Clark's Bay Day Use Site
Going camping? Reserve your spot on Recreation.gov
Clark’s Bay recreation area is for day-use only and is open daily from 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. during the regular season (May 1 through early October). This site is on Hauser Lake connected to Devil’s Elbow Campground and Two-Camps Vista via a non-motorized trail.
Facilities/Services: Restrooms, picnic shelters, picnic tables, swimming area, volleyball area, potable water, parking, boat ramp for small boats, and trails. The group picnic shelter is now available exclusively through recreation.gov. https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/273359?q=Clark%27s%20Bay%20Day%20Use%20Area
Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA)
The fee booth for this site sits on pavement at the entrance. There is also a digital fee station (credit card reader) at the entrance.
The parking lot is paved, with about 50 spaces. Of those spaces 4 are accessible, 2 in the upper parking area and 2 in the lower area closer to the water. Each of these spaces has an access aisle for a van with a mobility device ramp or lift. Cell phone reception is good at this site, which is only 15 minutes by car from Helena, MT.
Paved pathways connect the parking areas to 2 accessible double vault toilets. As of January 2025, there is no running water.
Other asphalt paths lead to the group picnic shelter and the sandy beach. The shelter covers 8 accessible picnic tables that have extended tops to accommodate wheelchair users. A nearby grill sits on bare ground, which may pose challenges for visitors with mobility impairments.
There are also 5 smaller shade structures. One of these is accessible and has two picnic tables with extended tops on a concrete pad with asphalt paths leading to it. The 4 other shade shelters require crossing grass or sand to reach the concrete pads.
The gravel spur extending into Hauser Lake, the boat launch for non-motorized boats, and picnic pavilions on the sandy beach were not designed with accessibility in mind.
NOTE: Descriptions and photos uploaded January 2025. Please note that actual on-the-ground conditions may vary due to natural events (e.g., weather, wildfires, erosion), normal wear and tear, or site improvements.
Phone
Activities
Geographic Coordinates
Directions
From Helena take Exit 193 (Cedar Street) from I-15. Travel on Washington Street (past airport entrance) and turn right on Canyon Ferry Road for 1/2 mile, then turn left on York Road for approximately 11 miles through Lakeside until you reach the Clark’s Bay entrance sign.
Fees
$5 per day per vehicle; $40 seasonal day-use pass available. Group picnic shelter can be reserved for $50. The $50 fee only covers the reservation for the ramada and all cars must still pay the daily day-use fee. Group reservations will soon be available on recreation.gov.