Are you looking for the best place to go camping with friends or family members? The Black Sandy State Park, located in Helena, Montana, is the place to be.
This park, lying on 43 acres with an elevation of 3,835 feet on the shores of Hauser Reservoir, offers a wide variety of outdoor activities.
Black Sandy State Park is a popular weekend spot for camping, water skiing, boating, and fishing. But there are several other activities to explore, including mountain biking, bicycling, and picnicking.
The defunct Montana Power Company ran this park until 1980 when the Montana Department of Fish assumed ownership. Black Sandy became a state recreational area in 1982.
Black Sandy State Park Stats
- Size: 43 acres
- Season: year-round
- Largest lake: Hauser Lake
- Number of campsites: 35, 29 with electricity and six without electricity
Main Attractions
Black Sandy State Park is more of a boating and camping site. The main attractions are definitely the lake and the campgrounds.
Hauser Lake
Created by Hauser Dam, Hauser Lake is about 3,200-acre large. It’s an excellent attraction site for those who want to see a variety of fish species, including walleye, perch, brown trout, and rainbow.
Hauser Lake is quite popular for weekend fishing, boating, and water-skiing activities.
Campground
Black Sandy’s campground offers tent and RV camping. The designated campground sits on the shores of Hauser Lake and provides direct access to boating and fishing.
The campsites accommodate average-sized trailers, RVs, boats, rigs, and motor homes. Any vehicle that doesn’t fit in the campground must be parked outside. Campfires are permitted on designated grills and iron fire rings.
The park’s campground is relatively small. Expect camping spots to be close to each other. You might need to stock up before camping since stores aren’t close by.
Recreation Activities
There’s so much you can do at the Black Sandy State Park. The park allows four-legged family members, so your furry friend shouldn’t be left out on this exciting adventure.
Camping
Black Sandy State Park has 35 campsites, six without electricity and 29 with electrical hookups. You can place your reservation a day before your camping date after paying a $10 reservation fee.
Electrical hookups at the park are only available from 1st May to 30th November each year. Campsites are pet-friendly, so feel free to tag your furry friend along for a fun-filled stay at the park.
The remaining six without electricity don’t allow reservations but instead work on a first-come, first-service offer.
Campsite fees per night range from $4 to $34, depending on the camping season and available amenities. Note that the park enforces quiet hours from 10:00p.m-7:00a.m.
Hiking
The park offers the Black Sandy trail for campers to enjoy the park’s scenic beauty from a good height. This hiking trail accommodates hikers of any level, newbies, intermediary, and experts since it has easy, moderate, and challenging routes.
Wear your hiking boots to go up gently on the mountain tops for a breathtaking park view.
Boating
Remember, this park lies on the shores of Lake Hauser. That’s enough to tell you how many boating activities visitors, and campers can explore every time they’re in the park.
The Black Sandy State Park has several boat slips for rent offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Other boating opportunities include two docks and a boat ramp.
Fishing Adventures in the Park
Fishing lovers camping at the Black Sandy State Park can also create everlasting memories at Hauser Lake. This lake is home to different fish species, including Walleye, Perch, and brown trout.
Vacationing here during the winter season provides an amazing fishing opportunity. You can go ice fishing during this season, an adventure you wouldn’t want to miss.
Swimming
Campers and daily visitors to the park can swim at Hauser Lake. However, the park doesn’t have lifeguards on duty. Swimmers are therefore encouraged to be cautious and take charge of their safety while swimming.
You can only swim in the designated areas of the lake.
Water Skiing
Water activities don’t end with swimming, boating, and fishing adventures in the lake. You can also participate in water skiing activities.
Picnicking
Black Sandy State Park has a beautiful designated area for picnics where visitors and campers can eat and relax while having a wonderful time. The park’s picnic area is located at a waterfront, giving you a full view of Hauser Lake.
Trail Routes
Want a perfect trail for your hiking adventure at the Black Sandy State Park? Why not explore the Missouri River Walk?
Missouri River Walk
Missouri River Walk, open year-round, is a 2.41Km trail route that will take you about 38minutes to complete. This trail suits vacationers seeking to walk and connect with nature.
It’s an easy route, perfect for hiking adventures. The trail has no incline, making it ideal for hikers of all ages. Dogs are allowed on Missouri River Walk only if they’re on a leash.