Openings · last 7 days
0
01 · Detected Opening History · the openings record · file CS-272276
When Devil's Elbow Campground reopens
Devil's Elbow Campground's openings record: every site-date Campsite Sniper detected turning available, logged and time-stamped. Refreshed hourly.
Openings · last 30 days
0
Openings · last 90 days
32
Only 32 openings in the last 90 days: not enough recent activity for a reliable pattern. A free Campsite Sniper alert watches around the clock instead, and pings you the moment one opens.
02 · Availability Outlook · Nov 2, 2026 – May 3, 2027 · of 43 monitored sites
Of the 2,666 tracked site-nights (Nov 2, 2026 – May 3, 2027): 129 open for online reservation · 2,537 on sites not offered for online reservation (first-come, first-served or administrative).
Where the open windows are
95.2% of tracked site-nights are not currently open for online reservation. 129 of 2,666 remain open; here is where they are.
Load status
Nov 2, 2026 – May 3, 2027Not open online95.2%
Open site-nights129 / 2,666
Reserved (of online inventory)0 / 129
Weekday openings43
Weekend openings86
Of the open site-nights on mapped sites, 43 fall on weekdays and 86 on weekends (Fri–Sun).
Open dates by month
Nov 2026 – May 2027November shows no online availability. 0 of 1,247 tracked site-nights are open there — 1,247 on sites not offered online.
Holiday windows
Sites open per night · of 43 sites| Window | Night | Sites open | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thanksgiving | THU Nov 26 | 0 | None open |
| FRI Nov 27 | 0 | None open | |
| SAT Nov 28 | 0 | None open | |
| Memorial Day | FRI May 28 | 0 | None open |
| SAT May 29 | 0 | None open | |
| SUN May 30 | 0 | None open | |
| MON May 31 | 0 | None open |
Thanksgiving: no online availability on any tracked night. Memorial Day: no online availability on any tracked night.
Best-availability sites
Most open site-nights · tracked window| Site | Open site-nights |
|---|---|
| 01 | 3 |
| 02 | 3 |
| 03 | 3 |
| 04 | 3 |
| 05 | 3 |
The 5 sites with the most open site-nights in the current snapshot. Pair a bookable date with a free alert to cover everything else.
Next windows
As of Nov 2, 2026 snapshotNext open dateSat · May 1, 2027
Next open weekendSat · May 1, 2027
November0 of 1,247 · not offered online
The next bookable night is May 1, 2027; the first open weekend starts May 1, 2027. Campsite Sniper can watch later dates for you.
Stays and site detail
129 open site-nights across 43 sites at Devil's Elbow Campground, from the same hourly snapshot as everything above.
Multi-night stays. 43 2-night, 43 3-night openings where a single site is free for every night, per Campsite Sniper's current snapshot — soonest May 1, 2027 at site 01.
RV length. Longest recorded site here is 60 ft. 38 sites take 25 ft, 38 sites take 35 ft, 38 sites take 40 ft. 5 sites of 43 have no recorded maximum and are not counted.
All 43 sites with current availability
| Site | Max RV | Hookups | Open site-nights | Longest run | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | 60 ft | None | 3 | 3 nights | May 1, 2027, May 2, 2027, May 3, 2027 |
| 02 | 60 ft | None | 3 | 3 nights | May 1, 2027, May 2, 2027, May 3, 2027 |
| 03 | 60 ft | None | 3 | 3 nights | May 1, 2027, May 2, 2027, May 3, 2027 |
| 04 | 60 ft | None | 3 | 3 nights | May 1, 2027, May 2, 2027, May 3, 2027 |
| 05 | 60 ft | None | 3 | 3 nights | May 1, 2027, May 2, 2027, May 3, 2027 |
| 06 | 60 ft | None | 3 | 3 nights | May 1, 2027, May 2, 2027, May 3, 2027 |
| 07 | 60 ft | None | 3 | 3 nights | May 1, 2027, May 2, 2027, May 3, 2027 |
| 08 | 60 ft | None | 3 | 3 nights | May 1, 2027, May 2, 2027, May 3, 2027 |
| 09 | 60 ft | None | 3 | 3 nights | May 1, 2027, May 2, 2027, May 3, 2027 |
| 10 | 60 ft | None | 3 | 3 nights | May 1, 2027, May 2, 2027, May 3, 2027 |
| 11 | 60 ft | None | 3 | 3 nights | May 1, 2027, May 2, 2027, May 3, 2027 |
| 12 | 60 ft | None | 3 | 3 nights | May 1, 2027, May 2, 2027, May 3, 2027 |
| 13 | 60 ft | None | 3 | 3 nights | May 1, 2027, May 2, 2027, May 3, 2027 |
| 14 | 60 ft | None | 3 | 3 nights | May 1, 2027, May 2, 2027, May 3, 2027 |
| 15 | 60 ft | None | 3 | 3 nights | May 1, 2027, May 2, 2027, May 3, 2027 |
| 16 | 60 ft | None | 3 | 3 nights | May 1, 2027, May 2, 2027, May 3, 2027 |
| 17 | 60 ft | None | 3 | 3 nights | May 1, 2027, May 2, 2027, May 3, 2027 |
| 18 | 60 ft | None | 3 | 3 nights | May 1, 2027, May 2, 2027, May 3, 2027 |
| 19 | 60 ft | None | 3 | 3 nights | May 1, 2027, May 2, 2027, May 3, 2027 |
| 20 | 60 ft | None | 3 | 3 nights | May 1, 2027, May 2, 2027, May 3, 2027 |
| 21 | 60 ft | None | 3 | 3 nights | May 1, 2027, May 2, 2027, May 3, 2027 |
| 22 | 60 ft | None | 3 | 3 nights | May 1, 2027, May 2, 2027, May 3, 2027 |
| 23 | 60 ft | None | 3 | 3 nights | May 1, 2027, May 2, 2027, May 3, 2027 |
| 24 | 60 ft | None | 3 | 3 nights | May 1, 2027, May 2, 2027, May 3, 2027 |
| 25 | 60 ft | None | 3 | 3 nights | May 1, 2027, May 2, 2027, May 3, 2027 |
| 26 | 60 ft | None | 3 | 3 nights | May 1, 2027, May 2, 2027, May 3, 2027 |
| 27 | 60 ft | None | 3 | 3 nights | May 1, 2027, May 2, 2027, May 3, 2027 |
| 28 | 60 ft | None | 3 | 3 nights | May 1, 2027, May 2, 2027, May 3, 2027 |
| 29 | 60 ft | None | 3 | 3 nights | May 1, 2027, May 2, 2027, May 3, 2027 |
| 30 | 60 ft | None | 3 | 3 nights | May 1, 2027, May 2, 2027, May 3, 2027 |
| 31 | 60 ft | None | 3 | 3 nights | May 1, 2027, May 2, 2027, May 3, 2027 |
| 32 | 60 ft | None | 3 | 3 nights | May 1, 2027, May 2, 2027, May 3, 2027 |
| 33 | 60 ft | None | 3 | 3 nights | May 1, 2027, May 2, 2027, May 3, 2027 |
| 34 | 60 ft | None | 3 | 3 nights | May 1, 2027, May 2, 2027, May 3, 2027 |
| 35 | 60 ft | None | 3 | 3 nights | May 1, 2027, May 2, 2027, May 3, 2027 |
| 36 | 60 ft | None | 3 | 3 nights | May 1, 2027, May 2, 2027, May 3, 2027 |
| 43 | Not recorded | None | 3 | 3 nights | May 1, 2027, May 2, 2027, May 3, 2027 |
| 44 | Not recorded | None | 3 | 3 nights | May 1, 2027, May 2, 2027, May 3, 2027 |
| 45 | Not recorded | None | 3 | 3 nights | May 1, 2027, May 2, 2027, May 3, 2027 |
| 46 | Not recorded | None | 3 | 3 nights | May 1, 2027, May 2, 2027, May 3, 2027 |
| 47 | Not recorded | None | 3 | 3 nights | May 1, 2027, May 2, 2027, May 3, 2027 |
| 48 | 45 ft | None | 3 | 3 nights | May 1, 2027, May 2, 2027, May 3, 2027 |
| LOOP C CAMPSITES WITH RAMADA/PAVILION | 60 ft | Yes | 3 | 3 nights | May 1, 2027, May 2, 2027, May 3, 2027 |
About Devil's Elbow Campground
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.
Recreation
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.
Facilities
Devil's Elbow offers several amenities that will make your stay enjoyable and comfortable. Devil's Elbow is a 48-site campground that has spacious and level gravel parking pads that accommodate RVs, camper trailers and tents. Of the 48 sites, there are five sites that are specifically designated for tents. All sites are reservation only.
Devil's Elbow features a large concrete boat launch with a courtesy dock, as well as day use and overnight dock slips for campers. The docks are first-come, first-served with no assigned slips. A fish cleaning station is available near the day-use parking at Devil's Elbow. There are men's and women's vault toilets located in each loop of the campground as well as near the boat launch. There is potable water provided throughout the campground and day use areas, as well as garbage dumpsters. Every campsite contains a fire ring with a grill grate in addition to a picnic table. There are also picnic tables and small pavilions throughout the areas and benches along the lake to take in the views. There is a small marina, general store with gas and a bar/restaurant just a half mile away.
Natural Features
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.
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.
43 monitored sitesRVs up to 60 ft1 with hookups43 shadedWaterfrontLakefrontPets OKFire pitsMax party 100
Getting there
Devil's Elbow Campground is located at 5965 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 6.2 miles to Devil's Elbow Recreation Area. From Helena/Butte/Great Falls: Drive to (or exit from I-15 onto) Custer Avenue, head east on Custer Ave. Take left turn onto York Road. Continue on for 16 miles to Devil's Elbow Recreation Area; or take the Lincoln RD exit on I-15, Head East on Lincoln Road until it intersects with Lake Helena Dr (T-Intersection). Take a right (South) on Lake Helena Dr (this route contains portions of dirt and gravel roads) and continue until the road turns back into pavement, take a left (East) on Deal Lane and follow the road until it terminates at York Road. Take a left (North) on York Road and continue for about 2 miles to Devil's Elbow.
5965 York Road, Helena, MT 59602406-227-3570 OR 406-533-7600
BikingBirdingBoatingCampingCanoeingDay Use AreaFishingHikingHistoric & Cultural SiteHuntingInformation SiteInterpretive ProgramsNon-Motorized BoatingOther Recreation Concession SitePaddle BoatingPicnickingSwimmingSwimming SiteVisitor CenterWater AccessWater ActivitiesWater SportsWildlife ViewingWinter Sports
View on Recreation.gov ↗ Get directions ↗
03 · Field Photos · roll CS-272276 · facility + sites
Photo gallery
Roll CS-272276 · Devil's Elbow Campground · Helena MT12 frames · facility + sites
FAQ
How do I get a reservation at Devil's Elbow Campground?
Reservations for Devil's Elbow Campground are made through Recreation.gov. 95.2% of tracked site-nights are not currently open for online reservation; 129 of 2,666 remain open. Campsite Sniper has also detected 32 site openings here in the last 90 days, so further dates may appear. Pick a site on the map to see its calendar, or set a free Campsite Sniper alert. You complete the reservation yourself on Recreation.gov.
Does Campsite Sniper book this campground for me?
No. Campsite Sniper sends alerts and direct Recreation.gov links. It never books, pays for, holds, hoards, or resells reservations.
How current is this availability data?
Campsite Sniper re-checks public Recreation.gov availability for this facility every hour and republishes whenever anything changes. This facility's data last changed at Nov 2, 2026 18:20 UTC; an older timestamp means nothing has changed since that time, not that checking stopped. Always confirm final availability on Recreation.gov when you book.
How often do new openings appear at Devil's Elbow Campground?
Campsite Sniper detected 32 site-date openings here over the last 90 days, none in the last 7. A free alert watches around the clock and pings you the moment one appears.
Can I get a multi-night stay at Devil's Elbow Campground?
43 three-night openings are showing, counting only runs where the SAME site is free for all three nights. The soonest starts May 1, 2027 at site 01. Confirm and book on Recreation.gov.
Which sites at Devil's Elbow Campground fit a 35-foot RV?
38 of the 43 sites that support RV analysis have a recorded maximum of 35 ft or more; the longest recorded is 60 ft. 38 of those 43 sites have a recorded maximum length and 5 do not; they are not counted as fitting.
Which month has the most availability at Devil's Elbow Campground?
May 2027, with 129 open site-nights in the current snapshot of 129.
When is the next open date at Devil's Elbow Campground?
As of the Nov 2, 2026 snapshot: the next open date is Sat, May 1, 2027 and the next open weekend starts Sat, May 1, 2027. Detected openings can add earlier dates at any time; a free Campsite Sniper alert catches those the moment they appear.
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