Clark’S Bay Day Use Area Shelter (Mt)
Hauser Lake — lakeside, fishing, hiking
Location: Helena, MT, MT
Price: From $50 per night
Rating: 5 out of 5 (3 reviews)
Season: May through October
Clark’s Bay Day Use Area is situated on the picturesque "Devil’s Elbow" and Clark’s Bay of Hauser Lake. Just a short drive from Helena, this area offers stunning views of the Big Belt and Elkhorn Mountains. The area is overflowing with outdoor adventure opportunities.
Cell coverage (FCC estimate): strong signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas. Best carrier: T-Mobile. Verizon 4G: 100%. AT&T 4G: 100%. T-Mobile 4G: 100%.
Amenities: Fire Rings, Picnic Tables, Vault Toilets, Drinking Water, Fishing
Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/clarks-bay-day-use-area-shelter-mt to be notified when sites open up.
Clark's Bay Day Use Area offers stunning views of Hauser Lake and the Big Belt and Elkhorn Mountains with immediate access to fishing, hiking, boating, and wildlife viewing. Google reviewers rate it 4.6/5 stars, praising its well-maintained facilities and scenic paved trails.
Wildlife alert: Pronghorn, Red-tailed Hawk, Northern Shrike, Bohemian Waxwing, and Great Black-backed Gull documented in the area. One reviewer reported an off-leash dog incident.
Insider tips for Clark’S Bay Day Use Area Shelter (Mt): Book early — this is a federal campground with only 1 tent site and seasonal operations Multiple payment options accepted: cash, check, or card tap Camp host is on-site and enforces rules; separate dog off-leash area available Paved trail leads uphill to Devil's Elbow with benches for scenic views
Skip Clark’S Bay Day Use Area Shelter (Mt) if: You need RV hookups — no hookups available. You're visiting outside May-October — seasonal closure. You're looking for multiple site options — only 1 tent site available.
Best time to visit Clark’S Bay Day Use Area Shelter (Mt): May-October — Campground operates seasonally May through October only.
Nearby campgrounds: Devil’S Elbow Campground (Helena, MT), Riverside Campground (Helena, MT), White Sandy Campground (HELENA, MT), Court Sheriff Campground (Helena, MT).
Cell Phone Coverage at Clark’S Bay Day Use Area Shelter (Mt)
Cell signal at Clark’S Bay Day Use Area Shelter (Mt) (Helena, MT): strong overall signal based on FCC broadband data. Best carrier: T-Mobile.
- Verizon 4G LTE: 100% coverage · Verizon 5G: 100%
- AT&T 4G LTE: 100% coverage · AT&T 5G: 100%
- T-Mobile 4G LTE: 100% coverage · T-Mobile 5G: 100%
Coverage data source: FCC Broadband Data Collection (BDC). Actual signal may vary due to terrain, tree cover, and distance from towers. Camper reports are more reliable than coverage maps in remote areas.
Clark’s Bay Day Use Area is situated on the picturesque "Devil’s Elbow" and Clark’s Bay of Hauser Lake. Just a short drive from Helena, this area offers stunning views of the Big Belt and Elkhorn Mountains. The area is overflowing with outdoor adventure opportunities.
Verified facts
RIDB / Recreation.gov official databaseAmenities
RIDB /facilities /campsites · owner-verifiedStraight talk
CamperWatch intel · curated from camper reportsKnown issues, each with the workaround. Read before you book.
Insider tips & when to go
CamperWatch intel · hand-curated entryBook early
this is a federal campground with only 1 tent site and seasonal operations
Multiple payment options accepted: cash, check, or card tap
Camp host is on-site and enforces rules; separate dog off-leash area available
Paved trail leads uphill to Devil's Elbow with benches for scenic views
Campground operates seasonally May through October only
Things to do nearby
RIDB /activities /recareas + intelConditions today
LiveCell signal
FCC BDC · quarterly datasetFCC maps are theoretical — camper reports confirm signal. Best carrier: T-Mobile.
Wildlife nearby
iNaturalist · research-grade · 8 kmLocation
Leaflet · OpenStreetMap tiles
Getting there →
Clark's Bay Day Use Area is located at 5700 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 5.7 miles to Clark's Bay Day Use Area. From Helena/Butte/Great Falls: Drive to (or exit from I-15 onto) C
Campground entrance
Google Maps APICommunity
#community · posts, photos & Q&A · AI-moderated (Claude Vision)Pro tips
- Book on recreation.gov exactly 6 months ahead at 10am ET — Hauser Lake fills fast in peak season.
- Check current road conditions at Hauser Lake before arrival — seasonal closures common.
Frequently asked questions
RIDB facts + intel · FAQPage schema, speakableHow much does Clark’S Bay Day Use Area Shelter (Mt) cost per night?+
What season is Clark’S Bay Day Use Area Shelter (Mt) open?+
Does Clark’S Bay Day Use Area Shelter (Mt) have hookups?+
What is the maximum RV length at Clark’S Bay Day Use Area Shelter (Mt)?+
How do I make reservations at Clark’S Bay Day Use Area Shelter (Mt)?+
What is the cell service like at Clark’S Bay Day Use Area Shelter (Mt)?+
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●Data sources on this page
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