Goose Bay - Dispersed Camping, near Townsend, Montana, is a fantastic spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors without breaking the bank. This location offers free camping right by the water, with spacious sites that come equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for evening gatherings.

Visitors rave about the stunning views and the peaceful atmosphere, especially during the weekdays when it’s less crowded. The area is known for its beautiful rocky shoreline and clear waters, making it a great place for swimming and other water activities. One camper noted, “The water is gorgeous and I went for a swim mid-day when it got hot.”

While there are no electric hookups or drinking water available, the campground does have vault toilets that are regularly cleaned and stocked. Some campers have mentioned the occasional wind and bugs, but that’s all part of the outdoor experience, right? 

If you’re up for some adventure, you’ll find a boat launch ramp nearby, making it easy to get out on the water. Plus, with the Missouri River just a stone's throw away, there are plenty of opportunities for fishing and exploring. Whether you’re in a big rig or a van, Goose Bay is a solid choice for a laid-back camping experience surrounded by nature.

Goose Bay - Dispersed Camping

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

Absolutely gorgeous spot. Lots of privacy, picnic tables and firepits. Our neighbor went out on the water with his boat every day to fish from sun up to sun down. Noise is super minimal and only about ~4 spots were taken while we were there on a weekend.

Sunsets for the books

Gorgeous spot! Free dispersed camping, first come basis, 14 day stay limit. Lots of spots to choose from in the area. Beautiful vies of Canyon Ferry Lake. Most spots have a picnic table and a camp fire ring. Some spots are close to each other so in the summer I bet it’s packed. The lakes beach is full of rocks. Please make sure to leave no trace if you come to this spot! Pack it in, pack it out. There are vault toilets around the area if needed. No dumping.

Dispersed Camping on Canon Ferry Lake

This campsite was gorgeous. The lake was beautiful, it was secluded and private. Had a fire pit and picnic table. That being said, hundreds of bugs started swarming our van the second we pulled onto the road to get in. Then we got out to take a walk and even more started swarming us and latching on. We decided to head back to the van to hang out inside and saw a tick walking across our couch after being inside for a few minutes. Such a bummer because the spot was gorgeous :( probably wouldn’t recommend. 

Don’t do it

This spot was PERFECT. Everything you need: waterfront view, fire ring, picnic table, vault toilet &amp; amazing cell service. The sunsets were beautiful, the water was clean and it was so peaceful during the week. Weekends get PACKED. There are 3 loops to this dispersed camping. I recommend loop 3. It was the least packed during the week and has access to 2 clean vault toilets. There’s great spots towards the end that have easy water access for a kayak or SUP. I used my SUP in that little bay and it was perfect. Only 45 minutes to Helena and surrounded by beauty! 

What. A. Spot.

We loved it here, huge sites, open space, beautiful rocky beach! Super quiet this time of year

Amazing two night stay!

Not too busy during the weekday. Picnic table and metal fire ring. I didn’t see any bathrooms but might have missed them as I drove in at night. Not a lot of trees so there isn’t much privacy, but the other sites were far enough away that it didn’t matter. Pretty windy. I heard coyotes at night so keep your pets close, otherwise it’s very quiet and peaceful. Just a stones throw away from the water. 

Lovely Stay by the Water

I was here about a year ago and enjoyed my stay so much, I came back for another week. Arrived on Sunday afternoon with plenty of spots to pick from. My favorite is the very last loop before the Marina. I was able to snag a waterfront spot &amp; had easy access to paddle board. Vault toilets were cleaned and restocked 3 times during my stay. Friday by mid-day, most of the spots are taken. The weekends aren’t as enjoyable because there’s always a group that is disruptive and respectful of quiet hours or the people camping next to them. Overall, definitely would recommend this place if you’re in the area. Only 50 min from helena to restock on all supplies. Little store next door at the marina you can access too!

Another great stay 

This is an amazing “hidden gem” in its own way. I arrived at 1pm on Monday in august and it was almost completely empty except for 4-5 campers who were all next to each other, leaving over 12+ open spots if not more (we didn’t drive all the way around the campground). There are multiple restrooms, some even ADA accessible and they seemed clean and well stocked, I even saw the guy come and clean/ stock it when I first arrived. The water is gorgeous and I went for a swim mid day when it got hot, my dog also loved this! Flat easy ground to set up a tent as well as picnic tables and fire rings. This is definitely on my list to come back to if I’m ever in the area. Truly stunning and so tranquil. 

Empty with a view!

This is a lovely little campground &amp; it’s free! Just about every site is on the water . The lake is clear &amp; beautiful &amp; there is plenty of clean rocky shoreline. Some wide open spots &amp; some with more trees. Not many people at all on a Tuesday. We snagged a primo spot right away. And the spots are huge! Fire pit &amp; picnic table included. Plenty of bathrooms too. We only stayed 1 night on our way to Flathead but it was very quiet. The biggest damper was all the bugs! Holy cow ! There were mosquitoes but luckily they weren’t terribly aggressive at all. But wow were there so many flies!!  Glad they didn’t bite. There were also a wide assortment of other bugs &amp; every time we opened our camper door, they swarmed inside! 
Also, be warned that there is a small stretch of road going to the grounds that is turbulent as hell! It’s gravel &amp; desperately needs to be smoothed out ! Just go slow. 

Nice lakeside spot

First road dispersed has no vault toilets but rings/tables each site. I went down second road for more dispersed sites. only toilet open was #3 but it was stocked &amp; clean. Stayed at end of this road &amp; was stunning! Lots of bugs when first arriving but none the next day. Was around 30 at night &amp; 40-50 degrees during day. Extremely windy &amp; no sites really covered. Water was too cold for me to swim, but dogs had no problem enjoying the river. Plus, Not a single soul was here &amp; I’d definitely come again! 

Windy & very open bur Free & riverside,  

Independence Day camping on the Missouri River or Lake. This is a fantastic spot for any size vehicle, from vans to big rigs. There wasn't much space to park my van, but I was able to stay there for a few days anyhow. Water sports enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity of the campground's boat launch ramp to the free camping areas. A maximum of 14 days is set.

  

Cell Service: 5G Great

Free Camping Along the Lake

Access: 2.5 miles off hwy on dirt road to sign in Pics where campground is located.  Other reviews are correct about mosquitoes. Also unfortunately had smoke from Canadian wildfires on 01Aug2023.  Nice drive north of campground to dam on Missouri river. 

Wide open spaces on Lake/river banks

We loved this place! Only downside is it’s a bit far from anything like grocery stores or gas. Plenty of spots to camp - the first loop doesn’t have a pit toilet but the second and third loop do. Most spots had fire pits and tables. We swam in the water and it was nice. Rocky beach. Service was good for us to work remote. We have Verizon and T-Mobile. 

Photos of Goose Bay - Dispersed Camping

Real photos from real campers