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Riverside Campground
BORBureau of Reclamation — Helena · Montana · Canyon Ferry Lake
| Agency | BORBureau of Reclamation |
|---|---|
| Area | Canyon Ferry Lake |
| Location | Helena · Montana · Canyon Ferry Lake · 46.65636, -111.73482 · Map |
| Sites | 28 public sites counted from the federal listing — 27 rv nonelectric; 1 group rv area nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 28 sites Water hookups at 0 of 28 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 28 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 28 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 40 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 27 sites · 30 ft: 27 sites · 35 ft: 27 sites · 40 ft: 21 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | We only charge fees during "Peak Seasons" the 1st weekend of May through the second weekend of September. |
| Check-in / out | In 5:00 PM · Out 4:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 28 sites, as reported |
| Accessible sites | 5 marked accessible in the listing |
| Accessibility | N |
| Amenities, as reported | Drinking water |
| Phone | 406-475-3921 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-02-25.
From the official listing
Overview Riverside Campground is located 30 miles east of Helena, Montana, below the dam at the northern end of Canyon Ferry Reservoir. Riverside Campground provides space for campers, day users, and large groups. 27 paved campsites, a group use area with a picnic pavilion, 6 pit toilets, an accessible fishing dock, a boat ramp and day use picnic area. This popular location below the dam attracts many families, boaters and fisherman.
Recreation Canyon Ferry Reservoir offers a wide range of year-round recreational opportunities. Water related activities include everything from swimming and fishing to sailing and motor-boating. Canoeists and kayakers explore the many quiet backwater bays. Jet skiers, windsurfers and water skiers skim the summer waves, while winter draws ice fishermen and ice skaters.
Facilities Riverside Campground has 27 campsites , a group use camping area, a boat ramp, parking area for boat trailers and several day use picnic sites. Each campsite has a paved camping pad, a fire ring and picnic table. During the peak summer months services include vault toilets, potable water, dumpsters and campground hosts.
Riverside Group Campsites include exclusive access to a picnic shelter, accessible vault toilets and 7 campsites . The picnic shelter is 30' X 45' with 8 picnic tables and a large fire ring. Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring. The group campsites and pavilion are set apart from the rest of the campground, providing adequate space and privacy for groups to enjoy.
Natural Features Riverside Campground sits below Canyon Ferry Dam along the banks of Hauser Reservoir. The current is swift, and swimming is not advised. Ample fish in the water makes this a prime location for bird watching. Loons, cormorants and pelicans are often present patrolling the waters; while bald eagles and osprey make appearances to showcase their fish hunting skills.
Nearby Attractions Riverside Campground is located halfway between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. The city of Helena, Montana, the state capital, is 25 miles away. For up to date events visit, www.helenamt.com.
Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (406) 475-3920.
Directions, from the listing
From Helena, MT: Head east along Co Rd 430/Canyon Ferry Rd from Helena, MT, continue for 18 miles to Jim Town Road and turn left. Continue straight until you reach the campground.
From Townsend, MT: Head north on Hwy 284 for 34 miles and turn right at Jim Town Road. Continue straight until you reach the campground.
Nearest federal campgrounds
1 mi straight-line · Helena MontanaBORBureau of ReclamationChinamen's Campground
1 mi straight-line · HELENA MontanaBORBureau of ReclamationCave Point Group Use Area
2 mi straight-line · Helena MontanaBORBureau of ReclamationJo Bonner Campground
3 mi straight-line · HELENA MontanaBLMBureau of Land ManagementClark's Bay Day Use Area Shelter (MT)
5 mi straight-line · Helena Montana
Trip Card — Riverside Campground
Helena · Montana · Canyon Ferry Lake
| Agency | BOR · Bureau of Reclamation |
|---|---|
| Location | Helena · Montana · Canyon Ferry Lake |
| Fees | We only charge fees during "Peak Seasons" the 1st weekend of May through the second weekend of September. |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Up to 40 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 28 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/250002 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.