Helena, MT

Riverside Campground

175 ratings on Recreation.gov

Availability

Each day shows how many of this campground’s sites are open.

About this spot

Overview

Riverside Campground is located 30 miles east of Helena, Montana, below the dam at the northern end of Canyon Ferry Reservoir. Riverside Campground provides space for campers, day users, and large groups. 27 paved campsites, a group use area with a picnic pavilion, 6 pit toilets, an accessible fishing dock, a boat ramp and day use picnic area. This popular location below the dam attracts many families, boaters and fisherman.

Recreation

Canyon Ferry Reservoir offers a wide range of year-round recreational opportunities. Water related activities include everything from swimming and fishing to sailing and motor-boating. Canoeists and kayakers explore the many quiet backwater bays. Jet skiers, windsurfers and water skiers skim the summer waves, while winter draws ice fishermen and ice skaters.

Facilities

Riverside Campground has 27 campsites, a group use camping area, a boat ramp, parking area for boat trailers and several day use picnic sites. Each campsite has a paved camping pad, a fire ring and picnic table. During the peak summer months services include vault toilets, potable water, dumpsters and campground hosts.  Riverside Group Campsites include exclusive access to a picnic shelter, accessible vault toilets and 7 campsites. The picnic shelter is 30' X 45' with 8 picnic tables and a large fire ring. Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring. The group campsites and pavilion are set apart from the rest of the campground, providing adequate space and privacy for groups to enjoy.

Natural Features

Riverside Campground sits below Canyon Ferry Dam along the banks of Hauser Reservoir. The current is swift, and swimming is not advised. Ample fish in the water makes this a prime location for bird watching. Loons, cormorants and pelicans are often present patrolling the waters; while bald eagles and osprey make appearances to showcase their fish hunting skills.

Nearby Attractions

Riverside Campground is located halfway between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. The city of Helena, Montana, the state capital, is 25 miles away. For up to date events visit, www.helenamt.com.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (406) 475-3920.

Typical weather

Hauser Reservoir

Average water temperature
Average water temperature for Hauser Reservoir, January through DecemberEach point shows the monthly average water temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.37°JJanuary: average water temperature 37°F39°FFebruary: average water temperature 39°F39°MMarch: average water temperature 39°F41°AApril: average water temperature 41°F47°MMay: average water temperature 47°F53°JJune: average water temperature 53°F59°JJuly: average water temperature 59°F60°AAugust: average water temperature 60°F59°SSeptember: average water temperature 59°F54°OOctober: average water temperature 54°F49°NNovember: average water temperature 49°F40°DDecember: average water temperature 40°F

Water: Water Quality Portal — 61 field-sample stations

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