Vigilante Campground

Star4.79
78 reviews
Vigilante Campground, Trout Creek Road, Helena, MT

Quick Facts

4,400 ft

Price

$5 - $15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Open Memorial Day we...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest site

Official Website
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Vigilante Campground
$5.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$15 per night for a single unit and $5 per night for extra vehicles.
Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
208-765-7287
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What Campers Say

4.79

Top-Rated

Based on 78 reviews

71 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanspaciouslocation

"User feedback for Vigilante Campground is overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing its tranquil atmosphere, spacious sites, and proximity to excellent hiking trails and a creek."

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Campground Map

Vigilante Campground, Trout Creek Road, Helena, MT

Vigilante Campground

Vigilante Campground, Trout Creek Road, Helena, MT

Driving directionsFollow Highway 280 east of Helena about 16 miles to the small community of York. Proceed northeast along Trout Creek Road another 8 miles to the end of the road and the campground.
Road becomes gravel after 21 miles and turns fairly washboardy after the pavement ends, according to user reviews. Some reviewers noted challenges for RVs over 20 feet due to road conditions.
Nearby places
Helena (24 miles), York (8 miles from the campground)
Nearby supplies
York Bar, known for burgers, is located approximately 8 miles from the campground. Helena offers additional supplies and services 24 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Vigilante Campground

Experience the Big Belt Mountains through nature's changing moods. Spring arrives with crisp mornings and wildflower promises, while summer brings warm days perfect for creek exploration and starlit evenings around the campfire. Fall paints the landscape in golden hues under crystal-clear skies, and winter transforms this mountain retreat into a snow-draped wonderland where only the heartiest adventurers venture forth.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open and busy in summer; warm days, great trail and creek access though sites fill quickly.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Campground closes after Labor Day; fall access is limited and quieter only on fringe dates.

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

Late-spring (Memorial Day onward) brings crisp mornings and wildflowers; reviewers praise spring blooms.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed outside Memorial Day–Labor Day; winter season not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
  • Current Alerts: Campground status is currently temporarily closed.

About Vigilante Campground

Discover your own mountain sanctuary at this hidden 7-acre gem, where the gravel road ends and your adventure begins. Tucked away in the heart of the Big Belt Mountains, this intimate campground offers sites thoughtfully scattered beneath towering Douglas firs and fragrant junipers. Some lucky campers will find themselves perched above the gentle babble of Trout Creek, while others nestle into sun-dappled meadows where wildflowers dance in the mountain breeze.
The campground primarily supports tent and small RV camping. No cabins, group sites, or glamping options are available.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Open 24 hours/day.
Check-out
  • Not specified
  • follow general camping guidelines.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 16 days.

Amenities available

Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Vigilante Campground offers a range of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Trails like the Hanging Valley and Trout Creek Canyon Trails are popular among campers.
HikingTwo primary trails are accessible from the campground: Hanging Valley Trail #247-248 (12 miles, foot traffic only) and Trout Creek Canyon Trail #270 (3 miles, wheelchair accessible for the first 0.75 miles). 'Fantastic hiking right off the campground. Trout Creek Canyon is a must!'
FishingBrook trout fishing is available in the nearby Trout Creek. 'Wonderful fishing... stunning views of the creek running through the area.'
BikingTrout Creek to Bear Trap Gulch provides a 'rad loop ride,' and other trails are suitable for family biking.
Wildlife viewingCampers have reported sightings of mountain sheep and other local wildlife. 'Bring your camera because you will see some mountain sheep if you keep your eyes up.'
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear country; campers must practice safe food storage techniques. Gravel road access may be challenging for larger vehicles.
Active AlertsCampground status is currently temporarily closed.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Vigilante Campground

Reviews

4.8
78 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Vigilante Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User feedback for Vigilante Campground is overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing its tranquil atmosphere, spacious sites, and proximity to excellent hiking trails and a creek.
Review Summaries
Based on 78 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the quiet location at the end of a road, spacious and level campsites, proximity to scenic trails, and the relaxing creek. 'Extremely quiet due to its location at the end of the...
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Based on 78 reviews

Common Concerns

No water or trash service on-site, and the road leading to the campground becomes rough after the pavement ends. 'No garbage service, so plan on packing your garbage out with you,' 'The road to get...
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Based on 78 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water and pack out all trash. Be prepared for a rough road and consider visiting during off-peak seasons to secure a spot.
Based on 78 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Very busy during summer months, with sites filling up quickly. Visitors recommend visiting during fringe seasons for a quieter experience.
Based on 78 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The nights when the sky would clear, it looked as if you could see every star in existence! Absolutely beautiful.' 2. 'Favorite camping spot around Helena. Stream to cool your feet, rocks for the...
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Based on 78 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Best sites are those overlooking Trout Creek, according to reviews. Specific site numbers are not mentioned.
Based on 78 reviews

Accessibility Features

Limited mention of accessibility; however, the Trout Creek Canyon Trail is noted for being wheelchair-friendly for 0.75 miles.
Based on 78 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, and users mentioned their dogs enjoying the campground. 'Our dogs love it, too!'
Based on 78 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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