Hellgate Campground And Group Use Shelter Area

Overview

Hellgate Campground and Group Use Shelter Area is located 30 miles east of Helena, Montana, along Montana Highway 284 or 21 miles north of Townsend, Montana. 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.

Recreation

Canyon Ferry Reservoir offers a wide range of year-round recreational opportunities. Water related activities include everything from swimming and fishing to sailing and motor-boating. Canoeists and kayakers explore the many quiet backwater bays. Jet skiers, windsurfers and water skiers skim the summer waves, while winter draws ice fishermen and ice skaters.

Facilities

Hellgate Campground and Group Use Area Shelter is the largest developed campground on Canyon Ferry Reservoir with 69 campsites. The campground provides a mixture of single and double campsites, three group use shelter areas with electric, boat ramp, parking area for boat trailers and several day use picnic sites.

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.

Nearby Attractions

Hellgate Campground and Group Use Shelter Area is located halfway between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. The city of Helena, Montana, the state capital, is 25 miles away and the city of Townsend, Montana, is 21 miles away. For up to date events visit, click here