Devil's Elbow Campground

Overview

Devil's Elbow Recreation Area is situated on the picturesque "Devil's Elbow" of Hauser Lake. Just a short drive from Helena, the area offers stunning views of the Big Belt and Elkhorn mountains. The area is overflowing with outdoor adventure opportunities. Whether you're into fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, hiking, mountain biking, boating or all of the above; all of these things are immediately accessed from (the greater) Hauser Lake Recreation Area. There is surely an activity for everyone! While just a short drive from Helena, the state capital; the feeling of seclusion and abundant nature is sure to impress.

Recreation

Devil's Elbow offers excellent recreational access. Devil's Elbow has a small beach area, picnic areas, as well as a ramada/pavilion with power and lights, available by advanced reservation. There are vault toilets located in convenient locations throughout the area. There is a network of non-motorized dirt, gravel and paved trails throughout Devil's Elbow, Two Camps Vista and Clark's Bay that allow you to walk or bike around the area without contending with vehicles. There are multiple trails within the larger Hauser Lake Recreation area, as well as multiple fishing access sites, hunting access, wildlife viewing and of course, boating. There are several world class mountain biking trails in the area as well. The recreation opportunities in the area are truly boundless.

Facilities

Devil's Elbow offers several amenities that will make your stay enjoyable and comfortable. Devil's Elbow is a 48-site campground that has spacious and level gravel parking pads that accommodate RVs, camper trailers and tents. Of the 48 sites, there are five sites that are specifically designated for tents. All sites are reservation only.


Devil's Elbow features a large concrete boat launch with a courtesy dock, as well as day use and overnight dock slips for campers. The docks are first-come, first-served with no assigned slips. A fish cleaning station is available near the day-use parking at Devil's Elbow. There are men's and women's vault toilets located in each loop of the campground as well as near the boat launch. There is potable water provided throughout the campground and day use areas, as well as garbage dumpsters. Every campsite contains a fire ring with a grill grate in addition to a picnic table. There are also picnic tables and small pavilions throughout the areas and benches along the lake to take in the views. There is a small marina, general store with gas and a bar/restaurant just a half mile away.

Natural Features

The campground and day use areas are situated in a shrub-steppe landscape, mostly comprised of sage brush and bunch grasses. Every campsite has a view of the lake and mountains. While there are some ponderosa pine and deciduous trees throughout the area, they are scarce and do not provide a large amount of shade, but the lake does help keep the temperatures down a bit on those hot summer days.

Nearby Attractions

Devil's Elbow is located in a prime location to get out and recreate outdoors, or within the capital of Montana. There are hundreds of miles of trails, Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service lands, state parks, the Lewis and Clark Trail and so much more.


Helena (only a short drive away) has all the amenities of a large city with small town charm. There are great restaurants, museums, the capitol building, old mining settlements, Last Chance Gulch, Reeder's Alley and a vibrant downtown with a walking mall area.

Charges & Cancellations

Reservation Cancellations & Changes

• Cancelling a Reservation: Customers may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. Depending on when you cancel in relation to your arrival day, it may be considered a late cancellation (see below).

• Group Facility (including Cabins and Lookouts): Customers who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee.

Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window

• Individual Campsites: A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee.

The recreation.gov cancellation policy can be found here: https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies

Photos

BLM Devil's Elbow Campground. View of the campground. Hauser Lake is on the eastern shoreline.
BLM Devil's Elbow Campground. View of the campground. Hauser Lake is on the eastern shoreline.
BLM
Overlooking Loop C at Devil's Elbow Campground. Elkhorn Mountains and Hauser Lake in the background.
Overlooking Loop C at Devil's Elbow Campground. Elkhorn Mountains and Hauser Lake in the background.
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BLM walking path sign adjacent to Hauser Lake near the boat ramp.
BLM walking path sign adjacent to Hauser Lake near the boat ramp.
BLM
View from Hauser Lake towards the boat docks at Devil's Elbow Recreation Site.
View from Hauser Lake towards the boat docks at Devil's Elbow Recreation Site.
BLM
Aerial view of Devil's Elbow Campground
Aerial view of Devil's Elbow Campground
BLM
Entrance at Devil's Elbow Campground. Fee kiosk in the background.
Entrance at Devil's Elbow Campground. Fee kiosk in the background.
BLM
Aerial view of Devil's Elbow Campground
Aerial view of Devil's Elbow Campground
BLM
Pet exercise/Dog off leash area with signs and a receptacle for pet waste.
Pet exercise/Dog off leash area with signs and a receptacle for pet waste.
BLM
Walking path within Devil's Elbow Recreation site that links to Clark's Bay Day-Use Area
Walking path within Devil's Elbow Recreation site that links to Clark's Bay Day-Use Area
BLM
BLM Devil's Elbow Recreation Sign
BLM Devil's Elbow Recreation Sign
BLM
A-Loop entrance at Devil's Elbow Campground.
A-Loop entrance at Devil's Elbow Campground.
BLM
Walking path overlooking Devil's Elbow Campground
Walking path overlooking Devil's Elbow Campground
BLM
Overlooking Loop C at Devil's Elbow Campground. Elkhorn Mountains and Hauser Lake in the background.
Overlooking Loop C at Devil's Elbow Campground. Elkhorn Mountains and Hauser Lake in the background.
BLM
BLM Devil's Elbow Campground. View of the campground. Hauser Lake is on the eastern shoreline.
BLM Devil's Elbow Campground. View of the campground. Hauser Lake is on the eastern shoreline.
BLM
Overlooking Loop C at Devil's Elbow Campground. Elkhorn Mountains and Hauser Lake in the background.
Overlooking Loop C at Devil's Elbow Campground. Elkhorn Mountains and Hauser Lake in the background.
BLM-ML
BLM walking path sign adjacent to Hauser Lake near the boat ramp.
BLM walking path sign adjacent to Hauser Lake near the boat ramp.
BLM
View from Hauser Lake towards the boat docks at Devil's Elbow Recreation Site.
View from Hauser Lake towards the boat docks at Devil's Elbow Recreation Site.
BLM
Aerial view of Devil's Elbow Campground
Aerial view of Devil's Elbow Campground
BLM
Entrance at Devil's Elbow Campground. Fee kiosk in the background.
Entrance at Devil's Elbow Campground. Fee kiosk in the background.
BLM
Aerial view of Devil's Elbow Campground
Aerial view of Devil's Elbow Campground
BLM
Pet exercise/Dog off leash area with signs and a receptacle for pet waste.
Pet exercise/Dog off leash area with signs and a receptacle for pet waste.
BLM
Walking path within Devil's Elbow Recreation site that links to Clark's Bay Day-Use Area
Walking path within Devil's Elbow Recreation site that links to Clark's Bay Day-Use Area
BLM
BLM Devil's Elbow Recreation Sign
BLM Devil's Elbow Recreation Sign
BLM
A-Loop entrance at Devil's Elbow Campground.
A-Loop entrance at Devil's Elbow Campground.
BLM
Walking path overlooking Devil's Elbow Campground
Walking path overlooking Devil's Elbow Campground
BLM
Overlooking Loop C at Devil's Elbow Campground. Elkhorn Mountains and Hauser Lake in the background.
Overlooking Loop C at Devil's Elbow Campground. Elkhorn Mountains and Hauser Lake in the background.
BLM
BLM Devil's Elbow Campground. View of the campground. Hauser Lake is on the eastern shoreline.
BLM Devil's Elbow Campground. View of the campground. Hauser Lake is on the eastern shoreline.
BLM
Overlooking Loop C at Devil's Elbow Campground. Elkhorn Mountains and Hauser Lake in the background.
Overlooking Loop C at Devil's Elbow Campground. Elkhorn Mountains and Hauser Lake in the background.
BLM-ML
BLM walking path sign adjacent to Hauser Lake near the boat ramp.
BLM walking path sign adjacent to Hauser Lake near the boat ramp.
BLM
View from Hauser Lake towards the boat docks at Devil's Elbow Recreation Site.
View from Hauser Lake towards the boat docks at Devil's Elbow Recreation Site.
BLM
Aerial view of Devil's Elbow Campground
Aerial view of Devil's Elbow Campground
BLM
Entrance at Devil's Elbow Campground. Fee kiosk in the background.
Entrance at Devil's Elbow Campground. Fee kiosk in the background.
BLM
Aerial view of Devil's Elbow Campground
Aerial view of Devil's Elbow Campground
BLM
Pet exercise/Dog off leash area with signs and a receptacle for pet waste.
Pet exercise/Dog off leash area with signs and a receptacle for pet waste.
BLM
Walking path within Devil's Elbow Recreation site that links to Clark's Bay Day-Use Area
Walking path within Devil's Elbow Recreation site that links to Clark's Bay Day-Use Area
BLM
BLM Devil's Elbow Recreation Sign
BLM Devil's Elbow Recreation Sign
BLM
A-Loop entrance at Devil's Elbow Campground.
A-Loop entrance at Devil's Elbow Campground.
BLM
Walking path overlooking Devil's Elbow Campground
Walking path overlooking Devil's Elbow Campground
BLM
Overlooking Loop C at Devil's Elbow Campground. Elkhorn Mountains and Hauser Lake in the background.
Overlooking Loop C at Devil's Elbow Campground. Elkhorn Mountains and Hauser Lake in the background.
BLM
BLM Devil's Elbow Campground. View of the campground. Hauser Lake is on the eastern shoreline.
BLM Devil's Elbow Campground. View of the campground. Hauser Lake is on the eastern shoreline.
BLM
Overlooking Loop C at Devil's Elbow Campground. Elkhorn Mountains and Hauser Lake in the background.
Overlooking Loop C at Devil's Elbow Campground. Elkhorn Mountains and Hauser Lake in the background.
BLM-ML
BLM walking path sign adjacent to Hauser Lake near the boat ramp.
BLM walking path sign adjacent to Hauser Lake near the boat ramp.
BLM
View from Hauser Lake towards the boat docks at Devil's Elbow Recreation Site.
View from Hauser Lake towards the boat docks at Devil's Elbow Recreation Site.
BLM
Aerial view of Devil's Elbow Campground
Aerial view of Devil's Elbow Campground
BLM
Entrance at Devil's Elbow Campground. Fee kiosk in the background.
Entrance at Devil's Elbow Campground. Fee kiosk in the background.
BLM
Aerial view of Devil's Elbow Campground
Aerial view of Devil's Elbow Campground
BLM
Pet exercise/Dog off leash area with signs and a receptacle for pet waste.
Pet exercise/Dog off leash area with signs and a receptacle for pet waste.
BLM
Walking path within Devil's Elbow Recreation site that links to Clark's Bay Day-Use Area
Walking path within Devil's Elbow Recreation site that links to Clark's Bay Day-Use Area
BLM
BLM Devil's Elbow Recreation Sign
BLM Devil's Elbow Recreation Sign
BLM
A-Loop entrance at Devil's Elbow Campground.
A-Loop entrance at Devil's Elbow Campground.
BLM
Walking path overlooking Devil's Elbow Campground
Walking path overlooking Devil's Elbow Campground
BLM
Overlooking Loop C at Devil's Elbow Campground. Elkhorn Mountains and Hauser Lake in the background.
Overlooking Loop C at Devil's Elbow Campground. Elkhorn Mountains and Hauser Lake in the background.
BLM
BLM Devil's Elbow Campground. View of the campground. Hauser Lake is on the eastern shoreline.
BLM Devil's Elbow Campground. View of the campground. Hauser Lake is on the eastern shoreline.
BLM
Overlooking Loop C at Devil's Elbow Campground. Elkhorn Mountains and Hauser Lake in the background.
Overlooking Loop C at Devil's Elbow Campground. Elkhorn Mountains and Hauser Lake in the background.
BLM-ML
BLM walking path sign adjacent to Hauser Lake near the boat ramp.
BLM walking path sign adjacent to Hauser Lake near the boat ramp.
BLM
View from Hauser Lake towards the boat docks at Devil's Elbow Recreation Site.
View from Hauser Lake towards the boat docks at Devil's Elbow Recreation Site.
BLM
Aerial view of Devil's Elbow Campground
Aerial view of Devil's Elbow Campground
BLM
Entrance at Devil's Elbow Campground. Fee kiosk in the background.
Entrance at Devil's Elbow Campground. Fee kiosk in the background.
BLM
Aerial view of Devil's Elbow Campground
Aerial view of Devil's Elbow Campground
BLM
Pet exercise/Dog off leash area with signs and a receptacle for pet waste.
Pet exercise/Dog off leash area with signs and a receptacle for pet waste.
BLM
Walking path within Devil's Elbow Recreation site that links to Clark's Bay Day-Use Area
Walking path within Devil's Elbow Recreation site that links to Clark's Bay Day-Use Area
BLM
BLM Devil's Elbow Recreation Sign
BLM Devil's Elbow Recreation Sign
BLM
A-Loop entrance at Devil's Elbow Campground.
A-Loop entrance at Devil's Elbow Campground.
BLM
Walking path overlooking Devil's Elbow Campground
Walking path overlooking Devil's Elbow Campground
BLM
Overlooking Loop C at Devil's Elbow Campground. Elkhorn Mountains and Hauser Lake in the background.
Overlooking Loop C at Devil's Elbow Campground. Elkhorn Mountains and Hauser Lake in the background.
BLM
BLM Devil's Elbow Campground. View of the campground. Hauser Lake is on the eastern shoreline.
BLM Devil's Elbow Campground. View of the campground. Hauser Lake is on the eastern shoreline.
BLM
Overlooking Loop C at Devil's Elbow Campground. Elkhorn Mountains and Hauser Lake in the background.
Overlooking Loop C at Devil's Elbow Campground. Elkhorn Mountains and Hauser Lake in the background.
BLM-ML
BLM walking path sign adjacent to Hauser Lake near the boat ramp.
BLM walking path sign adjacent to Hauser Lake near the boat ramp.
BLM
View from Hauser Lake towards the boat docks at Devil's Elbow Recreation Site.
View from Hauser Lake towards the boat docks at Devil's Elbow Recreation Site.
BLM
Aerial view of Devil's Elbow Campground
Aerial view of Devil's Elbow Campground
BLM
Entrance at Devil's Elbow Campground. Fee kiosk in the background.
Entrance at Devil's Elbow Campground. Fee kiosk in the background.
BLM
Aerial view of Devil's Elbow Campground
Aerial view of Devil's Elbow Campground
BLM
Pet exercise/Dog off leash area with signs and a receptacle for pet waste.
Pet exercise/Dog off leash area with signs and a receptacle for pet waste.
BLM
Walking path within Devil's Elbow Recreation site that links to Clark's Bay Day-Use Area
Walking path within Devil's Elbow Recreation site that links to Clark's Bay Day-Use Area
BLM
BLM Devil's Elbow Recreation Sign
BLM Devil's Elbow Recreation Sign
BLM
A-Loop entrance at Devil's Elbow Campground.
A-Loop entrance at Devil's Elbow Campground.
BLM
Walking path overlooking Devil's Elbow Campground
Walking path overlooking Devil's Elbow Campground
BLM
Overlooking Loop C at Devil's Elbow Campground. Elkhorn Mountains and Hauser Lake in the background.
Overlooking Loop C at Devil's Elbow Campground. Elkhorn Mountains and Hauser Lake in the background.
BLM
BLM Devil's Elbow Campground. View of the campground. Hauser Lake is on the eastern shoreline.
BLM Devil's Elbow Campground. View of the campground. Hauser Lake is on the eastern shoreline.
BLM
Overlooking Loop C at Devil's Elbow Campground. Elkhorn Mountains and Hauser Lake in the background.
Overlooking Loop C at Devil's Elbow Campground. Elkhorn Mountains and Hauser Lake in the background.
BLM-ML
BLM walking path sign adjacent to Hauser Lake near the boat ramp.
BLM walking path sign adjacent to Hauser Lake near the boat ramp.
BLM
View from Hauser Lake towards the boat docks at Devil's Elbow Recreation Site.
View from Hauser Lake towards the boat docks at Devil's Elbow Recreation Site.
BLM
Aerial view of Devil's Elbow Campground
Aerial view of Devil's Elbow Campground
BLM
Entrance at Devil's Elbow Campground. Fee kiosk in the background.
Entrance at Devil's Elbow Campground. Fee kiosk in the background.
BLM
Aerial view of Devil's Elbow Campground
Aerial view of Devil's Elbow Campground
BLM
Pet exercise/Dog off leash area with signs and a receptacle for pet waste.
Pet exercise/Dog off leash area with signs and a receptacle for pet waste.
BLM
Walking path within Devil's Elbow Recreation site that links to Clark's Bay Day-Use Area
Walking path within Devil's Elbow Recreation site that links to Clark's Bay Day-Use Area
BLM
BLM Devil's Elbow Recreation Sign
BLM Devil's Elbow Recreation Sign
BLM
A-Loop entrance at Devil's Elbow Campground.
A-Loop entrance at Devil's Elbow Campground.
BLM
Walking path overlooking Devil's Elbow Campground
Walking path overlooking Devil's Elbow Campground
BLM
Overlooking Loop C at Devil's Elbow Campground. Elkhorn Mountains and Hauser Lake in the background.
Overlooking Loop C at Devil's Elbow Campground. Elkhorn Mountains and Hauser Lake in the background.
BLM
BLM Devil's Elbow Campground. View of the campground. Hauser Lake is on the eastern shoreline.
BLM Devil's Elbow Campground. View of the campground. Hauser Lake is on the eastern shoreline.
BLM
Overlooking Loop C at Devil's Elbow Campground. Elkhorn Mountains and Hauser Lake in the background.
Overlooking Loop C at Devil's Elbow Campground. Elkhorn Mountains and Hauser Lake in the background.
BLM-ML
BLM walking path sign adjacent to Hauser Lake near the boat ramp.
BLM walking path sign adjacent to Hauser Lake near the boat ramp.
BLM
View from Hauser Lake towards the boat docks at Devil's Elbow Recreation Site.
View from Hauser Lake towards the boat docks at Devil's Elbow Recreation Site.
BLM
Aerial view of Devil's Elbow Campground
Aerial view of Devil's Elbow Campground
BLM
Entrance at Devil's Elbow Campground. Fee kiosk in the background.
Entrance at Devil's Elbow Campground. Fee kiosk in the background.
BLM
Aerial view of Devil's Elbow Campground
Aerial view of Devil's Elbow Campground
BLM
Pet exercise/Dog off leash area with signs and a receptacle for pet waste.
Pet exercise/Dog off leash area with signs and a receptacle for pet waste.
BLM
Walking path within Devil's Elbow Recreation site that links to Clark's Bay Day-Use Area
Walking path within Devil's Elbow Recreation site that links to Clark's Bay Day-Use Area
BLM
BLM Devil's Elbow Recreation Sign
BLM Devil's Elbow Recreation Sign
BLM
A-Loop entrance at Devil's Elbow Campground.
A-Loop entrance at Devil's Elbow Campground.
BLM
Walking path overlooking Devil's Elbow Campground
Walking path overlooking Devil's Elbow Campground
BLM
Overlooking Loop C at Devil's Elbow Campground. Elkhorn Mountains and Hauser Lake in the background.
Overlooking Loop C at Devil's Elbow Campground. Elkhorn Mountains and Hauser Lake in the background.
BLM

Adventure is at Your Fingertips

Activities

Iconograph of a person swimming
SWIMMING SITE
Iconograph of binoculars
WILDLIFE VIEWING
Iconograph of a waves of water
WATER SPORTS
A letter V
VISITOR CENTER
Iconograph of a snowflake
WINTER SPORTS
Iconograph of a picnic table
PICNICKING
Iconograph of a person looking through a scope on a rifle
HUNTING
Iconograph of two people wearing backpacks and using walking sticks
HIKING
Iconograph of a fish head and a fishing hook on a line
FISHING
Iconography of a capital V
INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS
Iconograph of a tent
CAMPING
Iconograph of a spoked wheel and an arrowhead
HISTORIC & CULTURAL SITE
Iconograph of a person wearing a backpack climbing a rock wall
CLIMBING
Iconograph of a motorboat
BOATING
Iconograph of a bicyclist
BIKING

Addresses

5965 York Road
Helena
Montana
59602

Geographic Coordinates

46.7015917, -111.8094944

Directions

Devil's Elbow Campground is located at 5965 York Road, Helena, Montana 59601. From Interstate 90 driving from Bozeman, exit at Exit: 274 US 287 Helena/Ennis; right turn to continue north on 287 and continue for 57 miles. Turn right onto Lake Helena Drive, then turn right in 450 feet to stay on Lake Helena Drive. Continue for 4 miles through the roundabout. Turn right onto York Road and drive 6.2 miles to Devil's Elbow Recreation Area. From Helena/Butte/Great Falls: Drive to (or exit from I-15 onto) Custer Avenue, head east on Custer Ave. Take left turn onto York Road. Continue on for 16 miles to Devil's Elbow Recreation Area; or take the Lincoln RD exit on I-15, Head East on Lincoln Road until it intersects with Lake Helena Dr (T-Intersection). Take a right (South) on Lake Helena Dr (this route contains portions of dirt and gravel roads) and continue until the road turns back into pavement, take a left (East) on Deal Lane and follow the road until it terminates at York Road. Take a left (North) on York Road and continue for about 2 miles to Devil's Elbow.

Fees

Additional Camping Units: $25 per day/night
Loop C: $50 per reservation for the Ramada/Pavilion plus $25 per night for each site. Max of 2 RVs or tents per site. Each RV/tent costs $25.

*** You must occupy your campsite every night that you have reserved. If you do not show up for 24 hours from "Check-In Time" (2:00 PM), you forfeit the use of that site and are not entitled to any refunds or discounts. ***

*** You must occupy the site you reserved and cannot change sites, or move to a different loop of the campground.***