Discover the best campgrounds near Helena, Montana with horseback riding

Helena is all about the outdoors. Just minutes from the downtown coffee shops and craft breweries, the surrounding valley features hills and mountains rising in every direction. The mighty Missouri River corridor provides endless boating, fishing, and paddling in a number of reservoirs and the river itself, plus three local lakes. With hundreds of miles of hiking trails, mountain biking, and access to both the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest and BLM lands, it’s hard to not fall in love with the area, where campgrounds, RV parks, and regional parks are prolific. If Helena campgrounds are full, try the parks in Townsend to the south.

Where to go

Hauser Reservoir

Just 15 minutes from downtown, Hauser Reservoir has a long lakeshore with developed boat ramps, bathrooms, and campsites. This reservoir is the first in a string of three major impoundments, each with excellent fishing and boating opportunities—trout and walleye fishing are popular on the lakes and on the Missouri River below Hauser Dam. Canyon Ferry Reservoir and Holter Reservoir are the subsequent downstream reservoirs, and all three combine to create a major corridor of water recreation and camping. You can even find reservable, boat-access-only campgrounds.

Craig

Craig is the trout capital of Montana, home to the Missouri River’s fabled waters perfect for fly fishing. So many trout feed here due to the cold water spilling from Holter Dam and the huge insect populations that hatch on the water’s surface. Shoreline access points are common, and numerous boat ramps allow access for drift boats and rafts from the dam to the town of Cascade.

Gates of the Mountains

Just outside of Helena, take a boat ride at Gates of the Mountains to experience area scenery while learning about the trials of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Boat tours operate during summer, with several large vessels featuring both open-air seating and covered areas. Riders can see the river constrict between great canyon walls while keeping an eye out for mountain goats and other wildlife on the cliff faces.

Canyon Ferry Reservoir

When it comes to water sports, the Canyon Ferry Reservoir is the place to be. From the campgrounds along the shore, you can paddle, boat, fish, and swim. To the north, Black Sandy State Park offers expansive water and mountain views, while the BLM-run White Sandy area features 32 campsites.

Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest

For shaded mountain campsites and remote adventure, head for this national forest. Sleep next to a creek under towering sequoias at Tenmile, or hit the Continental Divide Trail from your tent camping site at Moose Creek.

When to go

Helena is a year-round destination with plenty of summer and winter activities, though campers will find the most conducive weather conditions in summer from June through October—perfect for mountain biking and paddle boarding. The city’s location near Glacier National Park, a destination busiest in summer, means campsites book up quickly for the summer months around Helena too. Fall and spring offer cool, quiet hikes, while winter visitors should consider an RV site with hookups or a cabin rental with heating due to cold, snowy weather. Get outside for cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and snowshoeing.