Cliff Point (MT)

Campground · Montana · 7 bookable sites ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Beaverhead National Forest (NF) · Open Access

7
Bookable sites
16 ft
Max rig length
up to 6
People per site
6,599 ft
Elevation
Cliff Lake
Photo: usfs · Recreation.gov

Overview

Cliff Point Campground is located in southwestern Montana on the shoreline of scenic Cliff Lake. It is approximately 43 miles south of Ennis and 35 miles west of Yellowstone National Park. Each site in the small six site campground is equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. There is a centrally located vault toilet and drinking water tap. Some of the sites have partial shade. An undeveloped natural-surface boat launch is very close by and the lake has a no-wake speed limit. Visitors enjoy fishing, boating, and nearby hiking and ATV trails. All campsites are reservation only. With some tight curves and small turn-around loop, the campground may not be suitable for long trailers or RVs. The maximum recommended trailer length is 16 feet. Snow may hamper access during early and late seasons. Site number 6 is reservable two weeks in advance of your arrival date. All other sites have a six month in advance reservation window.   Each new day becomes available at 8 A.M. Mountain time.

Recreation

Cliff Lake offers fishing for rainbow and Yellowstone cutthroat trout, as well as boating, canoeing and swimming, despite the cold water. Boats can be rented at Wade Lake Resort. Just five miles away, the world renowned Madison River offers blue ribbon flyfishing . There are hiking opportunities nearby, including the trail to Hidden Lake, beginning at the upper end of Cliff Lake, as well as trails in the nearby Lee Metcalf Wilderness. Off Road Vehicle trails are abundant in the Gravelly range.  

Facilities

A vault toilet and drinking water spigot are located in the center of the campground loop. Water is available May to September, exact dates being weather dependent. Picnic tables and fire rings are located in each site. A “bear proof” bin enables compliance with food storage regulations for those without a hard sided camping unit. A natural surface boat launch, suitable for small boats and trailers, is located across the small cove at the Day Use area. Garbage service is provided only from May 15 - September 15.

Natural Features

At an elevation of 6313 feet, the campground and lake lie in the bottom of a forested ravine at the southern end of the Gravelly mountain range. The 600 acre lake is known for it’s beautiful clear aquamarine water. Wade Lake is less than 1 mile away. Moose, deer, eagles, otters, an occasional bear and a variety of waterfowl can be seen in the area .

Nearby Attractions

Wade Lake, Wade Lake Campground and Hilltop Campground are within one mile. The west entrance to Yellowstone National Park is about 35 miles east at West Yellowstone. The Earthquake Lake Visitor Center and Geologic Site is about a ten mile drive. The Lee Metcalf designated wilderness begins about five miles to the northeast. A short drive will bring you to much larger Hebgen Lake to the east and Henry's Lake to the south.

The facts

  • Season: Mid May to mid September — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
  • 7 bookable sites
  • Vehicles up to 16 ft
  • Up to 6 people per site
  • Loops: A, S&P

Site types

  • 7 Standard Nonelectric

Amenities

  • Campfires allowed
  • Fire pits
  • Picnic tables
  • Shade
  • Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, grills.

Book on Recreation.gov

7 campsites at Cliff Point (MT)

Check-in 02:00 PM · Check-out 11:00 AM

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceGradeWaterMax rigPeople
1AStandard Nonelectric—GravelSlightLakefront16 ft6 🐾
2AStandard Nonelectric—GravelSlightLakefront16 ft6 🐾
3AStandard Nonelectric—GravelSlightLakefront16 ft6 🐾
4AStandard Nonelectric—GravelSlightLakefront16 ft6 🐾
5AStandard Nonelectric—GravelSlightLakefront16 ft6 🐾
6AStandard Nonelectric—GravelSlightLakefront16 ft6 🐾
S&P StandardS&PStandard Nonelectric—GravelSlightLakefront—6 🐾

Getting there

Travel south from Ennis for 38 miles on US Highway 287. As highway curves to east, turn south on Wade and Cliff Lakes road, also signed as Three Dollar Bridge fishing access site. Travel five miles on county road, which becomes Forest road #572, to Wade Lake Recreation Area. Follow signing to campground. When travelling from the east, turn onto Wade and Cliff Lakes road one mile west of US 287 and MT 87 junction. From the south, turn from MT 87 onto Madison County 122 about 2.2 miles north of the Montana/Idaho boundary.

44.79308, -111.56688 · 44°47'35.1"N 111°34'0.8"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F————————————
Low °F————————————
Precip in2.32.12.42.62.93.11.31.21.62.02.22.6

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 7 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Fees and stay limits

Fee to reserve campsite is non-refundable within 14 days of arrival date. Any changes in reserved dates may be assessed an additional fee by the National Recreation Reservation Service.

From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.

More photos

Member photos

Common questions about Cliff Point (MT)

Can you reserve a site at Cliff Point (MT)?
Yes, Cliff Point (MT) is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Cliff Point (MT) have?
7 sites.
What is the maximum RV length at Cliff Point (MT)?
16 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Cliff Point (MT)?
Yes, pets are allowed at Cliff Point (MT).
Are campfires allowed at Cliff Point (MT)?
Campfires are allowed at Cliff Point (MT). Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Also listed by

Cliff Point (MT) also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Cliff Point (MT)'s operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

  • There is a $15.00 per night fee for this campground.

Restrictions:

  • 16 day stay limit. Food Storage Requirements .

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Cliff Point (MT)

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-03-11.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.