How much does camping cost at Devil's Elbow Campground?

Camping fees at Devil's Elbow Campground range from $25-$140/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Devil's Elbow Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Devil's Elbow 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 Devil's Elbow Campground before I book?

Yes! Devil's Elbow Campground has 13 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 Devil's Elbow Campground?

Devil's Elbow Campground is open May 01 to September 30. 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 Devil's Elbow Campground?

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

How many campsites does Devil's Elbow Campground have?

Devil's Elbow Campground has 48 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Devil's Elbow Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Devil's Elbow 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 Devil's Elbow Campground?

Devil's Elbow 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 Devil's Elbow Campground?

Popular activities at Devil's Elbow Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Climbing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Devil's Elbow Campground

4.24

229 reviews

5965 York Road

Top 9% in MTFall

Summer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,717 ft

Price

$25 - $140/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

48 campsites

Season

Open from May 1 to S...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on BLM (Bureau of Land Management)Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,717 ft

Price

$25 - $140/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

48 campsites

Season

Open from May 1 to S...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on BLM (Bureau of Land Management)Official Website

Get Directions

Devil's Elbow Campground

$25.00 - $140.00 / night

Campsite Fees

C-GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $25.00; RAMADA/PAVILION WITH C-LOOP SITES 37-42 ELECTRIC-471654: $140.00; RV NONELECTRIC: $25.00. Plus Recreation.gov...

Standard Site Fee$25.00

Group Site Fee$140.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-227-3570 OR 406-533-7600

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

5965 York Road

Devil's Elbow Campground

5965 York Road

Nearby places

Helena, MT (approximately 20 minutes away by car)

Driving directionsFrom Interstate 90 driving from Bozeman, exit at Exit: 274 US 287 Helena/Ennis; right turn to continue north on 287 and continue for 57 miles. Turn right onto Lake Helena Drive, then turn right in 450 feet to stay on Lake Helena Drive. Continue for 4 miles through the roundabout. Turn right onto York Road and drive 6.2 miles to Devil's Elbow Recreation Area. From Helena/Butte/Great Falls: Drive to (or exit from I-15 onto) Custer Avenue, head east on Custer Ave. Take left turn onto York Road. Continue on for 16 miles to Devil's Elbow Recreation Area; or take the Lincoln RD exit on I-15, Head East on Lincoln Road until it intersects with Lake Helena Dr (T-Intersection). Take a right (South) on Lake Helena Dr (this route contains portions of dirt and gravel roads) and continue until the road turns back into pavement, take a left (East) on Deal Lane and follow the road until it terminates at York Road. Take a left (North) on York Road and continue for about 2 miles to Devil's Elbow.

Weather at Devil's Elbow Campground

Current alerts(13)

*** You must occupy your campsite every night that you have reserved. If you do not show up for 24 hours from "Check-In Time" (2:00 PM), you forfeit the use of that site and are not entitled to any refunds or discounts.
Black widows are very common in the area; while not usually deadly, their bite can be extremely painful and has caused local necrosis of the associated tissues and severe illness.
Campsites are limited to no more than 2 RVs or 2 tents or a combination of 1 RV and 1 tent. Each RV or tent is considered a camping unit and must pay the fee per unit.
Check out time is 11:00 A.M.

Best Time to Camp at Devil's Elbow Campground

Best season: fall. The clearest benefit of visiting in fall is calm, crisp weather and dramatically reduced crowds — September brings daytime highs typically in the 50s–70s°F and cool nights in the 30s–40s. Fishing and wildlife viewing are at their peak as fish feed ahead of winter and big game become more active, while the shrub-steppe turns warm gold for photography. With calmer winds and fewer weekend boaters after Labor Day, it's an ideal time for peaceful hiking, kayaking, and shoreline camping. Peak months: September, May, June, July Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 9% in MT

Fall called the best season: cooler days, calm winds and thinner crowds after Labor Day.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 1 to September 30 during peak season. First-come, first-serve sites are available starting June 21.

About Devil's Elbow Campground

Devil's Elbow Campground sits on the shores of Hauser Lake in Montana's foothills near Helena, managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The mid-sized campground offers tent, RV, and group sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors come for lake access, fishing, swimming, boating, and wildlife viewing, with paved walking paths threading through the property.

Devil's Elbow Campground offers a mix of camping options, including RV sites, tent-only sites, and group camping areas. All sites require reservations.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. The clearest benefit of visiting in fall is calm, crisp weather and dramatically reduced crowds — September brings daytime highs typically in the 50s–70s°F and cool nights in the 30s–40s. Fishing and wildlife viewing are at their peak as fish feed ahead of winter and big game become more active, while the shrub-steppe turns warm gold for photography. With calmer winds and fewer weekend boaters after Labor Day, it's an ideal time for peaceful hiking, kayaking, and shoreline camping. Peak months: September, May, June, July Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation3717 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies shrub-steppe terrain at 3,717 feet, where sagebrush and bunch grasses cover the open hillsides. Views stretch across Hauser Lake to the Big Belt and Elkhorn mountain ranges. Shade is limited due to the sparse vegetation, but the unobstructed landscape offers clear sightlines for sunrise and sunset over the water. The openness also means less privacy between some sites, especially where the shrub cover thins.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not offer hotel-style lodges or luxury accommodations. It is primarily focused on camping setups for tents and RVs.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are specifically mentioned in the source material.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 2 RVs or tents per site, with each camping unit incurring additional fees.

Groups

Group sites are available with a reservation. Loop C features a Ramada/Pavilion that costs $50 per reservation plus $25 per night per site. A maximum of two RVs or tents is allowed per group site.

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 online through recreation.gov or by phone.

AccessibilityThe campground includes features like paved walking paths and accessible parking. Reviews highlight the smooth and wheelchair-friendly design of the trails, although some paths include uphill and downhill segments.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious and level, accommodating large RVs and multiple camping setups. Specific measurements or size details are not provided, but smaller tent sites are also available.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary by site. While some sites provide scenic views and are well-spaced, others may feel less private due to open shrub-steppe vegetation.

Total Campsites48 campsites

Recommended SitesOpt for tent camping spots near the river for scenic views. Avoid sites near the boat ramp if seeking tranquility.

Best CampsitesSite 43 in the tent loop gets consistent praise for views and access to amenities. Lake-view sites in general are worth reserving if you want water views, though availability varies by loop.

Need help booking Devil's Elbow 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

There is no power available on site for campers and generators are only allowed from 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. There is no black or gray water dump on site.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

A variety of recreational activities are available at Devil's Elbow Campground. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and biking on trails that interconnect with adjacent recreation sites. Additional activities include hunting, picnicking, and access to a small beach area.

Hiking

Climbing

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Vault toilets are provided and are frequently described as clean and well-maintained by users, often being referred to as the 'cleanest vault toilets' seen by some visitors.

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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

4.2

229 reviews

Satisfactory

Devil's Elbow Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews paint a mixed picture of Devil's Elbow Campground. Positive reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, spacious sites, and scenic views. However, some users criticize the perceived overmanagement by hosts and the lack of potable water at times.

Review Summaries

Based on 229 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include clean vault toilets, spacious sites, friendly camp hosts, and close proximity to Hauser Lake. Many users also appreciate the paved walking paths and wildlife viewing...

Based on 229 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include issues with camp hosts being overly strict, the absence of potable water despite being advertised, and limited shade due to sparse vegetation. Some users also mention problems with...

Based on 229 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific reviews mention issues like uneven ground in tent sites (e.g., Site 44), and complaints about camp host behavior. Lake-view sites and larger RV sites are frequently praised.

Based on 229 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing sufficient water supply due to occasional unavailability on-site. Weekdays are suggested for a quieter experience, and visitors are advised to reserve lake-view sites for the...

Based on 229 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are noted for high temperatures and limited shade, while spring and fall are highlighted as quieter and more enjoyable seasons. Winter conditions, though not detailed, are likely less...

Based on 229 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Very peaceful campground. Probably the cleanest vault toilets I've ever seen or smelled.' - Cheyenne James 2. 'The camp host was super nice and helpful!! Prob one of the nicest set of people we...

Based on 229 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground received positive feedback for accessibility, with paved trails being a highlight for wheelchair users.

Based on 229 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed at the campground, with some reviews specifically mentioning enjoyable experiences walking dogs along the trails.

Based on 229 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want lake recreation near Helena with spacious sites and wildlife viewing opportunities in a managed BLM setting.

Skip if

You're sensitive to variable camp host enforcement or need consistently maintained facilities during peak season.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

3.8

(149)

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.