Helena, MT has a lot going for it! It is in the heart of the Rockies, it’s Montana’s state capital, and it is conveniently located between Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks. But for us RVers, Helena does not have the benefit of offering much in RV site accommodations!
There is one lone RV park, located 10 miles north of the city limits, called the Lincoln Road RV Park. And while I hear that it is a nice park to stay at, it is, as they have stated themselves when we have tried to make reservations, ‘more of a retirement community park’ – leaving many traveling families high and dry when it comes to a place to stay if they are considering visiting this lovely city.
A few weeks ago, thanks to some fabulous fulltime friends, we discovered a campground, right outside of city limits, that we did not know about even though I/we have lived in the Helena community for nearly 40 years. The local Lewis & Clark County Fairgrounds has a 22 site campground that is open to the public year-round! While the fairgrounds do not offer full hookup sites, they do have electricity. You can opt to completely dry camp for $15/night, or you can use the 30 amp post at your site for $5 more per night. They even offer tent camping for $10/night. While the fairgrounds do not have a dump station, there is water available (tho not at your site), and there are dump stations conveniently located immediately west and east of the I-15 exit (Town Pump fuel stations, both big rig friendly, $10 dump only or free with any purchase) off of the northern-most exit (Custer) in Helena (which is a straight shot to the fairgrounds). So far this year, we have spent a total of 2 weeks in the fairground’s campground.
We have found the staff to be exceptionally helpful, there are vault toilets, showers (a walk/drive from the campground), and garbage cans, and the roads in/out are well maintained. While the campground itself is not meticulously groomed, it is a great alternative for those RVers who are in the area to check out what Helena has to offer, or to restock for another leg of the journey. It is located on the very edge of town, so it is a short drive to grocery store, thrift shops, and fuel stations. The fairgrounds offers great grassy fields, and there is a unique playground, as well as a pond where you can go to feed the ducks. The campground has a one week in, 3 days out, policy, and you can either reserve a spot by calling and paying over the phone, or you can check in in person. The grounds are open from 7 am to 10 pm, and you can arrive anytime the park is open.
While the fairgrounds is not a resort destination, it is a great place to plug in while you explore the beautiful and history rich Helena, MT; and it’s much better than that busy Walmart parking lot; trust us, we know!!! 😉
