White Earth Campground

For Montanans who cherish the wide-open spaces and sparkling waters that define our beautiful state, White Earth Campground offers an exceptional opportunity to connect with nature on Canyon Ferry Lake. Located near Townsend, this campground is a beloved destination for anglers, boaters, and anyone seeking a peaceful lakeside retreat. Imagine waking up to expansive views of the reservoir, with the Big Belt and Elkhorn mountain ranges framing your backdrop, and the promise of a day filled with fishing, boating, or simply relaxing by the shore. White Earth Campground provides a classic Montana camping experience, combining essential amenities with stunning natural beauty.

White Earth Campground is renowned for its direct access to Canyon Ferry Lake, a premier destination for walleye and trout fishing in Montana. Campers consistently praise the convenience of the boat launch and the calm bay area where boats can be safely beached overnight, protecting them from the wind. While it’s a quiet and clean campground, its popularity means securing a spot, especially during peak season, requires foresight. Locals know the importance of planning, but the rewards—like being in prime fishing territory within minutes of your campsite—are well worth the effort. From the expansive shoreline perfect for dog walks to the clean facilities, White Earth Campground is a testament to the simple, yet profound, joys of outdoor living in Montana.

White Earth Campground is situated within the White Earth Recreation Area near Townsend, MT 59644, USA. This prime location places it directly on the shores of Canyon Ferry Lake, a large reservoir formed by the damming of the Missouri River. The campground is nestled in the open valley between the majestic Big Belt and Elkhorn mountain ranges, offering picturesque views and a true sense of Montana's vast landscapes.

Access to White Earth Campground is generally straightforward, though it does involve traveling a "little ways down" a dirt or gravel road, as noted by some visitors. From Townsend, you typically head north along US Highway 12/287. From Winston, MT, turn right onto Beaver Creek Road and follow it for approximately 5.5 miles to reach the campground. While the road can be a bit "washboardy" for some, it is generally passable for both cars and RVs, though those with older boats or sensitive vehicles might find it a bit rough. Its proximity to Townsend means easy access to local amenities, including places to grab a meal like the "Bull and Bar Cafe" (Old Winston Bar), which can be a convenient stop before or after your camping adventure. Additionally, being roughly halfway between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park, and only 25 miles from Helena, the state capital, makes it a convenient hub for exploring a broader slice of Montana.

• 36 designated campsites (Standard Nonelectric) available
• Group Use Shelter available (includes 5 campsites and electrical power, reservable)
• Boat ramp on-site for convenient lake access
• Parking area specifically for boat trailers
• Vault toilets (restrooms) available and noted for being clean
• Potable water available (during peak summer months)
• Trash and recycling containers provided
• Campground hosts present during peak summer months
• Picnic tables and fire rings at each campsite
• Reservable campsites available through Recreation.gov (reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance)
• Some sites can accommodate RVs between 30 and 110 feet (confirm specific site details when reserving)

• Direct Lake Access and Boating: The primary highlight is the unparalleled access to Canyon Ferry Lake, with a convenient boat ramp and a protected bay for overnight boat beaching, allowing for quick and easy access to fishing and water sports.
• Excellent Fishing Territory: Located in prime fishing grounds, particularly known for walleye and trout, making it a dream destination for anglers who can be fishing within minutes of their campsite.
• Quiet and Clean Environment: Despite its popularity, the campground is consistently described as "clean" and "quiet," offering a peaceful escape for campers.
• Clean Restrooms: Campers frequently praise the cleanliness of the vault toilets, which is a significant plus for a campground offering a more rustic experience.
• Spacious and Open Setting: The campground is in an open valley, providing wide-open spaces and extensive shoreline, though this also means limited shade trees.
• Reservable Sites: The ability to reserve campsites well in advance via Recreation.gov provides certainty for planning trips, though it also means popular dates fill up quickly.
• Pet-Friendly Atmosphere: While responsible pet ownership (leashing dogs) is encouraged, the campground is generally very accommodating to dogs, with plenty of shoreline for walks.
• Convenient Location for Day Trips: Situated between major national parks and near Helena, it serves as an excellent base for exploring a wider range of Montana attractions.
• Beautiful Sunrises and Sunsets: The open setting over the lake provides spectacular opportunities to catch the morning and evening feeding times for fish, as well as breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.

Address: White Earth Recreation Area, Townsend, MT 59644, USA

For campground inquiries and specific information:

Phone: (406) 475-3920 or (406) 475-3921

Reservations: Can be made online via Recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.

For Montanans, White Earth Campground is more than just a place to stay; it's a vital access point to one of the state's most cherished recreational assets: Canyon Ferry Lake. Its suitability for locals stems from several key factors. First, its close proximity to towns like Townsend and Helena makes it an easily accessible weekend getaway or a convenient base for longer fishing and boating excursions, reducing travel time and maximizing time spent enjoying the outdoors. For those who own boats, the on-site launch and protected bay offer unparalleled convenience, allowing for early morning starts and late evening finishes on the water.

The emphasis on a clean, quiet, and well-maintained environment, despite its popularity, resonates with Montana residents who appreciate respectful enjoyment of public lands. While the need to reserve sites well in advance can be a minor hurdle, it’s a familiar aspect of securing prime spots in a state with high demand for its natural wonders, and the experience gained is consistently rated as worth the planning. The flexibility for both RV and tent campers, coupled with the welcoming attitude towards pets (with responsible management), caters to a wide range of local outdoor enthusiasts. White Earth Campground isn't just about the physical site; it's about the lifestyle it supports – one filled with excellent fishing, refreshing lake activities, and the simple joy of being immersed in Montana's incredible landscapes, all within a reasonable drive from home. It's a true treasure for those who call Big Sky Country home.

You can find a video showcasing the White Earth Campground site to help visualize your visit. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48Pk7f7GGhY)

White Earth Campground

White Earth Recreation Area, Townsend, MT 59644, USA