Chinamen's Campground

Campground · Montana · 37 bookable sites ·

Managed by the Bureau of Reclamation

37
Bookable sites
47 ft
Max rig length
up to 8
People per site
2
Accessible sites
3,921 ft
Elevation
Campground 1
Photo: BOR · Recreation.gov

Overview

  • Review campsite details -- RV's larger than 20 feet long maybe be to large for many of the campsites.  

This Campground is located at the very northern end of Canyon Ferry Reservoir, 30 miles east of Helena, Montana, along Montana Highway 284 and offers year-round access to a wide range of recreational opportunities. The Canyon Ferry area has a rich mining history. In the 1850’s the gold rush hit the Canyon Ferry area attracting miners from all over the United States in the hopes of striking it rich.  

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, ice boaters and ice skaters.

Facilities

This Campground has 38 campsites many of the campsites are too small for RVs larger than 20 feet long. The campground has gravel roads with campsites containing a picnic table and a fire ring. During the summer months services include vault toilets, potable water, trash, and a campground host.

Natural Features

This Campground sits at the north end of Canyon Ferry Reservoir between the Big Belt and Elkhorn’s mountain ranges.

Nearby Attractions

Canyon Ferry Reservoir is located halfway between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park along with the capital city of Helena, Montana. For up to date events visit, www.helenamt.com.

Contact Info

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

The facts

  • 37 bookable sites
  • 38 sites in total, including non-bookable
  • 2 accessible sites
  • Vehicles up to 47 ft
  • Up to 8 people per site

Site types

  • 37 Standard Nonelectric
  • 1 Management

Amenities

  • Campfires allowed
  • Fire pits
  • Picnic tables
  • Shade
  • Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, grills.

Book on Recreation.gov

38 campsites at Chinamen's Campground

Check-in 05:00 PM · Check-out 04:00 PM

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceGradeMax rigPeople
001—Standard Nonelectric—GravelModerate18 ft8 🐾
002—Standard Nonelectric—GravelModerate22 ft8 🐾
003—Standard Nonelectric—GravelModerate33 ft8 🐾
004—Standard Nonelectric—GravelModerate37 ft8 🐾
005—Standard Nonelectric—GravelModerate27 ft8 🐾
006—Standard Nonelectric—GravelModerate32 ft8 🐾
007—Standard Nonelectric—GravelModerate37 ft8 🐾
008—Standard Nonelectric—GravelModerate27 ft8 🐾
009—Standard Nonelectric—GravelModerate31 ft8 🐾
010—Standard Nonelectric—GravelModerate37 ft8♿ 🐾
011—Management—GravelModerate32 ft8 🐾
012—Standard Nonelectric—GravelModerate30 ft8 🐾
013—Standard Nonelectric—GravelModerate25 ft8 🐾
014—Standard Nonelectric—GravelModerate27 ft8 🐾
015—Standard Nonelectric—GravelModerate27 ft8 🐾
016—Standard Nonelectric—GravelModerate25 ft8 🐾
017—Standard Nonelectric—GravelModerate20 ft8 🐾
018—Standard Nonelectric—GravelModerate20 ft8 🐾
019—Standard Nonelectric—GravelModerate32 ft8 🐾
020—Standard Nonelectric—GravelModerate20 ft8 🐾
021—Standard Nonelectric—GravelModerate38 ft8 🐾
022—Standard Nonelectric—GravelModerate37 ft8♿ 🐾
023—Standard Nonelectric—GravelModerate30 ft8 🐾
024—Standard Nonelectric—GravelModerate20 ft8 🐾
025—Standard Nonelectric—GravelModerate22 ft8 🐾
026—Standard Nonelectric—GravelModerate32 ft8 🐾
027—Standard Nonelectric—GravelModerate30 ft8 🐾
028—Standard Nonelectric—GravelModerate35 ft8 🐾
029—Standard Nonelectric—GravelModerate30 ft8 🐾
030—Standard Nonelectric—GravelModerate30 ft8 🐾
031—Standard Nonelectric—GravelSevere27 ft8 🐾
032—Standard Nonelectric—GravelModerate30 ft8 🐾
033—Standard Nonelectric—GravelModerate41 ft8 🐾
034—Standard Nonelectric—GravelModerate30 ft8 🐾
035—Standard Nonelectric—GravelModerate31 ft8 🐾
036—Standard Nonelectric—GravelModerate38 ft8 🐾
037—Standard Nonelectric—GravelModerate47 ft8 🐾
038—Standard Nonelectric—GravelModerate23 ft8 🐾

Getting there

Heading north along MT highway 12/287, drive north to Spokane Creek Rd and turn right Yellow flashing light. Follow Spokane Creek Rd for 4.6 mi and turn right onto Co Rd 430/Canyon Ferry Rd and continue on to Chinamen's Campground. The campground will be on the right. 

46.65475, -111.70527 · 46°39'17.1"N 111°42'19.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 86°F in Jul, down to 32°F in Jan.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F323748576675868573584333
Low °F141725324249555345342314
Precip in0.40.40.51.01.92.21.11.01.00.80.60.5

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 12.7 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Fees and stay limits

We only charge fees during "Peak Seasons" the 1st weekend of May through the second weekend of September.

From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.

More photos

Member photos

Common questions about Chinamen's Campground

Can you reserve a site at Chinamen's Campground?
Yes, Chinamen's Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Chinamen's Campground have?
38 sites in total, of which 37 can be booked.
What is the maximum RV length at Chinamen's Campground?
47 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Chinamen's Campground?
Yes, pets are allowed at Chinamen's Campground.
Are campfires allowed at Chinamen's Campground?
Campfires are allowed at Chinamen's Campground. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Camping near Chinamen's Campground

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.