Summary
The park is located on the eastern shore of Hauser Lake and offers a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, swimming, boating, and hiking.
One of the main attractions at Black Sandy State Park is the lake itself, which is known for its crystal-clear waters and excellent fishing opportunities. Anglers can catch a variety of fish, including rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon.
In addition to fishing, visitors to the park can also enjoy a variety of other outdoor activities. There are several hiking trails in the area, including the Black Sandy Beach Trail, which offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
For those looking to relax and unwind, there are several picnic areas and a beach at the park. The beach is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing during the summer months.
Interesting facts about Black Sandy State Park include its history as a former logging camp and the presence of bald eagles in the area. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, moose, and black bears.
The best time to visit Black Sandy State Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the park is open for recreational activities. However, the park is also open year-round for camping and hiking, and visitors can enjoy the winter scenery and snow sports during the colder months.
Overall, Black Sandy State Park is a beautiful and diverse destination in Montana, offering something for everyone. Whether you're a fishing enthusiast, a hiker, or just looking for a peaceful place to relax, this park is definitely worth a visit.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
WHITE SANDY CAMPGROUND
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Black Sandy State Park
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White Sandy
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Devils Elbow Campground
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SPOKANE BAY
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BEARTOOTH LANDING
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Missouri River Fishing Access Site
Hauser Reservoir
Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir