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List your RVCampgrounds and RV parks near Townsend, MT
25 campgrounds and RV Parks near Townsend, MT. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
25 campgrounds
1035 campsites
10 RVs available for delivery
From $15/night
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
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Best campgrounds near Townsend, MT
Roadrunner RV Park
Townsend, MT (1 miles away)
$$$$$
(20 sites)
The Silos Marina & Campground
Townsend, MT (7 miles away)
Townsend / Canyon Ferry Lake KOA Journey
Townsend, MT (7 miles away)
$$$$$
(57 sites)
+11
Alhambra RV Park
Clancy, MT (24 miles away)
$$$$$
(27 sites)
+8
Missouri Headwaters State Park
Three Forks, MT (28 miles away)
$$$$$
(17 sites)
+4
Three Forks KOA
Three Forks, MT (29 miles away)
$$$$$
(65 sites)
+6
Three Forks Market RV Park
Three Forks, MT (30 miles away)
$$$$$
(9 sites)
Conestoga Campground and RV Park
White Sulphur Springs, MT (33 miles away)
$$$$$
(47 sites)
+7
Grey Sandy Campground
Helena, MT (34 miles away)
Black Sandy State Park
Helena, MT (34 miles away)
$$$$$
(35 sites)
+5
Helena North KOA Journey
Helena, MT (36 miles away)
$$$$$
(77 sites)
+4
Cardwell General Store and Campground
Montana (37 miles away)
$$$$$
(71 sites)
+10
Most common amenities
Tables Toilets Pet friendly Dump station Internet Showers Laundry Grills Playground Fishing
Townsend camping overview
Townsend sits on the south end of Canyon Ferry Lake in Broadwater County, about 32 miles south of Helena on US-287. The town is the practical access point to one of Montana's most-used water recreation areas, with the Big Belt Mountains to the east and the Elkhorn range to the west. RV travelers use it as a base for lake recreation, Missouri River access, and the Lewis and Clark historic corridor.
Canyon Ferry Reservoir has approximately 35,200 water surface acres, 9,360 land acres and 76 miles of shoreline, and offers fishing for rainbow trout, perch, ling, and walleye. The Bureau of Reclamation maintains multiple recreation sites around the reservoir, with additional marina and private options nearby. Townsend / Canyon Ferry Lake KOA Journey, The Silos Marina & Campground, and Roadrunner RV Park cover the in-town and lakeside options.
Further south near Three Forks, Missouri Headwaters State Park and Three Forks KOA put RVers within reach of the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin river confluence, along with float trips, blue-ribbon trout water, and quick access from I-90.
Things to do around Townsend
Canyon Ferry Lake is the main draw. Water related activities include everything from swimming and fishing to sailing and motor-boating, with canoeists and kayakers exploring quiet backwater bays, while winter draws ice fishermen and ice skaters. Summer activity centers on boating, waterskiing, paddleboarding, and fishing for walleye, trout, and perch.
On land, the Elkhorn Mountains offer hiking with wide views back over the valley, and a wildlife management area at the end of the reservoir is managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and is home to a colony of terns and pelicans. Families staying at Townsend / Canyon Ferry Lake KOA Journey have easy access to the campground playground and lawn games.
History-focused travelers can follow the Lewis and Clark corridor down to Missouri Headwaters State Park, where the Lewis and Clark Expedition camped in 1805.
Camping spots and RV parks near Townsend, MT
Seasonal patterns and when to visit
- spring
March - May
52° / 28°F 30 mmCool nights, snowmelt runoff; shoulder-season openings
- summer
June - August
81° / 48°F 45 mmWarm, dry, mostly clear; peak bookings and possible fire restrictions
- fall
September - November
57° / 30°F 20 mmCool days, cold nights; quiet campgrounds and good fishing
- winter
December - February
34° / 14°F 15 mmCold and snowy; ice fishing and ice skating on the lake
Summer, roughly mid-June through August, is peak season. Days are warm and dry, skies are generally clear, and every water-based activity is in play. This is also when Canyon Ferry campgrounds fill fastest, so lakeside sites and full-hookup pads should be booked well in advance. Wildfire smoke can drift in during late summer, and fire restrictions may affect campfires at Bureau of Reclamation and state park sites.
Spring and fall are shoulder seasons. Nights stay cold, especially in March, April, October, and November, and some services around the reservoir run reduced hours or close between seasons. Fall brings quieter campgrounds, lower boat traffic, and reliable fishing.
Winter turns the area into an ice-fishing and ice-skating destination rather than a traditional RV window. Court Sheriff Campground offers year-round access to a wide range of recreational opportunities, and most Bureau of Reclamation sites operate in a limited-service or day-use mode once temperatures drop and water systems are shut off.
Booking and reservation notes
Court Sheriff and Hellgate Campgrounds are available on Recreation.gov, with reservations made online at recreation.gov or by calling the toll-free reservation line at 1-877-444-6777. Reservation windows typically open several months ahead, and popular lakeside sites fill early for summer weekends and holiday periods, so booking as far in advance as possible is the safer play. Walk-in campsites or non-reservation campsites are on a first-come, first-served basis.
Missouri Headwaters State Park uses Reserve America to check fees and reserve campsites and tipis. A $10 online reservation fee applies for reserving campsites and other state park accommodations.
Private options such as Roadrunner RV Park, The Silos Marina & Campground, Townsend / Canyon Ferry Lake KOA Journey, and Three Forks KOA are booked directly with the operator or through KOA's site.
What to expect on the ground
Terrain around Townsend is open sagebrush valley bordered by mountains, so most lakeside and in-town RV sites have long views but limited natural shade. Along the bank of the reservoir there is a narrow riparian canopy that provides partial shade. Bring awnings or shade shelters, especially in July and August. Winds off the reservoir can pick up quickly, so secure gear before leaving camp.
Hookups vary widely. Townsend / Canyon Ferry Lake KOA Journey offers pull-through RV sites with hookups and can accommodate longer rigs. At Bureau of Reclamation sites, summer services include vault toilets, potable water, trash, and a campground host, with limited or no electric service. RVs longer than 20 feet may be difficult to accommodate at some Canyon Ferry campgrounds, so check site dimensions before booking.
All watercraft must be cleaned, drained, and dried before entering or leaving Montana waters, and inspections are required before launching.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Townsend, MT
How do I choose the right campsite for my RV?
Start with the practical stuff: site length, the hookups you need, and whether it's a back-in or pull-through. Camping conditions in the U.S. vary by region and elevation, so check the local season, road access, and reservation requirements before you book. Federal campgrounds use Recreation.gov and state parks each have their own systems. Learn more.
How much are RV campsites near Townsend, MT?
Campsite prices near Townsend, MT depend on the type of campground. State park sites typically run $20-$45 with hookups. Private RV parks in town often run $40-$100, with tourist-hub locations charging more. Nearby Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management sites are usually $10-$25, often without hookups.
Is there any free camping near Townsend, MT?
Free camping near Townsend, MT depends on what federal public land is in driving distance. Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service land usually allows up to 14 days of dispersed camping at one spot. Check fire restrictions before you head out. Learn more about free camping.
Can I book a campsite through RVezy?
Not directly. RVezy doesn't handle campsite reservations, but each campground listing links to the operator's website or booking page when one's available.
What's the best time to go camping near Townsend, MT?
Camping near Townsend, MT works best in the shoulder seasons, with spring and fall hitting the sweet spot in most of the country. Summer is peak in northern climates; winter is peak in the southern and desert states. Local weather and elevation drive the specifics.
How far are RV campgrounds from Townsend, MT?
There are {campgroundCount()} RV campgrounds within {campgroundDistanceRadius()} of Townsend, MT. The closest are: {closestCampgroundsWithDistance(3)}. Most U.S. cities have a state park or private RV park within an hour's drive.
Where are dump stations near Townsend, MT?
Dump stations near Townsend, MT are usually at private RV parks and state park campgrounds, sometimes for a fee if you're not staying overnight. RVDumpsites.net maps the nearest options.
What's the best time of year to rent a RV in Townsend, MT?
Renting a RV in Townsend, MT works best in the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) across most of the U.S. Peak rental demand runs June through August nationwide, while the snowbird stretch from December through March drives winter demand in the southern states and southwest deserts.
What's the best time of year to rent an RV in Townsend, MT?
RV rentals in Townsend, MT peak from June through August when school is out. Shoulder months (April, May, September, October) usually have better availability and lower rates. Winter is high season for snowbird destinations in Florida, Arizona, Texas, and southern California.
Can I have an RV delivered to my home or campground in Townsend, MT?
Yes. Many RVezy hosts in the U.S. deliver and set up at your home, a campground, or a destination. It's especially useful for first-time renters and for trips into remote areas where backing in a big rig isn't fun.
Can the RV be delivered near Townsend, MT?
In most cases, yes. A lot of U.S. hosts offer to drop off the RV near Townsend, MT at your driveway, a campground, or wherever you're starting your trip. It saves you the drive and the setup.
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