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Clark's Bay Day Use Area Shelter (Mt) Campground in Montana
Hard to Book

Clark's Bay Day Use Area Shelter (Mt) Campground

Hauser Lake, Montana

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As of October 2026, Clark's Bay Day Use Area Shelter (Mt) Campground is a campground in Montana with 1 campsite. Clark's Bay Day Use Area Shelter (Mt) Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.

  • PermitSnag checks Clark's Bay Day Use Area Shelter (Mt) Campground for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
  • Clark's Bay Day Use Area Shelter (Mt) Campground is located at 46.6917° N, 111.8187° W.
people allowed on each site
100

Clark's Bay Day Use Area Shelter (Mt) Campground reservations and next available dates

October 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Campsites at Clark's Bay Day Use Area Shelter (Mt) Campground

  • Group 1
  • Accessible 1
  • Hookups 1

Amenities

  • restrooms
  • potable water

At a glance: Setting: Mountain · Access: Paved road.

Things to do: fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, biking, wildlife, photography.

All sites at Clark's Bay Day Use Area Shelter (Mt) Campground, as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the C-Loop loop.

SiteTypeSleepsHookupsAccess
RAMADA/PAVILIONGroup100WaterAccessible

About Clark's Bay Day Use Area Shelter (Mt) Campground

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.

Charges & Cancellations

• Group Day Use Area: Customers who cancel a group day-use facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will forfeit the total day-use fee. Reservation cancellations must be done through recreation.gov.

Rules and notices at Clark's Bay Day Use Area Shelter (Mt) Campground

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 28, 2026. Check Clark's Bay Day Use Area Shelter (Mt) Campground on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

Clark's Bay Day Use Site opens at 9:00am and closes at 9:00pm.

This site is only open during the fee season opening May 1st and closing on October 1st.

All pets must be kept on a leash outside of the "pet area". No pets are allowed in the beach area. Please pick up waste from your pets. Stock animals are not allowed in this facility.

Fireworks and/or shooting is NOT allowed at this recreation site on land.

The day use fee is required in advance of any facility use.

Non-road legal ATVs, UTVs or motorcycles are not allowed in this facility.

Launching is provided for small boats and Jet Skis only due to the shallow ramp. Ramp area is for watercraft only.

If you plan to bring a watercraft with you, please remember to always: Clean, Drain, Dry and Inspect your craft for Aquatic Invasive Species.

Caution: Prairie rattlesnakes and bull snakes inhabit this area. Black widows are very common in the area. Be cautious of where you step or reach.

While it is uncommon to sight a bear in the area, it is possible. Bears, raccoons, ravens, seagulls, magpies and other animals will get into your food if not properly stored. Please be store your food properly.

Weather can change drastically in this area. Be prepared for any type of weather event.

Please do not throw any trash into the vault toilets as it is very difficult and expensive to remove. Dumpsters are provided for paying visitors using this site.

Please clean up before departing.

Clark's Bay Day Use Area Shelter (Mt) Campground FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Clark's Bay Day Use Area Shelter (Mt) Campground?

Clark's Bay Day Use Area Shelter (Mt) Campground is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.

How do I find last-minute availability at Clark's Bay Day Use Area Shelter (Mt) Campground?

Cancellations happen frequently at Clark's Bay Day Use Area Shelter (Mt) Campground, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Clark's Bay Day Use Area Shelter (Mt) Campground have?

Clark's Bay Day Use Area Shelter (Mt) Campground has 1 campsites.

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