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Canyon Ferry/Riverside
Overview
Located just below the massive Canyon Ferry Dam, the Riverside area offers a peaceful escape along the banks of the Missouri River. This destination is part of the larger Canyon Ferry Reservoir complex, providing a scenic getaway for those who appreciate Montana's rugged beauty. Visitors here experience the quintessential Big Sky landscape, where the sound of flowing water provides a constant backdrop to their stay. It is a favored spot for travelers seeking a natural camping experience that balances accessibility with the charm of the Treasure State's great outdoors.
Location & Surroundings
The park is situated approximately 20 miles east of Helena, MT, making it an easy drive from the state capital while feeling worlds away from urban life. It sits in a river valley bordered by the Big Belt and Elkhorn Mountains. The immediate environment is defined by the Missouri River's cold waters, which flow directly from the reservoir to create prime riparian habitats. Mature trees offer shade to many sites, and the surrounding rolling hills provide sweeping views of the limestone cliffs and mountain peaks.
Amenities & Park Features
As a destination focused on the outdoor experience, the park provides essential services that cater to self-contained RVers. Guests can expect paved camping spurs that accommodate a variety of rig sizes, including many larger travel trailers and motorhomes. While the vibe remains rustic and peaceful, the park provides access to potable water, picnic tables, and fire rings for evening gatherings. One of the most sought-after features is the direct river access, allowing campers to enjoy the shoreline or launch small watercraft just steps from their campsite.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw is undoubtedly the world-class blue-ribbon trout fishing found in the Missouri River. Anglers flock here for the chance to catch trophy-sized rainbow and brown trout. Just a short distance away, Canyon Ferry Lake offers massive acreage for boating, jet skiing, and swimming. For those interested in regional history, the city of Helena features the Montana State Capitol and the Archie Bray Foundation. Hikers will enjoy the proximity to the Helena National Forest, which offers miles of trails ranging from easy meadow walks to challenging summit climbs.
Who This Park Is Best For
This location is ideal for travelers who prioritize scenery and outdoor recreation over luxury resort amenities. It is a perfect fit for avid anglers and boaters who want to be as close to the water as possible. It also appeals to road trippers looking for a quiet, scenic home base while exploring the greater Helena area. If you enjoy a peaceful, riverfront atmosphere where the focus is on stargazing, bird watching, and the sounds of nature, this campground offers the authentic Montana experience you are seeking.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
User Reviews
angus
Nice enough little campsite on the water. Boat dock right there for people to use. Water fill ups in the campsite, campsites are level and have nice picnic tables. Not a lot to walk around there but there is some forrests nearby. Camp host left his dog off the leash, while his was well trained, it set a bad example for others whose were not and would run up to other dogs and campers; which I didn't love.
Steve “Cruzer”
We spent 2 of the best weeks of our new retirement at this campground. Josh, the camp host was great. He offered us firewood, visited us frequently to make sure all was good but was never overbearing. Always friendly and above and beyond Plus his dog, Riker, was as great a host as his dad! Friendly, playful and had our old girl acting like a puppy again. Josh was always cleaning bathrooms, picking up after everyone and offering help to all the campers. Even with a full house he always had time and a smile or laugh for everyone.
Santiago
Looks like a fun little place for camping, fishing or water activities. It is marked closed due to flash flooding that wiped out most of the camping sites. The docks are open.
C J
Beautiful and well-maintained RV/Campground . Host always in his buggy making sure the place is clean. Clean toilets. A quiet place during the day and even on the weekends. Campground has a boat ramp in the middle with plenty of space for those trucks and trailers. there is a small platform at the edge of the river for those who want to fish but don't have a boat. Located below the dam. Only drawback is that there is nowhere to dock your boat overnight. The other drawback is that you can only make reservations online and a fee is added to your cost besides the cost of your site. I wish they would allow pay by envelope at the campground.
Maddie Cowell - LilMissJeepHer
Really nice campground! The camp host is always driving around cleaning up to make sure the campground stays clean. They have potable water, trash cans, and bathrooms. No dump station. Only thing that sucks is check in isn’t till 5pm which we didn’t realize so we had to wait around till 4pm when the other camper left our site
Cyrina Wilkerson
Beautiful! This is a awesome camping spot, spot 23. , I will post a photo a little more updated just cause there is no shade. The other photos show trees still there. The camp host Bob was amazing he was super helpful and dose a awesome job keeping the area clean. The restrooms were the cleanest I've ever seen. We will definitely try to come back again this year or next.
Chuck Tracy
One of the nicest campgrounds on the Missouri River. Camp host is diligent about maintaining the grounds and keeping bathrooms clean. Riverside and Canyon Lake dam views are hard to beat...
Wayne Livingston
What a great campground to stay at, wonderful views everywhere you look, deer coming down the hill side in the evenings, very well kept. The host Bob great guy.
Julie Stanley
Beautiful, good fishing, clean bathrooms, clean sites and great views.
Matias A
Lots of locals, interesting and very close to the water. Sites are leveled and roads are paved. Hosts are very helpful and you may have a chance to caught a fish. 30 minutes from Helena which is a little bit far. We used it as an one stop on our way to Yellowstone.