Black Sandy State Park

Star4.09
66 reviews
930 Custer Avenue, Helena, Montana, 59601, United States
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

3,799 ft

Price

$18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Montana State Parks site

Official Website
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Black Sandy State Park
$18.00 - $18.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Overnight tent camping fee is $18 per night. RV camping may have additional charges such as $5 for the use of the dump station, and boat slips for $7...
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Standard Site Fee$18.00
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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What Campers Say

4.09

Satisfactory

Based on 66 reviews

278 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanlakefriendly

"User reviews of Black Sandy State Park generally highlight its beautiful lakeside setting, variety of activities, and clean facilities. However, complaints about small, crowded campsites and limited amenities such as no showers are common."

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Campground Map

930 Custer Avenue, Helena, Montana, 59601, United States

Black Sandy State Park

930 Custer Avenue, Helena, Montana, 59601, United States

Driving directionsBlack Sandy State Park is located 7 miles north of Helena on I-15, then 4 miles east on Secondary 453, then 3 miles north on a county road.
The road in is over 3 miles of gravel/dirt and reportedly rough but doable according to user reviews.
Nearby places
Helena - approximately 10 miles northeast.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are available in Helena, including groceries, fuel, and camping essentials.

Best Time to Camp at Black Sandy State Park

The park transforms dramatically with each passing season, creating distinct chapters in its annual story. Winter arrives with a crystalline beauty, bringing frigid temperatures and the possibility of snow that blankets the landscape in pristine white. As seasons turn, summer emerges as the park's golden time, with temperatures climbing into the pleasant 80s—perfect weather for diving into lake adventures, whether you're swimming off the black sandy shores or exploring the water by boat.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season: water activities, boating and busy atmosphere commonly cited by reviewers.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Fall offers pleasant hiking and scenery; reviews note good fall experiences.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring supports hiking and milder weather; fewer reviews but seasonal notes exist.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round; winter is quiet with ice fishing but frigid temperatures reported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Summer season appears popular based on user reviews.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Year-round camping availability noted, with reviews spanning all seasons.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts mentioned.

About Black Sandy State Park

Nestled along the pristine shores of Hauser Lake, Black Sandy State Park stands as one of the rare public gateways to this aquatic paradise. Here, the rhythm of water meets land in perfect harmony, where boating enthusiasts carve white wakes across crystal waters and anglers cast lines into promising depths. Hiking trails wind through the landscape, offering glimpses of local wildlife, while waterskiers dance across the lake's surface. Though campsites nestle close together in communal spirit, most reward visitors with coveted lakeside views that transform ordinary camping into waterfront retreats.
Black Sandy State Park accommodates a variety of camping options, including spaces for RVs and tents. Group camping is not explicitly mentioned, and the campground primarily caters to RV camping with some provisions for tent sites.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
1:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum of 8 people per site unless at a designated double site.

Amenities available

Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors can enjoy numerous activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, and swimming at Black Sandy State Park. The park also provides opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
HikingHiking trails are available and offer moderate difficulty. One user review noted, 'A nice hiking trail is just across the road from the campground. It takes you up to some spectacular views of the lake and mountains.'
FishingFishing is a popular activity, with opportunities to catch walleye and trout. One reviewer stated, 'The fishing here is amazing,' though another noted varied success: 'Fishing is always good. Catching not so much.'
SwimmingSwimming is permitted in designated areas, and a rope swimming area is specifically noted by one reviewer: 'We had a spot literally right on the water in front of the ropes swimming area, and my girls had a blast swimming and enjoying themselves.'
BikingBicycling is listed as an activity within the park, though no detailed reviews specifically address the quality of biking trails.
BoatingBoating is a key activity, with excellent access to Hauser Lake. A boat ramp and docks are available. One reviewer shared, 'The boat ramp and dock are excellent. One of the best in the Helena area.'
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlighted activity, with one user mentioning, 'Wonderful views across the lake,' which likely includes opportunities for observing local fauna.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHornets reportedly present during warmer months. Limited cell coverage noted by reviews.
Active AlertsNo active alerts mentioned.

Weather at Black Sandy State Park

Reviews

4.1
66 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Black Sandy State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Black Sandy State Park generally highlight its beautiful lakeside setting, variety of activities, and clean facilities. However, complaints about small, crowded campsites and limited amenities such as no showers are common.
Review Summaries
Based on 66 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include 'beautiful tent camp spots,' 'nice RV pads,' 'friendly camp host,' 'clean bathrooms,' and 'breathtaking views.' The park's proximity to the lake and its recreational...
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Based on 66 reviews

Common Concerns

Key complaints include the small size of campsites, lack of privacy, rough gravel road leading to the campground, and absence of showers. One user noted, 'Small RV park, very tight sites,' while...
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Based on 66 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend booking weeks or months in advance due to high demand. Bringing a kayak or other watercraft is also suggested to fully enjoy Hauser Lake. Campers are advised to prepare for limited...
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Based on 66 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews often highlight the park's water activities and bustling atmosphere. Winter reviews focus on the quiet and opportunities for ice fishing. Fall and spring reviews note pleasant hiking...
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Based on 66 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Beautiful tent camp spots, nice RV pads, boat slips for $6 night, trees on a black sandy shoreline.' - 'Campground is very nice, most sites are lakeside. Washroom was clean.' - 'The vault bathroom...
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Based on 66 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 1 and Site 5 are specifically mentioned as beautiful spots. One reviewer said, 'Spot one is very beautiful. The site 5 is also pretty. I recommend it for a night or two.'
Based on 66 reviews

Accessibility Features

The park is noted for its wheelchair accessibility in most areas. One reviewer stated, 'Wheelchair accessible to most areas, and very friendly park officials.'
Based on 66 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The park is described as pet-friendly. One user noted, 'Dog and kid friendly,' but pets must be leashed, which is a common rule across state parks.
Based on 66 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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