Fishing enthusiasts will find direct access to Canyon Ferry Lake at this Bureau of Land Management campground located within a residential area near Helena. The campground sits on a sheltered cove with a large boat ramp, making it convenient for anglers to launch watercraft and access the lake's fishing opportunities.
Most campsites include picnic tables and fire rings, though one ADA-accessible site lacks these amenities. Dexter I. notes that "many large trees provide shade for most sites." Two vault toilets serve the campground, and the facility accommodates RVs up to 100 feet in length. The location sees light use, with few other campers typically present during visits.
The campground's residential setting means houses surround the camping area, which some visitors find detracts from the outdoor experience. However, the cove location offers protection from wind. Pets must remain leashed throughout the campground. Reservations are available for the $10 per night sites, and both drinking water and cell service are accessible.
Campers seeking more remote settings might consider Court Sheriff Campground, located 1.5 miles northwest on the same reservoir.
Description
Overview
Jo Bonner Campground is located at the Northeastern end of Canyon Ferry Reservoir; 30 miles east of Helena, Montana and offers year-round access to a wide range of recreational opportunities. Jo Bonner Campground is named for Josephine Agnes Martin Bonner (1907-1965) by Montana's Governor John Bonner (1902-1970). Today, Jo Bonner Campground is a small quaint campground that offers easy access.
Recreation
Canyon Ferry Reservoir offers a wide range of year-round recreational opportunities. Water related activities include everything from swimming and fishing to sailing and motor-boating. Canoeists and kayakers explore the many quiet backwater bays. Jet skiers, windsurfers and water skiers skim the summer waves, while winter draws ice fishermen, ice boaters and ice skaters.
Facilities
Jo Bonner Campground has 17 designated campsites . Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire rings. During the recreation season facilities at Jo Bonner campground include two vault toilets, potable water, trash dumpster, and a campground host. There is a gravel boat launch with a courtesty dock located just outside of the campground.
Natural Features
Jo Bonner Campground is located at northern end of Canyon Ferry Reservoir between the Big Belt and Elkhorns mountain ranges.
Nearby Attractions
Jo Bonner Campground on Canyon Ferry Reservoir is located halfway between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park along with the capital city of Helena, Montana. For up to date events visit, www.helenamt.com.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (406) 475-3920.
Fee Info
We only charge fees during "Peak Seasons" the 1st weekend of May through the second weekend of September.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsJo Bonner Campground is located in Montana near Helena
Directions
Heading north along MT Highway 12/287 from Townsend, MT, turn right onto Spokane Creek Road. Follow Spokane Creek Road for 4.6 miles and turn right onto County Road 430/Canyon Ferry Road and continue 7.9 miles. Turn right on to East Shore Drive and continue straight .3 miles to Jo Bonner Campground.
Address
7700 CANYON FERRY RD
Helena, MT 59602
Coordinates
46.644627 N
111.683576 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 6/15/26
Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 6/15/26- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 6/15/26
- Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 6/15/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 26 min from Helena, MT
- 1 hr 22 min from Bozeman, MT
- 1 hr 34 min from Great Falls, MT
- 2 hrs 4 min from Missoula, MT
