Camping near Canyon Ferry Lake

Montana's Canyon Ferry Lake has several campgrounds along its shores that draw fishermen and water-loving campers. Chinaman Campground sits right on the reservoir with good beach access, though you won't find much space between sites. For those wanting more privacy, head four miles to Goose Bay Marina and Campground where you'll find shower houses and flush toilets. The fishing at Canyon Ferry is a major draw - many people catch fish right from shore without needing a boat. Walking paths circle parts of the lake and give you good views of the surrounding landscape. Plan your trip between late spring and early fall when the weather stays mild enough for swimming and boating. Keep in mind that some campgrounds shut down or reduce services outside summer months. Check ahead about closures before driving out there. The lake works well for both active campers and those who just want to relax by the water. Since some areas have limited services, bring whatever supplies you might need. The lake makes for a solid camping spot if you're traveling through central Montana.

Best Camping Sites Near Canyon Ferry Lake (119)

    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

    15 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. Court Sheriff Campground

    18 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."

    "I stumbled upon this camp ground on my way to another free dispersed camping spot along the Canyon Ferry lake. I pulled in here to see what the nightly rate was to save myself 30 minutes of driving."

    4. Confederate Campground

    10 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. 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."

    6. White Earth Campground

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

    $10 - $90 / night

    "We had been driving for 6 hours when I searched out a campsite near Helena, Montana. Found this campground and took our chances on something being available."

    "Campground is in great location. Right on water just 6 miles off of main highway. It is a gravel road but super easy (no potholes) & big rig friendly. Sites right on water."

    7. 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."

    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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Recent Reviews near Canyon Ferry Lake

479 Reviews of 119 Canyon Ferry Lake Campgrounds


  • Tim T.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Elliston Dispersed Camping on Forest Road 314

    Nice Spot - No Traffic

    This was an easy to get to camping spot with nice, dispersed sites and we had the place all to ourselves.  The access when you turn off at Elliston is not clearly marked but there is only one road that turns off there so its not too difficult to get on the right road. We had the area to ourselves and did not hear or see any other vehicles on the road the whole time we were there.  There were lots of free range cattle though.

    One thing worth mentioning is that these sites are not far from the main road and the train tracks.  The trains come by on a semi-frequent basis and you will definitely hear the train whistle and track noise.  It wasn't a deal breaker for us, but something to keep in mind.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Court Sheriff Campground

    Some Drawbacks

    I am absolutely impressed with the well maintained, clean, nicely laid out/designed campground. I think this is one of the most beautiful recreation spots I’ve found this year. This place gets 10 stars for its cleanliness and layout along the waterline. So fantastic. I arrived after the reservation season so there’s no garbage, host or fees. The water level is down 25 feet so there’s no water anywhere near the campsite edges like there would be in the midst of summer. I will definitely be returning for several summer paid visits. My criticism is there is a road that to my complete surprise had constant traffic at all hours of the night. Those drivers are the squib y troglodytes that roam all hours of the night (God only knows owns what they do during the daytime) and they’re the type that have that loud obnoxious turbo exhaust that they have to slam their gas peddle right next to the campground. My other complaint is folks running generators through the night against posted rules. Extremely loud music, nonstop barking dogs, generators and proximity to vehicles on highway is absolutely sucky . I’ll only return here when there’s a host to squash these types of inconsiderate jerks. The BLM here takes such great care and pride in their district. I am very appreciative.

  • Mitch G.
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Grasshopper

    Nice campground in the woods

    I don't know why the information for this campground says it's accessible by boat. The only water is the creek running through the grounds and unless your boat draws fewer than about 3 inches, you're gonna have a tough time.
    https://ludwigandgertie.blogspot.com/2024/09/weekend-in-castles.html

  • K
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Three Forks KOA Journey

    Very welcoming RV Park.

    We had a lovely overnight at this RV Park in Sept 2025. The park is very handy to all the area has to offer, and the country setting lets you relax and rest peacefully after a long day exploring. The staff were exceptionally welcoming. Our pull-through site was spacious, level, and equipped with reliable full hookups (30/50 amp), shady trees, fire pit, picnic table, and Wi-Fi. The amenities were top-notch: clean restrooms, a well-maintained laundry room, the best setup we have seen thus far for the cost.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Court Sheriff Campground

    Nice spot in Canyon Ferry

    I was very pleased by our stay here! We didn’t want to stay in Helena and looked around the Missouri. This spot was so nice! We had a spot in some shade, and looked right into the water. Toilets were clean, campground had lots of walking areas, and scenery was very pretty. Would definitely come again!

  • S
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Hellgate Campground

    Great spot!

    Nice spot. Easy walk onto the beach. Not a steep cliff. Good fishing. We will be back to this area again.

  • Bille W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    7R Guest Ranch Motel & RV Park

    Lovely area very quiet

    We were the only nomads all the other campers were local seasonal fishing guides so it was very quiet. The lodge and rooms are nice.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Lichen Cliff

    Nice spot

    This has a large pullout from the road. It is along the creek, which is pretty. It has a fire pit and a picnic table. I probably won’t stay here again because Montana charges $18 a night for non-residents. It’s too expensive for essentially a parking spot.

  • jonah
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Confederate Campground

    Fun lake for dispersed camping

    Beautiful clear lake and large beach. Easy to distance yourself from other campers, lots of space. Spent 1 night tent camping, gorgeous sunset, clean beach, camp fire rings, picnic tables, outhouses. No fees, no reservation, 14 day limit, good cell phone reception. Highly recommend. There is huge space for trailers as well. Google Maps tried to take us on a private rd, easy to get around.


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

Are there any good dispersed camping spots around Canyon Ferry Lake?

Goose Bay - Dispersed Camping offers excellent free dispersed camping opportunities on a first-come, first-served basis with a 14-day stay limit. Most spots include picnic tables and fire rings, with beautiful views of Canyon Ferry Lake and beach access. The area has numerous sites to choose from, though it can get crowded during summer months. Confederate Campground provides another free option with minimal development except for one ADA campsite. It has approximately six camping spots, five with rock fire rings along the shoreline. Additionally, Confederate Disperse Camping Area offers drive-in and walk-in access with toilet facilities and is big-rig friendly for RV campers seeking a more primitive experience.

What is the best time of year to camp at Canyon Ferry Lake?

Late spring through early fall offers the best camping experience at Canyon Ferry Lake. Summer (June-August) provides warm lake waters ideal for swimming and water recreation, with Duck Creek Primitive Campground offering excellent shoreline access for water activities. However, summer weekends can be crowded, especially at popular spots. May and September typically offer more moderate temperatures and fewer crowds while still providing pleasant conditions. Goose Bay Marina and Campground makes a good base during these shoulder seasons with strong power hookups and water available for RVers. Winter camping is possible but challenging due to Montana's cold temperatures, with most campground services reduced or unavailable during the off-season.

What amenities are available at Canyon Ferry Lake camping areas?

Jo Bonner Campground provides tables and fire rings at all sites (except one ADA site), vault toilets, and a large boat ramp with convenient lake access. Many sites feature large shade trees. Cottonwood Campground offers a small, quieter experience with just four sites. While not directly on the lake, it provides access to a boat launch in a day-use area. Most Canyon Ferry Lake campgrounds include basic amenities like vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. Developed campgrounds typically charge fees ($15 for standard sites), while some areas remain free. Several campgrounds offer boat ramps, swimming beaches, and ADA-accessible sites. Water availability varies by location.

Where are the best campgrounds at Canyon Ferry Lake in Montana?

Hellgate Campground is widely considered one of the best options at Canyon Ferry Lake, offering beautiful lakeside sites with clean facilities and attentive camp hosts. As the largest developed campground on the lake, it features spectacular views and beaches reminiscent of an ocean shoreline. Court Sheriff Campground is another excellent choice with approximately 40 sites including dedicated tent camping areas. It offers convenient access right off the main road for $15 per night during peak season. Jo Bonner Campground provides shaded sites with tables and fire rings, while Silos Campground near Townsend offers additional options for those exploring the southern part of this 33-mile-long lake.