Anglers and paddlers find direct access to Canyon Ferry Lake at Court Sheriff Campground, where approximately 40 sites spread along the shoreline 30 minutes from Helena. This Bureau of Land Management facility accommodates everything from tent campers to 100-foot RVs on paved roads and parking pads.
The campground draws families who swim and play in the lake waters during summer months. Jessie S. notes "you can paddle board and tube on the lake" while observing wildlife throughout the area. Many sites offer direct water access, though shade varies significantly across the property. A designated walk-in tent area sits at the far end of the campground for those preferring car-free sites.
Clean vault toilets distribute throughout the grounds, with drinking water available from aquifer-fed spigots. The campground operates year-round, though winter brings no fees alongside suspended water and trash services. Camp hosts maintain the facility during peak season and can direct visitors to optimal sites, though they cannot process payments on-site. Dog waste bags are provided, and both pets and alcohol are permitted.
Road noise from the adjacent highway affects some sites, particularly during overnight hours when traffic includes loud vehicles. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, with late summer and fall showing significant drops that move the shoreline away from campsites. Reservations book quickly for weekends and can be made online or by phone, while weekday availability remains more flexible.
The area serves as a base for exploring camping near Canyon Ferry Lake, with nearby Chinamens Gulch - Canyon Ferry Reservoir USBR providing additional lakeside options just minutes away.
Description
Overview
Court Sheriff Campground is located at the very north end of Canyon Ferry Reservoir, 30 miles east of Helena, Montana, along Montana Highway 284. Court Sheriff Campground offers year-round access to a wide range of recreational opportunities. Court Sheriff Campground is named for the Sheriff family. In 1865 Court Sheriff moved into the region from the state of Illinois to Montana to work the mines. Court Sheriff first worked the mines in Diamond City, then hired on as a carpenter to help build a wooden flume for the Magpie-Gave Hill ditch. In 1875 he opened a general mercantile to serve the miners east of the Missouri River at Cavetown. He moved to nearby Canyon Ferry in 1880, and by 1883 had established a general store and later added a livery stable and two-and-a-half-story hotel.
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
Court Sheriff Campground is very popular and a well-developed campground. The campground is paved with 48 campsites, most are located along the water. During the peak summer months services include vault toilets, potable water, trash, recycling containers and a campground host.
Natural Features
Court Sheriff Campground sits at the north end of Canyon Ferry Reservoir between the Big Belt and Elkhorns mountain ranges.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (406) 475-3920.
Nearby Attractions
Court Sheriff 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.
Fee Info
We only charge fees during "Peak Seasons" the 1st weekend of May through the second weekend of September.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Some sites are temporarily closed due to our shoreline restoration project. As soon as work is completed, the sites will reopen.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundCourt Sheriff Campground is located in Montana
Directions
Heading north along MT highway 12/287, drive north to Spokane Creek Rd and turn right Yellow flashing light. Follow Spokane Creek Rd for 4.6 mi and turn right onto Co Rd 430/Canyon Ferry Rd and continue on to Court Sheriff Campground. The campground will be on the right.
Address
7700 Canyon Ferry Road
Helena, MT 59601
Coordinates
46.6579361 N
111.7077167 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 19 usersLast on 4/19/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 15 usersLast on 4/19/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/19/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 19 usersLast on 4/19/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 15 usersLast on 4/19/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/19/26
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)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 24 min from Helena, MT
- 1 hr 24 min from Bozeman, MT
- 1 hr 32 min from Great Falls, MT
- 2 hrs 4 min from Missoula, MT
































