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.
Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!
Round 1 of 5
"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."
$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. "
"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."
"The long driving paths are all different camping spots. It is first come first serve, and there are a decent amount of them to choose from."
$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."
"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."
$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."
$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."
"Campsites have a nice distance between them so we didn’t feel overcrowded. Fire rings and picnic tables are very convenient. Bathroom is a short walk away."
"Several bathrooms around, but no running water or tp stocked. Doesn’t look like this spot is loved on by BLM too much but that’s fair it’s free."
"Great Playground, close to tent sites. Nice staff and great coffee and beautiful setting!"
"Ps the little coffee shop off the highway is amazing and so cheep my wife and inlaws coffee order is 40 bucks at Starbucks this coffee stand made there's and mying for 24.89 and thats 5 32oz blended"
"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."
ScoutBy the interstate, $10 to camp. Takes cash, check or there is a kiosk for cards. Definitely interstate noise and gun shots in the distance, but great for one night stay. You can back in right by the river. Our travel trailer was 27ft and we chose site #3, it was easy to back into to.
TravelerWe camped one night in a tent in site #12. Luckily it was a cool evening because the scent of the vault toilet wafted over our site off and on. Can't imagine being here on a hot humid day in the summer. I'm sure this campground is fine for overnight if you are self contained in an RV. Good if you don't want to be too far off the Interstate but also don't want the traffic noise.
GuideWe are here in October and we are getting snow I love it. Only 3 other campers here. .the dogs just run. Getting about 6 inches of snow. Going to hike some trails tomorrow. We have AT&T and there is cell service but we also have Starlink. No water this time of year and there is only 1 pit toilet...across the campground. It would not be a place I would stay in summer....no trees I'm not a fan of seeing all the campers. Looks like pretty decent gravel sites. We do have electric. The rangers are very nice.
ScoutGated road at this location, maybe still good from other starting point but no viable sites coming from Rimini that I saw. Road gets a bit rough, did find a rough roadside spot for the night but for the 8-9 mile drive in on dirt roads definitely not worthwhile.
TravelerStopped in overnight. Nice quiet spot on the lake. Toilets were very clean. Enjoyed the hike to the overlook. Hard to find what the off season prices were.
ScoutCamping late September in a truck camper, found it quite comfortable and adequate. Post-logging, (reportedly due to tree disease) the new growth is up to around 12' tall. There a nice brook babbling and some of the sites are along it. Sites are well separated and clean, as is the toilet. Parking sites are mostly quite level. There is a $15 camping fee. Only one other site was occupied. Road noises are fairly distant and tolerable. No T-Mobile coverage.
TravelerWe’re in a 30 TT and the sites a very easy back in. We stayed in site 15 on the lake side. Would certainly recommend the area. They have water spigots but it’s turned off got the season. But there is dump and fresh water at the black water park for $5.00 a self serve kiosk.
LegendThis clean and neat KOA is just outside of Helena. We were arriving late so I spoke with a super friendly man in the office about after hours check-in (which was very smooth). Super clean and modern bathrooms. Quiet campground. Would stay again if passing through
LegendSimple Campground with clean Vault toilet but no other facilities. 1 mi from town and right next to highway so not much to see or do there except camp for the night
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Keep Exploring
