Confederate Campground, near Townsend, Montana, is a laid-back spot that offers a chance to unwind by the shores of Canyon Ferry Lake. With a mix of tent and RV sites, it’s perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle without breaking the bank.

The campground is known for its stunning views and easy access to the lake, making it a great place for fishing and boating. Visitors have enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere, especially on quieter nights when the only sounds are the gentle lapping of water and the occasional bird call. One camper noted, “Great views, great lake access for fishing, boating, etc.”

While amenities are limited—no drinking water or picnic tables—there are fire rings available for cozy evenings under the stars. Some campers have mentioned the beauty of the sunsets and the clear night skies, perfect for stargazing. Just be prepared for the local wildlife; the mosquitoes can be quite aggressive at dusk, so bring your bug spray!

For those who appreciate a more rustic experience, Confederate Campground is a solid choice. It’s a great spot to kick back, enjoy nature, and maybe even catch a big fish or two. Just remember to leave no trace and keep the area clean for future visitors.

Confederate Campground

Canyon Ferry Lake is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Canyon Ferry Lake is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Canyon Ferry Lake camping trip.

Canyon Ferry Lake

The Best Camping Near Canyon Ferry Lake, Montana

Confederate Campground is a Bureau of Reclamation campground on the shore of Canyon Ferry Lake. This small free campground does not have developed campsites with the exception of the one ADA available campsite. Their appears to be six camping spots, five that have rock made fire rings, the only developed site is the ADA site which has a concrete parking pad and metal fire pit. No picnic tables are available at this campground. The campground does have a ADA accessible vault toilet directly across from the ADA campsite. Two of the campsites sit along the lakes beach. Don't be expecting a nice sandy beach however, this is a gravel beach, but still nice. Two sites are near the vault toilet and ADA site, these sites sit on the edge of the lake among cotton wood trees and willows. The final location is away from the other sites in a grassy area near large cotton woods. Camping at Confederate campground is limited to 14 days. There is no water, trash service or picnic tables so come prepared. Their is not a boat launch at this campground, but boats can easily be launched from the rocky beach area. All water craft regardless of size must be inspected prior to launching at Canyon Ferry Lake.

Relax on the shore of Canyon Ferry Lake

This dispersed campground is perfect for any configuration. It’s important to note that there are only 2 vault toilets and no water available. There are spaces that gather crowds, but depending on your setup you can stay secluded. 

Convenient Free Camping

There’s a few different sites to choose from in the area. A lot of them are close to the pit toilet near the rock beach. Most have fire rings and picnic tables. No water. The best spot that we stayed at was on top of the cliff. It was gorgeous but super windy. 14 day stay limit. Pls make sure to leave no trace and don’t leave trash. A group of guys camped on one of the site and trashed it. Even buried the fire pit completely with sand to the point you could barely see it and then left trash on top

Lower Confederate Dispersed Camping

My dogs and I went here for a day trip. It was super pretty, neighbors were friendly, though it was busy. Good spot for a bonfire.

Beautiful campground away from the road enough to only hear the water

A couple primitive pad sites with fire rings otherwise plenty of space for dispersed camping close to beach (mostly rocks/mud). Great views and good for group gatherings/fishing. Does get windy being on the east side of the lake, can watch the ice sheets pile up in late fall.

Great Dispersed campground 

Got here at around 5pm on a Saturday night and there were plenty of options which made me very happy. We ended up pulling off to the first spot on the right since there were more people farther to the left, and I like to be secluded a bit. Right next to the lake, had a picnic table and a large rock fire ring available. Was pretty windy but not as bad as I was expecting being so close to the lake. Very pretty sunset and crystal night sky. Saw plenty of satellites zipping around up there. Definitely a spot worth stopping for. 10/2/21

Beautiful peaceful spot

After staying at another campground on Canyon Ferry and finding it not exactly what we were looking for, we went scouting, looking for a place to stay that isn’t super crowded or overused. We came upon Confederate and loved it. Great views, Great Lake access for fishing, boating, etc. There are spots in the trees to escape the wind more or you can stay right on the beach and try to position yourself so the wind isn’t terrible. Right by a creek that you can walk and it’s an easy drive to spots for fishing/bow fishing. Family loved it. Will be our go to spot from now on

A Favorite!!

On a Wednesday night there was no one else around. A little buggy during the day and really buggy at sunset (though they didn’t seem to be biting just buzzing). Big fish were really active right off shore for fishing. Easy access to campsites and nice view of lake and mountains. 

Quiet, bugs, and fish

Love the spot, not many people, picnic tables/fire pits at each pull through spot. Pit toilet was locked. The mosquitoes were absolutely blood thirsty and aggressive and after multiple reapplications of bug spray we had to call it quits. The fire barely kept them at bay, but we still got a few bites sitting next to the heat. 

Photos of Confederate Campground

Real photos from real campers