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.
Winter Weather Advisory issued October 10 at 10:56AM MDT until October 12 at 6:00AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of between 2 to 5 inches across lower elevations, with 5 to 8 inches in the mountains. Locally higher amounts possible. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph. * WHERE...Portions of central and southwest Montana. * WHEN...From 6 PM this evening to 6 AM MDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be difficult. Gusty winds combined with the wet and heavy nature of the snow could bring down tree branches. Isolated power outages are possible. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snowfall amounts will vary drastically from grassy surfaces to roadways, most notably at lower elevations, with accumulations on non-grassy surfaces being confined mainly to between the evening through late morning hours.
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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