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  3. Big Sky Camp Paw
Big Sky Camp Paw logo

Big Sky Camp Paw

Helena, United States
July 2026
FurryGuides
Official Website
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Quick Facts 2027

When
TBA
Where
Helena, United States
Theme
To Be Announced
Status
Dates TBA

Our Take on Big Sky Camp Paw

No take yet. More opinions needed.

Good

-

Bad

-

Verdict

-

Opinions from us, from friends, and from readers who support the blog. More coming. Send us yours.

Did You Know?

  • *Relocated multiple times: Lincoln, Missoula, now Helena area
  • *Run by Big Sky Anthro, Inc., a registered nonprofit with a board of directors
  • *By 2018 drew 56 attendees from around the country and hosted first live DJ'd dances

Big Sky Camp Paw 2027

Big Sky Camp Paw 2027 has upcoming dates to be announced at Hellgate Campground.

What Are the Highlights of Big Sky Camp Paw?

  • Montana-only niche: There is nothing else quite like this in the region.
  • Long-running history: The event's roots go back to 2012.
  • Outdoor format: Camp Paw is a real camping convention, not just a con with a bonfire.
  • Growth story: Official history says the event keeps moving to larger sites as it expands.

Gallery

What Big Sky Camp Paw looks like

SoonA better gallery is coming. These photos are gathered automatically for now, but we are curating sharper, hand-picked shots. A submission form is coming soon too. Want yours on the site? Get in touch or follow us on Telegram and X for the suggestion waitlist.

From attendees

Schedule & Programming 2027
Soon

Tickets & Pricing 2027
Soon

How Do I Get to Big Sky Camp Paw?

  • Flying: Helena Regional Airport (HLN) is the most direct option, though many attendees may also route through larger Montana airports and drive.
  • Driving: Camp Paw is fundamentally a drive-in event, so a car or coordinated rideshare is the simplest way to handle gear and campsite logistics.
  • Pack for outdoors: This is not a hotel weekend. Weather shifts, camping supplies, and ride coordination matter.
Where is Big Sky Camp Paw?
Helena, United States
Hellgate Campground
This convention (exact venue)Nearby larger cons (tap to open)
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Closest & best hotels nearby

Soon

Curated stays near Hellgate Campground, Helena, United States.

  • Walkable
  • Con blocks
  • Budget picks
  • Calfurry in Calgary, Canada, 518 km away

Where Should I Stay for Big Sky Camp Paw?

  • Campground base: Hellgate Campground is the core of the experience rather than just the venue.
  • Bring the right gear: Sleeping arrangements, site setup, and personal comfort are much closer to a camping trip than a hotel con.
  • Community scale: Camp Paw's smaller size is part of the appeal, especially for attendees who prefer a less crowded environment.

Past Years

2025: Hellgate Retreat

The 2025 edition of Big Sky Camp Paw gathered the Montana community at Hellgate Campground. The event focused on its traditional retreat-style format with communal camping and outdoor social activities.

Big Sky Camp Paw FAQ

When is Big Sky Camp Paw 2027?
Big Sky Camp Paw 2027 is scheduled for TBA.
Where is Big Sky Camp Paw held?
Big Sky Camp Paw takes place in Helena, United States at Hellgate Campground.
How much are tickets for Big Sky Camp Paw?
Registration for Big Sky Camp Paw starts at 15 USD.

Convention Archive

Historical data and growth track record

Swipe sideways to see attendance, charity, and guest details.
Year
Dates
Theme
Attendance
Charity Raised
Guest(s) of Honor
2027
TBATBATBATBANone Announced
2026
Jul 16-20TBATBATBANone Announced
2025
Aug 7-11TBATBATBANone Announced

Want more context? Compare this convention against other furry events or browse the attendance rankings.

Compare this conventionView attendance rankings

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Plan Your Trip

Attending Big Sky Camp Paw? Check out our guides:

  • First Convention Survival Guide for first-time attendees
  • Convention Budgeting Guide to plan your expenses

Also in North America:

  • DenFur
  • Anthro Northwest

Planning Resources

First Convention Guide

The 6-2-1 rule, post-con depression, and everything else first-timers need to know.

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Notes on Big Sky Camp Paw

3 quirks & policies that don't fit the highlights grid.

  • Federal dam-reservoir camping, not wilderness

    Hellgate Campground sits on Bureau of Reclamation land, the same federal agency that runs Hoover Dam, on the west shore of Canyon Ferry Reservoir, the 25-mile Missouri River impoundment east of Helena. Elevation 3,848 ft; the campground occupies an open valley between the Big Belt Mountains and the Elkhorns, 30 miles east of Helena via MT Highway 284.

  • Montana permitless carry meets a federal no-discharge zone

    Camp Paw operates inside an unusual regulatory split. Montana is permitless-carry for anyone 18+ legally allowed to possess a firearm, but the Bureau of Reclamation explicitly prohibits "discharge of firearms, including bow & arrows, air guns and fireworks" within the Canyon Ferry recreation area.

  • No themes, no Guests of Honor, no charity, by deliberate design

    Camp Paw has never announced a theme, GoH, or charity beneficiary in the years we have documented. The small camping format is the reason: there is no stage to build a theme around and no vendor hall to raise charity money in, so those fields stay empty by choice rather than by oversight.

Sources · 2
  1. Federal dam-reservoir camping, not wilderness ↗
  2. Montana permitless carry meets a federal no-discharge zone ↗
Photo sources · 1 ▸
  1. [1]@FinDaPubby·#camppaw

Photos come from public Bluesky posts and are used editorially with attribution. Spotted yourself and want a photo removed? Email [email protected] and we’ll take it down promptly. Want to be featured in the next refresh? Send your handle to the same address.

Last Updated: July 21, 2026

Sources: Official site, community reports

Spot a mistake? Contact us.