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Montana
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Montana State Parks

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USA Parks
Montana
Gold West Country Region
Black Sandy State Park
Black Sandy State Park © Faith Wilson from Woodinville, WA, U.S.A. / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The view from Hauser Dam trail
Black Sandy State Park © Ed Thomes from Belgrade, Montana, US of A / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Hauser Lake Moonrise Montana.Located in Lewis and Clark County, near Helena.
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BLACK SANDY STATE PARK
BLACK SANDY STATE PARK
6563 Hauser Dam Road
Helena, Montana   59602
(lat:46.7455 lon:-111.8867) map location

Phone: 406-495-3270
Reservations: 406-495-3260
One of the few public parks on the shores of Hauser Reservoir, Black Sandy is an extremely popular weekend boating, fishing, and water skiing take-off point. This site is 44 acres in size and has an elevation of 3,669 feet. There are 29 sites (4 additional sites are for tents) that offer both flush and vault toilets, RV dump station, grills/firerings, picnic tables, trash cans, drinking water, and interpretive displays. Groceries, laundry, showers, public telephone, etc. available adjacent to the park. There are 3 public golf courses and 8 museums located nearby in Helena. Camping fees are $15.00 per night and for non-resident visitors, the day use fee is $5 per vehicle.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseHiking Trailyes
 Swimming Beachyes
 Bike Trailsyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
 Electric Sitesyes
Swimming
1. Black Sandy State Park offers a designated swimming area on the shores of Hauser Lake.
2. Lifeguards are not provided, so swim at your own risk.
3. Swimming is popular during summer months due to warm lake temperatures.
4. The park's sandy beach makes it ideal for sunbathing and picnicking after swimming activities.
5. Water shoes are recommended as some areas have rocky bottoms in the water near shorelines.

Boating
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. It features a boat ramp that allows easy access to the waters of Hauser Lake, which is popular among anglers and water sports enthusiasts alike. Motorized and non-motorized boats are allowed on the lake, making it suitable for activities like sailing, motorboating, canoeing or kayaking. There's also an option to rent various types of watercraft within close proximity if you don't have your own.
Fishing
Enjoy fishing in a serene environment, with options for shore or boat angling. Species include trout, perch and walleye.



Picnicking
Black Sandy State Park offers picnic tables and grills for visitors. It also provides stunning views of the Helena Valley.
Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts should proceed with care due to the park's rugged terrain. Helmets are highly recommended for safety reasons.

The area offers various trails, suitable for different skill levels. However, some paths can be challenging and steep.

Off-road biking is popular here but requires caution as wildlife encounters may occur unexpectedly on these secluded routes.

Remember that shared-use rules apply; bikers must yield to hikers or horseback riders they encounter along the way.

During winter months, cycling becomes more hazardous due to icy conditions and reduced visibility from snowfall.

Ensure your bike has proper lights if planning a ride after sunset since there isn't much artificial lighting around.

Always check weather forecasts before embarking on any rides in this region - sudden changes could make certain areas unsafe.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
November 20 Our Favorite place to go for vacation by Campers in June From Nevada
park review stars; one to five We love Black Sandy. Yes it get crowded but that is mostly the weekend crowd we go and we stay for two weeks at a time and the spot we go to is kinda up and out of the way so dont really bother anyone but we wouldnt go anywhere else Black Sandy is the best No complaints been there three times in a row hope to see you in June
June 12 Never again
park review stars; one to five Need more fire pits, we were suposed to share with the lot next to us.Every lot should have own pit. Too many FWP people picking at you the whole time.We thought we were very careful about liscences and permits and rules and they still found something to ticket us. Somebody came at night and stole gas cans.
June 17 A Little Crowded by Drive By Tourists
park review stars; one to five This is an old facility that is a favorite of the locals, especially the boat ramp. Side by side camping, overnight boat docking for campers. Has a 7 day limit! White Sandy very close by and probably not as crowded but it is very new.
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Area Campgrounds
Grey Sandy Campground & Store
6568 Hauser Dam Road
Helena, MT
406-303-0476
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Hauser Lake State Park, Black Sandy Unit is located 7 miles north of Helena on I-15, then 4 miles east on Secondary 453, then 3 miles north on Hauser Dam Road.

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Montana
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Montana State Parks

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