Black Sandy State Park

Montana's Hauser Lake is a 3,800-acre reservoir on the Missouri River. There are several public parks located around the lake's shoreline, and Black Sandy State Park is one of the best.

Located 15 miles north of Helena, this popular campground is open all year round and provides easy access to a host of recreational activities. Happily, it's also a pet-friendly site where you can enjoy a camping getaway with your canine companion.

As you'd expect, water sports are the number-one activity in this pretty little park. Whether you're fishing for walleye or trout, water skiing or kayaking, there are plenty of ways to get out on the water. Swimming is also available, and the cool waters offer a refreshing escape from the heat of summer.

Other park facilities include picnic areas, mountain bike trails, ice skating, and hiking. The 43-acre park is also home to a family campground where there are 29 sites available.

Electrical hookups are available from May 1 until November 30, and all campsites with electricity are able to be reserved. Tent, trailer, and RV camping is available, but please note that the longest trailer length is 35 feet. Best of all, the campground is dog-friendly.

If you're staying with your pet, make sure you stick to all Montana state park rules and regulations regarding pets. From April 15 through September 15, all pets must be on a leash no longer than 10 feet long, unless signs indicate otherwise. You're also responsible for the proper removal and disposal of your pet's waste, and please remember that dogs are not permitted on swimming beaches.

Black Sandy State Park is a hugely popular destination for outdoor recreation enthusiasts, and it's not hard to see why. If you want to take a pet-friendly camping trip in Montana and immerse yourself in the great outdoors, this park is well worth adding to your list of must-visit spots.