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Riverside Campground Introduce

For Montanans, the allure of clear waters, majestic landscapes, and serene open spaces is deeply ingrained. When seeking a quiet escape that combines the joys of camping with prime access to water-based recreation, look no further than Riverside Campground. Located just a short drive from Helena, our state capital, this well-maintained RV and campground offers a tranquil retreat below the Canyon Ferry Dam, providing a unique blend of convenience and natural beauty that makes it a favorite among locals.

Riverside Campground distinguishes itself with its commitment to cleanliness and a remarkably peaceful atmosphere. As highlighted by numerous satisfied campers, this is a "beautiful and well-maintained RV/Campground" where a dedicated "Host always in his buggy making sure the place is clean." This consistent attention to detail ensures that visitors can relax and enjoy their surroundings without worry. The "clean toilets" are a recurring theme in positive reviews, reflecting the high standards maintained at the site, even during busy periods.

One of the most appealing aspects for any Montanan is the direct access to water. Riverside Campground proudly features a "boat ramp in the middle" of the campground, offering ample space for trucks and trailers, making it incredibly convenient for launching watercraft onto Hauser Reservoir (which is formed by the Missouri River downstream from Canyon Ferry Dam). For those without a boat, a "small platform at the edge of the river for those who want to fish" provides a perfect spot to cast a line and enjoy the peaceful sounds of the water. The personal touch of camp hosts like Josh, who are described as "great," "friendly, and above and beyond," offering firewood and frequently checking in without being overbearing, truly elevates the camping experience, fostering a warm and welcoming community for all who visit.

Location and Accessibility

Riverside Campground is strategically situated on Riverside Rd, Helena, MT 59602, USA. This places it approximately 25-30 miles east of Helena, the state capital, nestled directly below the impressive Canyon Ferry Dam along the banks of Hauser Reservoir (part of the Missouri River). This prime location offers a unique blend of serene waterfront camping with relatively easy access to urban amenities.

For Montana locals, the campground's accessibility is a key advantage. From Helena, the drive typically takes about 25-30 minutes, heading east along Canyon Ferry Road (County Road 430), then turning onto Jim Town Road, which leads directly to the campground. The road leading to the campground is generally well-maintained, ensuring a smooth journey for RVs, trailers, and family vehicles. Its position "below the dam" provides a distinctive setting, often protected from some of the wind that can affect other areas on the larger Canyon Ferry Reservoir.

The campground's proximity to Helena means that campers have convenient access to groceries, fuel, medical services, and various attractions should they need them, including historical sites, museums, and local dining options. Despite this urban proximity, Riverside Campground maintains a "quiet place during the day and even on the weekends," allowing for a true escape into nature without feeling too remote. Its location also places it roughly halfway between two of Montana's (and the nation's) most iconic national parks, Yellowstone and Glacier, making it a viable stopover point for those on longer cross-state adventures. This combination of seclusion and convenience makes Riverside Campground a highly attractive option for Montanans looking to enjoy the outdoors.

Services Offered

Riverside Campground, managed by the Bureau of Reclamation, offers a range of services designed to provide a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor experience. Based on public data and customer reviews, here are the key services available:

  • RV and Tent Campsites: The campground features 27 paved campsites suitable for both RVs and tents. Each campsite typically includes a paved camping pad, a fire ring, and a picnic table.
  • Group Use Area: A dedicated "group use area with a picnic pavilion" is available, offering a larger space for gatherings, including 7 campsites and accessible vault toilets.
  • Vault Toilets: "Clean toilets" (specifically 6 pit toilets or vault toilets) are well-maintained throughout the campground for guest convenience.
  • Potable Water: During peak summer months, potable water is available, although campers should always confirm current conditions.
  • Dumpsters: Trash receptacles are provided, allowing campers to dispose of their waste responsibly.
  • Campground Host: A dedicated "Camp Host" (like Josh in the reviews) is on-site, frequently seen "making sure the place is clean" and providing friendly assistance and local tips.
  • Boat Ramp: A significant amenity, the "campground has a boat ramp in the middle with plenty of space for those trucks and trailers," offering direct access to Hauser Reservoir.
  • Accessible Fishing Dock/Platform: For anglers without a boat, there is a "small platform at the edge of the river for those who want to fish."
  • Day Use Picnic Area: Several designated day-use picnic sites are available for visitors just looking to enjoy the scenery or have a meal by the water.
  • Online Reservations: Reservations can be made exclusively online through Recreation.gov, with a fee added to the site cost.
  • Firewood: While not explicitly listed as a service, hosts like Josh "offered us firewood," suggesting it may be available or assisted with on-site.

Features / Highlights

  • Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: A major highlight, the campground is noted for being "a quiet place during the day and even on the weekends," providing a serene escape.
  • Direct Water Access & Boating: The presence of a "boat ramp in the middle" and direct access to Hauser Reservoir (Missouri River) makes it ideal for boating, fishing, and water recreation.
  • Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Located "below the dam," the campground is a prime spot for fishing, with an "accessible fishing dock" or platform for those without boats.
  • Impeccably Clean Facilities: Reviews consistently praise the "clean toilets" and the general "beautiful and well-maintained" nature of the campground, a testament to dedicated upkeep.
  • Exceptional Camp Host: The presence of a friendly, helpful, and attentive camp host (like Josh) who goes "above and beyond" significantly enhances the camping experience.
  • Scenic Location: Situated below Canyon Ferry Dam, the campground offers picturesque views of the surrounding landscape and the rushing water, attracting "many families, boaters and fisherman."
  • Family and Pet-Friendly Environment: The overall quiet nature and the friendly camp host (and his dog!) suggest a welcoming atmosphere for families and their furry companions.
  • Proximity to Helena: Just 25-30 miles from Helena, campers have easy access to the capital city's attractions, supplies, and services.
  • Central Montana Location: Positioned roughly halfway between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, it serves as a convenient stopover or base for exploring broader Montana.

Contact Information

Address: Riverside Rd, Helena, MT 59602, USA

Phone: (406) 475-3921 (This phone number typically connects to the Bureau of Reclamation office that manages the campground, providing official information and assistance.)

Mobile Phone: +1 406-475-3921

As noted in reviews, reservations for Riverside Campground are made exclusively online through Recreation.gov. For facility-specific inquiries, current conditions, or assistance beyond online booking, contacting the Bureau of Reclamation office at the provided number is the most effective method. While individual campers cannot typically reach the camp host directly via phone, their constant presence on-site ensures immediate assistance once you arrive.

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

Riverside Campground, nestled below the Canyon Ferry Dam near Helena, is an exceptionally suitable destination for Montanans seeking a tranquil and well-equipped outdoor experience. For locals, its convenient proximity to the state capital means less travel time and more time enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings of the Hauser Reservoir. This accessibility makes it an ideal spot for spontaneous weekend getaways, leisurely long-term stays, or a perfect base for day trips into Helena for supplies or urban exploration.

What truly resonates with Montanans about Riverside Campground is its unique blend of peace and practicality. The consistent praise for its "quiet place during the day and even on the weekends" provides a genuine escape from everyday hustle, a quality highly valued in our state. The well-maintained grounds, coupled with "clean toilets" and the omnipresent, friendly camp host like Josh, underscore a commitment to guest comfort and satisfaction that fosters a welcoming community atmosphere. Locals appreciate knowing that their camping experience will be hassle-free and enjoyable.

Furthermore, the campground's direct access to the water with a convenient "boat ramp" and a dedicated "small platform for those who want to fish" caters directly to Montana's love for fishing and boating. Whether you're launching your boat for a day on Hauser Reservoir or simply casting a line from the shore, Riverside Campground makes it easy to embrace the aquatic side of Montana. While the online reservation system might be a minor adjustment for some who prefer on-site payment, the overall experience of cleanliness, quiet, and exceptional service makes Riverside Campground a highly recommended and truly suitable choice for any Montanan looking to connect with nature without sacrificing comfort.

Location

MontanaLewis and Clark CountyHelenaRiverside Road

Customer Reviews

4.0
110 reviews
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C J
Aug 31, 2024

Beautiful and well-maintained RV/Campground . Host always in his buggy making sure the place is clean. Clean toilets. A quiet place during the day and even on the weekends. Campground has a boat ramp in the middle with plenty of space for those trucks and trailers. there is a small platform at the edge of the river for those who want to fish but don't have a boat. Located below the dam. Only drawback is that there is nowhere to dock your boat overnight. The other drawback is that you can only make reservations online and a fee is added to your cost besides the cost of your site. I wish they would allow pay by envelope at the campground.

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Steve “Cruzer”
Jun 11, 2025

We spent 2 of the best weeks of our new retirement at this campground. Josh, the camp host was great. He offered us firewood, visited us frequently to make sure all was good but was never overbearing. Always friendly and above and beyond Plus his dog, Riker, was as great a host as his dad! Friendly, playful and had our old girl acting like a puppy again. Josh was always cleaning bathrooms, picking up after everyone and offering help to all the campers. Even with a full house he always had time and a smile or laugh for everyone.

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Joshua Beaver
Jun 17, 2025

A little Hidden Gem . On the Missouri river. Great place for Camping, fishing,and Meeting new people from all over. Camphost is one of the best. Campground is very maintained. With very clean bathrooms.

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Maddie Cowell - LilMissJeepHer
Jun 12, 2024

Really nice campground! The camp host is always driving around cleaning up to make sure the campground stays clean. They have potable water, trash cans, and bathrooms. No dump station. Only thing that sucks is check in isn’t till 5pm which we didn’t realize so we had to wait around till 4pm when the other camper left our site

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Chuck Tracy
Jun 11, 2023

One of the nicest campgrounds on the Missouri River. Camp host is diligent about maintaining the grounds and keeping bathrooms clean. Riverside and Canyon Lake dam views are hard to beat...