Riverside Campground

Nestled along the scenic banks of the Missouri River, just below the impressive Canyon Ferry Dam, Riverside Campground offers Helena locals and Montana residents an exceptional outdoor escape. This well-maintained and welcoming campground is a true gem, providing a tranquil setting for RV and tent campers, as well as day-use visitors. Whether you're an avid angler, a boating enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat into nature, Riverside Campground is designed to cater to a variety of outdoor pursuits, all within a convenient distance from the state capital.

Known for its pristine condition and friendly atmosphere, Riverside Campground consistently receives high praise from visitors. The dedicated camp host ensures the grounds remain spotless, and the facilities are always clean and accessible. It’s a place where the calm sounds of the river and the abundant wildlife create a serene backdrop for your adventures, making it a perfect spot for families, retirees, and anyone looking to reconnect with Montana's stunning natural environment.

Riverside Campground is strategically located on Riverside Road in Helena, MT 59602, USA. It sits approximately 30 miles east of Helena, below the dam at the northern end of Canyon Ferry Reservoir and along the banks of Hauser Reservoir. To reach this scenic spot from Helena, you'll generally head east along Canyon Ferry Road (Co Rd 430), continuing for about 18 miles, then turning left onto Jim Town Road and following it straight to the campground. For those coming from Townsend, head north on Highway 284 for 34 miles and turn right at Jim Town Road.

The campground's position below the dam provides a unique advantage, often leading to a quieter atmosphere compared to the bustling lakeside areas. While the primary access is paved, some internal roads are gravel. It's an easily accessible location for both RVs and vehicles towing trailers, with ample parking specifically designed for trucks and boat trailers. The natural features around the campground include swift river currents, meaning swimming directly in the river is not advised, but the focus here is truly on the superb fishing and boating opportunities that abound.

• Campsites: Riverside Campground offers 27 paved campsites, each equipped with a paved camping pad, a fire ring, and a picnic table. There are also designated group use camping areas for larger gatherings.

• Clean Restrooms: Visitors consistently commend the cleanliness of the pit toilets (vault toilets) throughout the campground.

• Potable Water: During peak summer months, potable water is available, ensuring campers have access to fresh drinking water.

• Dumpsters: Trash service with dumpsters is provided for waste disposal, though visitors are encouraged to recycle aluminum and #1, #2 plastics.

• Camp Host: A dedicated and friendly camp host, like Josh, is frequently on-site, ensuring the campground is well-maintained, assisting campers, and even offering firewood when available.

• Boat Ramp: A prominent feature is the centrally located boat ramp, offering convenient access to the Missouri River for boaters.

• Accessible Fishing Dock/Platform: For those who wish to fish but don't have a boat, there's a small platform at the edge of the river, providing an accessible spot to cast a line.

• Group Use Area with Picnic Pavilion: A dedicated group use area includes a large picnic shelter (30' x 45') with 8 picnic tables and a large fire ring, ideal for gatherings and offering privacy from the main campground.

• No Overnight Boat Docking: A minor drawback noted by some is the lack of facilities to dock boats overnight directly at the campground.

• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Located below Canyon Ferry Dam, the Missouri River at Riverside Campground is a prime fishing location. Anglers can expect to catch a variety of species, including rainbow trout, walleye, perch, and ling. The accessible fishing dock makes it easy for everyone to enjoy.

• Well-Maintained and Quiet Atmosphere: Reviews consistently highlight the cleanliness and peaceful nature of the campground, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and quiet enjoyment of the outdoors, even on weekends.

• Spacious Campsites: The campsites are described as spacious, offering enough room for comfort, though privacy between sites may vary depending on the specific spot.

• Boating Access: The on-site boat ramp is a significant draw for those with boats, providing direct access to the river for water-related activities on Hauser Reservoir, including motor-boating, canoeing, kayaking, jet-skiing, and windsurfing.

• Friendly Camp Host: The presence of an active and friendly camp host who goes "above and beyond" in maintaining the grounds and assisting campers is a recurring theme in visitor feedback, enhancing the overall camping experience.

• Proximity to Canyon Ferry and Hauser Reservoirs: While located below the dam, the campground offers easy access to the vast recreational opportunities of both Canyon Ferry Reservoir and Hauser Reservoir, which include swimming, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Birdwatchers will particularly enjoy spotting loons, cormorants, pelicans, bald eagles, and osprey.

• Online Reservations: Campsites can be reserved online, which, while convenient for securing a spot, does come with an added reservation fee beyond the site cost. This policy means no pay-by-envelope option at the campground.

• Pet-Friendly: The campground welcomes pets, allowing you to bring your furry companions along, provided they are leashed and cleaned up after.

Address: Riverside Rd, Helena, MT 59602, USA

Phone: (406) 475-3921

Mobile Phone: +1 406-475-3921

For more specific inquiries or to make reservations, you can typically use the contact information provided or visit Recreation.gov, as reservations are primarily handled online.

Riverside Campground is perfectly suited for Montana locals, offering an ideal blend of accessibility, amenities, and authentic outdoor experiences. For residents in and around Helena, it presents a convenient escape without requiring extensive travel. The campground’s focus on maintaining a clean, quiet, and well-managed environment resonates strongly with those who appreciate orderly yet natural recreational spaces.

The excellent fishing opportunities, particularly below the dam on the Missouri River, are a major draw for local anglers, providing a reliable spot for a successful day on the water. The accessible boat ramp further enhances its appeal for those with watercraft, making it easy to launch for a day of boating or fishing on the expansive Canyon Ferry and Hauser Reservoirs. Even for those without a boat, the dedicated fishing platform ensures everyone can enjoy casting a line.

The presence of an attentive and friendly camp host, as highlighted in numerous reviews, adds a personal touch that makes visitors feel welcomed and cared for, fostering a sense of community that many Montanans value in their local spots. While the online reservation system might be a slight departure from traditional "pay-by-envelope" methods, it ensures that locals can secure their preferred campsite, especially during peak seasons, allowing for planned and worry-free getaways.

Ultimately, Riverside Campground serves as a fantastic local resource for both short day trips and extended camping vacations. It provides a peaceful setting for relaxation, a rich environment for fishing and boating, and a clean, family-friendly atmosphere that embodies the best of Montana's outdoor lifestyle. For those living in the region, it’s not just a campground; it’s an easily accessible piece of Montana's natural beauty, perfect for creating lasting memories with family and friends, all within a stone's throw of home.

Riverside Campground

Riverside Rd, Helena, MT 59602, USA