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.  

Adventure is at Your Fingertips

Activities

Iconograph of a person on a jet ski.
BOATING
Iconograph of a fish head and a fishing hook on a line
FISHING
Iconograph of two people wearing backpacks and using walking sticks
HIKING
Iconograph of a picnic table
PICNICKING
Iconograph of a person swimming
SWIMMING
Iconograph of a person in a wheelchair on a blue background.
ACCESSIBLE FACILITY OR ACTIVITY

Geographic Coordinates

46.6917, -111.81865

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.