News Release Archive

Reclamation increasing access at Canyon Ferry recreation area

Media Contact: Brittany Jones, 406-247-7611, bjones@usbr.gov

For Release: July 27, 2020

BILLINGS, Mont. – Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local public health authorities, the Bureau of Reclamation is increasing access at Canyon Ferry recreation area.

Reclamation is working with federal, state and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a case-by-case basis.

As of July 20, 2020, the following campgrounds and areas at Canyon Ferry are open to the public by reservation only:

  • Court Sheriff Campground
  • Chinamen’s Campground
  • Jo Bonner Campground
  • Riverside Campground
  • Hellgate Campground
  • White Earth Campground
  • Group use shelters - Some group use shelters are day use only and some can accommodate camping. Please visit recreation.gov for more information regarding group use shelter use.
Reservations can be made online at www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777, 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Cash or check fee collection is temporarily unavailable due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The following areas and facilities remain open for public use without a reservation:

  • Day use areas- Areas that allow recreation access for the day. Use of these areas closes at 10 p.m.
  • Boat launching facilities where accessible
  • Restrooms on a limited basis
  • Confederate Campground
  • Duck Creek Campground
  • Dispersed camping near Goose Bay Marina
  • Fish Hawk Campground
For specific questions regarding services offered at marinas, please call the individual marina directly at:
  • Goose Bay Marina: 406-266-3065
  • Yacht Basin Marina: 406-475-3440
  • Kim’s Marina: 406-475-3723
  • Silos Recreation Area: 406-266-3100
The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, partners, and other stakeholders continues to be paramount. Canyon Ferry’s operational approach will be to examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance.

The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating on public lands to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.

While these public areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited. When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles and avoid crowding, practice social distancing, and hand sanitizing.

Details and updates on operations will continue to be posted on our website at https://www.usbr.gov/gp/mtao/canyonferry/.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.