Park Lake Campground
Closed for the season. Typically opens mid-May and operates through October. Campers should bring their own water as no potable water is available on site.
Flash Flood Watch issued September 19 at 3:09AM MDT until September 20 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
* WHAT...Flash flooding and debris flows caused by excessive rainfall are possible over the Horse Gulch area and burn scars from the summer of 2026. * WHERE...A portion of central Montana, including the following areas, Big Belt, Bridger and Castle Mountains, Elkhorn and Boulder Mountains and Little Belt and Highwood Mountains. * WHEN...Through this evening. * IMPACTS...Heavy rainfall over the Horse Gulch area and burn scars from the summer of 2026 is expected up to and during the period of the watch. Residents near the Horse Gulch area and burn scars from the summer of 2026 should prepare for potential debris flow. Be sure to stay up to date with information from local authorities. Heavy rainfall could trigger flash flooding of low-lying areas, urbanized street flooding, and debris flows in and near recent wildfire burn scars. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - National Weather Service Meteorologists are forecasting heavy rainfall over recent burn scars, which may lead to flash flooding and debris flows. - Some locations that may experience flash flooding include... Areas near recent burn scars from the summer 2026 and the Horse Gulch area. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Northern Region Camping & Target Restrictions, Pallet Prohibition
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within the states of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Idaho
Weed Free Forage & Mulch Products Order for the Northern Region
It is illegal to possess, store or transport straw, hay, grain, seed or other forage or mulch products on Forest Service lands without documentation that the product is certified as “weed free” by a state certification process that meets or exceeds the North American Weed Free Forage standards.
About
Park Lake Campground is nestled in the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, approximately 20 miles southwest of Helena, Montana. The campground provides direct access to the placid waters of Park Lake, a beautiful mountain lake known for its cutthroat and grayling trout fishing. The site features vault toilets but no potable water, so campers must bring their own water supply. Non-motorized boats can be hand-launched from the shore, making it ideal for kayaks, canoes, and float tubes. The surrounding forest offers a quiet retreat from urban life while remaining reasonably accessible from Helena. The campground operates seasonally from mid-May through October, weather permitting. Campsites are $15 per night for a single site, with a $5 fee for an additional vehicle (maximum two vehicles per site). Interagency Senior and Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount on single campsite fees.
Directions
From Helena, travel south on Interstate 15 for 8 miles. Exit at the Clancy exit and travel west 8 miles on the County Road, then 6 miles west on Forest Road 4009 to Park Lake Campground.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $15 - $20 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 449-5201 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
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