Court Sheriff Campground
4.55116 reviews7700 Canyon Ferry Road, Helena, MT, 59601, USA
Quick Facts
Price
$15 - $30/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
48 campsites
Season
Open May 2 - Septemb...
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$15 - $30/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
48 campsites
Season
Open May 2 - Septemb...
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsCourt 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...
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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
Total Campsite Fees$45.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider406-475-3921dagallagher@usbr.gov
What Campers Say
4.55
Top-Rated
Based on 116 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."
Fees & Passes at Court Sheriff Campground
$15 - $30/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 made before the scheduled arrival are refunded minus a $10 cancellation fee and reserv...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official U.S. Bureau of Reclamation website.
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.
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 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.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground offers accessible campsites and vault toilets. Additional accessibility information was not specified.
Sites 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.
Sites 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 CampsitesReviewers suggest the tent-only sites for those seeking a quieter experience and recommend avoiding weekends due to crowding.
Best Campsites
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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 are 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.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 2 - September 14 (reservable) each year. The offseason is from September 14 to May 1.
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.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
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.
Fishing
Fishing 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.Swimming
Swimming is a commonly enjoyed activity at the reservoir, although one review noted algae blooms affecting water quality during a particular visit.Boating
Boating activities include canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. There is a small boat launch available, and the area is popular for water sports.Wildlife viewing
Campers frequently mention seeing deer along the shoreline and other local wildlife.Winter Activities
The winter season offers activities such as ice fishing, ice skating, and other cold-weather recreation.Water Sports
Water sports include kayaking, paddleboarding, and motorboating. Jet skiing and windsurfing are also popular in the summer months.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed, but restrictions may apply during fire season. Visitors are advised to check current fire conditions.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsPotential 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.
Weather at Court Sheriff Campground
35
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 67%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 7.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
Weather History
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Emergency services are likely based in nearby Helena (17 miles away), but specific details about police stations or hospitals are not provided.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 2 through September 14 annually.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection and recycling containers are provided during peak summer months. Specific pickup schedules or further details are not provided.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is directly adjacent to Canyon Ferry Reservoir, offering easy access to the lake for swimming, fishing, and boating.
Common complaintsRecurring complaints include lack of shade, issues with noisy neighbors, generator use, poor handling of water contamination, and limited enforcement of campground rules.
HostCamp hosts are frequently mentioned as friendly, helpful, and diligent, though some reviews note inconsistency in their visibility and enforcement of rules.
Campground Map
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.6
116 reviews
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 116 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 116 reviewsShow more
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 116 reviewsShow more
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 116 reviewsSeasonal 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 116 reviewsCamper 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 116 reviewsShow more
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 116 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are not specifically reviewed by users, but the campground is described as having accessible campsites and facilities.
Based on 116 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and the campground provides waste bags for pet cleanup. Some reviews mention dogs being off-leash, leading to minor conflicts.
Based on 116 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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