Riverside Campground

Show on map 406-475-3921 dagallagher@usbr.gov

7700 Canyon Ferry Road
Helena, MT 59601

Notice

Riverside campground will be CLOSED for construction starting on September 13th at 4pm. The boat launch and parking area will remain open.

Aug 20, 2026 – May 1, 2027

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.

Camp site features

Across 28 camp sites:

Fire pit: all 28 sites
Picnic table: 23 of 28 sites
Pets allowed: all 28 sites
ADA accessible: 5 of 28 sites
Group sites: 1 of 28 sites
Longest RV: 40 ft
Largest party: 75 people

Fees

We only charge fees during "Peak Seasons" the 1st weekend of May through the second weekend of September.

Directions

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.

Stay Limit

Check in from 5 PM, check out by 4 PM.

Reviews

175 reviews

5 stars

121

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Edith S

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Finally arrived at the park after midnight after following Google Maps to incorrect location. The campground layout map was not lit; we chose an unoccupied site for the night and relocated to our site in daylight. Regrettably, we enjoyed our beautiful site for a short time; clean facilities; beautiful views; peaceful; great to be close to Helena for services - we needed tire repair.

Kerry H

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Riverside is an annual camp weekend for us. We really liked our spot this time. The campground in general is more run-down than it used to be, but still easy to get to, spots are roomy and convenient location to amenities.

John G

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Was great and quiet this time of year! The site is very level and large with a great view of the river. Justin the camp host is awesome and does a great job!

Garry S

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

We had a very good time at Riverside as always. As a family we have many August/September birthdays and anniversaries so it is our tradition to camp at Riverside to celebrate all at once. Justin is a wonderful camp host. I was always impressed with how he was never unavailable and how he seemed to be where he was needed if something arose. The camp latrines are clean, the camps are clean upon arrival and Justin is so willing to help people. The boat ramp is usually easy to get in and out of. This year the water was low and the weeds are high so it was a bit more challenging but that is a mother nature problem.

Carl V

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

We enjoyed the paved handicap site. Because the site was level, we did not need to use any leveling blocks. We also enjoyed how quite the campground was. No loud traffic to keep you from relaxing any hour of the day or night.

Kimberly P

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Very nice camp host that greeted every visitor into the campground, made sure we knew all guidelines. Very clean campground.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve