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Established Camping

Riverside Campground

Riverside Campground, near Helena, Montana, is a solid choice for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors with a focus on fishing and relaxation. With spacious sites and well-kept amenities, it’s a comfortable spot to set up camp and unwind by the water.

This campground is particularly appealing for anglers, thanks to its proximity to a boat launch just a quarter mile downstream from the dam. Visitors have noted that the facilities, including clean bathrooms and maintained fire pits, make for a pleasant stay. One camper mentioned, “The amenities for camping are more than satisfactory,” which sums up the general vibe here.

You’ll find picnic tables and a nice group shelter, perfect for gathering with friends or family. The campground is also pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry companions along for the adventure. While some sites are reservable, it’s wise to double-check availability to avoid any surprises.

Riverside Campground is located below Canyon Ferry Dam, providing a peaceful atmosphere away from the busier lakeside spots. The surrounding nature offers plenty of opportunities for walking and enjoying the outdoors, making it a great base for exploring the area. Whether you’re fishing, relaxing, or just soaking in the scenery, this campground has a lot to offer.

Description

Bureau of Reclamation

Canyon Ferry Lake

Overview

Riverside Campground is located 30 miles east of Helena, Montana, below the dam at the northern end of Canyon Ferry Reservoir. Riverside Campground provides space for campers, day users, and large groups. 27 paved campsites, a group use area with a picnic pavilion, 6 pit toilets, an accessible fishing dock, a boat ramp and day use picnic area. This popular location below the dam attracts many families, boaters and fisherman.

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 and ice skaters.

Natural Features

Riverside Campground sits below Canyon Ferry Dam along the banks of Hauser Reservoir. The current is swift, and swimming is not advised. Ample fish in the water makes this a prime location for bird watching. Loons, cormorants and pelicans are often present patrolling the waters; while bald eagles and osprey make appearances to showcase their fish hunting skills.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (406) 475-3920.

Nearby Attractions

Riverside Campground is located halfway between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. The city of Helena, Montana, the state capital, is 25 miles away. 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.

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Location

Riverside Campground is located in Montana

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Helena, MT: Head east along Co Rd 430/Canyon Ferry Rd from Helena, MT, continue for 18 miles to Jim Town Road and turn left. Continue straight until you reach the campground. From Townsend, MT: Head north on Hwy 284 for 34 miles and turn right at Jim Town Road. Continue straight until you reach the campground.

Address

7700 Canyon Ferry Road
Helena, MT 59601

Coordinates

46.6563583 N
111.7348194 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Fair
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Poor

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

Reviews

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5.0

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4 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 5, 2021

Focus on Fishing

If you have a boat and the correct equipment this area would make a very nice camping area for a trout fisherman. A boat launch area approximately a quarter mile downstream from a dam makes for easy boat launch at this sight. And, the amenities for camping are more than satisfactory.

Site23
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Sep. 10, 2020

Nice and quiet by the river

Spacious campground, sites are not private but they are very well kept. We parked our van so that we could have a little privacy from the neighbors across the way. 2 of the sites have roofs over the tables. The tables are concrete, fire pits are well maintained, bathrooms are very clean! The boat launch is also very well kept and easily accessible. Some of the sites are reservable and so we found one with open dates, the next morning we were greeted with a man who was angry that we were in his spot. We didn’t know because the site said it was open. We figured it was because the camp host was off duty and didn’t write the new reservation, but just be aware. $15 per night but it was off season (?) and not required at the time.

  • Review photo of Riverside Campground by Alex P., September 10, 2020
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  • Review photo of Riverside Campground by Alex P., September 10, 2020
Reviewed Sep. 10, 2018

Very Nice campground below Canyon Ferry Dam

A nice campground below Canyon Ferry Dam on the Missouri River. This campground seems to get less traffic than those on the lake. Paved roads through the campground, walking paths with benches. Nice boat ramp with plenty of parking. Nice group use shelter and camping area available. Best site in the campground is #17, not on the river but you get your own shelter. Concrete picnic tables, trash service and recycling available for Aluminum and #1, #2 plastics.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Riverside Campground by Dexter I., September 10, 2018
  • Review photo of Riverside Campground by Dexter I., September 10, 2018
  • Review photo of Riverside Campground by Dexter I., September 10, 2018
  • (19) View All
Reviewed Apr. 24, 2018

Clean and Quiet

Located below a dam, this quiet park is much more than meets the eye. My husband and I spent a night here in April. It was the off season - so camping was free. There was a warm, CLEAN bathroom. It had a safe feeling to it.

SiteSite 3
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Riverside Campground by Lindsey A., April 24, 2018
  • Review photo of Riverside Campground by Lindsey A., April 24, 2018
  • Review photo of Riverside Campground by Lindsey A., April 24, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at Riverside Campground?

    Riverside Campground allows vehicles up to 40 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Riverside Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Riverside Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Riverside Campground have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Riverside Campground does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Riverside Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is fair, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is poor.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Riverside Campground?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Riverside Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Riverside Campground, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Riverside Campground?

    There are 28 campsites at Riverside Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts