Riverside Campground
Open for the 2026 season. Peak season runs from the first weekend of May through the second weekend of September, when fees apply and reservations are available through Recreation.gov. Off-season camping is free. 14-day stay limit. Check-in at 5:00 PM, check-out at 4:00 PM.
Air Quality Alert issued August 10 at 7:30AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Broadwater, Deer Lodge, Flathead, Gallatin, Granite, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Mineral, Missoula, Park, Powell, Ravalli, Silver Bow, Sweet Grass, Sanders, Yellowstone counties in effect until 9AM on 08/11/2026 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 7AM on 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Columbia Falls, Frenchtown, Libby and Missoula are Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Dillon, Great Falls, Helena and Thompson Falls are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 7AM on 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Butte, Cut Bank, Hamilton, Lewistown and Sleeping Giant 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
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.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 40ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| dagallagher@usbr.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (406) 475-3921 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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