About 30 miles east of Helena, Montana is Montana’s third largest lake. Canyon Ferry Lake was created in 1896 when a dam was installed across the Missouri River. This action created a 35,000 acre water body that is now surrounded by numerous campgrounds. A more modern dam was built around 1950 and still stands today.
Many of these campgrounds are managed by the Bureau of Reclamation. The Bureau of Reclamation is one of several Federal government agencies that regulate and maintain campgrounds across our nation on public lands.
The White Earth Campground – the origin of its name
While Lewis and Clark are credited with being the first westerners to visit this region in 1805, the name White Earth Campground was likely applied from a different source. The name is credited to the Ojibwe Indian Tribe who named it (in english) “land of white clay.” This is what I refer to as limestone high in calcium along the banks of the lake.
Getting to White Earth Campground
It’s about a 40 minute drive from Helena. Helena is not a large city and driving through it with a 35 ft. 5th wheel, while not ideal, can be done safely. I did so as I traveled from Missoula, well west of Helena, taking Rt. 200 to 12 to pass straight through Helena on the way to White Earth.
The only possibly sketchy part of the journey is the last 5.5 miles. The turnoff to White Earth from US Highway 12 takes you onto a dirt road. Google maps has a good handle on this turn (and the rest of the way into the campground.) As dirt roads go, this one is very good, though there are a few bumpy patches, and as with any dirt road, the surface conditions can change from time to time.
The turnoff can also be reached from the south by traveling through Townsend, Mt. and then proceeding about another 12 miles North on US 12.
Camping at White Earth Campground
36 sites of varying lengths. I was in a water front site that accommodated up to a 40 ft. trailer. That is at the longer end of what you will find at any of the 36 campsites.
My site cost $10. per night. Now this is important: With an America the Beautiful pass ($80 lifetime for a senior), you pay $5. per night. Of course this is dry camping (no water, sewer, electric.) I believe there is water in the campground but I did not locate it (or need it.)
Another important detail: Many Federal campgrounds NO LONGER allow you to pay via an envelope at the campground. Instead they REQUIRE you to book online. You WILL pay an $8. recreation.gov fee for the booking. You can do it as you arrive at the campground IF the site you choose is available. The campground host maintains a database of who has paid and for how long.
I also learned that you CAN extend your current reservation with no additional booking fee, but the window to do that will close BEFORE your departure day. The camp host was not sure as to how soon that window closes. In my case, I stayed 3 nights and elected not to extend as the “early summer” weather (low 70’s with good sun) came to an abrupt end this morning and the new couple of days are going to remain near 50 with clouds and perhaps some SNOW. As my plans are fluid, I moved onto Chief Joseph Campground in Harlowton which offers electric hookups (and nearby communal water) for $23. per night. More on Chief joseph Campground and Harlowton soon.
Preparing for a successful Dry Camping Experience
Last autumn, I spent a week in the Clark Canyon Reservoir. Yes, lots of spots out west here have ties to Lewis and Clark! When I was there, I boondocked and chronicled what you’ll need for a successful dry camping experience. The information you’ll need is all found within this post. Enjoy!
Camp Fee Free
In the off season (Oct 1 – April 30) there is NO fee to camp here. The water is also turned off and there is no camp host.
Water Recreation at White Earth Campground
There is LOTS of boating here. I saw kayakers (including myself) in the lake each day. I did meet a local who informed me that this area can get quite windy and he has observed 7 foot swells on the lake! In my 3 days, the water was nearly calm. I took what I could get, and as I noted earlier, when the weather turned, I packed up and hit the road!
Overall thoughts on White Earth Campground
I would absolutely recommend White Earth campground to anyone who is prepared for and enjoys dry camping. Helena is just 40 minutes away. On your way into town, you’ll find a giant Walmart on your right side. In town, there are a couple of natural (organic) grocery stores, an eclectic region called Dry Gulch with coffee shops. I particularly enjoy Firetower Coffee and the No Sweat Cafe. I no longer recommend General Mercantile. If you visit there, you’ll see why. The good news is you can walk right out and cross the street to enjoy the Firetower or walk up the street to No Sweat!
I believe the Dry Gulch in Helena is an old mining district. It certainly reminds me of Greenwich Village in Manhattan! Old buildings, brownstones, and a city like but laid back atmosphere.
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