Goose Bay Dispersed Camping
Canyon Ferry Lake USBR
Write a Review Goose Bay Lane Townsend, MT 59644 406-475-3921 Official WebsiteGPS: 46.5421, -111.5733
Overview of Goose Bay Dispersed Camping
Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads.
Learn more: Boondocking 101
Last Price Paid: $0
Reported by EnOne on 10/22/2022
Longest RV Reported: 40 feet (Class A)
Reported by Perpetual Moves on 3/16/2022
Pad Type dirt
Elevation 3,772 ft / 1,149 m
Max Stay 14
Tent Camping Yes
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Q&A - Ask the Community about Goose Bay Dispersed Camping
To ask questions of the owner or manager please contact the campground directly. 406-475-3921
Taylor asked on 3/21/2022
Which way should we come to avoid the 90 degree turn onto a bridge?
Reviews of Goose Bay Dispersed Camping 13 people have reviewed this location.
“Great cell service and views! ”
Reviewed 9/20/2020
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 4 |
RV Length: | 25' (Class C) |
We camped here in mid-September and sadly our views were obstructed by the thick smoke from the wildfires out west. Even with the haze, it was a beautiful spot to spend a few days. There are 3 free "loops" before the pay campground. We found a great spot in the first loop on the bluff. There are access points down to the stone beach an... more
We camped here in mid-September and sadly our views were obstructed by the thick smoke from the wildfires out west. Even with the haze, it was a beautiful spot to spend a few days. There are 3 free "loops" before the pay campground. We found a great spot in the first loop on the bluff. There are access points down to the stone beach and it was great to walk the pups. Most spots have picnic tables and stone fire rings.
The road in is dusty and can be a bit washboard in spots, but very easy to drive on. Rigs of any size can fit here and there are so many spots to choose from!
We had great Verizon service while there and were able to get work done. The paid campsite next door allows you to fill up water for free! There is a dump station for a small fee, but we didn't use it. It's about a 45-50 minute drive into Helena, which is a great town to check out while you're here!
NewstateNomads would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“This place is fantastic! There isn't a bad campsite in the entire area and everyone is next to water.”
Reviewed 7/17/2020
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 14 |
RV Length: | 24' (Class C) |
This place is amazing. You can camp right next to the water and each campsite has a picnic table and a nearby vault toilet. It’s a very popular place especially on the weekends but there are tons of campsites and chances are you will be able to find some sort of spot except for on holidays. We were there in late June/early July. The... more
This place is amazing. You can camp right next to the water and each campsite has a picnic table and a nearby vault toilet. It’s a very popular place especially on the weekends but there are tons of campsites and chances are you will be able to find some sort of spot except for on holidays.
We were there in late June/early July. There was a quick thunderstorm almost every evening and it rained a lot but in between the rain, it got warm enough to swim and enjoy the water.
We camped there over the 4th of July and every single site was taken four days before the 4th. If you like peace and quiet steer clear of that campground on holidays.
There are two loops with free campsites. The last loop is right next to the pay campground and I think a lot of people miss it. Make sure you drive down it because the second loop had some of the best spots.
If you get to the roundabout at the end of the road you’ve now entered the pay campground and you’ve gone too far but anything before the roundabout is free camping.
The nearby campground has a $10 dump station and free water over by the vault toilets. There’s even a small store with propane exchange and showers you can pay to use.
There are 3 free handicap campsites that have a cement pad and are located right next to each of the 3 vault toilets. Every campsite is big rig friendly and the roads weren’t too bad when we were there. Also, the data speed and cell service on both of our phones were phenomenal.
If you camp there in late July and August be sure to watch out for HABs (Harmful Algal Blooms) as they are common in Canyon Ferry Lake during that time of year. If bluish algae is floating on the water keep all people and pets far away from it because it can make you very sick and could even be fatal for a pet.
thecampingnerd would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Gorgeous sunsets, lakeside boondocking”
Reviewed 7/24/2019
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 7 |
RV Length: | 28' |
Goose Bay Dispersed is the free alternative to nearby Goose Bay Marina & Campground. The dispersed area is on land owned by the Bureau of Reclamation. While the Bureau doesn't mention this area on its official literature, they have added some development to it, including a pit toilet, an ADA compliant camp site, and signage with rules.... more
Goose Bay Dispersed is the free alternative to nearby Goose Bay Marina & Campground. The dispersed area is on land owned by the Bureau of Reclamation. While the Bureau doesn't mention this area on its official literature, they have added some development to it, including a pit toilet, an ADA compliant camp site, and signage with rules.
This is probably the best free camping along Canyon Ferry Lake. There is a wide, reasonably smooth, firm-packed dirt road into this area. The sites are huge, mostly level, and all situated on the shoreline. There are no campfire restrictions. You get the standard 14-day limit.
In terms of cleanliness, you can see some trash spottings around, but not anymore than the typical dispersed camping areas. It's mostly quiet here, even on the weekends. The only noise you're going to hear are people riding their personal watercraft, or floating on inflatables. There are children here, but I never saw them wandering into my camp or hearing them make unreasonable noises.
It also seems pretty safe here. I often left my trailer unattended to go into town, and never encountered a problem.
Verizon 4G comes "so so", getting 3 bars of signal. I did note that upload/download speeds seem to be slower here despite the 3 bars.
If you plan to camp here, try to arrive before Thursday night. I noticed locals will get here on Thursday, and hold down a site and then wait for their friends and family to arrive by Friday and Saturday.
Next door, at Goose Bay Marina & Campground, they have an RV dump. They also have potable water, but the water is located in the parking lot. They also have a camp store, and they sell gasoline and propane. If you camp in the dispersed area, you can still use the boat ramp at the Marina, and then anchor your boat next to your camp site.
RoadPickle.com would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
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Free Camping By The Water At Canyon Ferry Lake, Montana
We stayed at Goose Bay Dispersed, on Canyon Ferry Lake, Montana in late June 2020.Our Previous Stop: Yellowstone – Fish Creek Rd Review & InfoOur Next Stop: Montana Campground Info Location: 46.542100,...
Goose Bay Dispersed Area, Montana - Free Camping - Road Pickle
Goose Bay is an area along Canyon Ferry Lake, at its eastern shore, about 30 minutes east of Helena, Montana. There’s actually two campgrounds at Goose Bay, this one, the dispersed area,...
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Amenities
Hookups
- dry camping
- Dispersed Camping
Recreation
- fishing
- water access
Facilities
- restrooms: vault
Pets
- pets
Nearby
White Earth Campground
Beautiful Space Next To Reservoir With Boat Ramp And Spacious Sites
- Wojo25FtCloud
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