127 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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"
"We were planning on camping at Canyon Ferry Lake but it was way too windy! Searched for a campground more out of the wind and landed here. Was definitely less windy and had campsites available!"
"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"
"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."
from $12 / night
Check Availability"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."
"There is a water spigot nearby for filling tanks. Road coming in is a bit rough, but overall a great place to stay."
from $12 - $30 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $10 - $90 / night
Check Availability
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.
LegendWhat’s not to like? A beautiful RV Park and admission to the hot springs next door is included for day of arrival and all the next day (out day of departure). They have live music tomorrow evening at the hot springs which sadly we’ll miss. Plus Bozeman is just a short drive away. We loved spending the day browsing and dining in downtown Bozeman.
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
RangerThere are about a dozen sites along the river. Sites are separated from each other. Pit toilets available. You need to pay at the kiosk, paying with a CC is an option. Some sites you can hear the big rigs driving on the road across the river.
ScoutWe booked 5 hours before we arrived and were told that hotsprings were open until sun set; 7:56 pm, however just after 6 pm staff started to boot people out anf they were closed before 7pm. When it was brought up to Anthony who claimed to be the manager on 5 Sept he could care less, partly due to the fact he was late opening and "no one was going to hold him accountable"! He further stated that he did not care that military members booked because after driving all day we needed to soak. Stating it was his "call" and none of us would get any funds returnd.
TravelerI thoroughly enjoyed this stay. The spot was level and well maintained, laundry facilities clean, check in personnel very nice and helpful. The best part was the Hot Springs next door. I went both nights and the second night there was live music which was wonderful. They provide towels, showers and have shampoo and conditioner available at the springs. And the outside lighting was very relaxing. I will definitely be back.
ScoutThis was our first time at this spot and it was okay. We might stay here in the future. The only downside was that it was 30 or 40 minutes on dirt roads (from, I-90) A nice surprise was that there was a hot spring, a short walk north of the campsite.
RangerSites are located across the bridge and along the gravel road. Sites are dispersed all along the river. Some have shade by the river and others are more exposed. You can pay via cash, check or there is a machine that also takes cards as you enter. First come first serve for spots.
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 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.
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."
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."
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."
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."
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.
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