Hellgate Campground
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.
Winter Weather Advisory issued October 10 at 4:13PM 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...Until 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.
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
| dagallagher@usbr.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (406) 475-3921 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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