- Helena National Forest
The best camping in Helena National Forest, MT
100% (3)
Snag sold-out campsites.
Get notified the instant a national park campsite becomes available, for free.
See the best spots in one place.
Explore 500K+ public lands, RV resorts, and private sites you won't find anywhere else.
Book with confidence.
Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.Top-rated campgrounds near Helena National Forest
》°☆Montana Family Camp☆°《
》°☆Montana Family Camp☆°《
93%
(14)
9mi from Helena National Forest · 9 sites · Tents, RVs
PLEASE BE AWARE! There are no toilets onsite and no water available from October 1st to May 1st. We are open through the winter, but you'll need to be fully containted, and not need water or toilets.
Fantastic Hauser Lake, causeway, and National forest basecamp or for a quick overnight stay when you're passing through.
Sprawling 20 acres set in the center of 4 lakes in the Helena Valley.
1 1/2 miles from Lakeside, a haven for boaters, swimmers, and not much further to Helena National Forest, and York. Lakeside offers a gas station, convenience store, and wonderful bar/restaurant. Several boat launches and walking paths are also in the area.
9 miles from Helena.
Experience a beautiful Prairie setting with awesome sunsets, chickens, roosters, horses, guinea fowl, and stunning views of Hauser Lake and several mountain ranges.
Talk to Granny Julie about our horses, chickens, guinea fowl, and other fun stuff to view at the farm! Animals do make noise, and we do have roosters. Guinea Fowl are watchdogs and alert to danger, so they can be noisy from time to time. The horse likes to let us know she wants treats. :) We are a family farm, so children do visit Granny; please drive accordingly.
Please note! We are adding picnic tables to the sites to better serve you.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$20
/ night
Relax Inn Montana
Relax Inn Montana
98%
(32)
12mi from Helena National Forest · 8 sites · Tents, Lodging
Half way between Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park - Perfect place to stop and rest between adventures : )
Outdoor Living at its finest : ))
2 Acres of unique quiet spaces in a park like setting -
Tent Site 1 - has 2 Secluded improved Spaces
Tent Site 2 - Open field unimproved 3 or 4 tent spaces
Bld 1 is pet friendly and has 2 cabins with a pass through door for larger groups -
Cabin 1 - sleeps 2
Cabin 2 - sleeps 5
Bld 2 is pet free and has 2 cabins with a pass through door for larger groups
Cabin 3 - sleeps 4
Cabin 4 - sleeps 2
10 miles outside of Helena, the Capital of Montana
5 miles from 3 lakes ( Canyon Ferry Lake - Lake Helena - Hauser Lake )
Surrounded by prime hunting areas - 45 min to skiing
A set of cast iron tubs that are always nice to take a soak after a hot days hike - a yin yang patio with gas firepit for a relaxing evening of sharing - a quiet (phone free) gazebo great for reflection - a covered BBQ pavilion with gas grill and gas firepit to gather round - a real fire pit area with picnic table (local wind and fire restrictions apply accordingly) - purest of potable well water on spigot in fire ring area - Solars that light the paths in the night - Pets are welcome just need to pick up after them ! A Greenhouse full of games camping chairs and tents if needed - An oversized porta potty between the cabins making it easier for families with kids
5 miles from 3 lakes for those who love to fish, boat, hike, float or just toss rocks - also around the corner you can dig for sapphires - 4 hours to Glacier National Park - 4 hours to Yellowstone National Park - Crystal Park or maybe a boat ride at The Gates of the Mountains - A tour train of downtown Helena - Too much to list around here -
I am new at this so bear with me as I navigate this process and continue to improve spaces for your enjoyment - as always your feedback is appreciate for future improvements - and a guest book is in each cabin and the Gazebo for your comments : )
It is Rustic but not Crazy roughin' it - Great family space : )
This is my private sanctuary that I have the honor of sharing with those who appreciate simple rustic outdoor living at its finest - I invite you, my friends and family to Relax Inn Helena and make your own amazing memories
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$50
/ night
Farm Land Escape
Farm Land Escape
100%
(10)
12mi from Helena National Forest · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Please contact me through here 1-2 days prior to your arrival so I can get your area ready. As there may be one other camper from time to time as well. I want you to have the privacy and the experience as if it was only you and you’re family staying.
This 53 acres use to be owned by a guy named John Helberg which is who the road is named after. It’s the original homestead land dated over 100 years ago where they farmed for there dairy cows and other livestock.
This is right off a dead end road. You will have a view of a Montana farm field with the Rocky Mountains in the background. Dark nights out of the town means the stars will be out and about! This is a quiet secluded area there is a house near by, he is an older gentlemen you won’t even know he’s there.
Depending on time of year there will be a field full of crop or the farm getting farmed. There very well could be some horses near by to pet!! Located 10 minutes from the lakes. 5 minutes from a reservoir. 10 minutes from town. 15 min to closest hiking areas. Helena really is the heart of fun very centralized for all directions of fun! Very easy pull in and pull out area. Please not there may be other campers enjoying as well
Black Sandy State Park and Helena National Park
are both under 15 miles away. Enjoy hiking and
If you’re the boating type, head down the Missouri river in search of a rumored rope swing or jump off the boat for a dip in the crystal waters of Hauser Lake. Looking to avoid all the crowds or enjoy a solitary weekend under the endless Montana sky? Just head to Black Sandy during the winter months! You’ll find the same great stunning views and an ice skating experience that will put your grandparents’ childhood tales to shame.
I do have power 50 amp, fresh water, grey water hook up, no black water. This option may not be available all of the time.
Nearby is a brown shop this is area is rented out and off limits to camp stayers. The patio area on shop is not for the hipcampers
thank you
Pets
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
from
$80
/ night
The Trail Enthusiast's Basecamp!
The Trail Enthusiast's Basecamp!
98%
(132)
16mi from Helena National Forest · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
This five-acre oasis was once a landscape nursery. So given the close proximity to downtown we are a hidden sanctuary from the outside world, secluded by cottonwood trees and mature foliage. The site now serves as a wedding venue and offers views of Mount Helena to the South and the Sleeping Giant to the North.
Learn more about this land:
Pitch a tent in our aspen grove or park your camper/RV in the grassland field.
You're close to downtown
with lots of privacy/scenery. You'll have views of regal Mount Helena to the South and The Sleeping Giant to the North.
The South Hill trail complex is a great place to explore as well as the Scratchgravels. The Missouri River is only 20 minutes away as well as Lake Hauser and Canyon Ferry.
If new to the area and interested in history, we recommend the Tour Train. We also have several great breweries - our favorites include Ten Mile and Blackfoot Breweries (a perfect stop you can ride to after a trail ride/hike in the South Hills).
This site is perfect for those wanting to explore Downtown Helena, it's renowned trail systems, but still sleep under the stars.
Pets are allowed. Please make sure you pick up after them. There is water throughout the property that you are welcome to use for cleaning, but it is not potable.
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
from
$45
/ night
Mountain Biker's Getaway
Mountain Biker's Getaway
100%
(19)
20mi from Helena National Forest · 1 site · RV
We have a 20 acre parcel where we live that is right next to the trail system and also 5 minutes from downtown Helena. We love hosting our friends who come to mountain bike and enjoy Helena and are happy to host you! We have a small trail cut into the property that is available for your use and a forest for you to play in
Pets
from
$26
/ night
The Homestead
The Homestead
100%
(18)
23mi from Helena National Forest · 2 sites · Lodging
The Homestead is located in Clancy, Montana on a 600 acre portion of a private ranch. This is a camping experience...think upscale tent camping for the adventurous soul! The tents are nestled in the foothills of the Elkhorn Mountain Range and sit right above the Strawberry Creek trail. You will be surrounded by stunning views of Sheep Mountain to the west, Casey Peak to the east, and the Helena Valley and Gates of the Mountains Wilderness to the north. Mountain bike, hike, trail run, explore and/or relax! Just a short 20 minute drive to Helena, MT for more trails, dining or other activities.
*** This mountain destination takes you one mile on a dirt, two track road though a field to reach the tents so AWD is highly recommended.
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
from
$115
/ night
A Canyon Stay with Mini A-frame
A Canyon Stay with Mini A-frame
100%
(20)
24mi from Helena National Forest · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Experience an unforgettable getaway at our canyon retreat. Our property is located on 190+ acres, and is surrounded by mountain, canyon and river views. Find a secluded campsite or stay at our mini A-frame, with Blue-Ribbon trout fishing right nearby. Guests will find a private and peaceful setting to relax and connect.
LOCATION DETAILS
☀ 2 min from I-15 exit on a private road
☀ 10 min to nearest grocery and gas station in Cascade, MT
☀ 5 min to nearest bar & grill, Missouri River Inn
☀ 3 min to nearest boat ramp/fishing access for the Missouri River
☀ 30 min to Holter Lake
☀ 12 min to fly fishing stores, restaurants and bar & grills in Craig, MT
☀ 18 min to fly fishing stores, restaurants and bar & grills, gas station in Wolf Creek, MT
☀ 45 min to downtown Helena, MT
☀ 3.5 hours to Yellowstone National Park
☀ 2.5 hours to Glacier National Park
☀ 30 min to Great Falls International Airport
☀ 50 min to Helena Regional Airport
☀ 2 hours to Bozeman International Airport
☀ 2.5 hours to Missoula International Airport
Important notes:
- Please bring your own water
- 4WD recommended for closest access to our sites.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$23
/ night
The DET Place Hideaway
The DET Place Hideaway
100%
(11)
37mi from Helena National Forest · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Unplug under the endless Montana sky at “The DET Place” — a private 12-acre retreat tucked away just a mile outside Townsend.
Set up camp in wide open space with epic views of Mount Baldy, a cozy campfire, and frequent visits from whitetail deer, pheasants, and the occasional sandhill cranes.
Perfect for tent campers and stargazers, the site is close to Canyon Ferry Lake, the Missouri River, and town conveniences - but feels like a world away.
Watch the sunrise with the resident horses, visit with the barn cats, or just sit back and take in the silence.
Whether you're paddling, fishing, hiking, or glamping out under the stars, The DET Place offers a Montana experience you'll never forget.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$25
/ night
Big-Enough Ranch
Big-Enough Ranch
97%
(70)
37mi from Helena National Forest · 2 sites · Lodging
Horse ranch on 40 acres located just outside of Boulder, MT. Exceptional views and peace and quiet at this retreat cabin. 20 acres to the East has and old hunting cabin alongside a creek. Also an old mining test pit from the late 1800’s mining boom, as well as a hand built irrigation ditch that runs through the property.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$20
/ night
White Bridge Lane Private Campsite
White Bridge Lane Private Campsite
99%
(70)
45mi from Helena National Forest · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Dawson Family Ranch is a family-run business with a focus on sustainable land and agriculture practices. The ranch is located along a mile of the Boulder River between the Elkhorn and Bull Mountain Ranges. The river offers fishing for rainbow and brown trout. Public land access is within a short drive (2-7 miles depending on direction) and offers different recreational opportunities including hiking, hunting, and motorized recreation. Boulder Hot Springs is less than 4 miles away.
Pets
Campfires
from
$45
/ night
Hardda Farm Site
Hardda Farm Site
100%
(10)
49mi from Helena National Forest · 1 site · Tent, RV
Hardda Farm is our family homestead and flower farm. We raise animals, vegetables and flowers using regenerative agriculture practices. You may meet our family dairy cow, our milk & wool sheep, and a variety of poultry and waterfowl. We are very near the Sun River and less than an hour’s drive to the Missouri River or the Rocky Mountain front. We enjoy fly-fishing, climbing, and hiking and are happy to recommend some great spots.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$30
/ night
Ray’s Trout Pond
Ray’s Trout Pond
1.2mi from Helena National Forest · 1 site · Tent, RV
This grass covered wooded retreat is on Beaver Creek in the almost ghost town of Nelson,Mt. “The Cribbage Capital of the World “. 2 swimming/fishing large fire pit and plenty of lawn games. Nestled in the little Belt mountains you are close to miles of hiking and biking trails and some of Montana's Famous trout fishing. Property is bordering NFS on 3 sides so head out directly from camp.
Pets
Campfires
from
$16
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
D
Darci
October 2025
27 ft travel trailer
With pets
Jamie's land was perfect for our last camping trip of the season. The spot is beautiful and so peaceful. It is close enough to downtown to be convenient, yet feels like you are out in the country. Jamie was super helpful and attentive. We will definitely be back next time we are in Helena.
See more
J
Jeff
October 2025
16 ft car
Great spot, exactly as described. Private, quiet, beautiful. Instructions were incredibly specific and helpful. Will absolutely book again if I'm headed back in this direction.
See more
M
Michael
September 2025
19 ft campervan
Exactly as advertised. This is a great stop if heading north to the GNP area. We loved it.
See moreB
Brett
September 2025
23 ft travel trailer
With pets
Beautiful property, excellent hosts, fantastic area to explore around. We visited with two kids (9 and 12) and two dogs. Will be back next season!
See more
R
Robert
September 2025
40 ft travel trailer
With pets
Lovely quiet spot. We had our dog so we took several walks - on the Host's land and along the quiet gravel road. Easy to find a flat spot to park. We had a great chat with the Host, who was quite helpful.
See more
C
Chelsea
September 2025
Weekend Trip to A Canyon Stay with Mini A-frame
Absolutely beautiful property. Thoughtful accommodations(games, solar powered flashlight/radio, books, hiking poles). Truly a wonderful experience. We didn’t encounter any bears but we did get to see a few deer. I recommend getting there during the light hours so you can find your way. Easy to follow instruction. Hosts are responsive and welcoming. Propane fire pit was a nice bonus. Our indoor heater was out of propane but we were comfortable. Bathroom and shower are down a little ways from the a-frame but not a bad walk. Definitely set up for a camper ready for a little glamp :)
See moreV
Victoria
September 2025
Tent
The land looked very nice, but I was only there for a few hours to sleep before leaving again. Seemed great, but didn’t get to spend a lot of time there
See more
J
Jason
September 2025
1 night at The DET Place Hideaway
McKenzie was great. She was very quick to reply to questions and super accommodating. Our check in time changed a couple of times d/t unforeseen delays getting to Montana - but she was really easy to work with and understanding.
The 5th wheel was great. Lots of space and well kept. Bedrooms were a nice surprise (bigger than appeared in the pics). Shower was hot and plenty large enough for me (6 ft and 245lbs) to clean up. Water and heat were included and welcome.
The view of the mountains out of the camper door were a pleasant way to wake up and her property was secluded enough and well kept. Easy instructions and only about an hour north of Bozeman.
Would def stay with her again if we made it back up this way.
See more
L
Laurie
September 2025
Tent
With pets
What a peaceful beautiful place... I stayed 2 days! Great for star gazing too. Jeni was a wonderful host, kind and helpful - even had a little gift bag upon arrival. Quick drive to Helena... great coffee and breakfast sandwiches at Country Coffee - a little coffee shack near by. There's no shade, but a clean porta-potty and picnic tables. Would absolutely stay again!
See more
Kyler
September 2025
Tent
Group trip
Very friendly, the daughter of Julie came out and greeted us when we got there. Would definitely stay there again. Some bugs but to be expected out in fields and close to farm land, etc
See moreH
Heidi
September 2025
1 night at A Canyon Stay with Mini A-frame
Secluded canyon stay near beautiful Cascade, MT. The scenery was amazing and we really enjoyed our stay at the mini A-frame.
See more
Tim
September 2025
16 ft car
Very simple camp site with clean amenities and quiet surroundings
See moreTim
September 2025
16 ft car
Great little site to sleep and regroup along the way.
See more
K
Kevin
September 2025
With pets
The tent was amazing! It was the perfect mix of wilderness and comfort. I had my 4 yr old daughter and we had a blast. Endless rocks and boulders to climb on and plenty of privacy. We heard an elk bugling on the second the morning as well, creating quite the experience.
We also took a quick drive to the Hardware Cafe just a few miles down the road for some comfort food.
We will definitely be staying again next year!
See moreM
Megan
September 2025
Tent
With kids
Elicia and her family were wonderful and very welcoming! My two young sons (2 & 4) and I were passing through while on an extended road trip just after my husband deployed. I felt very safe, and my boys loved interacting with the farm animals! I hope we have another opportunity to pass through, so we can stay again!
See more
K
Kim
September 2025
Tent
With pets
These folks were so kind, and finding the space was easy with their published directions. The space is well maintained, and wonderfully peaceful, especially once the traffic on the highway dies down. They even had firewood set out. Awesome.
See moreN
Nathan
September 2025
Tent
Was awesome!!! So peaceful and pretty. Very nice people that own the property as well! Definitely would go back!
See more
W
William
September 2025
26 ft travel trailer
Appreciated the power hookup.
Was close to the road to the lake and there was a fair amount of traffic heading that way. Down by the lake was a dump station ($5). Also only 15 minutes to Helena. There is no water and the RV spot is not level but workable. besides a tiny rental home you get it to yourself. Oh but there is a trail cam on the tree by the RV spot so no peeing on his trees. Thanks Eric
See more
R
Rachel
September 2025
Weekend Trip to The Homestead
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Jamie’s Elkhorn tent. She has curated the space beautifully and thought of every little detail. The property is beautiful and close to Helena. We got the mountain camping experience without having to drive far. Thank you for you hospitality!
See more
A
Aaron
September 2025
15 ft campervan
With pets
Awesome spot!! Super private. Excellent river access. Great views.
See moreThe best camping in Helena National Forest, MT guide
Overview
About
The Helena National Forest straddles the continental divide and offers adventurers a whirlwind of majestic scenery and recreation. Nicknamed the “million acre backyard” you’re gonna love exploring the hiking, biking and off roading trails in Gates of the Mountains and the Helena River Valley, which boasts jaw dropping views of the Big Belt Mountains. Anglers will need to be yanked out of the crystal clear Missouri River—the trout are just begging to be caught. Campgrounds are close by and backcountry lovers will find plenty of chances to explore the trails and see incredible wildlife. Don’t pass up a chance to hop the Continental Divide trail or visit Helena National Forest. You’re gonna feel like you’re on top of the world!
100%
3 ratings · 1 review
August 2015
We camped there the first weekend it was open. It was awesome. Road up there is not great but had a wonderful time.
Hiedi V.
10 years on Hipcamp