Helena is one of those Montana stops that feels remote and central at the same time. You can grab coffee in a historic gold-rush downtown, then be on purpose-built mountain bike trails or beside the Missouri River within minutes.
For RVers, the menu is broad: polished KOA convenience near the interstate, simple in-town parks close to groceries and museums, and scenic public campgrounds on Hauser and Canyon Ferry for lake days. Pick your comfort level, then let the capital city surprise you.
Helena North KOA Journey
At a Glance
- Location: 850 Lincoln Road West, Helena, MT 59602
- Website: https://koa.com/campgrounds/helena-north/
- Best Time to Visit: Late May through September for warm days, open amenities, and easier mountain driving.
- Cost: Typically around $55 to $75 per night for full-hookup RV sites, depending on site type and season.
- Reservations: Strongly recommended in summer and on weekends; book online or by phone.
Helena North KOA Journey is positioned just off I-15, so it works well for big rigs, late arrivals, and travelers who want an easy in-and-out stop. Sites are primarily pull-through and full hookup, with 30/50 amp power, water, sewer, and enough room to stay hitched if you are only passing through.
Expect the classic KOA convenience package: clean restrooms, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and a small camp store where you can grab basics, snacks, and a few RV odds and ends. The grounds feel organized and predictable, which matters after a long drive.
You are also close to downtown Helena for groceries, fuel, and quick sightseeing, so it doubles as a practical base camp. If you want predictable service, easy access, and a straightforward base, this park delivers consistently.
Helena Campground & RV Park
At a Glance
- Location: Near N Montana Ave, about 1 mile north of downtown Helena, Helena, MT 59602
- Website: https://www.helenacampgroundrvpark.com/
- Best Time to Visit: June through early October for the best mix of warm weather and access to local trails and historic downtown.
- Cost: Commonly in the $45 to $65 per-night range for RV sites with hookups.
- Reservations: Recommended in peak summer and event weekends; call or book via the park’s online contact options.
Helena Campground & RV Park puts you close to the action without forcing you to navigate tight downtown streets. Being about a mile north of central Helena and near I-15, it is convenient for a quick overnight, but it also works for multi-day stays when you want to explore the Capitol, museums, breweries, and trailheads nearby.
The park focuses on practical comforts: hookup sites for RVs, laundry access for longer trips, and indoor common space in the clubhouse when the weather turns or you need a break from the sun. Because it sits so close to town, you can stock up on groceries, handle errands, and get back to your campsite fast.
It is not trying to be a resort. It is a straightforward, well-located option that keeps your schedule flexible. For travelers who value location and simplicity over extras, it is a dependable home base.
Black Sandy State Park
At a Glance
- Location: 6325 York Road, Helena, MT 59602 (on the west shore of Hauser Lake, a few miles north of Helena).
- Website: https://fwp.mt.gov/black-sandy
- Best Time to Visit: Late May through September for open electric sites, full services, and prime lake weather.
- Cost: Generally around $18 to $34 per night depending on site type and residency; electric hookups cost more than basic sites.
- Reservations: Advance reservations are strongly advised in summer; some sites may be reservable via Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.
Black Sandy State Park is the Helena-area stay that feels most like a true lake getaway while still keeping town within easy reach. Set on the west shore of Hauser Lake, it is a strong pick for boaters, anglers, and anyone who wants to spend mornings on the water and afternoons under pine shade.
RVers can find electric hookup sites in season, plus picnic tables and fire rings that keep the camping vibe classic and low-key. Day use areas, shoreline access, and nearby docks make it easy to launch a simple lake day without a long drive.
You also get quick access to public lands around the lake, so short hikes and scenic walks fit naturally into the schedule.
If you prefer a natural setting over an in-town RV lot, this is the kind of place that resets your pace. Bring a good headlamp, arrive with supplies, and plan for quiet nights with stars over the reservoir.
Grey Sandy Campground
At a Glance
- Location: Grey Sandy Campground, Helena, MT 59602 (north of Helena near Hauser Lake; exact directions provided on booking).
- Website: https://www.greysandy.com
- Best Time to Visit: Mid May through early fall, aligning with the campground’s seasonal operating window.
- Cost: Nightly RV rates typically fall in a competitive mid-range bracket for full and partial hookups.
- Reservations: Recommended, especially for lake season weekends; contact directly by phone or through the website.
Grey Sandy Campground is a smaller, semi-rural option that keeps you close to Hauser Lake while avoiding the busy feel of larger commercial parks. With a limited number of RV sites, it tends to feel calm, which is a plus if you like quieter mornings and less traffic around your rig.
Sites typically include a mix of full and partial hookups, with both pull-through and back-in choices that can fit different tow setups. On-site showers, laundry, and Wi-Fi cover the essentials, and the added extras like cabins, a larger vacation house, and boat storage make it easier for groups to stay together.
The location gives you that just-outside-town feeling, but you are still close enough to Helena for groceries, fuel, and a quick restaurant night. If you want a modest campground that prioritizes ease and a relaxed pace, Grey Sandy fits well. It is a good match for families chasing lake time who still want a clean, modest amenity package.
The Park, RV Lots (Helena Communities)
At a Glance
- Location: Multiple communities in Helena, East Helena, and Boulder, MT (RV spaces within The Park manufactured home and RV communities).
- Website: https://thepark.company
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through fall for the most comfortable long-term stays and easier road conditions.
- Cost: Typically priced as longer-term RV lot rentals rather than nightly stays, with monthly rates varying by community.
- Reservations: Contact the management office to confirm availability and lease terms; spots may require an application for longer stays.
The Park is a different kind of RV option around Helena because it is built around longer-term living rather than short-stay camping. Instead of a traditional campground layout, you are looking at community-style properties that combine RV spaces with manufactured home sites, rentals, and storage, depending on the location.
That structure can be a real advantage if you are relocating for work, staying for a seasonal project, or simply wanting a steadier setup than nightly turnover. The feel is more neighborhood than campground, which many travelers appreciate when they need consistency, quiet, and routine.
Because these lots are geared toward longer stays, you should expect policies that look more like lease terms than nightly rules, including application steps and availability limits. If you want to base yourself in the Helena area for a month or more, this is a practical alternative to typical campgrounds.
If your plan is weeks, not nights, this approach can make Helena feel like home fast again.
Riverside Campground, Canyon Ferry Lake
At a Glance
- Location: Below Canyon Ferry Dam, about 30 miles east of Helena, MT (Canyon Ferry Lake, near Helena National Forest).
- Website: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/250002
- Best Time to Visit: June through early September when lake levels, services, and temperatures are most favorable.
- Cost: Typically in the budget range per night, with standard federal campground pricing for RV and tent sites.
- Reservations: Reserve ahead on Recreation.gov, especially for summer weekends and holidays.
Riverside Campground is for RVers who want water access and wide-open views more than resort-style conveniences. Located below Canyon Ferry Dam on the north end of the reservoir, it puts you close to fishing, boating, and long evenings watching the light change over the lake.
The layout is classic public-land camping: defined sites, simple amenities, and a quieter pace that encourages you to spend the day outside instead of around the campground. Expect basics like toilets and a straightforward setup rather than full-service extras, so arriving prepared makes the stay smoother.
The payoff is the setting. You get space, sky, and a true lake atmosphere that feels separate from town, even though Helena is still within reasonable driving distance. If your ideal trip includes early mornings on the water and simple camp dinners, this campground belongs on your list.
Because it is popular on summer weekends, lock in dates early and arrive with a full water tank. Helena is close for quick resupplies.
Pro Tips for Your Helena Stay
Helena is easy to enjoy, but a little planning improves the whole trip. Think ahead on reservations and treat the area like active wildlife country.
- Reservation Reality: Helena is a major corridor for Glacier and Yellowstone travelers. Book three to six months in advance for summer stays.
- Bear Awareness: Even in established RV parks, you are in bear country. Keep bear-aware habits for food storage, especially near Hauser and Canyon Ferry.
- The Million Dollar View: Take a sunset drive up to Mount Helena Park for a panoramic view of the valley.
Conclusion
Helena offers the right mix of rugged Montana outdoors and capital city convenience. Whether you want a simple overnight near the interstate, a lakeside site for fishing, or a longer-term base for work and trails, you can set up camp and be doing something worthwhile within minutes.