How much does camping cost at Chinamen's Campground?

Camping fees at Chinamen's Campground are $10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Chinamen's Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Chinamen's Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Chinamen's Campground before I book?

Yes! Chinamen's Campground has 2 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Chinamen's Campground?

Chinamen's Campground is open May 01 to September 10. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Chinamen's Campground?

Chinamen's Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Chinamen's Campground have?

Chinamen's Campground has 38 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Chinamen's Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Chinamen's Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Chinamen's Campground?

Chinamen's Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Chinamen's Campground?

Popular activities at Chinamen's Campground include Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Chinamen's Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Chinamen's Campground?

Fire policies at Chinamen's Campground: While at Canyon Ferry Reservoir: CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY boats and any other recreational equipment that comes in contact with water. Never dump unwanted bait, worms, fish parts or other organisms into the water. For more information visit https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/ STOP THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES. REMOVE plants, seeds, animals and mud from boots, gear, pets, and vehicle. CLEAN your gear before entering and leaving the recreation site. STAY on designated roads and trails and use local fi. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.75

147 reviews

7700 Canyon Ferry RD

Top 18% in MTSpring

C-Report Card

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

Book on Department of Reclamation Official Website

Get Directions

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

Book on Department of Reclamation Official Website

Get Directions

Chinamen's Campground

$10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard Campsite: $10.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$10.00

Get Notified When Available

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Provider

406-475-3921dagallagher@usbr.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

7700 Canyon Ferry RD

Chinamen's Campground

7700 Canyon Ferry RD

Nearby places

Helena is approximately 30 miles away.

Weather at Chinamen's Campground

Current alerts(7)

All campsites are to be considered single unit sites unless marked as a double site. Single campsites are limited to one camping / sleeping unit per campsite.
Campsites must be occupied each night.
Check in time is 5pm. Check out time is 4pm.
No show reservations are subject to cancellation after the third night.

Best Time to Camp at Chinamen's Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather, spectacular color, and quieter campsites — daytime highs usually 45–65°F with crisp nights in the 25–40°F range. Fishing picks up as trout and walleye feed ahead of winter, boating and shoreline walks are peaceful after the summer rush, and the Big Belt and Elkhorn ranges light up with golden aspens and cottonwoods. Crowds drop sharply after Labor Day, so you’ll get easier access to boat ramps and trails while still enjoying relatively dry Peak months: September, October, June, July

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Overview calls fall best season: comfortable temps, fall color and quieter campsites.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to September 10. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Peak season runs from May 6 through September 10.

About Chinamen's Campground

Chinamen's Campground sits on Canyon Ferry Lake in Montana's foothills near Helena, operated by the Department of Reclamation. This mid-sized campground offers tent, RV, and primitive camping with vault toilets, potable water, and direct reservoir access for boating. Trees provide shade at sites equipped with fire rings and picnic tables, and the location draws families and anglers looking for budget-friendly lakeside camping with a 14-day stay limit.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather, spectacular color, and quieter campsites — daytime highs usually 45–65°F with crisp nights in the 25–40°F range. Fishing picks up as trout and walleye feed ahead of winter, boating and shoreline walks are peaceful after the summer rush, and the Big Belt and Elkhorn ranges light up with golden aspens and cottonwoods. Crowds drop sharply after Labor Day, so you’ll get easier access to boat ramps and trails while still enjoying relatively dry Peak months: September, October, June, July

Elevation3914 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a geological crossroads where the ancient Big Belt Mountains rise to the east and the Elkhorn Range frames the western horizon. At 3,914 feet elevation, the setting delivers big views across Canyon Ferry Reservoir's sprawling waters. Some sites have trees for shade; others open directly onto rock beaches along the shoreline. Deer wander the edges of camp, and eagles work the reservoir's surface. The surrounding ranges show their colors in fall, when aspens and cottonwoods turn gold against the darker pine slopes.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere is no mention of hotel-style lodging accommodations within the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Single campsites are limited to one camping/sleeping unit per campsite, except for parents with young children who may have one additional tent.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online or via their contact center.

AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets are available. No further details about accessibility features are provided.

Site SizeCampers note that many sites are small and cramped, with tight space for parking and setting up equipment. RVs larger than 20 feet may encounter difficulties.

PrivacyCampsites lack significant privacy, with some users reporting that sites are too close together and lack natural barriers.

Total Campsites38 campsites

Recommended SitesSpot 36 is noted for being spacious but has minimal shade; it is near high foot traffic to the vault restroom. Spot 12 offers limited shade. Sites 19-21 are secluded in a cul-de-sac.

Best CampsitesSites 7 and 8 sit near the water and pull consistently positive reviews. For quieter mornings, head to the rock beaches away from the main camping loops.

Need help booking Chinamen's Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

The campground features 38 campsites, many of which are described as being too small for RVs larger than 20 feet. Facilities include gravel roads with campsites containing a picnic table and a fire ring. During the summer months, services such as vault toilets, potable water, trash disposal, and the presence of a campground host are provided. User reviews highlight the availability of a fresh water pump and the lack of electrical or water hookups. Campsites are close to the northern end of Canyon Ferry Reservoir, providing easy access to water activities and a scenic natural environment.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Chinamen's Campground

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.

Fishing4.0/5

Reservoir is a popular fishing spot; campground draws anglers and offers direct water access.

Boating4.0/5

Direct reservoir access; kayaking, canoeing, sailing and motorboating explicitly mentioned.

Water Sports4.0/5

Kayaking explicitly listed among boating options with direct reservoir access.

Winter Activities2.0/5

Winter offers quieter visits and ice fishing but limited winter-sport infrastructure mentioned.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyWhile at Canyon Ferry Reservoir: CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY boats and any other recreational equipment that comes in contact with water. Never dump unwanted bait, worms, fish parts or other organisms into the water. For more information visit https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/ STOP THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES. REMOVE plants, seeds, animals and mud from boots, gear, pets, and vehicle. CLEAN your gear before entering and leaving the recreation site. STAY on designated roads and trails and use local fi

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 p.m to 7:00 a.m

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is available during the summer months. Recycling was not mentioned in the sources.

Cell CoverageNo specific mention of cell phone service in the authoritative content or user reviews.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.8

147 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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 147 reviews.

site 36Loved
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 1Mentioned
Site 1 is noted as very small, while sites 19-21 are recommended for small groups due to their cul-de-sac layout.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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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Chinamen's Campground

$10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard Campsite: $10.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$10.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-475-3921dagallagher@usbr.gov

Go if

You want affordable reservoir access for boating and fishing with your dog in a family-friendly setting.

Skip if

You need spacious sites or guaranteed quiet during peak summer weekends.

Nearby Campgrounds

Highly Popular

4.5

(335)

Court Sheriff Campground

7700 Canyon Ferry Road, Helena, MT, 59601, USA

Court Sheriff Campground sits on the shore of Canyon Ferry Reservoir, 20 miles east of Helena in the Montana foothills. Operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, this mid-sized campground serves boaters, anglers, and families seeking direct water access during the summer season. Paved sites accommodate tents and RVs, with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings throughout the property.

Chinamen's Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Weather at Chinamen's Campground

Current alerts(7)

Best Time to Camp at Chinamen's Campground

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About Chinamen's Campground

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Amenities available

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Ask Camp Sage about Chinamen's Campground

Current alerts(7)

Best Time to Camp at Chinamen's Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Chinamen's Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Chinamen's Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns