Open grassland meets lakeshore at Duck Creek Primitive Campground, a free Bureau of Reclamation site on the western edge of Canyon Ferry Lake in Montana. The camping area is large and flat, spreading along the shoreline at the end of Lower Duck Creek Road. No hookups, no potable water, and no trash service here. Come prepared to pack out everything.
The site's most defining feature is its exposure. "A lot of the area is in the open without trees and windy," notes Dexter I., though he also points out that scattered trees along the perimeter can serve as a wind break. Afternoon winds are a consistent pattern across reviews, so tent campers should stake down accordingly. Driftwood along the shore has historically provided campfire material, and rock fire rings are already in place. The lake is accessible directly from camp, and bank fishing is possible without moving the vehicle.
The open layout makes this site well-suited to groups. One reviewer noted that even with several hundred people on site, there was still room to spread out. Rock fire rings are scattered throughout, and enough flat ground exists to accommodate both tents and pull-through rigs. Nearby, Confederate Campground and Confederate Disperse Camping Area sit to the north for campers who want managed alternatives, while camping near Townsend covers a broader range of options in the region.
No reservations are required, but a 14-day stay limit applies under Bureau of Reclamation rules. Cell service is listed as available. Bring water, a trash bag, and wind protection regardless of the forecast.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsDuck Creek Primitive Campground is located in Montana near Canyon Ferry Lake
Coordinates
46.4632033 N
111.513082 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/22/26
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/22/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/22/26
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/22/26
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)
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- 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 Duck Creek Primitive Campground needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 55 min from Helena, MT
- 1 hr 17 min from Bozeman, MT
- 2 hrs 3 min from Great Falls, MT
- 2 hrs 33 min from Missoula, MT











