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Hellgate Entrance

Hellgate Campground

Open

Open for camping. Some campsites are temporarily closed due to a shoreline protection project that began March 25, 2026. Peak season fees apply from the first weekend of May through the second weekend of September. Reservations available via Recreation.gov. Maximum 14-day stay.

Air Quality Alert issued August 10 at 7:30AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT

August 10th, 7:30 AM — 9:00 AM

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

About

Hellgate Campground is located 30 miles east of Helena, Montana along Montana Highway 284. As the largest campground on Canyon Ferry Reservoir, it occupies an open valley setting between the Big Belt and Elkhorn mountain ranges, with a narrow riparian canopy along the shoreline providing partial shade. The campground features 69 standard nonelectric campsites, each equipped with a gravel camping pad, picnic table, and fire ring. Three group use shelters are available for larger parties: Lewis and Clark Shelter (15 campsites), York Shelter (10 campsites), and Hellgate Bay Shelter (5 campsites). Vault toilets, drinking water, and a boat ramp are provided. Canyon Ferry Reservoir offers extensive water recreation including fishing, swimming, boating, kayaking, jet skiing, water skiing, and windsurfing. The area has historical significance as Lewis and Clark explored and mapped the Missouri River here in July 1805. Helena is 25 miles away and Townsend is 21 miles distant.

Directions

From Helena, MT: Head east along County Road 430/Canyon Ferry Road for 38 miles to the Hellgate Campground sign and turn right. From Townsend, MT: Head north on Highway 284 for 21 miles and turn left at the Hellgate Campground sign.

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store
Price $20 - $170

Vehicle

Max RV Length 20ft
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly Yes
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Email dagallagher@usbr.gov
Phone +1 (406) 475-3921

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile Yes

Availability

Photos

Hellgate Entrance
Canyon Ferry Reservoir at sunset.

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