4.6778 reviewsPrice
$5 - $15/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
18 campsites
Season
Open Memorial Day we...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
Top 2% in state
Price
$5 - $15/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
18 campsites
Season
Open Memorial Day we...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
Top 2% in state
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Vigilante Campground, Trout Creek Road, Helena, MT
Creek-side campers and hikers will be happy here. The sites above Trout Creek are the ones to grab, and the Hanging Valley Trail (12 miles) plus the canyon trail launch directly from camp. Spring is the stronger season: lighter crowds, high water, wildflowers, and daytime highs i
No potable water on-site means hauling your own, the gravel road gets washboardy enough to rattle a poorly packed rig, and trailers over 16 feet aren't allowed. First-come-first-served with no reservations means peak weekends are a gamble. Also: currently closed, so verify before
Reference information about Vigilante Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →
<p>Vigilante Campground is located approximately 24 miles northeast of Helena in the Big Belt Mountains. To access the campground travel northeast of Helena on Highway #280, across the Missouri River to the small community of York. At York continue driving straight on Road #4 to the campground.</p><p>This 7 acre campground provides access to the Hanging Valley National Recreation Trail and the scenic Trout Creek Canyon Trail.</p>
The elevation is 4,400 ft. The campground is pack it in, pack it out and located along Trout Creek with a few sites overlooking the creek. The sites are either nestled among Douglas fir and juniper or in small grassy meadows. This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques. Along with all the Forest Service does, reaching out to children might be one of the more favorite and important things they do. The Helena National Forest uses Trout Creek Trail to explain the need for building and retaining a healthy forest, along with the geological forces that formed the forest. Stop by the Helena Ranger District Office and ask about the handouts designed for children related to Trout Creek Trail. Helena National Forest 243
Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
The water spigot is a hand pump.
The parking aprons are gravel and grass.
In Helena, MT, at the intersection of Montana and Custer Avenues, take Custer Ave. east 1.3 miles to a "Y" intersection. Bear left at intersection onto York Rd. and go 24.3 miles to campground. NOTE: York Rd. becomes gravel after 21 miles.
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Spring is the sweet spot. Daytime highs run 55–70°F, mornings and evenings drop into the 30s and 40s. Snowmelt keeps the creek high and the waterfalls running, which makes both the trails and the fishing better. Wildflowers peak before summer heat sets in. Crowds are lighter than July and August, though Memorial Day weekend is busy. Summer warms up but stays comfortable at this elevation. Fall brings clear skies and golden color. Winter access is possible for those prepared for snow.
Described as 'spring is the sweet spot' with wildflowers, high creek flow and good fishing.
Vigilante Campground provides basic amenities suitable for rustic camping experiences. Reviewers have highlighted the quiet, peaceful atmosphere and the proximity to trails and a creek as main draws. However, there are limited facilities on site. As stated, 'No electricity, maybe no radio. If they have running water it is probably running in a streambed.'
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