Clark's Bay Day Use Area Shelter
This is a day-use only facility with no overnight camping. Open 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, May 1 through October 1. The site will be temporarily closed June 24-30, 2026 for water system replacement.
Air Quality Alert issued August 10 at 7:30AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Broadwater, Deer Lodge, Flathead, Gallatin, Granite, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Mineral, Missoula, Park, Powell, Ravalli, Silver Bow, Sweet Grass, Sanders, Yellowstone counties in effect until 9AM on 08/11/2026 An Air Quality Alert means that particulates have been trending upwards and that an exceedance of the 24 hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) has occurred or may occur in the near future. Elevated particulate levels from wildfire smoke As of 7AM on 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Columbia Falls, Frenchtown, Libby and Missoula are Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Dillon, Great Falls, Helena and Thompson Falls are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 7AM on 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Butte, Cut Bank, Hamilton, Lewistown and Sleeping Giant are Moderate. When air quality is Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid prolonged exertion; everyone else should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Moderate... State and local health officials recommend that unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. For more information visit the Montana Department of Environmental Quality at http://todaysair.mtdeq.us
From Recreation.gov
The irrigation and potable water systems at Clark’s Bay are being replaced to improve water quality and reliability. Construction is scheduled for June 24–30, during which the site will be temporarily closed for public safety. Day‑use opportunities may be available at Devil’s Elbow, White Sandy, Holter Lake, or Log Gulch. For more information, call (406) 233‑1093.
About
Clark's Bay Day Use Area is situated on the picturesque Devil's Elbow and Clark's Bay of Hauser Lake, offering stunning views of the Big Belt and Elkhorn Mountains. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, this day-use facility provides a large manicured beach, volleyball court, and a reservable group shelter (ramada/pavilion) with picnic tables, power, and lights. The area includes a network of paved and dirt trails for walking and biking. This is strictly a day-use facility with no overnight camping permitted. Operating hours are 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM during the season (May 1 through October 1). Day-use fees are $5 per vehicle, with an annual pass available for $50. The group shelter can be reserved through Recreation.gov for $50 per day plus the vehicle fee. The greater Hauser Lake Recreation Area offers excellent access to fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and world-class mountain biking trails. Helena, Montana's capital city, is just a short drive away with full amenities.
Directions
From Helena: Drive to Custer Avenue, head east, turn left onto York Road, continue 15 miles to Clark's Bay Day Use Area. From I-90 (Bozeman direction): Exit 274 onto US 287 north for 57 miles, turn right onto Lake Helena Drive, continue 4 miles through the roundabout, turn right onto York Road for 5.7 miles.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $50 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 227-3570 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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