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.
Facilities
Riverside Campground has 27 campsites, a group use camping area, a boat ramp, parking area for boat trailers and several day use picnic sites. Each campsite has a paved camping pad, a fire ring and picnic table. During the peak summer months services include vault toilets, potable water, dumpsters and campground hosts. Riverside Group Campsites include exclusive access to a picnic shelter, accessible vault toilets and 7 campsites. The picnic shelter is 30' X 45' with 8 picnic tables and a large fire ring. Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring. The group campsites and pavilion are set apart from the rest of the campground, providing adequate space and privacy for groups to enjoy.
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.
Location
Riverside Campground is located in Montana
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
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage
AT&T5GGood Coverage
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
- 21 min from Helena
- 1 hr 21 min from Bozeman
- 1 hr 29 min from Great Falls
- 2 hrs 1 min from Missoula
