Canyon Ferry Temporary Closures for Shoreline Protection Project Update

HELENA, Mont. - The Bureau of Reclamation will begin a shoreline protection project at Canyon Ferry Reservoir on March 25, 2026 to improve visitor safety, protect natural resources and support long-term recreation access.

Work along East side of the reservoir is anticipated to begin first. All roads are expected to remain open, but heavy equipment will be utilizing East Shore Drive and Highway 284 to move material to sites along the shoreline. Approximately one-half mile of East Shore Dive will be used as a haul route from the intersection with Highway 284.

Some campsites at Hellgate Campground and Court Sheriff Campground, along with the Cave Bay Day Use Area, will be temporarily closed. East Shore construction work and recreation closures are anticipated to be completed by May 15, 2026. Affected sites will be unavailable for reservation through Recreation.gov while work is underway. Work along the West side of the reservoir will commence in Spring 2027.

Planned closures include:

• Hellgate Campground: Sites 41-69
• Court Sheriff Campground: Sites 2, 3 and 12-48

These closures are necessary to allow construction activities to proceed safely and efficiently. Visitors using open sites in these campgrounds should expect increased vehicle and equipment traffic during the project period.

Reclamation will reopen campsites for reservation as soon as work is complete. Updates will be posted on Canyon Ferry's website here and social media channels.

Facts about Canyon Ferry:

Construction on Canyon Ferry Dam began in May of 1948 and was completed in June of 1954. The dam, powerplant, and reservoir constitute the Canyon Ferry Unit. Canyon Ferry Reservoir offers a wide range of water resources, including flood prevention, hydropower generation, irrigation, fish and wildlife habitat, and recreation opportunities.

Canyon Ferry Reservoir is located approximately 15 miles east of Helena. Travel East on East Custer Avenue, which turns into Canyon Ferry Road, approximately 15 miles to the dam.

Canyon Ferry Reservoir offers excellent fishing opportunities for rainbow trout, perch, ling, and walleye, with 33,500 surface acres of water and 96 shoreline miles. Concrete boat ramps, campgrounds, day-use areas, shelters, swimming, and three marinas are also available. View available recreation information here.