Court Sheriff Campground

4.54

256 reviews

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

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

3,822 ft

Price

$15 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

48 campsites

Season

Open May 2 - Septemb...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens U.S. Bureau of Reclamation site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

3,822 ft

Price

$15 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

48 campsites

Season

Open May 2 - Septemb...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens U.S. Bureau of Reclamation site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Court Sheriff Campground

$15.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees are only charged during peak season (May 2 - September 14). The daily rates range from $15 to $30 depending on the site type. There is an...

Standard Site Fee$30.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$15.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-475-3921dagallagher@usbr.gov

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What Campers Say

4.54

Top-Rated

Based on 256 reviews

90 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanlakefriendly

"User sentiment about Court Sheriff Campground is generally positive, with an average rating of 4.41. Visitors praise the cleanliness, friendly hosts, and scenic location but note issues such as site spacing, noise from generators, and occasional water quality problems."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Court Sheriff Campground

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

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 to reach Court Sheriff Campground, which will be on the right.

The access roads are paved and suitable for most vehicles; the accessibility is year-round, and there are no mentions of seasonal closures or challenging terrain.

Nearby places

Helena (17 miles, approximately 30 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Supplies can be found in Helena, 17 miles away, and nearby locations such as Kim's Marina offer rentals for kayaks, paddleboards, and pontoon boats, as well as other supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Court Sheriff Campground

Summer transforms Court Sheriff into a sun-drenched paradise where golden rays dance across the reservoir's surface from dawn to dusk. The open landscape means you'll want to pack that sunscreen and perhaps a shade canopy for those languid afternoon hours. When winter's hush falls over the campground, a different magic emerges—the reservoir becomes a frozen wonderland where dedicated ice fishers drill through crystal sheets in search of their catch. Spring and early summer paint the landscape with gentle temperatures and clear skies, creating ideal conditions for those first camping adventures of the season.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is described as a 'sun-drenched paradise' with full lake activity but also busy weekends and crowds.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Campground is open through Sept 14; early fall offers shoulder-season quiet but access ends mid-fall.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Opens May 2; late spring brings lake activities and milder crowds as season ramps up.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Offseason operations are limited; winter visitors may ice-fish but services and reservable sites are restricted.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 2 through September 14 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 2 - September 14 (reservable) each year. The offseason is from September 14 to May 1.

About Court Sheriff Campground

Nestled at the northern shores of Canyon Ferry Reservoir, Court Sheriff Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its 48 thoughtfully designed campsites, many kissing the water's edge. This year-round destination seamlessly blends modern amenities with nature's playground, where paved pathways wind through a landscape that has welcomed adventurers for generations. Whether you're seeking summer water sports or winter's quiet solitude, this well-maintained haven serves as your gateway to Montana's outdoor treasures.

Court Sheriff Campground offers a mix of camping accommodations, including standard nonelectric sites and tent-only nonelectric sites. The campground is well-suited for both RV and tent campers.

Historical SignificanceThe spirit of Court Sheriff himself still echoes through this campground that bears his name. In the late 1800s, this pioneering entrepreneur carved out a life in the Montana wilderness, wielding pickaxe in the mines and later trading that tool for a merchant's apron as he established the area's general store. His legacy of hard work and community building lives on in every campfire circle and lakeside gathering, reminding visitors that they're part of a story that began over a century ago.

Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Court Sheriff into a sun-drenched paradise where golden rays dance across the reservoir's surface from dawn to dusk. The open landscape means you'll want to pack that sunscreen and perhaps a shade canopy for those languid afternoon hours. When winter's hush falls over the campground, a different magic emerges—the reservoir becomes a frozen wonderland where dedicated ice fishers drill through crystal sheets in search of their catch. Spring and early summer paint the landscape with gentle temperatures and clear skies, creating ideal conditions for those first camping adventures of the season.

ElevationWhile specific elevation details await discovery, the campground's position offers that perfect Montana mountain atmosphere where the air feels just a bit crisper and the stars shine just a bit brighter.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to a panorama where the Big Belt Mountains stand sentinel to the west while the Elkhorns rise majestically to the east, creating a natural amphitheater around Canyon Ferry Reservoir's sparkling waters. The campground's open terrain invites expansive views and endless sky, where eagles soar overhead and the reservoir stretches like liquid silver to the horizon. This is a landscape that trades forest canopy for wide-open vistas, where every sunset becomes a masterpiece painted across water and sky.

Geological RegionCourt Sheriff Campground occupies a privileged position in Montana's geological tapestry, where the ancient Big Belt and Elkhorn mountain ranges cradle Canyon Ferry Reservoir in their rocky embrace. This unique lakeside ecosystem represents the marriage of human engineering and natural beauty—where a man-made reservoir has become as much a part of the landscape as the mountains themselves. The surrounding terrain tells a story written in stone and water, creating a recreational paradise where geology meets adventure.

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

Limited to one camping unit per site, with exceptions allowing one additional tent for young children.

Groups

No information about designated group sites was provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground is paved and consists of 48 sites, some of which are tent-only. Many sites are located near the water.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability details are not specified; all reservations appear to be managed online.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations made before the scheduled arrival are refunded minus a $10 cancellation fee and reservation fees. Late cancellations for single campsites forfeit the first night's fee and incur a $10 fee.

AccessibilityThe campground offers accessible campsites and vault toilets. Additional accessibility information was not specified.

Site SizeThe sites range in size but are described as "large," "well-spaced," and "paved," making them suitable for various camping setups, including RVs and tents.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary, with some sites described as "semi-private" and others as "too close together." Many sites near the water offer scenic views but less privacy.

Total Campsites48 campsites

Recommended SitesReviewers suggest the tent-only sites for those seeking a quieter experience and recommend avoiding weekends due to crowding.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Court Sheriff Campground offers year-round recreational opportunities related to the adjacent Canyon Ferry Reservoir. Popular activities include swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife observation, and kayaking.

FishingFishing is a highly popular activity at the campground, as noted in multiple reviews. Types of fish and specific details about fishing conditions are not provided.

SwimmingSwimming is a commonly enjoyed activity at the reservoir, although one review noted algae blooms affecting water quality during a particular visit.

BoatingBoating activities include canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. There is a small boat launch available, and the area is popular for water sports.

Wildlife viewingCampers frequently mention seeing deer along the shoreline and other local wildlife.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include limited shade and exposure to the sun, algal blooms in the lake as mentioned in user reviews, and E. coli contamination in the water supply during specific periods according to reviews.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed, but restrictions may apply during fire season. Visitors are advised to check current fire conditions.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are likely based in nearby Helena (17 miles away), but specific details about police stations or hospitals are not provided.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection and recycling containers are provided during peak summer months. Specific pickup schedules or further details are not provided.

Water FeaturesThe campground is directly adjacent to Canyon Ferry Reservoir, offering easy access to the lake for swimming, fishing, and boating.

Camp HostCamp hosts are frequently mentioned as friendly, helpful, and diligent, though some reviews note inconsistency in their visibility and enforcement of rules.

Weather at Court Sheriff Campground

Reviews

4.5

256 reviews

Top-Rated

Court Sheriff Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User sentiment about Court Sheriff Campground is generally positive, with an average rating of 4.41. Visitors praise the cleanliness, friendly hosts, and scenic location but note issues such as site spacing, noise from generators, and occasional water quality problems.

Review Summaries

Based on 256 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include clean facilities, helpful and friendly camp hosts, proximity to the lake, and a quiet atmosphere during weekdays. Many campers appreciate the paved sites and well-maintained...

Based on 256 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues raised in reviews include lack of shade, noisy neighbors, algae blooms in the water, and the need for better enforcement of quiet hours. Some users also criticized the reservation...

Based on 256 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend visiting during weekdays for a quieter experience, bringing shade setups due to limited natural shade, and checking for water quality updates before swimming or fishing.

Based on 256 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during peak summer months, with weekends often described as noisy and crowded. Weekdays are quieter and more relaxing. Winter visitors enjoy activities such as ice fishing.

Based on 256 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Very clean and good size campground. Nice camp hosts!" - Jay G. "Great place to stay with friendly, helpful hosts." - James D. "Beautiful campground with well-spaced paved sites and a friendly camp...

Based on 256 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 19 received specific praise for being "great." Site 9 was noted as providing a perfect lake view. However, some tent sites were criticized for not being large enough for bigger tents.

Based on 256 reviews