Riverside Campground

About

Riverside Campground is located below the dam at the northern end of Canyon Ferry Reservoir, approximately 30 miles east of Helena, Montana. The campground provides 27 paved standard campsites plus a group use area with 7 additional campsites and a 30x45-foot picnic pavilion. Each standard site includes a paved camping pad, fire ring, and picnic table. The campground is managed by the Bureau of Reclamation. Canyon Ferry Reservoir offers year-round recreational opportunities including fishing, sailing, motor-boating, kayaking, and windsurfing. The swift current below the dam makes this a prime fishing location, and the abundant fish attract diverse birdlife including loons, cormorants, pelicans, bald eagles, and osprey. Swimming is not advised due to the swift current. The campground is positioned halfway between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, with Helena just 25 miles away. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov during peak season from early May through mid-September. Outside peak season, camping is available free of charge.

Directions

From Helena, MT: Head east along County Road 430/Canyon Ferry Road for 18 miles to Jim Town Road and turn left. Continue straight until you reach the campground. From Townsend, MT: Head north on Highway 284 for 34 miles and turn right at Jim Town Road. Continue straight to the campground.