MONTANA PARK OF THE WEEK: Black Sandy State Park

Come, visit and enjoy one of the few public parks on the shores of Hauser Reservoir.

Black Sandy State Park is an extremely popular weekend boating, fishing, camping, and water skiing location. The park is alongside the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. The Lewis and Clark Expedition passed through the area in 1805.

Before 1980, Montana Power Company owned the land and operated the park as a recreation area. In 1980, Montana Power turned over the park management to the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP).

In 1982, it was designated a state recreation area. Later on the land was also turned over to FWP.

Boating, fishing, swimming, camping (electrical hookups are available May 1- November 30), picnicking, bicycling, and mountain biking are available.

Black Sandy State Park has 29 campsites with electricity that you can reserve and six campsites without electricity that are first come-first served. The maximum trailer length is 35 ft. You can make reservations up to one day before your arrival date. For same-day availability, try calling the park office at 406-458-3221 to check if any sites are available for that night. There are also boat slips for rent on a first-come, first-served basis.

PARK: Open 24 hours/day all year for day use and camping. May 1- Nov 30: electrical hookups available. Dec 1 - May 1: Limited facilities available. Summer hours: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM daily; Open until 6:30 PM in mid-summer. LOCATION: 6563 Hauser Dam Road, Helena, MT 59602.