Chinamen's Campground
Open for reservations. Reservations available via Recreation.gov up to six months in advance. Unreserved sites available first-come, first-served. Check-in 5pm, check-out 4pm. Quiet hours 10pm to 7am.
Air Quality Alert issued August 11 at 8:15AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Gallatin, Granite, Madison, Park, Flathead, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli, and Silver Bow counties in effect until 9AM on 08/12/2026 An Air Quality Alert means that particulates have been trending upwards and that an exceedance of the 24 hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) has occurred or may occur in the near future. Elevated particulate levels from wildfire smoke As of 8AM on 08/11/2026, particulate levels in Missoula are Unhealthy. As of 8AM on 08/11/2026, particulate levels in Dillon, Frenchtown, Great Falls and Hamilton are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 8AM on 08/11/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Butte, Choteau, Columbia Falls, Cut Bank, Helena, Lewistown, Libby, Malta, Thompson Falls and West Yellowstone are Moderate. When air quality is Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid prolonged exertion; everyone else should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Moderate... State and local health officials recommend that unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. For more information visit the Montana Department of Environmental Quality at http://todaysair.mtdeq.us
About
Chinamen's Campground occupies the northern end of Canyon Ferry Reservoir between the Big Belt and Elkhorn mountain ranges. The campground takes its name from Chinaman Cove and Chinaman Gulch, where a substantial Chinese population mined gold from the 1860s through 1890s during Montana's gold rush era. An interpretive display at the campground tells this history. The 38 campsites are arranged along gravel roads, with each site featuring a picnic table and fire ring. During summer months, the campground provides vault toilets, potable water, trash facilities, and a campground host. Sites are standard non-electric with no hookups available. Due to the compact site layouts, RVs larger than 20 feet will find most sites too small. Canyon Ferry Reservoir offers extensive year-round recreation including swimming, fishing, sailing, motorboating, kayaking, jet skiing, and water skiing in summer. Winter draws ice fishermen, ice boaters, and ice skaters. The reservoir sits halfway between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, with Helena just 30 miles west.
Directions
From Helena, take MT Highway 12/287 north to Spokane Creek Road and turn right at the yellow flashing light. Follow Spokane Creek Road for 4.6 miles and turn right onto County Road 430/Canyon Ferry Road. Continue to Chinamen's Campground on the right.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $10 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 35ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 20ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 475-3921 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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