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Camping near Townsend, MT

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    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.

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    Best Campgrounds near Townsend (126)

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      1. Ponderosa - Canyon Ferry Reservoir USBR

      3.3(9)3mi from TownsendRVs, Tents

      "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."

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      2. Indian Road Campground

      3.3(8)1mi from TownsendRVs, Tents

      "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."

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      3. Confederate Disperse Camping Area

      3.8(12)12mi from Townsend

      "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."

      4. Confederate Campground

      4.1(10)11mi from TownsendRVs, Tents

      "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. Yorks Islands Fishing Access Site

      4.2(5)4mi from TownsendRVs, Tents

      "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!"

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      6. Canyon Ferry Lake KOA

      4.0(6)7mi from TownsendRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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"

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      7. Cottonwood Campground

      3.6(5)2mi from TownsendRVs, Tents

      "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

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      8. Goose Bay - Dispersed Camping

      4.2(13)17mi from TownsendRVs, Tents

      "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."

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      9. Silos Campground

      3.0(5)7mi from TownsendRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "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

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      10. White Earth Campground

      4.0(9)14mi from Townsend37 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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
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    Recent Camping Photos near Townsend, MT

    91 Photos of 126 Townsend Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers

    Recent Reviews near Townsend, MT

    593 Reviews of 126 Townsend Campgrounds

    • H
      Sep. 5, 2026

      Bozeman Hot Springs Campground & RV

      Very over priced, owners push their religous views on guests

      We 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.

    • Christina W.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 4, 2026

      Bozeman Hot Springs Campground & RV

      Excellent Stay

      I 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.

    • RThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 1, 2026

      Point of Rocks Jefferson River Campsite

      Nice spot right on the river , but..

      This 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.

    • Erich B.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 31, 2026

      Bear Trap North

      Madison River camping

      Sites 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.

    • Steve M.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 30, 2026

      Indian Road Campground

      Good for one night but too close to town and the highway

      Simple 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

    • Steve M.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 27, 2026

      Hellgate Campground

      Serene and quiet Campground right on the shores of the lake

      Not a ton of privacy between campsites but very well maintained with clean toilets and showers and garbage facilities but no water

    • Brian C.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 27, 2026

      Grey Sandy Campground

      We Left a Night Early and Didn't Ask for the Money Back

      SUMMARY

      We booked Grey Sandy on Hauser Lake and pulled our fifth wheel into a site directly across from the office. Shared water, shared fire pit, and enough dust to season a steak. The site was nowhere near level and tight enough that backing in felt like a timed event. Bathrooms were average. The camp store was average. The park itself is run down. Older long-term rigs, no visible upkeep, and the clear impression that nobody has invested a dollar here in a long time. We don't lock camper doors at a campground. We locked them here. We left a night early and did not ask for a refund.

      **WHAT I LIKED
      **The hosts. Genuinely kind people who seemed to actually care about the guests, which is more than the property can say for itself. The male host walked over and fired up the fire pit for the kids and us, and that was hands down the best part of the stay. The fire pit itself, once it was lit. The only nice feature in the park. Bathrooms and the store were average. At this campground, average counts as a win.

      **WHAT I DISLIKED:
      **Extremely tight site. Not level. Dirt and dust everywhere. Shared water and a shared fire pit. Dirt road in with steady traffic, so the dust never had a chance to settle. The lake is a long way off. If you are booking this for Hauser Lake access, look elsewhere. Overall condition of the park. Rough-looking campers parked long-term and no sign of maintenance or pride of ownership. The photos on the website do not match what you pull into. Go in with your expectations adjusted. We canceled a reservation in June when our camper broke down and never received our refund.

      **WILL I STAY HERE AGAIN?
      **Not the way it sits today. We left a night early and walked away from the money, which tells you exactly where we landed. That said, the campground has changed hands, and I know the new owner. There is real potential here. Level the sites, control the dust, clean up the long-term rigs, and update the photos so they match the property. Do that, and this becomes a solid Hauser Lake stop. I will check back in a season. As of this trip, it is a hard pass.

    • Steve M.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 26, 2026

      Goose Bay Marina and Campground

      Very nice Campground and Marina but no privacy at all

      Ramadas, picnic tables, fire pits, water and garbage and showers and clean toilets and a camp store that sells gasoline and propane and basic items along with ice.

    • Steve M.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 26, 2026

      Confederate Disperse Camping Area

      Not many places and not much privacy but beautiful views and great lake access

      Fairly long road to get to the campground and last mile and a half is a bit rutted but can still be managed by your average vehicle. Not much shade and only three or four spots but right on the beach and a beautiful calm Lagoon right at the campsite

    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.

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