Canyon Ferry Lake spans 35,181 acres and sits at 3,800 feet elevation along the Missouri River. The reservoir stretches 25 miles long and averages 1-2 miles wide, making it Montana's third-largest body of water. Dispersed camping areas around the lake offer more seclusion than established campgrounds, with multiple access points featuring vault toilets but limited services. Weather conditions can change rapidly due to the lake's open exposure.
What to do
Paddleboarding on calm water: Goose Bay offers protected areas for paddlers. "I used my SUP in that little bay and it was perfect. Only 45 minutes to Helena and surrounded by beauty!" notes Abby M. from Goose Bay - Dispersed Camping.
Fishing from shore: Confederate Campground provides easy shoreline fishing access. "We took ATVs and rode them to a trailhead that starts just across the highway from the campsite. Beautiful trails and a lot of them!" reports Heidi B. about activities near Hellgate Campground.
Stargazing away from light pollution: The lack of trees at many sites provides unobstructed night sky views. "Crystal night sky. Saw plenty of satellites zipping around up there," notes Jonathan O. from Confederate Campground.
Beach exploration: Though rocky rather than sandy, the shoreline offers interesting discoveries. "Large campground with roomy campsites. All the roads and parking pads are paved. Plenty of Vault Toilets throughout the campground," explains Dexter I. about Court Sheriff Campground.
What campers like
Spacious waterfront sites: Many campsites directly face the water. "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," writes Abby M. about her return visit to Goose Bay.
Vault toilet maintenance: Despite being primitive camping, the facilities receive regular attention. "The one I used was probably the cleanest and least smelly one I have EVER used," reports Jessie S. about the facilities at Court Sheriff.
Affordability options: Visitors appreciate the mix of free and low-cost camping. "It's only $5.00 a night with America the Beautiful pass," notes Diana V. about White Earth Campground.
Quiet weekday camping: Mid-week offers the best experience for solitude. "I arrived at 1pm on Monday in august and it was almost completely empty except for 4-5 campers who were all next to each other, leaving over 12+ open spots," shares Sonny S. from Goose Bay.
What you should know
Wind exposure: Most sites around Canyon Ferry lack natural wind protection. "Extremely windy & no sites really covered," warns Mo S. from Confederate Dispersed Camping Area.
Weekend crowds: Expect significant population increases Friday through Sunday. "Friday by mid-day, most of the spots are taken. The weekends aren't as enjoyable because there's always a group that is disruptive," cautions Abby M. about Goose Bay.
Road conditions: Access roads to some sites can be challenging. "The road getting there was extremely dusty! And it was six miles of dust!" reports Melody M. about White Earth Campground.
Rocky beaches: Swimming areas feature rock rather than sand shorelines. "The lakes beach is full of rocks," notes Jessa from Goose Bay, while another camper describes the water access as a "great rocky beach."
Bugs at dusk: Mosquitoes become problematic in early evening. "Mosquitoes are heavy in evening but that's part of being around water," explains Jules S. from White Earth Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Look for accessible amenities: Some sites offer ADA facilities. "Their is a ADA accessible vault toilet directly across from the ADA campsite," notes Dexter I. about Confederate Campground.
Find tree-lined spots for shade: Limited tree cover exists in select areas. "If you like camping in the trees you will need to get one of the first several sites along the creek," advises Dexter I. about Hellgate Campground.
Bring beach toys: Kids enjoy the water despite rocky shores. "We swam in the water and it was nice. Rocky beach," mentions Olivia E. from Goose Bay.
Seek out playgrounds: Some developed campgrounds include play equipment. "Great Playground, close to tent sites. Nice staff and great coffee and beautiful setting!" reports Desiree D. about Canyon Ferry KOA.
Tips from RVers
Generator etiquette matters: Noise complaints commonly focus on generator use. "Very crowded. Mostly RVs. Multiple generators seemed like all the time. Lots of boat noise. Not a good place for peace and quiet," warns Winder about Hellgate Campground.
Arrive with fresh water: Limited water access at most sites requires preparation. "No amenities. Generator allow 7am to 10pm. Most sites had very little shade," notes Lowell S. about Court Sheriff.
Consider full-service options: For longer stays, developed campgrounds provide more comforts. "This is a newly developed campground, with two shower houses (rare in Montana) with flush toilets, as well as vault toilets," explains Dexter I. about Goose Bay Marina and Campground.
Parking pad surfaces vary: Site conditions range from paved to gravel to sand. "You can not stake anything down here. It's all sand. No cover from wind," cautions David H. about Confederate Dispersed Camping Area.
