Madison River (MT)
Campground · Montana · 11 bookable sites ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Beaverhead National Forest (NF) · Open Access
- 11
- Bookable sites
- 30 ft
- Max rig length
- up to 6
- People per site
- 6,136 ft
- Elevation
Overview
Madison River Campground is located in southwestern Montana just beyond the banks of it’s namesake river. It is approximately 34 miles south of Ennis and about 45 miles west of Yellowstone National Park. The ten site campground borders a Douglas Fir covered hillside to the back, with the Madison River just across the road, on the front side. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. Vault toilets and drinking water taps are located near each site, along the one-way road. Visitors enjoy fishing, sight-seeing and nearby hiking and ATV trails. Riverview Campground is only about a quarter mile away and West Fork Campground is less than one mile and both are available on a “first come, first served” basis.
Campsite 8 can only be reserved 2 weeks in advance. All other sites can be reserved 6 months ahead of your arrival date, with the next day becoming available for reservations at 8 A.M. mountain time.
Recreation
Just across the gravel road, and for about a 40 mile length, the world renowned Madison River offers blue ribbon flyfishing. Nearby Wade and Cliff Lakes also offer fishing opportunities as well as small craft boating, canoeing and swimming. Hebgen and Henry's Lakes are each about a 30 minute drive. There are many hiking trails in the area, including just beyond the highway in the Lee Metcalf Wilderness. Off Road Vehicle trail riding is popular in the Gravelly range.
Facilities
There are two vault toilets and four drinking water spigots spread throughout the campground. Water is available May to September, exact dates being dependent upon weather. Picnic tables and fire rings are located in each site. “Bear proof” bins enable compliance with food storage regulations. The camp sites lie along a one way through road which parallels and reconnects with the access road. There is no garbage service. Cellular service is available.
Natural Features
At an elevation of 5910 feet, the campground is situated on the west side of the world renowned Madison River and at the southern end of the Gravelly Mountain range. The Lee Metcalf Wilderness is about two miles directly to the west. Wade and Cliff Lakes are about ten miles away. The campground is backed by a forest of predominantly Douglas Fir trees.
Nearby Attractions
Wade and Cliff Lakes are ten miles away. Riverview and West Fork Campgrounds are less than one mile away, and available on a first come, first served basis, while Wade, Cliff Point and Hilltop Campgrounds are ten miles. The west entrance to Yellowstone National Park is less than 40 miles east, at West Yellowstone. The Earthquake Lake Visitor Center and Geologic Site is only about a ten minute drive.
The facts
- 11 bookable sites
- Vehicles up to 30 ft
- Up to 6 people per site
- Loops: A, S&P
Site types
- 11 Standard Nonelectric
Amenities
- Campfires allowed
- Fire pits
- Picnic tables
- Shade
- Pets allowed
Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, grills.
11 campsites at Madison River (MT)
Check-in 02:00 PM · Check-out 11:00 AM
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Grade | Water | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | Riverfront | 30 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 10 | A | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | — | Riverfront | 30 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 2 | A | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | — | Riverfront | 30 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 3 | A | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | Slight | Riverfront | 30 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 4 | A | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | — | Riverfront | 30 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 5 | A | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | — | Riverfront | 30 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 6 | A | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | — | Riverfront | 30 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 7 | A | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | — | Riverfront | 30 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 8 | A | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | Moderate | Riverfront | 30 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 9 | A | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | — | Riverfront | 30 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| S&P Standard | S&P | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | — | Riverfront | 30 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
Getting there
Travel south from Ennis for 33 miles on US Highway 287. Approximately one mile beyond the Lyon Rest Area, turn west at signs indicating West Fork RV Camp. Cross the Old Kirby Bridge (maximum height 12’ 7”, maximum weight four tons) and turn left onto West Madison road #8381. Travel about one mile to campground. When travelling from south or east, turn to Old Kirby Bridge six miles northwest of US 287 and MT 87 junction.
44.87719, -111.57571 · 44°52'37.9"N 111°34'32.6"W
Typical weather
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Low °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Precip in | 2.3 | 2.1 | 2.4 | 2.6 | 2.9 | 3.1 | 1.3 | 1.2 | 1.6 | 2.0 | 2.2 | 2.6 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 8.9 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 Madison River (MT)
- Can you reserve a site at Madison River (MT)?
- Yes, Madison River (MT) is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does Madison River (MT) have?
- 11 sites.
- What is the maximum RV length at Madison River (MT)?
- 30 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
- Are pets allowed at Madison River (MT)?
- Yes, pets are allowed at Madison River (MT).
- Are campfires allowed at Madison River (MT)?
- Campfires are allowed at Madison River (MT). Check for a current fire restriction before you go.
Also listed by
Madison River (MT) also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Madison River (MT)'s operator.
USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026
- There is a $15.00 per night fee at this campground. Cash or Check only. There is no change available, so please bring correct amount.
Restrictions:
- 16 day stay limit. Food Storage Requirements .
Camping near Madison River (MT)
- West Fork Madison Campground 0.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Riverview Campground 0.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Wade Lake (MT) 5 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Hilltop Campground (MT) 5.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Cliff Point (MT) 5.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Beaver Creek Campground 10 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Beaver Creek Cabin (MT) 11.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Wall Creek Cabin 11.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Cabin Creek Campground 11.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Black Butte Cabin 12.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Palisades Day Use 8.7 mi · Facility
- Palisades Campground 9.2 mi · Campground
Contact
- Phone 406-682-4253
- Book Recreation.gov
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.
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