Riverside Campground

Star4.15
203 reviews
7700 Canyon Ferry Road, Helena, MT 59601, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

3,675 ft

Price

$15 - $106/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

27 campsites

Season

Open May 2 to Septem...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Bureau 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
Riverside Campground
$15.00 - $106.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Recreation use fees are charged only during peak season (May to September). RV Nonelectric sites cost $15 per night, while group shelters cost $106...
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Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$106.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
406-475-3920dagallagher@usbr.gov
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What Campers Say

4.15

Satisfactory

Based on 203 reviews

96 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietpeacefulclean

Some mention

noise

"User reviews describe Riverside Campground as well-maintained, clean, and peaceful. Common praises include the helpfulness of the camp host and the cleanliness of the facilities. However, some users noted issues with noise from generators and a lack of shade."

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Campground Map

7700 Canyon Ferry Road, Helena, MT 59601, USA

Riverside Campground

7700 Canyon Ferry Road, Helena, MT 59601, USA

Driving directionsFrom Helena, MT: Head east along Co Rd 430/Canyon Ferry Rd for 18 miles to Jim Town Road and turn left. Continue straight to reach the campground. From Townsend, MT: Head north on Hwy 284 for 34 miles, then turn right at Jim Town Road. Continue straight to the campground.
Access is via paved roads. Seasonal accessibility during the peak camping season (May to September) is assured. No challenging terrain is mentioned.
Nearby places
Helena (25 miles, approximately 30-minute drive). Townsend (34 miles, approximately 40-minute drive).
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be found at Kim's Marina nearby and York Bar for dining options. Helena offers more comprehensive shopping and supplies within a 25-mile radius.

Best Time to Camp at Riverside Campground

From May through September, Riverside transforms into a sun-drenched paradise where warm, dry days invite endless outdoor adventures. These golden months bring clear skies and comfortable temperatures perfect for fishing, boating, and stargazing around the campfire. As autumn fades into winter, the campground takes on a quieter character as temperatures drop and the landscape prepares for its seasonal rest, making the warmer months your ideal window for camping beneath Montana's big sky.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

May–Sept peak season: 'sun-drenched paradise' with full amenities and high visitor praise.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open into mid-September; pleasant early-fall weather and fewer crowds than peak summer.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring is popular but main season begins May 2; amenities available as season opens.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 2–Sept 14; winter visits are limited.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 2 - September 14 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 2 to September 14 annually for reservations. Closed outside this period.

About Riverside Campground

Nestled along the water's edge, Riverside Campground welcomes adventurers with 27 thoughtfully paved campsites where the sounds of flowing water create nature's perfect soundtrack. Whether you're launching your boat at dawn from the convenient ramp, casting a line from the accessible fishing dock, or gathering with friends at the group camping area, this riverside retreat has everything you need for an unforgettable outdoor experience. Modern amenities blend seamlessly with the natural setting, including clean vault toilets, fresh potable water, and convenient waste disposal. During peak season, a friendly campground host is on-site to ensure your stay is comfortable and memorable, while day-use picnic sites offer the perfect spots for afternoon gatherings by the water.
Riverside Campground is primarily designed for tent and RV camping, with a dedicated group camping area featuring additional amenities.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
5PM
Check-out
4PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit or 14 nights total within rolling 30 days.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Riverside Campground offers a diverse set of recreational activities ranging from water-based fun to bird watching. The Hauser Reservoir is a prominent feature, making it a prime destination for fishing enthusiasts. Nearby trails also provide opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing.
FishingFishing is a major highlight, with reviewers mentioning successful catches, including trout. "The Missouri River provided great fishing opportunities."
SwimmingSwimming is not recommended directly at the campground due to swift currents, but nearby lakes offer safe swimming opportunities.
BoatingThe campground provides a boat ramp and parking for trailers, accommodating canoeists, kayakers, and motorboat users. Some reviewers noted a desire for additional docking facilities.
Wildlife viewing"Loons, cormorants, and pelicans are frequently spotted, along with bald eagles and osprey." The campground is an excellent spot for bird watching.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSwift currents in Hauser Reservoir discourage swimming. Bugs such as flies and wasps can be problematic during summer months, as noted in reviews.

Weather at Riverside Campground

Reviews

4.2
203 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Riverside Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews describe Riverside Campground as well-maintained, clean, and peaceful. Common praises include the helpfulness of the camp host and the cleanliness of the facilities. However, some users noted issues with noise from generators and a lack of shade.
Review Summaries
Based on 203 reviews

What Campers Love

Many reviews praise the camp host, Bob, for his friendliness and attentiveness. "Bob, the host, is amazing—very kind and helpful!" The campground's cleanliness, well-maintained vault toilets, and...
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Based on 203 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include noise from generators, lack of shade, and occasional issues with the camp host's demeanor. "People ran generators all day and into the late evening."
Based on 203 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing shade structures due to limited natural shade and being prepared for generator noise. "Make reservations for riverside sites for the best views."
Based on 203 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and summer are the most popular seasons, with the peak season offering potable water and full amenities. Winter activities like ice fishing are noted, but fewer campers visit due to limited...
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Based on 203 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The vault toilets were spotless." "Bob, the host, is amazing—very kind and helpful!" "The campground is well-planned and quiet." "Fishing from shore and boat was excellent."
Based on 203 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

One reviewer recommended site 23 as an excellent spot.
Based on 203 reviews

Accessibility Features

"Accessible vault toilets and fishing dock make it a good option for visitors with mobility needs."
Based on 203 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome but must be leashed. Reviewers appreciated the pet-friendly environment, noting that the host was especially kind to dogs.
Based on 203 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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