Camping near Canyon Ferry Lake

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97% (862 reviews)

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Stories from the community

Gale

2 days ago

18 ft pop-up camper

1 night at Old Town River Ranch

We loved it here!! We were a bit worried the bugs would be bad, but they were just fine/normal. Clean facilities, spacious sites, a responsive host and a peaceful, quiet few days with easy access to the river left us quite happy.

1 night at Relax Inn Montana

Such an adorable place! Rarely do I find sites that are so kid friendly and even rarer mid AND dog friendly. Only problem that we had was it was HOT in the cabin at night after a full day, but our host was so helpful and brought us a box fan to cool it off quicker. The hosts were so kind and we really had a wonderful stay.

1 night at Relax Inn Montana

Pamela was so friendly and made our anniversary trip very special. This place truly is a hidden gem. The outdoor tubs made for a relaxing evening and the stars from our tent were the cherry on top 👍🏼

3 nights at Relax Inn Montana

What a beautiful, peaceful place with a very accommodating host. The cabin and bathroom were clean and the bed was comfortable. There was lots to do and I had a great time with my son. We were there for a little league baseball tournament and it was so nice to have a quiet and affordable place to relax between games. Loved all the lights at night. We will definitely be back! Thank you, Pamela!

Weekend Trip to Relax Inn Montana

We loved staying at Pamela’s cabin in Montana. The cabins are well appointed, and Pamela has thought of everything. She has an entire shed full of toys and fun things for kids, grill for cooking and lots of other amenities. We only wish we’d been able to stay longer.

1 night at A Canyon Stay with Mini A-frame

Staying in the A Frame was a dream: the structure opens up so you can relax and take in the beauty of the mountains. The hosts were fantastic and provided everything my dog and I needed for our overnight trip. The cherry on top is the custom outdoor shower. A perfect balance of remote with select amenities to make for a great trip. I would highly recommend a stay here and am hoping to return myself!

Renee

1 week ago

1 night at Relax Inn Montana

Lovely and unique place. Pamela was extremely responsive to our needs. We loved every moment!

Weekend Trip to The Trail Enthusiast's Basecamp!

Loved this place! Great location that is right in Helena but private and beautiful.

Weekend Trip to The Trail Enthusiast's Basecamp!

I loved tent camping here. Lots of space to dry our our items from being previously rained on in glacier. A great spot to regroup and relax. I couldn't find the sign for our spot but there were other campers and we figured it out.

EricaRose

1 week ago

4 nights at Old Town River Ranch

We had a great stay at this campsite! The location was easy to find, and while the entrance is accessible, those towing longer rigs should plan to take a wide turn into the gate from the left lane — it’s not difficult, just something to be aware of. Campsites were clearly marked and well-maintained. We stayed near sites 2 and 3, both of which had plenty of space for RVs and room for our dogs to roam. The entire campground was clean and thoughtfully equipped with stainless steel firepits and sturdy wood picnic tables. One of the best parts was how close the river was — practically at our doorstep — and the whole area was quiet and peaceful. It was the perfect spot to relax and let our dogs off leash. We’d absolutely come back again!

3 nights at Prickly Pear escape

My dogs and I enjoyed our stay. There is a transfer station nearby, but when I was fishing the creek, I didn't notice any activity from it at all. Ryan is easy to communicate with. Apparently there have been past issues with campers missing his entrance, but if you bend to the right, right around the fishing access (trailhead), you are there. Quad cab pickup with a 23" camper and we had plenty of room to maneuver. And the site is private! We had no intrusions.

Weekend Trip to The Trail Enthusiast's Basecamp!

Directions were perfectly clear and easy to follow. All amenities were exactly as described. Port-a-potties were very clean.

1 night at The Trail Enthusiast's Basecamp!

Peaceful grounds with easy access to town and trails!

3 nights at Mountain Biker's Getaway

Absolutely the loveliest people to host you and even more beautiful spot in the south mountains! We could not believe how beautiful and accommodating it was! Highly recommend this for a camper who doesn’t need too many facilities! We have a travel trailer with solar so we stayed for 3 days and loved it. Our kids played all over the hills and we walked the trails with our dog. It was fantastic and so close to downtown too!

1 night at The DET Place Hideaway

Beautiful property, felt very safe, we had access to well water and the horses were such good company!

Weekend Trip to Mountain Biker's Getaway

This property is a hidden gem . The space is private with flat spots in the sun or shade depending on your preference. We are not bikers but took advantage of the amazing trails for a hike just minutes down the road . Downtown Helena is minutes away and a great community to explore . Highly recommend this camp! Jamie was an awesome host! Side note for RVs that there is free and convenient dump at town pump near Lowe’s

2 nights at Relax Inn Montana

My wife and I enjoyed staying with Pamela. She has a backyard oasis that she is clearly built for her own enjoyment and for entertaining her friends that she has now opened up to HipCamp. There are no less than NINE different seating areas, including picnic tables, two gas fire pits, AND a bonfire areas; there are activities, like horseshoes and lariat roping practice and a little shed with other toys, chairs and items you might need. There is even a meditation hut! I feel like it is still missing some of camping essentials - especially a sink with a water source. Right now, the only option is a hose with a spray nozzle over a freestanding basin that drips on your feet as the water flows through it. The hose is very hard to manage - you need someone to hold the hose so you can wash your face or brush your teeth. Pamela does have some pretty claw feet tubs which you could potentially wash off/shower in but although they look like they are on a secluded hilltop in the photos, you are actually in full view of the back of the neighbor's house, as well as Pamela's tiny house. That said, we really enjoyed our time with Pamela - she did her best to accommodate our needs, letting us borrow a cooler and setting out solar showers so that we could shower (in full view of the neighborhood but when you're dirty, you can't be choosy LOL). This is Pamela's first year on HipCamp and I think her property has great potential I recommend you stay with her if you're in the area.

Weekend Trip to Old Town River Ranch

We had a great time at Creekside #5. There were several sites next to each other but there were natural barriers like trees and bushes that made it feel secluded. Our site was right next to a nice swimming hole, which the kids loved. This was a nice spot to stay on our way to Yellowstone. Thank Scot!

1 night at The Trail Enthusiast's Basecamp!

Great place to stop. Close to stores and gas stations. Host is very responsive.

4 nights at River's Bend RV

It was clean, quite, the views, and best of all was Lori’s care, she made sure we had what we needed, also borrowed a car to a member of group to run a errand, outstanding place to camp at

Public campgrounds near Canyon Ferry Lake

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(1)

Vigilante Campground

14 sites · RVs, Tents In Helena National Forest

100%

(1)

Cromwell Dixon Campground

15 sites · RVs, Tents In Helena National Forest

Black Sandy Campground

34 sites · RVs, Tents In Black Sandy State Park

Indian Flats Cabin

1 site In Helena National Forest

Rillway Cabin

1 site In Helena National Forest

Bar Gulch Cabin

1 site In Helena National Forest

Eagle Guard Station

1 site In Helena National Forest

Coulter Campground

7 sites In Helena National Forest

Gipsy Lake Campground

5 sites · RVs, Tents In Helena National Forest

Skidway Campground

1 site · RV, Tent In Helena National Forest

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(1)

Missouri River Campground

18 sites · RVs, Tents In Missouri Headwaters State Park

A thunderstorm fast approaching the campground in the evening.

Park Lake Campground

22 sites In Helena National Forest

Moose Creek Cabin

1 site In Helena National Forest

Moose Creek Campground

9 sites · RVs, Tents In Helena National Forest

Calf Creek Cabin

1 site In Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest

Grasshopper Campground

12 sites · RVs, Tents In Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest

Richardson Campground

3 sites · RVs, Tents In Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest

Moose Creek Campground

9 sites · RVs, Tents In Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest

Monument Peak Lookout

1 site In Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest

Mormon Gulch Campground and Picnic Area

16 sites · RVs, Tents In Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Top-rated campgrounds near Canyon Ferry Lake

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(62)

Old Town River Ranch

7 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Three Forks, MT

Old Town River Ranch is a serine river front escape located in beautiful Three Forks Montana. We offer a private off grid camping experience directly on the Jefferson riverfront. We provide a limited number of campsites to maintain privacy for our guests, with just three riverfront spots and three creekside spots. Large aspens and willows span the property. Plenty of opportunities for fishing, swimming and wildlife viewing including bird watching. We do have a portable toilet on-site that is serviced weekly, otherwise this is a pack-in-pack-out site. Located just minutes off Interstate 90 (Exit 278) Old Town River Ranch offers a secluded getaway that’s close to all that Three Forks Montana has to offer, Sacajawea, farmers markets, shopping and Bridger Brewing for concerts and just 30 minutes to Bozeman. Stop by to see our friends at the Old Town Farm Stand just before the entry to our Ranch to get your fresh home baked goods & farm raised produce. Come stay a night, or a few, we think you'll enjoy it. Campsite & Camper Sizes. Campsites #1 #2 & #3 can accommodate large campers (up to 35 feet) with fair amount of room to maneuver. Campsite #4 is limited to Truck Campers, Sprinters or very small towables. Campsites #5 (up to 20ft) and Campsite #6 (up to 25ft) can accommodate mid-sized campers with limited but manageable room to maneuver. Notice. We implemented a comprehensive weed management program so campgrounds should be dramatically improved this year. Believe it or not some people don't know this. This is a campground on a river bottom in Montana. We keep it well but its fairly "raw" here. There can be wildlife - large & small game, maybe a few lost cows at times. There can be bugs - mosquitoes & spiders. There can be weeds. Water levels in the river vary dramatically depending on the time of year - sometimes high & fast other times low & slow. Sometimes it'll be really hot, dry & dusty, other times humid & muddy, maybe even flooded in areas, sometimes it can be cold & icy. If these things concern you it might be best to find an alternative. For everyone else, come on in and enjoy, we welcome you!

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A Canyon Stay with Mini A-frame

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents194 acres · Cascade, MT

Experience an unforgettable getaway at our canyon retreat. Our property is located on 190+ acres, and is surrounded by mountain, canyon and river views. Find a secluded campsite or stay at our mini A-frame, with Blue-Ribbon trout fishing right nearby. Guests will find a private and peaceful setting to relax and connect. LOCATION DETAILS ☀ 2 min from I-15 exit on a private road ☀ 10 min to nearest grocery and gas station in Cascade, MT ☀ 5 min to nearest bar & grill, Missouri River Inn ☀ 3 min to nearest boat ramp/fishing access for the Missouri River ☀ 30 min to Holter Lake ☀ 12 min to fly fishing stores, restaurants and bar & grills in Craig, MT ☀ 18 min to fly fishing stores, restaurants and bar & grills, gas station in Wolf Creek, MT ☀ 45 min to downtown Helena, MT ☀ 3.5 hours to Yellowstone National Park ☀ 2.5 hours to Glacier National Park ☀ 30 min to Great Falls International Airport ☀ 50 min to Helena Regional Airport ☀ 2 hours to Bozeman International Airport ☀ 2.5 hours to Missoula International Airport

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(3)

River's Bend RV

11 sites · RVs3 acres · Boulder, MT

The RV Park has 10 sites with full hookups except for campsite 10 which only has electric and water. These sites are pull through and most can accommodate large RVs. This is a dog friendly park, please keep your dog on a leash and pick up after your furry friend. Recreation Opportunities Close to the RV Park. The RV Park is within a 15 minute hike of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. The Boulder Hot Springs is approximately a 2-mile drive from the RV Park where you can soak in their pools always heated with thermal water. Fishing access to the Boulder River is a short drive from the RV Park. Access to off road recreation is approximately 2 miles going north or south. Helena Mt. the capital, is a 40-minute drive. Butte Mt. is about a 50-minute drive where you can see all the historic mining era. Boulder MT (RV Park) is halfway between Yellowstone NP and Glacier NP. Wildlife is abundant with mule deer and whitetails. Certain times of the year elk hang out in the hayfields which are adjacent to the park. Views of the mountains are very nice. Explore the Ghost town of Elkhorn 12 miles away. The Boulder Valley is an agricultural landscape, and with that comes Mosquitos. Please be prepared to handle them mostly June-July.

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(1)

Rockinon R.’s Land

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents50 acres · Helena, MT

Welcome to RockinonRanch, a peaceful 50-acre retreat nestled in the scenic North Valley—just 20 minutes from Helena, Montana. This is an authentic Montana homestead, rich with rustic charm and surrounded by trees, birds, and big-sky views. Whether you’re here to unplug, stargaze, or explore nearby wilderness, you’ll find the space and quiet you need. 🌿 A True Montana Homestead Experience Our property is an original homestead, and we’re continually working to restore and care for the land. While you’re here, you may notice signs of its historic roots. For example, there’s an old dump area on the property—not visible from the campsite—which will be clearly marked with signs. For safety and privacy, we kindly ask that guests do not enter that area, as well as avoid the house and barn zones, which are private. 🌌 Unmatched Tranquility & Natural Beauty Enjoy nights under crystal-clear skies with no traffic noise—just the occasional call of coyotes in the distance. It’s an ideal spot for stargazing, birdwatching, and total relaxation. 🛶 Private, Peaceful Campsite by the Pond Set near a quiet pond (note: swimming is not recommended), your campsite is surrounded by nature. You’ll be the only guests on the property during your stay—we offer two sites but only book one at a time to ensure complete privacy. 🐾 Pet & Wildlife Friendly You’re welcome to bring your dog(s), but please keep them leashed at all times. Our pets roam freely, including chickens, peacocks, sheep, alpacas, cats, and dogs. 🏕️ Amenities Include Fire pit Charcoal grill Portable toilet (“Little Jonny”) Kayak rentals available (with vests and dry bags) Shuttle service available for an additional cost 🧭 Nearby Attractions Marysville – 15 minutes Missouri River (Gates of the Mountains) – 25 minutes Plenty of nearby hiking, paddling, and outdoor activities 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Great for Families – With Caution Kids are welcome! However, please keep a close eye on them, especially around the pond and other natural features. 🚫 A Few Friendly Rules Respect marked areas (e.g. old dump, barn, and house) No wandering near private buildings Clean up after your pets Be kind to nature—leave no trace 🌟 We’re proud to share our quiet slice of Montana with you. Whether you’re staying for a night

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(523)

Gallatin River Getaway

2 sites · RVs, Tents250 acres · Three Forks, MT

This property has been a farm and ranch since 1863 it was used as a stage stop for travelers going to the gold fields in Bannock and Virginia City Montana. Come check us out.We offer two private campsites on the Gallatin River near Logan, Montana, 1/4 mile apart on a working farm and ranch. Ranch also is located below ATT and Verizon cell towers. Five minutes from entrance gate to interstate ninety. We are thirty minutes from Bozeman, six miles from Three Forks, MT, three miles from Headwaters State Park (Headwaters of the Missouri River), 12 minutes from the Copper City Mountain biking trails, 20 minutes from Lewis and Clark Caverns, eight miles from Madison Buffalo Jump. Yellowstone National Park is two hours south of the property. Easy full recreational access to the Gallatin River, including fishing if you follow Montana FWP rules and regulations. Gallatin River is a blue-ribbon trout stream and there are four additional blue-ribbon trout streams that are within close proximity. Inhabited by most major indigenous species of Montana, except bison and mountain goats. This is a working farm and ranch and equipment and activities related to the operation should be expected also a train runs close to property. Host lives on the property and is available to contact.

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(25)

Relax Inn Montana

4 sites · Lodging, Tents2 acres · Helena, MT

Half way between Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park - Perfect place to stop and rest between adventures : ) Outdoor Living at its finest : )) 2 Acres of unique quiet spaces in a park like setting - (3 Open field unimproved Tent Sites ) (2 Secluded improved Tent Sites ) (1 Bldg with 2 individual cabins connected by a passthrough door Blue Room aka 2 Dog sleeps 2 or Red Room aka Bears Den sleeps 5 ) 10 miles outside of Helena, the Capital of Montana 5 miles from 3 lakes ( Canyon Ferry Lake - Lake Helena - Hauser Lake ) Surrounded by prime hunting areas - 45 min to skiing A set of cast iron tubs that are always nice to take a soak after a hot days hike - a yin yang patio with gas firepit for a relaxing evening of sharing - a quiet (phone free) gazebo great for reflection - a covered BBQ pavilion with gas grill and gas firepit to gather round - a real fire pit area with picnic table (local wind and fire restrictions apply accordingly) - purest of potable well water on spigot in fire ring area - Solars that light the paths in the night - Pets are welcome just need to pick up after them ! A Greenhouse full of games camping chairs and tents if needed - An oversized porta potty between the cabins making it easier for families with kids 5 miles from 3 lakes for those who love to fish, boat, hike, float or just toss rocks - also around the corner you can dig for sapphires - 4 hours to Glacier National Park - 4 hours to Yellowstone National Park - Crystal Park or maybe a boat ride at The Gates of the Mountains - A tour train of downtown Helena - Too much to list around here - I am new at this so bear with me as I navigate this process and continue to improve spaces for your enjoyment - as always your feedback is appreciate for future improvements - and a guest book is in each cabin and the Gazebo for your comments : ) It is Rustic but not Crazy roughin' it - Great family space : ) This is my private sanctuary that I have the honor of sharing with those who appreciate simple rustic outdoor living at its finest - I invite you, my friends and family to Relax Inn Helena and make your own amazing memories

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CedarRose Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents52 acres · MT

CedarRose Farm is a fantastic former produce farm that we operated for 21 years, surrounded by other friendly smallholdings, art studios and homesteaders. A clean portapotty is on site starting May 3rd through September 15th. We offer campfire popcorn poppers, complete with kernels, oil and butter! S'Mores kits and toasting forks, with enough goodies for 8 S'mores. Check out our 'Extras' and relax and enjoy yourself! Please ask us about visiting us on the farm, we have a shady outdoor dining room you're welcome to enjoy. Ask for directions to "Sunset Point", its a quick hike to a secret campfire ring with perfect lounge chairs and amazing views! There's always something to do, horses to feed and brush, chickens and ducks that need feed and watched by the pond. Stargazing and birdwatching are great here, its very dark at night, almost no light pollution, and I've counted 43 different birds! We love biking, hiking, paddle boarding and having campers! We know you'll love it as much as we do!

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(60)

White Bridge Lane Private Campsite

2 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Boulder, MT

Dawson Family Ranch is a family-run business with a focus on sustainable land and agriculture practices. The ranch is located along a mile of the Boulder River between the Elkhorn and Bull Mountain Ranges. The river offers fishing for rainbow and brown trout. Public land access is within a short drive (2-7 miles depending on direction) and offers different recreational opportunities including hiking, hunting, and motorized recreation. Boulder Hot Springs is less than 4 miles away.

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(60)

Ponderosa Pine Ranch camp

2 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Three Forks, MT

Learn more about this land: Our property is in a close proximity to the Fairweather Fishing access on the Missouri River. Camping is not allowed at the access so we would be the closest camping site to this great outdoor playground. There is opportunity for fishing, floating, boating, hunting and swimming in the summer . There are groves of mature trees and open sites available. This is directly off of paved county road. The property adjacent to ours has the original ranch house and barn and other outbuildings that were part of the Ponderosa Pine Ranch which owned most of the valley we're in. The ranch house and buildings were divided away from our part of the property several years ago, so we have our home here and what was mostly pasture. The campsites are all pasture grass with trees for shade. We do not have cell phone service here. We have one site that has 30 amp electricity. Also we do not have trash service .

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(4)

The DET Place Hideaway

3 sites · Lodging, Tents12 acres · Townsend, MT

Unplug under the endless Montana sky at “The DET Place” — a private 12-acre retreat tucked away just a mile outside Townsend. Set up camp in wide open space with epic views of Mount Baldy, a cozy campfire, and frequent visits from whitetail deer, pheasants, and the occasional sandhill cranes. Perfect for tent campers and stargazers, the site is close to Canyon Ferry Lake, the Missouri River, and town conveniences - but feels like a world away. Watch the sunrise with the resident horses, visit with the barn cats, or just sit back and take in the silence. Whether you're paddling, fishing, hiking, or glamping out under the stars, The DET Place offers a Montana experience you'll never forget.

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York Montana Hideaway

1 site · RV4 acres · Helena Valley Northeast, MT

As opposed to the thousands of runoff creeks in Western Montana, the unique Trout Creek Canyon has one of the few spring fed streams. It's rather large volume of water flows from several groups of canyons and drainages in the Little Belt mountains, bubbling out of the ground six miles up at the foot of the beautiful Vigilante canyon and terminating in the Missouri River three miles further down. Over the last 150 years a number of gold and silver mines have operated in the gulches at the side of the canyon. A pictorial history is available at the community park and in the social hall. If you're lucky you might even still see a few mountain goats on your way up the canyon.

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(130)

The Trail Enthusiast's Basecamp!

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Helena, MT

This five-acre oasis was once a landscape nursery. So given the close proximity to downtown we are a hidden sanctuary from the outside world, secluded by cottonwood trees and mature foliage. The site now serves as a wedding venue and offers views of Mount Helena to the South and the Sleeping Giant to the North. Learn more about this land: Pitch a tent in our aspen grove or park your camper/RV in the grassland field. You're close to downtown with lots of privacy/scenery. You'll have views of regal Mount Helena to the South and The Sleeping Giant to the North. The South Hill trail complex is a great place to explore as well as the Scratchgravels. The Missouri River is only 20 minutes away as well as Lake Hauser and Canyon Ferry. If new to the area and interested in history, we recommend the Tour Train. We also have several great breweries - our favorites include Ten Mile and Blackfoot Breweries (a perfect stop you can ride to after a trail ride/hike in the South Hills). This site is perfect for those wanting to explore Downtown Helena, it's renowned trail systems, but still sleep under the stars. Pets are allowed. Please make sure you pick up after them. There is water throughout the property that you are welcome to use for cleaning, but it is not potable.

Camping near Canyon Ferry Lake guide

Overview

Camping at Canyon Ferry Lake puts you in the thick of Montana’s wild spaces. With over 330 campsites in the area, you’ll find everything from riverside clearings to shaded spots near open water. The average night runs about $48, but you can snag simpler sites for $20. Most places offer showers, toilets, and let you build a campfire—essentials after a day spent hiking local trails, swimming, or trying horseback riding. Top picks include Gallatin River Getaway (234 reviews), CedarRose Farm (110 reviews), and The Trail Enthusiast's Basecamp! (80 reviews). Campsites line the lake, tuck behind pine stands, and sprawl out along feeder streams. Canyon Ferry Lake draws folks who like to keep it simple: set up camp, get outside, and make the most of wide Montana skies.

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