Only small watercrafts (small fishing boats, kayaks, jet skis) are allowed to launch at Clark's Bay due to the shallow access.

Clark's Bay Day Use Area Shelter

Open

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.

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

Only small watercrafts (small fishing boats, kayaks, jet skis) are allowed to launch at Clark's Bay due to the shallow access.
Access into Clark's Bay Day Use Area
Clark's Bay Day Use Site
BLM Clark's Bay Day Use Site
Entrance into Clark's Bay
Fee station at Clark's Bay
Group ramada available through the reservation system.
Beach volleyball court by swimming area
First-come, first-serve shade structures at beach
Beach and paved access by Clark's Bay Day Use Area.
Beach and paved access by Clark's Bay Day Use Area.

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