Chinamen'S Campground

Star3.80
147 reviews
7700 Canyon Ferry RD
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

3,914 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

38 campsites

Season

Peak season runs fro...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Department of Reclamation site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Chinamen'S Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees are only charged during peak season (May 6 through September 10).
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
406-475-3921dagallagher@usbr.gov
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What Campers Say

3.80

Mixed Reviews

Based on 147 reviews

37 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshadelocationwater

Some mention

noisesmall

"User reviews for Chinamen's Campground are highly mixed, with some praising its proximity to the water, scenic views, and family-friendly atmosphere, while others criticize its small campsites, lack of privacy, and issues with noise and management."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

7700 Canyon Ferry RD

Chinamen'S Campground

7700 Canyon Ferry RD

Driving directionsHeading north along MT highway 12/287, drive north to Spokane Creek Rd and turn right at the yellow flashing light. Follow Spokane Creek Rd for 4.6 miles and turn right onto Co Rd 430/Canyon Ferry Rd. Continue on to Chinamen's Campground; the campground will be on the right.
The campground is accessible year-round via Montana Highway 284. Roads within the campground are gravel. RVs larger than 20 feet may have difficulty due to tight campsite spaces and road layouts.
Nearby places
Helena is approximately 30 miles away.
Nearby supplies
Kim's Marina is nearby for essential supplies, including food and camping gear.

Best Time to Camp at Chinamen'S Campground

Experience Montana's dynamic seasonal tapestry at Chinamen's Campground, where each season paints the landscape with its own unique palette. Summer brings endless blue skies and warm days perfect for swimming and boating, while autumn transforms the surrounding mountains into a golden masterpiece. Winter enthusiasts will find a serene wonderland dusted with occasional snow, offering peaceful solitude and crisp mountain air. Spring awakens the campground with wildflowers and the promise of new adventures as the reservoir comes alive with activity.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Peak season brings warm weather and activities but also overcrowding and noise complaints.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Fall likely quieter with good scenery; fewer reviews but season is less mentioned.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring is less mentioned; likely moderate conditions with fewer crowds but variable weather.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round; winter quieter with ice-fishing activity but limited services noted.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 6 through September 10.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Peak season runs from May 6 through September 10.

About Chinamen'S Campground

Discover your perfect Montana escape at Chinamen's Campground, where 38 thoughtfully spaced campsites await adventurers seeking authentic outdoor experiences. Nestled at the northern gateway to Canyon Ferry Reservoir just 30 miles from Helena, this year-round rustic retreat invites you to unplug and reconnect with nature. Each campsite comes equipped with its own picnic table and fire ring, perfect for evening gatherings under Montana's expansive sky. Well-maintained gravel roads wind through the campground, ensuring easy access to your basecamp for reservoir adventures.
Chinamen's Campground offers standard nonelectric camping sites suitable for tents and small RVs. Sites are typically close together with limited space for larger vehicles.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
5:00 PM
Check-out
4:00 PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Chinamen's Campground provides access to a variety of year-round recreational activities centered on the Canyon Ferry Reservoir. Water-based activities include swimming, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and motor boating. Visitors also enjoy hiking along the lakeshore or exploring the nearby mountainous terrain.
HikingOpportunities for hiking are available near the reservoir and in the surrounding mountainous terrain. No specific trails or difficulty levels are mentioned.
FishingFishing is permitted, and the reservoir is noted as a popular fishing spot. Specific fish species or details about fishing conditions were not provided.
SwimmingThe reservoir offers swimming opportunities. User reviews mention easy access to the water, though some areas may be busy due to local visitors.
BoatingBoating opportunities include kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and motor boating. The campground is near a calm cove that is suitable for paddling activities. However, larger boats may encounter accessibility issues due to the lack of a dedicated boat launch.
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as squirrels and chipmunks are commonly seen, and families enjoy spotting these animals. Specific details about other wildlife species are not mentioned.
Beach activitiesThe campground provides access to rock beaches near the reservoir, which are suitable for sunbathing and other beachside activities.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include barking dogs, tight campsites for larger RVs, and wildlife interactions.

Weather at Chinamen'S Campground

Reviews

3.8
147 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Chinamen'S Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Chinamen's Campground are highly mixed, with some praising its proximity to the water, scenic views, and family-friendly atmosphere, while others criticize its small campsites, lack of privacy, and issues with noise and management.
Review Summaries
Based on 147 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors enjoy the scenic location near the reservoir, easy access to water activities, and the presence of trees providing some shade. Several users appreciate the clean facilities and friendly camp...
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Based on 147 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include cramped campsites, lack of privacy, noisy neighbors, and issues with reservations being double-booked. Some users report unhelpful or rude behavior from camp hosts, while...
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Based on 147 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own firewood; explore the rock beaches for a quieter experience; be prepared for limited space if using a larger RV; and consider weekday visits to avoid crowds.
Based on 147 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer sees heavy use, with many complaints about overcrowding and noise, while winter offers a quieter experience with activities like ice fishing. Spring and fall are less mentioned but could offer...
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Based on 147 reviews

Camper Quotes

Quotes from reviews: 'The water is a very short walk from most sites,' 'The camp host is very rude,' 'Vault toilets are clean and well stocked,' 'It’s a beautiful site with shade,' 'Cramped. Not a...
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Based on 147 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Some users highlighted specific sites, such as site 36 being spacious but close to the vault restrooms, and sites 7 and 8 offering scenic lake views. Site 1 is noted as very small, while sites 19-21...
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Based on 147 reviews

Accessibility Features

Limited reviews address accessibility. The campground offers accessible vault toilets, but some visitors mention tight spaces that could be challenging for those with mobility issues.
Based on 147 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is dog-friendly, but some complaints were raised about dogs being off-leash and causing disturbances. Visitors are reminded to keep pets leashed and clean up after them.
Based on 147 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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