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📋 Daily Briefing🔍 Discover🔔 Smart Alerts🪨 Community Hub

⛺ Black Sandy State Park

🌄 Montana FWP
Central Montana, MT
⛰️ 3,835 ft
30 sites · 30 reservable
Max 14 nights
$24/night
● Open ✅ Reservable 🚐 RV OK ⚡ Hookups
🔔 Sites selling out fast? Set an alert and we'll notify you when cancellations open up.
Set Camp Alert →
Overview
📋 About This Campground
Black Sandy is one of the few public parks on Hauser Reservoir (Missouri River). An extremely popular weekend boating, water-skiing, and fishing destination. Electrical hookups May 1–Nov 30; limited off-season facilities. Year-round access (24 hours/day). Same-day reservations accepted.
⛺ Campsite availability subject to change. Verify reservation status directly with Recreation.gov or the managing agency before travel. PeakScout provides this information for planning purposes only and does not guarantee availability.
Seasonal Conditions
📅 Seasonal Access & Status
📅 Open year-round (weather permitting)
Cost & Fees
💰 Fee Structure
$24/night
Per vehicle site
$168/week
7-night stay rate
$720/mo
Long-term (if allowed)
Reservable
Book online
Planning
🗓️ Best Time to Visit — Montana
🌡️ Best Time to Visit
June – September
Shoulder: May, October
📍 Current Conditions
June
Standard season conditions
Montana camping season peaks July–August at lower elevations; Beartooth/Absaroka routes open late June. Always check road conditions with the managing agency before planning a trip, especially for high-elevation destinations.
Facility Details
📊 Campground Details
AgencyMT FWP
TypeState Park
Total Sites30
Reservable Sites30
ReservationsYes — book online
Max Stay14 nights
Elevation3,835 ft
RV Access✅ Yes
Electric Hookups✅ Yes
Fee$24/night
Coordinates46.7300, -111.9000
Activities
🏃 Available Activities
Boating
Water-skiing
Fishing (kokanee salmon, trout, walleye)
Camping
Picnicking
🥾
Refrigerator Canyon — Gates of the Mount
10.6 mi away
Nearby Trails
🥾 Refrigerator Canyon — Gates of the Mountains
10.6 mi away
Safety
⚠️ Local Hazards & Conditions
🌫️
Wildfire Smoke low
MT experiences wildfire smoke July–September. Check AQI before outdoor activities. The go score accounts for smoke in its computation.
🔔 Check USFS Alerts for Central Montana →
On-Site Facilities
🛠️ Amenities & Facilities
Electrical hookups (May 1–Nov 30)
Boat ramp
Potable water (mid-May–mid-Oct)
Interpretive displays
Vault toilets
Picnic tables
Fire rings
Recreation
🏕️ Recreation Activities
BoatingWater-skiingFishing (kokanee salmon, trout, walleye)CampingPicnicking
Directions
🗺️ Getting There
No lifeguard on duty. Same-day reservations accepted. Year-round (24 hours); full services May–Nov. Bear safety: Food storage orders recommended. Contact: (406) 495-3270. Data confidence: HIGH.
📍 Open in Google Maps →
Questions Answered
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reserve a campsite at Black Sandy State Park in Montana?
Black Sandy State Park offers online reservations via Recreation.gov at https://montanastateparks.reserveamerica.com. The campground has 30 sites, 30 of which are reservable. Reservations typically open 6 months ahead — book as early as possible for peak season.
What is the fee per night at Black Sandy State Park?
The nightly fee at Black Sandy State Park is $24 per vehicle site, out of approximately 30 total sites. Fees may be higher for premium sites (lakeside, equestrian, etc.). Maximum stay is 14 nights. Payment methods vary — many USFS and BLM sites use self-pay stations.
When is Black Sandy State Park open? What are the seasonal access dates?
Black Sandy State Park Verify current access status with MT FWP before planning your trip.
What are the fire restrictions at Black Sandy State Park in Montana?
Fire restrictions apply at Black Sandy State Park — verify current restrictions with MT FWP before starting any campfire, charcoal grill, or flame. Restrictions are most common June–September during peak fire season. Check NIFC Predictive Services for current fire danger levels in the Central Montana area.
Can I bring my RV or trailer to Black Sandy State Park?
Yes — Black Sandy State Park accommodates RVs and trailers. The campground is at 3,835 ft elevation — check access road conditions for any vehicle restrictions. Electrical hookups are available. Maximum stay is 14 nights. Reservations are recommended for RVs during peak season.
Is there cell service at Black Sandy State Park?
Cell service at Black Sandy State Park is generally unreliable to unavailable in this area. Plan accordingly — download offline maps, notify someone of your itinerary, and carry a personal locator beacon if venturing further into the backcountry. No Wi-Fi is available at this campground.
What amenities are available at Black Sandy State Park?
Black Sandy State Park offers the following amenities: Electrical hookups (May 1–Nov 30), Boat ramp, Potable water (mid-May–mid-Oct), Interpretive displays, Vault toilets, Picnic tables, Fire rings. RVs are accommodated. 30 sites total. Amenities may vary by individual site — verify with the managing agency.
What is the best time to camp at Black Sandy State Park in Montana?
Black Sandy State Park is best visited May through October. Shoulder season (May, October) offers fewer crowds and lower fees. Peak season (June–August) has the warmest weather and most reliable access, but campsites fill fast — especially on weekends. Fall colors in Montana are stunning in September–October at mid-elevations.
Are there bear safety requirements at Black Sandy State Park?
Black Sandy State Park is not in a designated bear area, but Montana has active bear populations in many regions. Carry bear spray as a precaution, store food properly, and never leave food or trash unattended. Food storage rules may still apply — verify with the managing agency.
What nearby trails can I access from Black Sandy State Park?
Black Sandy State Park provides access to hiking, fishing, and scenic drives in Central Montana. Check with the local ranger station or BLM office for current trail conditions and any access restrictions. Several popular destinations are within a short drive.
🎯 Go Score
49
Fair conditions
Updated daily from weather + trail data
☀️ Weather
20
🌐 Open-Meteo🗺️ ArcGIS🌲 USFS
🏕️ Reservations
✅ Reservable Online
$24/night
Check Availability →

Book early — sites fill weeks ahead at popular campgrounds.

⛺ Set Camp Alert — get notified when this site has cancellations →
⛺ Campsite availability subject to change. Verify reservation status directly with Recreation.gov or the managing agency before travel. PeakScout provides this information for planning purposes only and does not guarantee availability.
🌤️ Today's Weather
🌧️
51°F
Precip5.7"
Wind9 mph
At 3,835 ft elevation
🔗 Sources & Contact
🌄 Montana FWP
🌐 Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Official Site →
Reservations via Recreation.gov — the official federal reservation system. Campsite availability subject to change — verify directly before travel.
Live Weather Radar
Radar centered on campground location. Imagery is near-real-time — does not replace official NWS forecasts.