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Best Dispersed Camping near Canyon Ferry Lake

28 Reviews

Canyon Ferry Lake offers several dispersed camping options on public lands managed by the BLM and Forest Service. Confederate Disperse Camping Area provides free camping with vault toilets and allows fires, though the sandy terrain makes staking tents difficult and offers little wind protection. Goose Bay BLM features lakefront spots with shade and room for rigs up to 50 feet, with a 14-day stay limit. A recent review noted, "Pretty much can find a nice spot and most all are lake accessible."

Kelly Gulch Road Dispersed Camping offers free primitive sites accessible via drive-in or walk-in, though the gate typically remains closed until May 15. Canyon Ferry Lake Dispersed Camping Area lacks shade and experiences significant wind, but provides vault toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables. A visitor commented, "Plenty of boondocking sites as you approach the campground." Most dispersed sites around Canyon Ferry become crowded during weekends and summer months, with many lacking basic amenities like drinking water or trash service, requiring campers to pack everything out.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Canyon Ferry Lake (13)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Canyon Ferry Lake

20 Photos of 13 Canyon Ferry Lake Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Canyon Ferry Lake

28 Reviews of 13 Canyon Ferry Lake Campgrounds

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2021

    Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite

    Big Roomy Disperse campsite along the little Blackfood River

    Bumped in to this disperse campsite while heading out for a hike.  This is one of three disperse campsite along the Little Blackfoot River in the Helena National Forest that have been marked by the Forest Service as a disperse camping area. This is a nice large flat right next to the creek with plenty of room for multiple tents or RVs.  The site has a large rock fire ring and the big bonus of having a picnic table.  A short trail leads to the river, but does require a little bit of scrambling.  The River (more of a creek at this point) has a nice spot if you need to cool off from the summer heat.  Another short trail goes up a small hill and leads to an area with lots of fallen trees which can be cut for firewood if fire restrictions are not in place.  The only bad thing about this disperse site is that it is right next to the road.

  • M
    May. 10, 2025

    Kelly Gulch Road Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful views 40 min from Helena

    The gate was closed and does not open until May 15. I was able to walk up about less than a quarter mile and find a flat ground where I was able to set up my shelter. I’m sure this gets busy in the summertime. Since it’s on a mountain, the amount of flat areas are limited so it’s first come first serve. I took my bike and rode the Road a little bit and found an opening with an amazing spot to put up a hammock. There are absolutely no amenities here and you’re required a shovel and bucket if you were camping pack everything out and leave no trace. You can identify a campsite by how flat the ground is and usually there is a fire pit already made. There are bullet holes everywhere in signs and remnants of shells everywhere to be honest the vibe was very off almost eerie and deadening silence. I did not really enjoy the vibe, but that was me personally I’m sure you’ll enjoy this very much.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2021

    Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite #3

    Roomy disperse site with easy river access

    This is the 3rd and final disperse site that the Helena National Forest has marked along the little Blackfoot River.  It is nice to be sure that you are on public land when in an area checker boarded with private land.  This is a large flat camping area with plenty of room for tents and several RV's.  Site has a large rock fire ring, and the river is only a few short flat feet away.  Plenty of wood can be found for making a fire.  Site is near the road, but very little traffic comes this way as you are almost at the roads end.  Water can be easily filtered from the river (more like a creek at this point)

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2021

    Little Blackfoot River 2nd Disperse Campsite

    Small disperse campsite along the Little Blackfoot RIver

    This is the second disperse camping sit along the Little Blackfoot River that has been marked as a disperse campsite by the Helena National Forest.  It is nice having these sits marked by the Forest Service as their are several parcels of private land along the road.  This site is small with only one small level area for a tent of mid sized RV.  The site has a large rock fire ring in the center.  Their is no easy trail access to the river.  Plenty of down trees in the area for firewood if you have a way to cut them, their is also plenty of small stuff that can be easily collected for a fire.   Site is right next to the road, but road noise should be little to none as a few curves will slow vehicles down and their isn't much more road left until the campground and trailhead at the end of the road.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 6, 2019

    Confederate Disperse Camping Area

    RV disperse camping on Canyon Ferry Lake

    You almost don't realize that this area open to camping and would drive right by if it were not for a plywood sign just after crossing a cattle guard. The plywood has just a few signs on it, one listing the number of nights you can camp for. The others are the camping rules, travel restrictions and notice that spot must be occupied at night. This camping area is a mile north of Confederate Campground. When you look back up the road leading to the camping area you can notice a vault toilet in the distance. It is over a½ mile to this vault toilet down a two track road. One flat grassy camping spot can be found about half way to the toilet. This grassy spot is your best bet if you have a tent with out a crowd. The spot is on the shore of the lake with just a few young willows between you and the water. The remainder of the camping appears to happen just after the ADA vault toilet.  A few more grassy spots are possible near the vault toilet, then there is a narrow section of gravel beach on which RV's turn in to a parking area. The RV's line up one right behind the other on this beach as this is the only real level place to park. No other services besides the ADA vault toilet is available so come prepared. The area has no picnic tables and any fire rings are on the beach made by previous visitors. The site does not have a boat ramp, but the gravel shore would make it easy to launch one.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 7, 2025

    Elliston Dispersed Camping on Forest Road 314

    Nice Spot

    Up a forest service road, so four-wheel-drive came in handy. A bit muddy. There are a variety of sites available, some are easier to access than others.

  • Renee G.
    Jul. 24, 2024

    Copper City BLM

    Classic blm camping

    Lots of open space and locations to pull out--beautiful views as well! To access this place we went towards Copper City Trail Head, and drove by the entrance onto BLM lands. Also, note that this place seems common for mountain bikers and trail bikers, so you'll likely run into a few of those. Also also, this place is DRY--so be sure to bring your own water (but on the plus side, no bugs!!)

  • Jessa
    May. 1, 2021

    Confederate Disperse Camping Area

    Confederate Dispersed Camping

    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.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2024

    Confederate Disperse Camping Area

    Too crowded / lots of full timers

    There’s signs about limiting the stay to 14 days, but there clearly are people who have been here much longer than that. Way too crowded.

Guide to Canyon Ferry Lake

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Canyon Ferry Lake in Montana, where nature meets tranquility. This area offers a variety of spots for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Canyon Ferry Lake in Montana

Enjoy fishing and water activities while free camping near Canyon Ferry Lake

  • The Canyon Ferry Lake Dispersed Camping Area is a great spot for fishing enthusiasts, offering easy access to the lake's abundant fish species.
  • If you're into kayaking or canoeing, consider staying at the Copper City BLM, where the open space provides a scenic backdrop for water activities.
  • Many campers have reported enjoying swimming and relaxing by the water at the Tizer Lakes Dispersed Camping, making it a perfect spot for a summer getaway.

Dispersed campers should check out the Little Blackfoot River

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the dispersed camping areas at Canyon Ferry Lake?

Canyon Ferry Lake offers several dispersed camping areas around its shores. Goose Bay BLM is a popular dispersed camping area with numerous spots for camping, including locations just a couple hundred feet from the reservoir. Another option is the Canyon Ferry Lake Dispersed Camping Area, which provides boondocking sites as you approach the main campground. Both areas are accessible for various camping setups, including larger rigs at Goose Bay. The lake's shoreline has multiple pullouts and designated areas where dispersed camping is permitted, though it's best to arrive early during peak season as these spots fill up quickly.

Do you need permits for dispersed camping at Canyon Ferry Lake?

No special permits are required for dispersed camping at Canyon Ferry Lake, but there are stay limits and regulations to follow. At Confederate Disperse Camping Area, signs indicate a 14-day stay limit, which is typical for most dispersed camping areas around Canyon Ferry. The Copper City BLM area follows similar BLM regulations. While permits aren't needed, campers should be aware of and respect fire restrictions, pack out all trash, and follow Leave No Trace principles. It's also important to camp only in established dispersed sites to minimize environmental impact. Always check current regulations before your trip, as rules can change seasonally.

What amenities are available at Canyon Ferry Lake dispersed camping areas?

Dispersed camping areas at Canyon Ferry Lake offer basic amenities, varying by location. At Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite, you'll find large flat areas suitable for tents and several RVs right next to the creek. Goose Bay BLM provides more amenities than most dispersed sites, featuring picnic tables, fire rings at each site, and vault toilets. Most dispersed areas have natural features like shade trees and proximity to water, but lack hookups, potable water, or garbage service. Near the main campground, you can access additional facilities including a dump station, drinking water, showers, and a boat ramp. Come prepared with all necessary supplies, as services are limited at the dispersed sites themselves.

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