An RV park about an hour from Helena
Spacious full hookup sites in Lincoln, about an hour from Montana’s capital, with mountain views and room to breathe.
At a glance
Close to Helena, far from the crowds
Helena makes a day of Montana history easy to picture: a walk through Last Chance Gulch, time among the brick buildings of Reeder’s Alley and an afternoon exploring the Montana Heritage Center.
Lost Moose Meadows is in Lincoln, northwest of Helena along the Highway 279 route over Flesher Pass. Staying here can suit a trip that combines a Helena outing with time in the Blackfoot Valley.
- Drive
- About 1 hourHighway 279 over Flesher Pass, one of the prettiest drives around Helena.
- Sites
- 40 full hookupWater, sewer and 20/30/50 amp electric at every site.
- Big rigs
- Pull-throughs to 115 ftBack-ins up to 75 ft, and every site is level.
- Space
- Nearly 100 ft apartMany neighbors are nearly 100 feet apart, with just 40 sites on about 15 acres.
- Nights
- Quiet and darkVery little light pollution and more stars than most people are used to seeing.
- Season
- April 15 to October 15Book online any time, or call us.
Why Lincoln
Lincoln or Helena?
The best place to stay depends on how much time you plan to spend in Helena. Consider the drive alongside the things you want to do during the rest of your visit.
Staying in Helena may suit you if:
- You need to be in the city most days.
- Your trip centers on Helena restaurants, events or appointments.
- You want to minimize driving between your RV and city attractions.
Staying in Lincoln may suit you if:
- Helena is one outing during a longer Montana visit.
- You also want to explore Lincoln and the Blackfoot Valley.
- You enjoy combining time in town with days outdoors.
The drive
Getting between Lincoln and Helena
Highway 279 over Flesher Pass
From I-15 on the north side of Helena, take the Lincoln Road exit and follow Highway 279 north. The road climbs through ranch country to Flesher Pass, about 6,000 feet, where the Continental Divide Trail crosses, then drops to Highway 200 for the last few miles into Lincoln.
It’s a paved two lane mountain highway with curves and grades on both sides of the pass, so give yourself time if you’re towing or driving a big rig.
Stop in Marysville
Interested in Montana’s mining history? Consider a stop in Marysville during your Helena outing. The former mining town remains a living community, so enjoy the historic setting while respecting residents and private property.
If dinner at Marysville House is part of the plan, confirm its current opening information.
Make it a loop
For a full day drive from camp, head west on Highway 200 and south on Highway 141 to Avon, then east on Highway 12 over MacDonald Pass into Helena. Come home over Flesher Pass on Highway 279. It’s a favorite of motorcycle riders too.
Wildlife on the way
Keep an eye out for deer and elk in the meadows along Highway 279, especially early and late in the day.
Things to do
What to see in Helena
Last Chance Gulch
DowntownThe historic walking mall, built right where prospectors struck gold in 1864. Great shops and places to eat.
Montana State Capitol
Free toursA beautiful 1902 building with murals by Western artist Charles M. Russell.
Montana Heritage Center
Free admissionThe Montana Heritage Center explores Montana’s history through exhibits about the people, places and events that shaped the state. Its Charles M. Russell gallery gives art lovers another reason to leave time for a visit. Admission is free. Montana Heritage Center visitor info
Cathedral of St. Helena
DowntownA stunning Gothic cathedral with 59 stained glass windows.
Gates of the Mountains
Seasonal boat toursSee a different side of the Helena area on a narrated boat tour through the Missouri River canyon. The trip lasts approximately two hours, so make it a main part of your day rather than a quick stop between other attractions. Tours operate seasonally. Check tour dates and availability
Mount Helena City Park
Right above townIf you would rather spend part of the day on a trail, Mount Helena offers hiking close to town. Choose a route using the city’s trail information and allow time for the climb, the views and the return walk. Mount Helena trail information
Reeder’s Alley
Historic districtBuilt in the 1870s, Reeder’s Alley preserves a small piece of early Helena at the base of Mount Helena. Walk through the brick alley and use the official self guided tour to learn about the people who lived and worked here. Reeder’s Alley self guided tour
Summer events
Summer in Helena
Helena is busy all summer. A few favorites during our season:
Helena Farmers Market
A Saturday morning option for browsing local produce, prepared foods, crafts and other Montana made products. Check the market’s current schedule before planning your visit.
Alive at Five
Helena’s seasonal concert series offers an evening of live music and food vendors. Locations and schedules can vary, so check the current listing before heading into town.
Symphony Under the Stars
An outdoor Helena Symphony concert on the Carroll College campus, with a fireworks finale. If your stay lines up with the event, check the organizer’s information for the schedule, parking and what to bring.
Last Chance Stampede and Fair
Rodeo, concerts and fair activities make this a reason to plan a Helena visit around the event. Check the current program and ticket information before choosing your day.
Planning around an event? Confirm the date, location and tickets with the organizer before booking your outing.
Lakes
Lakes near Helena
The Missouri River runs just east of Helena, with big lakes for boating, fishing and swimming.
Canyon Ferry Lake
The big one, on the Missouri east of Helena. Boating, fishing, sandy beaches and plenty of room to spread out.
Hauser Lake
A Missouri River lake northeast of Helena, popular for boating and fishing.
Holter Lake
Farther down the Missouri near Wolf Creek, and home to the Gates of the Mountains boat tours.
Spring Meadow Lake State Park
Spring Meadow Lake State Park is an option for a walk, swimming or fishing during a Helena visit. It suits a shorter stop when you do not want to build the day around a larger lake.
A day in Helena
A day in Helena from camp
- Morning: Explore downtownWalk Last Chance Gulch, browse the shops and make time for Reeder’s Alley. Stop for lunch before moving on.
- Afternoon: Choose your main stopHistory and art: For history and art, visit the Montana Heritage Center and consider the nearby Capitol.
Outdoors: For time outdoors, choose a Mount Helena hike.
Boat tour: For a seasonal boat outing, reserve a Gates of the Mountains tour and build the rest of your day around its departure time. The tour lasts approximately two hours and operates seasonally.
Staying longer
Stock up, settle in, or head on
Stock up in town
A Helena outing can also be a chance to pick up groceries or supplies. If you need a particular RV part or repair, call the business ahead to confirm availability.
Monthly stays
Planning a longer visit? See our monthly stay options for current details.
More outings
Looking for another outing during your stay? Explore our day trip guide for more destinations around the region.
Keep exploring
More to see and do
Open April 15 to October 15
Visit Helena. Stay in Lincoln.
Make Helena part of the trip, with time left to enjoy Lincoln and the Blackfoot Valley.