Chinamen'S Campground
3.8370 reviews7700 Canyon Ferry RD
Quick Facts
Price
$10/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
38 campsites
Season
Peak season runs fro...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$10/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
38 campsites
Season
Peak season runs fro...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsChinamen'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
Total Campsite Fees$10.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider406-475-3921dagallagher@usbr.gov
What Campers Say
3.83
Mixed Reviews
Based on 70 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."
Fees & Passes at Chinamen'S Campground
$10/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Cancellation: Cancellations are allowed before midnight on the calendar day before check-in for individual campsit...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Department of Reclamation website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
Historical SignificanceStep into living history at Chinamen's Campground, where echoes of Montana's legendary 1850s gold rush still whisper through the mountain passes. This storied landscape once bustled with prospectors seeking fortune in the surrounding hills, their dreams and determination carving paths that modern adventurers still follow today. The campground's location serves as a gateway to exploring the rich mining heritage that shaped Montana's frontier spirit and rugged character.
Weather and SeasonsExperience 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.
ElevationPerched at Montana's characteristic high-country elevation, the campground offers that perfect mountain atmosphere where the air feels crisp and clean, and the stars shine with exceptional clarity in the thin mountain air.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where the majestic Big Belt Mountains meet the rugged Elkhorn Range, creating a dramatic backdrop for your Canyon Ferry Reservoir adventures. From your campsite, watch golden sunrises paint the mountain peaks while the reservoir's waters mirror the changing sky. This natural amphitheater offers front-row seats to Montana's wildlife theater, where eagles soar overhead and deer graze in nearby meadows. The shimmering expanse of Canyon Ferry Reservoir stretches before you, inviting endless days of fishing, boating, and waterside relaxation.
Geological RegionChinamen's Campground occupies a spectacular geological crossroads where two of Montana's most stunning mountain ranges converge. Positioned at the northern threshold of Canyon Ferry Reservoir, the campground sits in the embrace of the ancient Big Belt Mountains to the east and the mineral-rich Elkhorn Range to the west. This unique location in central Montana's geological wonderland offers visitors a chance to explore diverse terrain shaped by millions of years of geological forces, from volcanic activity to glacial carving.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets are available. No further details about accessibility features are provided.
Sites 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.
Sites PrivacyCampsites lack significant privacy, with some users reporting that sites are too close together and lack natural barriers.
Total Campsites38 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSpot 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 Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
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.
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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are arranged in single units, with tight spacing and limited separation between sites. Some loops offer more seclusion.
Open and Closed SeasonPeak season runs from May 6 through September 10.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online or via their contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis during peak season but may be limited.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are allowed before midnight on the calendar day before check-in for individual campsites, but this incurs a $10 cancellation fee and forfeiture of the first night's fees if late. Late fees and rules vary for group sites or cabins.
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.
Hiking
Opportunities for hiking are available near the reservoir and in the surrounding mountainous terrain. No specific trails or difficulty levels are mentioned.Fishing
Fishing is permitted, and the reservoir is noted as a popular fishing spot. Specific fish species or details about fishing conditions were not provided.Swimming
The reservoir offers swimming opportunities. User reviews mention easy access to the water, though some areas may be busy due to local visitors.Boating
Boating 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 viewing
Wildlife such as squirrels and chipmunks are commonly seen, and families enjoy spotting these animals. Specific details about other wildlife species are not mentioned.Beach activities
The campground provides access to rock beaches near the reservoir, which are suitable for sunbathing and other beachside activities.Winter Activities
Winter visitors enjoy activities such as ice fishing, ice skating, and ice boating on the reservoir.Water Sports
Water sports like kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing, and jet skiing are popular during the summer months.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are enforced between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include barking dogs, tight campsites for larger RVs, and wildlife interactions.
Weather at Chinamen'S Campground
35
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 69%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 8.3 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
Weather History
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Reveal forecast
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 6 through September 10.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available during the summer months. Recycling was not mentioned in the sources.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly adjacent to Canyon Ferry Reservoir, providing opportunities for swimming, fishing, and kayaking.
Common complaintsFrequent complaints include small campsite sizes, noise during quiet hours, and overcrowding during peak season.
HostCamp hosts vary in friendliness and helpfulness; some reviews praise them as 'great,' while others complain about lack of availability or rudeness.
Campground Map
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
3.8
70 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 70 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...
Based on 70 reviewsShow more
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 70 reviewsShow more
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 70 reviewsSeasonal 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 70 reviewsShow more
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 70 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 70 reviewsShow more
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 70 reviewsPet-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 70 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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