No detected openings were recorded in the last 90 days. Campsite Sniper monitors Clark's Bay Day Use Area Shelter (MT) continuously and will alert you if that changes.
Of the 13 tracked reservation dates (Sep 18 – Sep 30, 2026): 13 open for online reservation.
Where the open windows are
Load status
Sep 18 – Sep 30, 2026Of the open reservation dates on mapped day-use units, 7 fall on weekdays and 6 on weekends (Fri–Sun).
Open dates by month
Sep 2026 – Sep 2026September holds the most room. 13 of 13 reservation dates are still open there.
Holiday windows — day use
Units open per date · of 1 shelter| Window | Date | Units open | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labor Day | SAT Sep 5 | 0 | None open |
| SUN Sep 6 | 0 | None open | |
| MON Sep 7 | 0 | None open |
Labor Day: no online availability on any tracked date.
Availability by shelter
Most open reservation dates · tracked window| Shelter | Open reservation dates |
|---|---|
| RAMADA/PAVILION | 13 |
This shelter currently has 13 reservation dates available.
Next windows
As of Sep 18, 2026 snapshotThe next bookable date is Sep 18; the first open weekend starts Sep 18. Campsite Sniper can watch later dates for you.
Reservation dates
All 1 shelter with current availability
| Shelter | Open reservation dates | Consecutive dates | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAMADA/PAVILION | 13 | 13 dates | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 +1 more |
About Clark's Bay Day Use Area Shelter (MT)
Overview
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. 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
Clark's Bay offers excellent recreational access. Clark's Bay offers a large, approximately quarter-mile long manicured beach with a volleyball court, pavilions with picnic tables, power and lights. There are vault toilets located in convenient locations throughout the areas. 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. World class mountain biking trails abound in the area as well. The recreation opportunities in the area are boundless.
Facilities
Clark's Bay offers several amenities that will make your day enjoyable and comfortable. At Clark's Bay there are two sets of vault toilets located near the beach and parking areas. There is potable water provided throughout the day use area, as well as garbage dumpsters. There are also picnic tables and small pavilions throughout the areas and benches along the lake and trails 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 day use area is situated in a shrub-steppe landscape, mostly comprised of sage brush and bunch grasses. The entire day use area 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
Clark's Bay 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.
Getting there
Clark's Bay Day Use Area is located at 5725 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) Custer Avenue, Head East on Custer Ave. Take left turn onto York Road. Continue on for 15 miles to Clark's Bay Day Use Area.
View on Recreation.gov ↗ Get directions ↗
Photo gallery
FAQ
How do I get a reservation at Clark's Bay Day Use Area Shelter (MT)?
Reservations for Clark's Bay Day Use Area Shelter (MT) are made through Recreation.gov. The current snapshot shows substantial availability: 13 of 13 tracked reservation dates are open (100%), though availability can change. Pick the shelter on the map to see its reservation calendar, or set a free Campsite Sniper alert. You complete the reservation yourself on Recreation.gov.
Does Campsite Sniper book this facility 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 Sep 18, 2026 16:19 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.
Which month has the most availability at Clark's Bay Day Use Area Shelter (MT)?
September 2026, with 13 open reservation dates in the current snapshot of 13.
When is the next open date at Clark's Bay Day Use Area Shelter (MT)?
As of the Sep 18, 2026 snapshot: the next open date is Fri, Sep 18 and the next open weekend starts Fri, Sep 18. Detected openings can add earlier dates at any time; a free Campsite Sniper alert catches those the moment they appear.
Let the app watch this shelter
Choose the reservation dates you want at Clark's Bay Day Use Area Shelter (MT).
Campsite Sniper can monitor this facility and notify you if a selected date becomes available.
When a selected date becomes available, you get a push with a Recreation.gov link so you can review and book it yourself.