Jo Bonner Campground
4.2138 reviews7700 CANYON FERRY RD, HELENA, MT 59602
Quick Facts
Price
$10 - $18/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
17 campsites
Season
Reservable season is...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$10 - $18/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
17 campsites
Season
Reservable season is...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsJo Bonner Campground
$10.00 - $18.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak Season fees are $10 per night, but an $8 reservation fee applies. Total cost can be $18 per night during the reservable season (May 6 - Sept...
Show more
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
Get Notified When Available
We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.
Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes
167,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications
Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider406-475-3921dagallagher@usbr.gov
What Campers Say
4.21
Satisfactory
Based on 38 reviews
44 Google reviews
Most mentioned
cleanlakefriendly
Some mention
reservation
"User reviews for Jo Bonner Campground are mixed but generally favorable, highlighting the scenic location, clean facilities, and friendly camp hosts. Complaints center around the reservation system, generator noise, and occasional overcrowding."
Fees & Passes at Jo Bonner Campground
$10 - $18/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit. Maximum total stay allowed is 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.
Cancellation: Reservations can be canceled any time before scheduled arrival. A $10 cancellation fee applies, alon...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Jo Bonner Campground website.
Best Time to Camp at Jo Bonner Campground
Each season paints Jo Bonner Campground with its own distinct palette. Summer days bring warm, dry weather perfect for lakeside adventures, while evenings occasionally wear a veil of smoke from distant wildfires, creating dramatic sunsets across the water. As autumn yields to winter, the landscape transforms into a frozen playground where ice fishing enthusiasts drill through crystal surfaces and families glide across nature's own skating rink. The moderate climate during peak camping weeks makes this an ideal basecamp for outdoor pursuits.
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 2 - September 14. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Reservable season is May 2 - Sept 14. Out-of-season stays are not reservable.
- Current Alerts: No specific active alerts mentioned.
About Jo Bonner Campground
Nestled at the northeastern shores of Canyon Ferry Reservoir, Jo Bonner Campground offers an intimate escape where the rhythm of seasons shapes your adventure. This charming retreat, honoring the legacy of Josephine Agnes Martin Bonner, welcomes visitors year-round with its thoughtfully maintained facilities. During peak season, modern conveniences blend seamlessly with the natural setting—vault toilets, fresh potable water, and waste disposal ensure comfort without compromising the wilderness experience. Just beyond the campground entrance, a well-maintained gravel boat launch and courtesy dock invite anglers and water enthusiasts to explore the reservoir's expansive waters.
Jo Bonner Campground supports a variety of camping types, including tent and RV camping. Although the campground does not explicitly offer group camping or cabin accommodations, it provides a range of basic facilities for both types of campers.
Historical SignificanceThis special place carries the name of Josephine Agnes Martin Bonner, a designation personally made by Montana's Governor John Bonner, adding a touch of personal history to every visit. Positioned strategically between two of America's crown jewels—Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks—Jo Bonner Campground serves as a peaceful waypoint for travelers exploring the greater Yellowstone ecosystem. This geographic blessing places visitors at the crossroads of some of the West's most spectacular natural wonders.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Jo Bonner Campground with its own distinct palette. Summer days bring warm, dry weather perfect for lakeside adventures, while evenings occasionally wear a veil of smoke from distant wildfires, creating dramatic sunsets across the water. As autumn yields to winter, the landscape transforms into a frozen playground where ice fishing enthusiasts drill through crystal surfaces and families glide across nature's own skating rink. The moderate climate during peak camping weeks makes this an ideal basecamp for outdoor pursuits.
ElevationWhile specific elevation data remains unrecorded, the campground's position along Canyon Ferry Reservoir places visitors in Montana's characteristic high country, where crisp air and expansive views define the camping experience.
Natural Features and SceneryCradled between the majestic Big Belt Mountains to the east and the rugged Elkhorn Range to the west, Jo Bonner Campground offers a front-row seat to Montana's dramatic mountain scenery. These towering sentinels frame spectacular sunrises and sunsets, while the shimmering waters of Canyon Ferry Reservoir stretch out before you. Keep your camera ready—white-tailed deer frequently grace the campground with their presence, often appearing in the gentle light of dawn or dusk to browse among the native vegetation.
Geological RegionPerched at the northern terminus of Canyon Ferry Reservoir, the campground occupies a unique geological position where two distinct mountain ranges converge. The Big Belt Mountains and the Elkhorn Range create a natural amphitheater around this portion of the reservoir, their ancient peaks telling stories of volcanic activity and tectonic forces that shaped this remarkable landscape millions of years ago.
Advertisement
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground offers accessible parking and accessible campsites. However, further details on specific accessibility features are not provided.
Sites SizeNo specific details on campsite sizes are mentioned.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews provide mixed feedback on privacy. Ariel L. mentions 'Tons of privacy from other campers and lots of trees and grass,' while Bryan G. describes the campground as 'an open field with pull-through spaces' and notes a lack of privacy.
Total Campsites17 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites 1 or 3 for the best lake views and water access. Site 15 is noted for its shade and space, suitable for families.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
5PM
Check-out
4PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit. Maximum total stay allowed is 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Single sites limited to one camping/sleeping unit per site. Exceptions allow one additional tent for children under 18.
Groups
No group camping facilities are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layout17 single-unit campsites with accessible parking, gravel pads, and fire rings. Sites are spaced out with minimal privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonReservable season is May 2 - Sept 14. Out-of-season stays are not reservable.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online, mobile app, or call center.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is unclear; reviews indicate issues with reservations preventing walk-up access.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before scheduled arrival. A $10 cancellation fee applies, along with forfeiting the first night's fee for late cancellations. Late cancellation penalties start 1 calendar day before check-in. Reservation fees are non-refundable.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Jo Bonner Campground offers easy access to a variety of year-round recreational activities connected to Canyon Ferry Reservoir. Activities include swimming, fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, jet skiing, windsurfing, and water skiing in summer, as well as ice fishing, ice boating, and ice skating during winter.
Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Canyon Ferry Reservoir, with opportunities to catch various fish species. No specific details on the types of fish or fishing conditions are provided.Swimming
Swimming is mentioned as a recreational option. One user review highlights its appeal: 'Excellent for Kids to swim, kayak, and explore' (Jodi C.).Boating
Canyon Ferry Reservoir supports a wide range of boating activities, including sailing, motor-boating, canoeing, and kayaking. The campground features a gravel boat launch with a courtesy dock nearby.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife is occasionally sighted in the campground, as noted by Anita Daly: 'Enjoyed seeing the wildlife wandering about.'Beach activities
Some campsites, like those mentioned by Ariel L. and Cheyloh E., have access to small beaches and lake shores that facilitate beach-related activities.Winter Activities
Winter activities at Canyon Ferry Reservoir include ice fishing, ice boating, and ice skating, providing opportunities for recreation even during the cold months.Water Sports
Jet skiing, windsurfing, and water skiing are prominent water-based activities at Canyon Ferry Reservoir during summer.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsReports of noisy generators and parties disrupting quiet hours. Smokey skies may occur during peak season due to regional fires.
Active alertsNo specific active alerts mentioned.
Weather at Jo Bonner Campground
35
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 68%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 9.8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
Powered by AI weather analysis
Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services include hospitals and police stations in Helena, MT (30 miles away).
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 2 - September 14
Trash and recyclingA trash dumpster is available on-site for campers to properly dispose of waste. No specific information on recycling facilities is provided.
Proximity to water featuresSituated on a cove of Canyon Ferry Lake, providing easy access to the water. A gravel boat launch with a courtesy dock is outside the campground.
Common complaintsReviews mention issues with reservation system errors, noisy generators, lack of host availability, and rude behavior from camp hosts.
HostReviews vary on host performance. Some praise hosts for being friendly and helpful, while others criticize them for rule enforcement issues and unavailability.
Campground Map
7700 CANYON FERRY RD, HELENA, MT 59602
Driving directionsHeading north along MT Highway 12/287 from Townsend, MT, turn right onto Spokane Creek Road. Follow Spokane Creek Road for 4.6 miles and turn right onto County Road 430/Canyon Ferry Road and continue 7.9 miles. Turn right on to East Shore Drive and continue straight .3 miles to Jo Bonner Campground.
Easy access from paved roads. Located 30 miles east of Helena, MT. No significant navigation challenges noted.Nearby places
Helena, MT: 30 miles (approximately 40 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest dump station at Kim's Marina, about 1 mile away. Other camping supplies are likely available in Helena, MT.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.2
38 reviews
Jo Bonner Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Jo Bonner Campground are mixed but generally favorable, highlighting the scenic location, clean facilities, and friendly camp hosts. Complaints center around the reservation system, generator noise, and occasional overcrowding.
Review Summaries
Based on 38 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects frequently mentioned include clean vault toilets, friendly and helpful camp hosts (e.g., 'Jonny the camp host is warm and friendly and the campers were all the same' - George D.),...
Based on 38 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include issues with the reservation system ('There are no first come, spots left. Reservations are quickly booked up and yet many spots sit there empty when people don't show up' -...
Based on 38 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers suggest checking reservation tags for accuracy upon arrival and recommend visiting during weekdays to avoid crowds. Ariel L. advises that campsites 001 and 003 offer excellent lakefront views.
Based on 38 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews indicate that the campground is quieter and more pleasant during weekdays and off-peak seasons. Mid-summer weekends can be noisy and crowded, with generators running and parties extending...
Based on 38 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
- 'It was literally the perfect place for my 3 small children (ages 10, 8, and 4) to explore, play in the water.' - Emily M.
- 'Nice clean restrooms. Beautiful campground with easy boat launch and...
Based on 38 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific campsite reviews highlight that sites 001 and 003 offer excellent waterfront access. These sites are praised for their privacy and scenic views.
Based on 38 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews specifically address experiences with accessibility features.
Based on 38 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Users generally note that the campground is pet-friendly, though no specific details or policies are frequently mentioned in reviews.
Based on 38 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5
Last updated November 27, 2025
Advertisement