The best camping near Black Sandy State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Black Sandy State Park adventure.

Discover Black Sandy State Park's scenic shores and outdoor fun.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Black Sandy State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Black Sandy State Park

Black Sandy Campground

34 sites · RVs, Tents In Black Sandy State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Black Sandy State Park

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White Bridge Lane Private Campsite

2 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Boulder, MT

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.

Booked 2 times

Wickes Camper Spot

1 site · RV1 acre · Jefferson City, MT

Welcome to your perfect spot to park your camper or Tiny Home, where the great outdoors becomes your playground. This area is a haven for adventure enthusiasts, with plenty of SxS/Jeep trails waiting for you to explore and enjoy. Located in a charming rural area, you'll experience the warmth of small-town living with quiet and friendly neighbors surrounding you. Embrace the tranquility of this peaceful haven, where the hustle and bustle of the city is replaced by the serene beauty of nature. Your site comes fully equipped with water, power, and sewer connections, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay. Whether you're seeking the thrill of off-road adventures or simply looking to unwind surrounded by the beauty of the outdoors, this is your ideal destination. Park your camper or Tiny Home, immerse yourself in the small-town charm, and let the peaceful ambiance of the area become the backdrop for your outdoor escapades. Your perfect retreat awaits in this welcoming rural haven.

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The Trail Enthusiast's Basecamp!

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Helena, MT

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.

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Big-Enough Ranch

2 sites · Lodging40 acres · Boulder, MT

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.

Booked 1 time

Campsite at the Causeway

1 site · RV6 acres · Helena, MT

This 6 acre property is perfectly situated to accommodate lake fun, river boating and just 10 minutes to all the conveniences of Helena. The RV site has plenty of space to bring you boat for a perfect summer camp out with the family and tons of access to multiple bodies of water within minutes of the property, and the Causeway Chalet Bar n’ Grill is within walking distance. There is a tiny house on site which can also be rented, otherwise you will have the place to yourself.

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Date Street Cabin @ C Lazy M Meadow

1 site · Lodging7 acres · MT

A small cabin sleeps 4 with 2 queen beds and room to stake a tent or park a camper. Sits on 6 acres with a creek bed under large trees and overlooks a meadow. Includes an outhouse, potable water, grill, picnic table and a "smokeless" fire pit. Dishes, utensils, firewood and bedding included. Come stay in MT City; only 5 miles from all historic Helena has to offer! 4 restaurants/bars within walking distance(.5 mi.). 3 large lakes w/in 10 miles with beaches, boating and sight seeing opportunities; the Missouri river within 15 miles for fishing, boating, paddle boarding, hiking and biking. Come relax! Sleeps 4 in beds. Additional guests allowed with permission and fee (tents and/or or campers). While exploring Helena, we recommend the Walking Mall and the lower end of Last Chance Gulch for shopping and dining. You can also do a self guided tour of the Capitol building and then ride the tour train through Helena to get a quick history lesson. If you want to do something outside, we suggest Houser Lake at Lakeside with a bar and grill, a beach, fire pit, volley ball, etc. There is also guided boat rides at Gates of the Mountains on Holter Lake (about 20 miles towards Great Falls). If you are looking to go hiking, Mount Helena is a nice hike, but maybe a bit much for small kiddos, unless you have a backpack. If you'd like additional suggestions, please don't hesitate to reach out. Hope you enjoy your stay! Party (or Wedding) Tent available at additional charge for all rentals. If you are looking for a place for a small wedding, (50 guests) let us know. We can accommodate your needs with minimal decorations, a party tent and a place for the bridal party to dress. As well as the Date Street Cabin for the new couple’s honeymoon night! Let us know if you would like to stay with us, We would love to host you. (Additional charges apply for weddings based on needs and services provided).

Lost Moose Meadows Campground

2 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Lincoln, MT

Welcome to Lost Moose Meadows, where the spirit of Montana comes alive in a camping experience like no other. Since opening our doors in July of 2023, we've been dedicated to providing our guests with a personal, intimate, and truly immersive outdoor getaway. Our spacious RV sites are thoughtfully designed, with each one set nearly 100 feet apart from your neighbor, allowing for ample privacy and a direct connection with the natural beauty that surrounds you. Whether you're lounging outside your camper or gazing up at the starry Montana sky, you'll feel completely immersed in the tranquility of the great outdoors. Each of our full-hookup RV sites is equipped with everything you need for a worry-free stay, including reliable electric, water, and sewer connections, all situated on a level and well-cared-for grounds. Our commitment to cleanliness extends to our showers and restrooms, which are meticulously maintained and available for guests to use, ensuring that your entire visit is as easy and relaxing as possible. At Lost Moose Meadows, we believe that the best camping experiences are those that allow you to truly disconnect from the stresses of everyday life and reconnect with nature in its purest form. Join us for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Montana, where every moment is filled with the magic of the great outdoors.

Off Grid Cabin

1 site · Lodging4 acres · Elliston, MT

Off the grid cabin in the back woods. Close proximity to downtown Helena, and hundreds of miles of trails to include the continental divide trail. Take a ride to Basin, Clancy, Boulder or just relax by the fire. The cabin is powered by propane and includes a camp chef oven and stove, propane heat and propane refrigerator, TV, DVD, camp shower, out house, bedding, games, fire pit.

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Big Black Barn on the Lake

1 site · RV10 acres · Helena, MT

Welcome to beautiful Helena, Montana! We have over 10 acres on Lake Helena with direct access to the lake! You will see cranes, pelicans, bald eagles, all kinds of water fowl, otters, muskrats, jack rabbits, ground squirrels, deer and more! You will have access to fish, paddle board, kayak, whatever your heart desires! We are also 5 minutes from Lake Hauser so if you would like to boat or jetski, that is also just right around the corner! There is a horsetrail right across the street and you can head straight up into the mountains from there if you wish. Hiking in every direction, and the mighty Missouri river just minutes away for world class fishing and an amazing float in the summer! This is your stop for close access to all your wild life adventures!

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Relax Inn Montana

4 sites · Lodging, Tents2 acres · Helena, MT

Outdoor Living at its finest : )) 2 Acres of unique quiet spaces in a park like setting - (3 Open field Tent Sites up top ) (2 Secluded Tent Sites back by the Tubs) (1 Bldg w/2 individual rooms connected by a passthrough door Blue Room aka 2 Dog Den sleeps 2 or Red Room aka Bears Den sleeps 5 ) 10 miles outside of Helena, the Capital of Montana 5 miles from 3 lakes ( Canyon Ferry Lake - Lake Helena - Hauser Lake ) There is 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 (phone free zone) gazebo - a covered BBQ area with gas grill and gas firepit to gather round - a real fire pit area with picnic table (local wind and fire restrictions allowable) - purest of potable well water - currently available 3 Tent sites - 1 building with a pass through door for two rooms if you need more than one siesta space - Solars that light the path in the night - Perfect distance for those who love to fish, boat, hike, float or just toss rocks -just around the corner you can dig for sapphires - a few hours to Glacier National Park - 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 It is Rustic but not Crazy roughin' it - Great family space : ) This is my private sanctuary that I have the privilege of sharing with those who appreciate simple rustic outdoor living at its finest - I invite you, my friends and family to Relax Inn Helena to make your own amazing memories

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Monarch Ski and Bike Cabin

1 site · Lodging40 acres · Elkhorn, MT

The Monarch Cabin sits at an elevation of approximately 8,600 feet on the west side of Elkhorn Peak. It is surrounded by more than 300,000 acres of public land with 80,000 acres of that being designated as a roadless area. The nearest human inhabitance is in the Historic Town of Elkhorn situated a bit more than 3 miles to the south and a drop of about 2,000 feet of elevation. During the Summer, enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and trail running on maintained and unmaintained trails. Climb peaks with incredible views and fish in mountain lakes. Spring time provides opportunity to experience the splendor of the wild flower season. There are so many flowers that the whole area is alive with the aroma and multitude of colors. If you are lucky, you may see new born wildlife such as deer, elk, mountain goats, fox, moose and many others. Winter time lends to incredible back country skiing, split boarding, and snowshoeing. The sunsets are typically spectacular while enjoying the views and solitude. Book for a time of full moon and with a clear sky a moonlight ski or walk is amazing. From the West there is the Muskrat/Tizer Lakes trail which is a maintained, designated hiking/biking trail. To the south is an unmaintained, extremely rough forest service road leading to the cabin. To the east there is a trail to the top of Elkhorn Peak and to Crow Peak, the two highest peaks in the Elkhorn mountains. To the north there are trails leading to most anywhere in the Elkhorn Mountains. Tizer lakes are only about 3 miles away on an easy maintained trail. From there there are too many destinations to name. Hiking and biking is limited only by one's own ambition and skills. The Elkhorn endurance run is a well known event that has it's longer race route run right through the property. At the end of a hard day of adventure, relax in the wood fired sauna and enjoy the amazing sunsets. If you are lucky, you might even hear elk bugling in the valley below (September/October). Most people access the cabin by hiking, biking, snowshoes or ski's. If one choose to drive, a 4 WD truck would be a must and would still be difficult. Areas above the cabin are for non-motorized use only.

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Mountain Biker's Getaway

1 site · RV20 acres · Helena, MT

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

The best camping near Black Sandy State Park guide

Overview

About

Turn an afternoon into a month-long retreat at Black Sandy State Park, where legend has it salmon and trout jump right into your boat before you even have a chance to cast your line. Black Sandy offers a rare chance to camp right on the shores of the Hauser Reservoir, the perfect locale for fisher(wo)men, waterskiers, and sunbathers alike. 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.

Notable campgrounds

Lakeside Campsites: Wake up to the gentle lapping of waves with a stay at one of the park's coveted lakeside spots.
Electric Hookup Sites: Enjoy the convenience of electrical hookups available from May 1 to November 30 for your RV or camper.
First-Come, First-Served Tents: For the spontaneous traveler, snag one of the non-electric tent sites on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book in advance to secure your spot, as reservations can be made up to one day before arrival.
For same-day camping, call the park office at 406-458-3221 to check for any available sites.
Consider off-peak times for a better chance at snagging a prime campsite.
Explore nearby camping options if Black Sandy State Park is fully booked.

When to go

The best time to visit Black Sandy State Park is between May 1 and November 30 when all facilities, including electrical hookups, are available. The park is open year-round, but winter brings limited facilities and a serene, snowy landscape for those seeking a quieter visit.

Know before you go

Check for any special restrictions or closures before your visit, especially during extreme weather conditions.
Remember, there is no lifeguard on duty, so always exercise caution when enjoying water activities.
ADA accessible options are available, ensuring everyone can enjoy the park's natural beauty.
Pets are welcome but must be kept on leashes to protect wildlife and fellow visitors.
Montana residents can enjoy free daily entrance with the state parks fee included in their vehicle registration.