Devil'S Elbow Campground

Star4.28
229 reviews
5965 York Road
Summer Destination

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

Opens BLM (Bureau of Land Management) site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Devil'S Elbow Campground
$25.00 - $140.00 / night
Campsite Fees
RV Non-electric sites and group standard non-electric sites are priced at $25 per night during peak season. Group shelter electric sites cost $140...
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Standard Site Fee$25.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$140.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
406-227-3570
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What Campers Say

4.28

Satisfactory

Based on 229 reviews

89 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciouslakefriendly

"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."

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Campground Map

5965 York Road

Devil'S Elbow Campground

5965 York Road

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.
The road is paved all the way to the campground. Some portions of the route involve dirt and gravel roads depending on the approach taken, but alternative paved routes are available.
Nearby places
Helena, MT (approximately 20 minutes away by car)
Nearby supplies
A small marina, general store with gas, and a bar/restaurant are just half a mile away. The city of Helena provides access to groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Devil'S Elbow Campground

Montana's famously unpredictable weather keeps things interesting at Devil's Elbow, where summer days can soar to a sizzling 100°F before afternoon thunderstorms roll across the lake, bringing dramatic skies and refreshing rain. The dry air and moderate winds create perfect conditions for evening campfires, while shoulder seasons may surprise visitors with dustings of snow that transform the sage-covered hills into a winter wonderland. Pack layers and prepare for nature's full spectrum – it's all part of the authentic Montana experience.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Peak boating/fishing season but very hot (to ~100°F), limited shade and busier campsite use.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Noted as quieter and more enjoyable season with pleasant weather and less crowding.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5
Top 10% in MT

Spring described as quieter and enjoyable; opens May 1 (late spring access).

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 1–Sept 30; winter camping not supported in peak operations.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 1 - September 30, 2025. 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.
  • Current Alerts: Currently, there is no potable water available due to well issues. Fire restrictions are in place during dry seasons.

About Devil'S Elbow Campground

Perched along the dramatic bend known as 'Devil's Elbow' on Hauser Lake, this 48-site recreation area offers an enticing blend of waterfront serenity and rugged Montana landscape. Whether you're pulling up in an RV, setting up a camper trailer, or pitching a tent in one of five dedicated tent-only sites, you'll find yourself immersed in a natural playground perfect for casting a line into the lake's depths, exploring mountain bike trails, or launching your boat for a day on the water. Despite its secluded feel, you're just a short drive from Helena's amenities, making it an ideal basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts seeking both adventure and convenience.
Devil's Elbow Campground offers a mix of camping options, including RV sites, tent-only sites, and group camping areas. All sites require reservations.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

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.
HikingThe campground includes non-motorized dirt, gravel, and paved trails. These trails connect Devil's Elbow to nearby areas like Two Camps Vista and Clark's Bay, making it convenient for walking and biking. The trails cater to various skill levels, providing scenic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
FishingFishing is a popular activity at the campground, supported by a large concrete boat launch and a fish-cleaning station. The area is suitable for anglers looking for lake or river fishing opportunities.
SwimmingA small beach area is available for swimming, but user reviews note that the swimming area is small, and the water can sometimes appear murky or scum-covered.
BikingSeveral world-class mountain biking trails are located in the greater Hauser Lake Recreation Area. The campground also provides paved and gravel paths suitable for biking.
BoatingThe campground features a large concrete boat launch and courtesy dock, along with day-use and overnight boat slips available on a first-come, first-served basis. The adjacent Hauser Lake is ideal for various boating activities.
Wildlife viewingVisitors often see a variety of wildlife, including birds such as eagles. The campground's shrub-steppe landscape supports diverse fauna.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears, rattlesnakes, black widows, and prickly pear cactus are present in the area. Guests are advised to use bear-proof food storage and be cautious of wildlife and plant hazards.
Active AlertsCurrently, there is no potable water available due to well issues. Fire restrictions are in place during dry seasons.

Weather at Devil'S Elbow Campground

Reviews

4.3
229 reviews
Satisfactory
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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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

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

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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