Black Sandy State Park

For dining options near Black Sandy State Park, Helena offers a diverse range of restaurants. Windbag Saloon & Grill is a popular spot known for its steak and seafood, set in a historic bordello. Another favorite is Old Salt Outpost, offering a casual dining experience with a great beer selection. For a 24-hour dining option, Shellie's Country Cafe provides family-style American meals. Lucca's offers an intimate setting for Italian cuisine, while Silver Star Steak Company is renowned for its surf 'n' turf dishes.

For accommodations near Black Sandy State Park, Helena offers several convenient options. The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Helena provides a comfortable stay with an indoor pool and free breakfast. The Best Western Premier Helena Great Northern Hotel offers a relaxed atmosphere with an indoor pool and cocktail bar. For extended stays, the Residence Inn Helena is an excellent choice, featuring all-suite accommodations and two indoor pools.

Black Sandy State Park offers a range of amenities to enhance the visitor experience. The park includes picnic areas, a beach, and a campground with both tent and RV sites. Facilities such as drinking water, flush and vault toilets, and a dump station are available. Additionally, there are bike trails, a fishing pier, and a boat launch, making it an ideal spot for water activities. Fire rings and grills are provided for campers, and firewood can be purchased on-site. The park also features a gift shop for souvenirs and supplies.

Black Sandy State Park is a hub for outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing for species like trout and walleye, and boating on Hauser Lake. Water skiing and tubing are also popular during the warmer months. For those who prefer land-based activities, hiking and biking trails offer scenic views of the surrounding landscape. In the winter, ice fishing is a favorite pastime. Photography and wildlife viewing are also encouraged, given the park's diverse wildlife, including a notable concentration of Bald Eagles.

Black Sandy State Park offers several accessibility features to ensure that all visitors can enjoy the park. The park includes ADA-accessible campsites and restrooms. Additionally, the picnic areas and some trails are designed to be accessible for visitors with mobility impairments. However, it is advisable to contact the park in advance to confirm the availability of specific accessible facilities and to plan the visit accordingly.

Parking at Black Sandy State Park is readily available, with designated areas for cars and RVs. The park does not charge for parking, making it accessible to all visitors. The parking lots are located near the campsites and amenities, ensuring that everything is within walking distance. However, during peak season, it is advisable to arrive early to secure a spot close to the lake or campsites.

Black Sandy State Park is named for the black sand found on the north side of Hauser Lake, which gives the park its unique name. The park is a significant stop along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, adding to its historical importance. During August, the park hosts one of the largest concentrations of Bald Eagles west of the Mississippi River, making it a prime spot for birdwatching. The park's diverse wildlife and scenic beauty make it a popular destination for nature lovers and photographers.

Near Black Sandy State Park, visitors can explore several attractions. The White Sandy Recreation Area, operated by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, is located just south of the park and offers additional campsites and recreational opportunities. The Hauser Dam is another nearby attraction, offering scenic views and a chance to explore the engineering behind the reservoir. Helena, the capital city of Montana, is also close by, providing access to historical sites, museums, and cultural events.