Overview

Hellgate Campground is located 30 miles east of Helena, Montana, along Montana Highway 284.  In July of 1805 the Lewis and Clark Expedition traveled through the Canyon Ferry area exploring and mapping the Missouri River. When Lewis visited the area he described it as a beautiful and extensive plain country of about 10 to 12 miles wide which extended upwards further than an eye could see. In the 1850s the gold rush hit the Canyon Ferry area attracting miners from all over the United States in the hopes of striking it rich. 

Facilities

Hellgate Campground consists of 69 campsites and 3 Group Use shelters with overnight Camping. Each standard campsite consists of a gravel camping pad, picnic table, and a fire ring. Campsites are limited to one camping unit is permitted per site unless marked as a double campsite. (double campsites are clearly marked on the site posts). Hellgate Boat Ramp and Day Use Area provides two boat ramps, parking area for boat trailers and several day use picnic sites.
There are three Group Use Shelter Areas: 

Lewis and Clark Group Use Shelter Includes 15 campsites. Each campsites has a fire ring and picnic table. The shelter is 30’ X 60’ with 12 picnic tables, 3 grills, and 2 group use fire rings. 3 vault toilets are easily accessible. 

York Group Use Shelter Includes 10 campsites. Each campsites has a fire ring and picnic table. The Shelter is 30’ X 60’ and contains 12 picnic tables, and 1 large communal fire ring. 1 vault toilet is easily accessible. (Formerly called Shelter B) 

Hellgate Bay Group Use Shelter Includes 5 campsites. Each with a fire ring and picnic table. The shelter is 30’ X 36’ and contains 7 picnic tables and 2 grills. and 1 large communal fire ring near the shelter.  

Natural Features

Hellgate Campground and Group Use Shelter Area sits along the banks of Canyon Ferry Reservoir in an open valley between the Big Belt and Elkhorns mountain ranges. Along the bank of the reservoir there is a narrow riparian canopy that provides partial shade.
 

Recreation

Nearby Attractions

Contact Info

Important Notices

• No show reservations are subject to cancellation after the third night.

• Campsites must be occupied each night.
• All campsites are to be considered single unit sites unless marked as a double site. Single campsites are limited to one camping / sleeping unit per campsite. An exception will be made for parents with young children; Parents may have one additional tent for children under the age of 18.
• RVs, vehicles and trailers must be parked on the gravel/pavement and within designated areas of the campsite or established parking area provided.
• Shelters allowing overnight camping will be limited to the number of campsites allowed at each shelter and restricted to designated campsites at each shelter location.
• No electrical source for camp trailers or RVs is available at shelters.
• Campsites are available for each of the following shelters: Lewis & Clark Shelter 'A' - 15 campsites $170.00 / night. York Shelter 'B' - 10 campsites $130.00 / night. Hellgate Bay 'C' - 5 campsites $90.00 / night.

• Pets must be physically constrained by a leash under 6' in length. Do not leave pets unattended. It is your responsibility to clean up after your own pet.

• Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Be considerate of other campers. Activities and noise should be kept to a level that does not disturb other campers. Generators are not allowed during quiet hours. The use of loud, profane, or abusive language or music is prohibited.

•  Personal property used to reserve campsites, including RVs and tents will be removed in accordance with 43 CFR Part 423.23.

• Check in time is 5pm. Check out is 4pm.

• While at Canyon Ferry Reservoir: 

  CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY boats and any other recreational equipment that comes in contact with water. Never dump unwanted bait, worms, fish parts or other organisms into the water. For more information visit https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/ 

  STOP THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES. REMOVE plants, seeds, animals and mud from boots, gear, pets, and vehicle. CLEAN your gear before entering and leaving the recreation site. STAY on designated roads and trails and use local firewood. For more information visit https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/

Available Activities

• SWIMMING SITE - Swimming
• WILDLIFE VIEWING - Wildlife Viewing
• WATER SPORTS - Tubing
• FISHING - Fishing
• CAMPING - Camping
• BOATING - Canoeing

Directions

<b>From Helena, MT:</b> Head east along Co Rd 430/Canyon Ferry Rd from Helena, MT, continue for 38 miles to the Hellgate Campground and Group Use Shelter Area sign and turn right. Continue straight until you reach the campground. <br /> <br /> <b> From Townsend, MT: </b>Head north on Hwy 284 for 21 miles and turn left at the Hellgate Campground and Group Use Shelter Areasign. Continue straight until you reach the campground. <br /> <br />

Contact Information

Phone: 406-475-3921

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip