Black Sandy State Park occupies the western shore of Hauser Lake, a Missouri River reservoir about 13 miles northeast of Helena, within a landscape associated with the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. Originally operated by the Montana Power Company as a recreation area, it passed to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks in 1980 and became a state recreation area in 1982, marking its shift to public management. The park is now focused on shoreline access and water-based recreation, including boating, fishing, swimming, camping, hiking, and picnicking. Its trout, walleye, and perch fisheries and its proximity to other public sites around Hauser Lake add to its appeal.