Best Campgrounds near Townsend, MT

Campgrounds near Townsend, Montana range from free primitive sites to developed facilities with amenities, all situated around Canyon Ferry Lake and the Missouri River. The Confederate Campground and Confederate Disperse Camping Area provide free camping options with basic facilities like fire rings and vault toilets. Canyon Ferry Lake KOA offers full-service camping with electric hookups, showers, and cabin accommodations for those seeking more comfort, while Silos Campground provides lakeside sites for boaters and RVs.

Road conditions and accessibility vary significantly between sites, with some requiring high-clearance vehicles on rough roads. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though services may be limited in winter months. "It was a chilly below freezing morning," noted one camper at York Islands Fishing Access Site, highlighting the importance of weather preparation even during camping season. Water access is available at select locations, but many primitive sites require campers to bring their own drinking water. Cell service is generally available near Townsend but can be spotty at more remote camping areas. Fire restrictions are common during dry summer months, so travelers should check current regulations before arrival.

The Missouri River shoreline provides popular camping areas with fishing access and boat launches. York Islands Fishing Access Site features ten well-spaced campsites under mature cottonwood trees, attracting anglers and boaters during summer months. Canyon Ferry Lake locations face different challenges, with one visitor describing Silos Campground as "very windy, very few trees except for a few along the lake, otherwise sites are in the open." Several campgrounds report mosquito activity, particularly at dusk and near water. Wildlife sightings are common, with multiple reviews mentioning rabbits and birds. Tent and RV campers have numerous options, though the most secluded sites fill quickly during peak season. Budget-conscious travelers appreciate the free camping at Indian Road Campground and Confederate Campground, while families often prefer the amenities at developed campgrounds like Canyon Ferry Lake KOA.

Best Camping Sites Near Townsend, Montana (118)

    1. Ponderosa - Canyon Ferry Reservoir USBR

    9 Reviews
    Townsend, MT
    3 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."

    2. Confederate Campground

    10 Reviews
    Canyon Ferry Lake, MT
    11 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."

    3. Confederate Disperse Camping Area

    10 Reviews
    Canyon Ferry Lake, MT
    12 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. Indian Road Campground

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

    "This is a nice campground just outside of Townsend Montana. Good information signs about the area and the Lewis and Clark journey. A nice fishing pond is available for children 14 and under."

    "All spots are in a loop so you just park next to the spot you want. No trash, water or electric. It’s free and has a picnic table and fire ring at each site."

    5. Cottonwood Campground

    5 Reviews
    Townsend, MT
    2 miles
    Website

    $12 / night

    "While the campground is near Canyon Ferry Lake it is not on the lake."

    "Pulled in around 10 to find a couple 5th wheels in a circle and a few vans dispersed, only one sketchy motor home but quiet night."

    6. Yorks Islands Fishing Access Site

    4 Reviews
    Townsend, MT
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 444-2535

    "The campground has one ADA Campsite, site #4, unless you really need the sites concrete pad I would avoid this site as it is going to be very busy around the site as it is right next to the boat launch"

    "What a great little park just off the highway! Everything was well maintained and the vault toilet was cleaned and stocked."

    7. Canyon Ferry Lake KOA

    4 Reviews
    Canyon Ferry Lake, MT
    7 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."

    8. Goose Bay - Dispersed Camping

    13 Reviews
    Canyon Ferry Lake, MT
    17 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "It was the least packed during the week and has access to 2 clean vault toilets. There’s great spots towards the end that have easy water access for a kayak or SUP."

    9. White Earth Campground

    8 Reviews
    Townsend, MT
    14 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."

    10. Silos Campground

    4 Reviews
    Canyon Ferry Lake, MT
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 980-0266

    $12 - $30 / night

    "There is a water spigot nearby for filling tanks. Road coming in is a bit rough, but overall a great place to stay."

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Recent Reviews near Townsend, MT

527 Reviews of 118 Townsend Campgrounds


  • VanRumschpringa V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site

    Quiet with a relatively easy approach

    The road has some potholes but nothing too problematic. There are a lot of small pull-ups and some large spaces as well. You’ll be buried deep in the woods near Bridger bowl. I camped at the trailhead for Lower South Brackett trail. I did not explore what lay beyond my site. It was 28° or less overnight and there is a pretty dusting of snow on the ground when I woke.

  • Emma G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Vigilante Campground

    Lovely spot

    Small secluded campsite, easy to get to. Road was totally fine with my Subaru Impreza! Went in the off-season so almost no one there. Would recommend hiking Trout Creek Canyon. Stunning!

  • Emma G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Elliston Dispersed Camping on Forest Road 314

    Closed Gate

    Gate is closed, I’m assuming for the winter? Anyways, camped next to the gate there’s a little pull out. But not ideal.

    Pretty close to Helena and decent service can see why it’s not a bad place to stay. Road was fine.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping

    Great spot!

    I towed my small camper up the mountain fairly easily, although this is by far the roughest road I’ve encountered so far. Not for the faint of heart! I saw a couple sprinter vans coming up but no other RV’s. There are a handful of spots to camp on the way up the mountain but I found one about 1/4 mile before the campground. There is sun, shade, a fire ring and 3 other neighboring sites. 2 of those sites aren’t very accessible by car but this site is big enough for multiple vehicles. It’s also walking distance to the Fairy Lake trailhead and to the lake itself, which is very popular on the weekends. Would absolutely stay here again. No bugs, no bear scat nearby, some traffic but still private.

  • 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.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Battle Ridge Campground

    Great for tents

    We found this spot to be lovely but don’t go up the mountain if you have an rv. We ended up at the dead end and we had to back down our 30 foot rv down the mountain. Lots of people living at this spot in the late fall so be aware of that. Cool spot but not big rig friendly passed the main turn in area.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Fairy Lake Campground

    Gorgeous Mountains and Crystal Clear Water

    The drive up is very rough, most vehicles I saw were Toyotas and Subarus. 4 Wheel drive is recommended, however I took my Ram Promaster 3500 Campervan up to the top where the campground is. The campground is a little higher up than the lake, but the Mountain View’s are worth not having a campsite directly on the water. There is a stream that runs through a few sites tho. Anyway it was beautiful and plenty of space between other sites, but there were people there all weekend long. The weekdays we were basically alone at the campground.

  • 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


Guide to Townsend

Canyon Ferry Lake offers diverse camping sites near Townsend, Montana, with elevations around 3,800 feet and water levels that fluctuate seasonally by up to 12 feet. The region experiences significant temperature variations, with summer days reaching 90°F and nights dropping to 40°F. Most dispersed camping areas enforce a 14-day stay limit and require campers to manage their own waste.

What to do

Fishing access points: York Islands Fishing Access Site provides 10 well-spaced campsites under mature cottonwood trees with good river access. "York Island FAS Campground sits along the upper Missouri River in mature cottonwood trees and features 10 camping sites and a boat launch," notes one camper, adding that costs vary "depending if you have a valid Montana fishing license or not. Discounted camping for those 62 or older."

Paddle sports: Goose Bay Dispersed Camping offers easy water access for paddleboarding and kayaking. A visitor reported: "I recommend loop 3. It was the least packed during the week and has access to 2 clean vault toilets. There's great spots towards the end that have easy water access for a kayak or SUP. I used my SUP in that little bay and it was perfect."

Wildlife observation: Early mornings at campsites offer opportunities to see local wildlife. At Cottonwood Campground, one camper noted: "The birds are rampant and very loud but entertaining to watch. The water is shallow at the moment but full of life and wonder."

What campers like

Free camping options: Confederate Campground offers no-cost camping with basic amenities. "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," shares one visitor.

Sunset views: The west-facing shorelines provide exceptional sunset viewing. At Goose Bay Dispersed Camping, a camper noted: "Absolutely gorgeous spot. Lots of privacy, picnic tables and firepits. Our neighbor went out on the water with his boat every day to fish from sun up to sun down. Noise is super minimal."

Stargazing conditions: Confederate Campground offers clear night skies away from city light pollution. One camper described: "Got here at around 5pm on a Saturday night and there were plenty of options which made me very happy. Very pretty sunset and crystal night sky. Saw plenty of satellites zipping around up there."

What you should know

Wind conditions: Silos Campground experiences significant wind with limited shelter. A reviewer warns: "Silos Campground is a large open and windy campground with no tree cover. All the trees are along the lake and provide little to no releaf from the sun or constant winds that blow through the area."

Insect activity: Mosquitoes are prevalent, particularly in early summer. At Confederate Campground, one camper reported: "The mosquitoes were absolutely blood thirsty and aggressive and after multiple reapplications of bug spray we had to call it quits. The fire barely kept them at bay, but we still got a few bites sitting next to the heat."

Water temperature: Canyon Ferry water is warmer than natural lakes in the area. "The water is stagnant and prevented from flowing due to the dam. The water is swampy, thick and full of algae, I measured surface temperature at 83 degrees. Natural lakes at the same time were around 64."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Canyon Ferry Lake KOA features child-friendly amenities near tent sites. "Great Playground, close to tent sites. Nice staff and great coffee and beautiful setting!" notes a family camper.

Kid-specific fishing pond: Indian Road Campground offers designated fishing for younger visitors. "This is a nice campground just outside of Townsend Montana. A nice fishing pond is available for children 14 and under," explains one reviewer.

Beach areas: White Earth Campground provides water access suitable for families. A visitor mentioned: "Campground is in great location. Right on water just 6 miles off of main highway. Beautiful 360 views. Also pit toilets and water stations."

Tips from RVers

Level sites: White Earth Campground accommodates larger vehicles with minimal leveling needed. "The campground was alright. Nice big campsites giving you plenty of room. Sites had fire pits, picnic tables, and were somewhat level," reports an RV camper.

Road access considerations: Some campgrounds require driving on unpaved roads. "It is a gravel road but super easy (no potholes) & big rig friendly. Sites right on water. Open sky for starlink and decent cell service," notes an RVer at White Earth Campground.

Hookup availability: Most dispersed sites lack utilities, but some developed campgrounds offer limited services. At Silos Campground, "We booked a pavilion spot with 50A service. Other pavilions have 20A or 30A. Non group sites are dry camping only. There is a water spigot nearby for filling tanks."

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to stay at campgrounds in Townsend?

Camping costs around Townsend vary widely based on amenities and location. Goose Bay - Dispersed Camping is free with basic vault toilets and rock fire rings, making it an excellent budget option. For those seeking more facilities, Hellgate Campground near Canyon Ferry Lake offers developed sites at moderate fees, typically ranging from $10-20 per night. Premium options with full hookups like those found at private campgrounds can range from $30-60 nightly depending on season and services. Most national forest campgrounds in the area charge between $10-15 per night, with some offering senior and access pass discounts.

What are the best campgrounds in Townsend, TN for families?

Families visiting Townsend will find several excellent camping options. Canyon Ferry Lake KOA offers family-friendly amenities with easy lake access, reservable sites, and facilities that accommodate children of all ages. Indian Road Campground is another great choice, featuring educational signs about Lewis and Clark's journey and a special fishing pond exclusively for children under 14. The campground's riverside location provides beautiful views and opportunities for water activities, with the only drawback being some highway noise. Both campgrounds provide convenient access to Townsend's attractions while offering recreational activities kids will love.

Where can I rent a camper or RV in Townsend?

While Townsend itself has limited RV rental options, nearby Bozeman Hot Springs Campground & RV partners with several local rental companies that can deliver RVs directly to their campground, offering convenience for visitors who don't want to drive an RV themselves. Another option is to check with Missouri Headwaters State Park Campground, as they can often recommend local rental services. For the best selection and competitive rates, consider renting from companies in nearby larger towns like Helena or Bozeman, where many offer one-way rental options with delivery to Townsend area campgrounds.