Devil'S Elbow Campground

4·55 reviews
·Hauser Lake

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.

Great Facilities and Amenities

  • Bbq

    (46 of 49 campsites have Bbq)

  • Campfire Allowed

    (All campsites have Campfire Allowed)

  • Checkin Time

    (All campsites have Checkin Time)

  • Checkout Time

    (All campsites have Checkout Time)

  • Driveway Entry

    (All campsites have Driveway Entry)

  • Firepit

    (47 of 49 campsites have Firepit)

  • Max Num Of People

    (Up to 20)

  • Max Num Of Vehicles

    (Up to 10)

  • Pets Allowed

    (All campsites have Pets Allowed)

  • Picnic Table

    (48 of 49 campsites have Picnic Table)

  • Shade

    (All campsites have Shade)

  • Site Access

    (All campsites have Site Acceses)

  • Water Hookup

    (1 of 49 campsites have Water Hookup)

Natural Features

Walking path overlooking Devil's Elbow Campground - Credits: BLM
Aerial view of Devil's Elbow Campground - Credits: BLM
Overlooking Loop C at Devil's Elbow Campground. Elkhorn Mountains and Hauser Lake in the background. - Credits: BLM
View from Hauser Lake towards the boat docks at Devil's Elbow Recreation Site. - Credits: BLM

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.

Recreation

BLM Devil's Elbow Campground. View of the campground. Hauser Lake is on the eastern shoreline. - Credits: BLM

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.

Permitted Equipment

  • rv-Up to 60ft

  • boat-Up to 25ft

  • tent-Up to 60ft

  • trailer-N/A

  • vehicle-N/A

  • 5th wheel-N/A

  • camper van-N/A

  • pickup camper-N/A

  • pop up camper-N/A

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.

Additional Information

Campsites