Vigilante Campground
4.7724 reviewsVigilante Campground, Trout Creek Road, Helena, MT
Vigilante Campground
$5.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
$15 per night for a single unit and $5 per night for extra vehicles.
About this campground
Discover your own mountain sanctuary at this hidden 7-acre gem, where the gravel road ends and your adventure begins. Tucked away in the heart of the Big Belt Mountains, this intimate campground offers sites thoughtfully scattered beneath towering Douglas firs and fragrant junipers. Some lucky campers will find themselves perched above the gentle babble of Trout Creek, while others nestle into sun-dappled meadows where wildflowers dance in the mountain breeze.
The campground primarily supports tent and small RV camping. No cabins, group sites, or glamping options are available.
Historical SignificanceWhile the mountains keep their ancient secrets close, today's visitors can follow in the footsteps of geology enthusiasts and forest ecology students along the educational Trout Creek Trail. This living classroom offers fascinating insights into the forces that shaped these peaks and the delicate ecosystems that thrive in this mountain environment.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the Big Belt Mountains through nature's changing moods. Spring arrives with crisp mornings and wildflower promises, while summer brings warm days perfect for creek exploration and starlit evenings around the campfire. Fall paints the landscape in golden hues under crystal-clear skies, and winter transforms this mountain retreat into a snow-draped wonderland where only the heartiest adventurers venture forth.
ElevationPerched at 4,400 feet where the air is crisp and the stars seem close enough to touch, this mountain escape offers that perfect sweet spot—high enough to leave the heat behind, yet accessible for comfortable camping adventures.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a landscape painted by nature's finest brush, where dramatic canyon walls frame your mountain retreat and Trout Creek whispers its timeless song. Keep your camera ready for encounters with majestic mountain sheep navigating the rocky slopes, and bring your fishing gear to test your skills against the native wild trout. When spring and summer arrive, the meadows burst into a kaleidoscope of wildflowers, creating picture-perfect moments at every turn.
Geological RegionYour basecamp in the rugged Big Belt Mountains opens doors to extraordinary adventures. The renowned Hanging Valley National Recreation Trail and the captivating Trout Creek Canyon Trail begin right from your doorstep, winding through a diverse landscape where Douglas fir forests give way to juniper groves and intimate meadows. Here, where Trout Creek has carved its path through ancient stone, every trail tells a story millions of years in the making.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe Trout Creek Canyon Trail is wheelchair-friendly for the first 0.75 miles, but no additional accessibility features are highlighted for the campground.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as 'large and level' by reviewers, with parking aprons made of gravel and grass.
Sites PrivacySites are either nestled among Douglas fir and juniper or located in small grassy meadows, providing some level of privacy.
Total Campsites18 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites near Trout Creek for scenic views and proximity to trails. Sites in grassy meadows offer a different ambiance.
Best CampsitesSites overlooking Trout Creek are popular for their views.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open 24 hours/day.
Check-out
- Not specified
- follow general camping guidelines.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 16 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Information on guest limits was not specified.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSites are spread out among trees and grassy meadows, with some overlooking the creek.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available; sites are first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are first-come, first-served, and fill up quickly during peak summer periods.
Cancellation PolicyInformation about cancellation policies is not provided.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Vigilante Campground offers a range of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Trails like the Hanging Valley and Trout Creek Canyon Trails are popular among campers.
Hiking
Two primary trails are accessible from the campground: Hanging Valley Trail #247-248 (12 miles, foot traffic only) and Trout Creek Canyon Trail #270 (3 miles, wheelchair accessible for the first 0.75 miles). 'Fantastic hiking right off the campground. Trout Creek Canyon is a must!'Fishing
Brook trout fishing is available in the nearby Trout Creek. 'Wonderful fishing... stunning views of the creek running through the area.'Biking
Trout Creek to Bear Trap Gulch provides a 'rad loop ride,' and other trails are suitable for family biking.Wildlife viewing
Campers have reported sightings of mountain sheep and other local wildlife. 'Bring your camera because you will see some mountain sheep if you keep your eyes up.'Winter Activities
Limited information available on winter activities.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are offered.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Information on fire rules not provided.
- Quiet hours are Not specified; follow general camping etiquette.
Hazards
General hazardsBear country; campers must practice safe food storage techniques. Gravel road access may be challenging for larger vehicles.
Active alertsCampground status is currently temporarily closed.
Weather forecast
84
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 22%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 0.9 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Helena (24 miles) has hospitals and emergency services.
Good to know
Peak season datesMemorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Trash and recyclingThere is no garbage service on-site. Visitors are advised to pack out all their trash.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to Trout Creek, which offers fishing and scenic views.
Common complaintsRoad conditions can be rough and the campground fills quickly during peak season. Lack of water and garbage services noted by reviewers.
HostUser reviews mention campground hosts as being welcoming and providing clean facilities.
Campground Map
Vigilante Campground, Trout Creek Road, Helena, MT
Driving directionsFollow Highway 280 east of Helena about 16 miles to the small community of York. Proceed northeast along Trout Creek Road another 8 miles to the end of the road and the campground.
Road becomes gravel after 21 miles and turns fairly washboardy after the pavement ends, according to user reviews. Some reviewers noted challenges for RVs over 20 feet due to road conditions.Nearby places
Helena (24 miles), York (8 miles from the campground)
Nearby supplies
York Bar, known for burgers, is located approximately 8 miles from the campground. Helena offers additional supplies and services 24 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.8
24 reviews
Vigilante Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User feedback for Vigilante Campground is overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing its tranquil atmosphere, spacious sites, and proximity to excellent hiking trails and a creek.
Review Summaries
Based on 24 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciated the quiet location at the end of a road, spacious and level campsites, proximity to scenic trails, and the relaxing creek. 'Extremely quiet due to its location at the end of the...
Based on 24 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
No water or trash service on-site, and the road leading to the campground becomes rough after the pavement ends. 'No garbage service, so plan on packing your garbage out with you,' 'The road to get...
Based on 24 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own water and pack out all trash. Be prepared for a rough road and consider visiting during off-peak seasons to secure a spot.
Based on 24 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Very busy during summer months, with sites filling up quickly. Visitors recommend visiting during fringe seasons for a quieter experience.
Based on 24 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'The nights when the sky would clear, it looked as if you could see every star in existence! Absolutely beautiful.' 2. 'Favorite camping spot around Helena. Stream to cool your feet, rocks for the...
Based on 24 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Best sites are those overlooking Trout Creek, according to reviews. Specific site numbers are not mentioned.
Based on 24 reviewsAccessibility Features
Limited mention of accessibility; however, the Trout Creek Canyon Trail is noted for being wheelchair-friendly for 0.75 miles.
Based on 24 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcome, and users mentioned their dogs enjoying the campground. 'Our dogs love it, too!'
Based on 24 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025