Camping near Canyon Ferry Lake

Canyon Ferry Lake draws many Montana campers during summer months. Chinaman Campground sits near the reservoir with good water access, though sites lack privacy. Goose Bay Marina and Campground, located a few miles away, has shower houses and flush toilets for more comfort. Confederate Disperse Camping Area gives you basic spots with no facilities if you want something more primitive. Summer is the best time to visit when it's warm enough for water activities. Keep in mind that Chinaman Campground closes in winter. The lake is good for fishing and boating, and you'll find hiking trails with nice views and chances to see wildlife. Weather can change quickly in spring and fall, so come prepared. Bring your own water since not all campgrounds have it available. Helena is nearby when you need supplies or services. The lake has both developed and more remote camping options. Always check if areas are open before heading out, as seasonal closures happen regularly.

Best Camping Sites Near Canyon Ferry Lake (116)

    1. Goose Bay - Dispersed Camping

    13 Reviews
    Canyon Ferry Lake, MT
    5 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "I was able to snag a waterfront spot & 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."

    2. Hellgate Campground

    13 Reviews
    Helena, MT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 475-3921

    $10 - $170 / night

    "This is a beautiful campground right on canyon ferry lake! The camp host where super nice and drove around often to check on the campground! The site was very clean when we showed up!"

    "Canyon Ferry Lake is an expansive lake reaching 33 miles from Townsend to Helena, MT. "

    3. Confederate Disperse Camping Area

    10 Reviews
    Canyon Ferry Lake, MT
    4 miles

    "Canyon Ferry has great dispersed camping all around it. The specific site we stayed at was right next to the beach. Great views and right down from a pit toilet."

    "I did come back at one point during a storm to find a bunch of teenagers parked right next to my camper and when it stopped raining they started doing donuts and messing around."

    4. Confederate Campground

    9 Reviews
    Canyon Ferry Lake, MT
    5 miles
    +1 (406) 475-3921

    "Great views, Great Lake access for fishing, boating, etc."

    "Got here at around 5pm on a Saturday night and there were plenty of options which made me very happy."

    5. Court Sheriff Campground

    14 Reviews
    Helena, MT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 475-3921

    $15 - $30 / night

    "Nice standard campground around Canyon Ferry Lake, but you do have to pay for sites during certain times. Standard single unit is $15."

    "Half an hour outside of Helena is a beautiful reservoir lake. Court Sheriff Campground spreads out along its shore. Many sites are waterside and you can see families playing in it."

    6. Goose Bay Marina and Campground

    7 Reviews
    Canyon Ferry Lake, MT
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 266-3065

    $15 - $65 / night

    "It’s quite pretty around Canyon Ferry Lake, and being able to stay for free is great.

    We stayed a night in the main campground to dump, charge, and fill. Strong power, good water, and quiet."

    "This is a newly developed campground, with two shower houses(rare in Montana) with flush toilets, as well as vault toilets."

    7. White Earth Campground

    6 Reviews
    Townsend, MT
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 475-3921

    $10 - $90 / night

    "Walk in sites were available, the privy was realllly clean, the sites were breezy, and very quiet."

    "It is a cute drive through some farms to the campground for a few miles. Would come back."

    8. Ponderosa - Canyon Ferry Reservoir USBR

    9 Reviews
    Townsend, MT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 475-3921

    "Beautiful drive in and across dam.  Smaller less congested Campground than others on the lake itself.  Boat ramp for river access and fishing, Quick access to top of dam and beach areas for swimming."

    "Near Goosebay Harbor. Rough roar 3 miles Long to a hidden gem."

    9. Canyon Ferry Lake KOA

    4 Reviews
    Canyon Ferry Lake, MT
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 266-3100

    "Great Playground, close to tent sites. Nice staff and great coffee and beautiful setting!"

    "Pretty mount and lake views. Playground and store. $5 for showers if you are not staying."

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Showing results 1-10 of 116 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Canyon Ferry Lake

439 Reviews of 116 Canyon Ferry Lake Campgrounds



Guide to Canyon Ferry Lake

Camping near Canyon Ferry Lake, Montana, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to fish, hike, or just relax by the water, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Canyon Ferry Lake is a great spot for fishing. Many campers have enjoyed the experience, with one reviewer from Confederate Campground saying, "Big fish were really active right off shore for fishing."
  • Swimming: If you're looking to cool off, swimming is popular at several campgrounds. A visitor at Devil's Elbow Campground mentioned, "There is a small swimming beach (for kids mostly) and a free 24 slip boat dock."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the lake. A reviewer at Hellgate Campground noted, "We took ATVs and rode them to a trailhead that starts just across the highway from the campsite."

What campers like:

  • Scenic views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One guest at Black Sandy State Park Campground said, "All the sites are on the water. Nice swim area. Clean bathrooms."
  • Quiet atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the peacefulness of the area. A visitor at Court Sheriff Campground shared, "We were surprised how well kept and beautiful the campground is!"
  • Friendly hosts: Campground hosts often receive praise for their helpfulness. A reviewer at Devil's Elbow Campground mentioned, "Staff are quite friendly and helpful."

What you should know:

  • Limited facilities: Many campgrounds have basic amenities. A camper at Cromwell Dixon Campground noted, "No hookups for RVs; Vault toilets, which were very clean."
  • Crowded on weekends: Some campgrounds can get busy. A visitor at Hellgate Campground mentioned, "Quiet and almost empty Wednesday/Thursday but not only full weekend."
  • Bugs can be an issue: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in warmer months. A reviewer at Confederate Campground said, "The mosquitoes were absolutely blood thirsty and aggressive."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites for family gatherings. A camper at Goose Bay - Dispersed Camping mentioned, "Plenty of spots to camp - the first loop doesn’t have a pit toilet but the second and third loop do."
  • Plan for activities: Bring along games or equipment for water sports. A visitor at White Sandy Campground noted, "The views are amazing. No cell or other services, but can't beat the price."
  • Check for amenities: Make sure to verify what facilities are available. A camper at Court Sheriff Campground said, "Limited facilities but if you're self-contained with water etc this is great."

Tips from RVers:

  • Look for electric hookups: Not all campgrounds offer this, so check ahead. A reviewer at Black Sandy State Park Campground mentioned, "Only electric hookup. No sewer or water hook up."
  • Be cautious with larger rigs: Some sites can be tight. A camper at Court Sheriff Campground noted, "Most of the sites are really tight to get into with a larger rig."
  • Plan for dump stations: Make sure you know where the nearest dump station is located. A visitor at Devil's Elbow Campground mentioned, "I was directed to a market/gas station 2 miles toward town that is also a dump station."

Camping near Canyon Ferry Lake, Montana, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking a peaceful getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Canyon Ferry Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, Canyon Ferry Lake offers a wide range of camping options, with 116 campgrounds and RV parks near Canyon Ferry Lake and 12 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Canyon Ferry Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Canyon Ferry Lake is Goose Bay - Dispersed Camping with a 4.2-star rating from 13 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Canyon Ferry Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 free dispersed camping spots near Canyon Ferry Lake.

What parks are near Canyon Ferry Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Canyon Ferry Lake that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.