating) is still excellent but with far fewer crowds than mid-summer, and the riparian trees plus mountain slopes begin showing autumn color. Because Hellgate is open through September 14, visiting in the first two weeks of the Peak months: September, June, July, May Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Overview states early fall is best: milder, quieter, excellent fishing as reservoir cools.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to 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

Hellgate Campground sits on the shores of Canyon Ferry Lake, a Bureau of Reclamation reservoir 20 miles east of Helena in Montana's foothills. The mid-sized campground offers tent, RV, and group sites with vault toilets, potable water, and direct lake access for boating, fishing, and swimming. Reviewers praise the waterfront setting and family atmosphere but note enforcement challenges with quiet hours and off-leash dogs.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Early fall (early September) offers the best mix of mild weather, quieter campsites and peak fishing as Canyon Ferry Reservoir cools — expect daytime highs around 60–80°F in early September with nights dropping to the mid-30s–50°F. Water recreation (paddling, late-season boating) is still excellent but with far fewer crowds than mid-summer, and the riparian trees plus mountain slopes begin showing autumn color. Because Hellgate is open through September 14, visiting in the first two weeks of the Peak months: September, June, July, May Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation3829 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe Big Belt and Elkhorn ranges frame the reservoir in a broad valley that creates natural amphitheater views from the shoreline. A narrow riparian corridor lines the water's edge, where cottonwoods and willows provide partial shade and attract wildlife. Campers spot eagles overhead and deer at the water. The open valley positioning means you'll have sweeping mountain views but limited tree cover at many sites.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not offer hotel-style accommodations but does include group shelters equipped for varied capacities.

Programs & ActivitiesNo information is provided about cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-out

4:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum 14 nights per visit
rolling 30-day period limit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Single sites allow one camping unit unless marked as double (for families with young children, an additional tent is allowed).

Groups

The group shelters include the Lewis and Clark Shelter with 15 campsites, York Shelter with 10 campsites, and Hellgate Bay Shelter with 5 campsites. Each shelter features picnic tables, fire rings, and grills, with a communal setup for group activities.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe campground features accessible vault toilets, walkways, and parking areas. Group shelters also include accessible amenities, though detailed feedback on their usability is mixed.

Site SizeIndividual campsites accommodate one camping unit unless specified otherwise; group sites allow for larger gatherings.

PrivacyCampsites are described as being close together by some reviews ('very close together where there is no privacy;'). However, group sites and loops near the water offer more space and separation.

Total Campsites69 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #1: Close to bathrooms but less shade than neighboring sites. Site #33: Waterfront access. Site #58: Wide area with beach access. Site #29: Clean and close to amenities.

Best CampsitesLoops A, B, and C have waterfront access. Loop D sits farther from the lake and runs quieter. Reviewers recommend reserving early to secure spots near the water, though some note that group sites near the shoreline offer better spacing than standard sites.

Need help booking Hellgate Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Hellgate Campground provides a variety of amenities catering to campers with diverse needs. The campground features 69 campsites and 3 group use shelters, each equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. Gravel camping pads are standard for all individual campsites, which accommodate one camping unit unless explicitly marked as double sites. There are boat ramps with parking areas for trailers, day-use picnic sites, and a narrow riparian canopy along the reservoir providing limited shade. While the general amenities are well-advertised, a significant number of user reviews highlight maintenance issues, particularly with the roads and cleanliness of facilities.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Hellgate Campground

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.

Fishing4.0/5

Swimming4.0/5Top 14% in Montana

Boating4.0/5

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Water Sports4.0/5

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Amphitheater shoreline, mountain backdrops, wildlife and water make for strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsThere are no flush toilets available at the campground, with vault toilets being the primary option.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

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 PolicyWhile at Canyon Ferry Reservoir: CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY boats and any other recreational equipment that comes in contact with water. Never dump unwanted bait, worms, fish parts or other organisms into the water. For more information visit https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/ STOP THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES. REMOVE plants, seeds, animals and mud from boots, gear, pets, and vehicle. CLEAN your gear before entering and leaving the recreation site. STAY on designated roads and trails and use local fi

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 p.m to 7:00 a.m

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly described in the source material, although reviews mention general campground maintenance issues.

Cell CoverageNo information is explicitly stated about cell phone service availability or quality.

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

282 reviews

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 282 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...

Based on 282 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...

Based on 282 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...

Based on 282 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 282 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...

Based on 282 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 282 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 282 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 282 reviews

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Hellgate Campground

$10.00 - $170.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Double Campsite NONELECTRIC: $20.00; GROUP SHELTER - Hellgate Bay: $90.00; GROUP SHELTER - Lewis and Clark: $170.00; GROUP SHELTER - York : $130.00;...

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Group Site Fee$170.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-475-3921dagallagher@usbr.gov

Nearby Campgrounds

7700 CANYON FERRY RD, HELENA, MT 59602

Jo Bonner Campground sits on the shores of Canyon Ferry Reservoir near Helena, operated as a small seasonal facility in Montana's foothills. The campground offers vault toilets, potable water, and basic amenities for tent and RV campers who come for fishing and boating access. Quiet hours and a 14-day stay limit keep the atmosphere manageable during the peak summer season.

Hellgate Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Hellgate Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Hellgate Campground

Current alerts(9)

Best Time to Camp at Hellgate Campground

Planning Tips

About Hellgate Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Hellgate Campground?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Hellgate Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

How campers graded it

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Directions

Ask Camp Sage about Hellgate Campground

Current alerts(9)

Best Time to Camp at Hellgate Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Hellgate Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Hellgate Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews