Canyon Ferry Lake frames this Bureau of Reclamation campground on the water's edge outside Townsend, Montana, where free, first-come camping draws anglers, boaters, and anyone looking for direct lake access without a reservation. The site layout is loosely dispersed rather than formally developed. Most spots have rock-built fire rings, and a handful include picnic tables, though the single ADA site is the only one with a concrete pad and a metal fire pit. A vault toilet sits near the ADA site. No potable water or trash service is available, so campers need to arrive self-sufficient.
The shoreline here is gravel and rock, not sand, with cottonwoods and willows shading the sites closest to the water. Two spots sit directly on the beach; others are tucked near the trees or set in a grassy area farther back. Wind is a recurring factor, especially on the lake-facing sites, and mosquitoes can be aggressive near sunset in summer months. Reviewers consistently note that fish are active close to shore, and informal boat launching from the rocky beach is workable, though all watercraft require inspection before going in. Cell service is generally available. The 14-day stay limit applies.
"Very pretty sunset and crystal night sky," notes Jonathan O., who arrived on a Saturday evening and found several open spots. Weeknight visits tend to draw fewer campers. Those exploring campsites near Townsend will find additional options nearby, including Confederate Disperse Camping Area less than a mile to the northwest and Duck Creek Primitive Campground a short distance south. Confederate Campground works best for self-contained campers who prioritize lake access and free overnight stays over developed amenities.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsConfederate Campground is located in Montana near Canyon Ferry Lake
Coordinates
46.48228964 N
111.516869 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/31/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/12/26
AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/31/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/31/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/12/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/31/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Confederate Campground needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 55 min from Helena, MT
- 1 hr 22 min from Bozeman, MT
- 2 hrs 3 min from Great Falls, MT
- 2 hrs 33 min from Missoula, MT
