Continent
North America
Country
Montana (USA)
Next Big City
Helena
Next Town
Townsend, Canyon Ferry
 
Type:
Lake
Rider Ability:
Intermediate, Expert
Features:
Camping, Shower, Toilet, Food, Parking

Water

Type:
Flat, Chop
Hazards:
No information
Quality:
Clean
Best Tide:
Tide independent

Canyon Ferry Lake is a man made reservoir, 28 miles long by 2-6 miles wide. Flat water and choppy when the wind gets stronger.

Beach

Type:
Sand, Rocks
Size:
Big
Hazards:
No information
Beach Users:
No information

The point at Helgate campground varies from soft sand to small rocks, with very large launching area and the largest campground in Montana.

Weather

Spring:
Normal, Thick
Summer:
Shorts, Shorty
Fall:
Normal, Thick
Winter:
Thick

The season is from late April to early October on water. Beginning and end of the season are drysuit/wetsuit, mid season is shorts or shorty. Winter season is exceptional for ice kiting and snow.

Wind

Best Months:
No information
Wind Type:
No information
Best Direction:
No information
Main Direction:
SW, WSW, W

Wind blows regularly W-SW usually 15-20. Prevailing wind is W-SW, with sideshore winds along the width of the lake.



How to get there

Transport
Car
Access
Short walk

From Helena, take Canyon Ferry road to the lake (18 miles), cross Canyon Ferry Dam. For Helgate recreation area, continue past Kim's Marina and take the back road towards Townsend. There is a big sign for the Helgate campground turnoff about 12 miles down the paved road. Or: Helgate Recreation Area is located 9 miles east of Helena, Montana on US Highway 287, then 18 miles northeast on Secondary 284.

Extra information

Rules
None

10 mile down winders from Kim's Marina to Helgate campground with car pickup are a local favorite.

Nightlife

Local parties at the campground.