Chinamen's Campground

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.