Wade Lake (MT)

Campground · Montana · 25 bookable sites ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Beaverhead National Forest (NF) · Open Access

25
Bookable sites
30 ft
Max rig length
up to 12
People per site
6,643 ft
Elevation
Wade Lake Campground
Photo: Google · Recreation.gov

Overview

Wade Lake Campground is located in southwestern Montana on the shore of it’s scenic namesake lake. It is approximately 43 miles south of Ennis and 35 miles west of Yellowstone National Park. The 25 site campground, including two group sites, is situated in a dense Douglas Fir forest on the hillside above the lake. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. Vault toilets and drinking water taps are provided in each of the two camping loops. The campground is situated on a steep hillside. For many of the sites, particularly in the upper loop, the only flat space for a tent may be in the parking driveway. There is an undeveloped natural-surface boat launch and the lake has a no-wake speed limit. Visitors enjoy fishing, small craft boating, and nearby hiking and ATV trails in the Gravelly Range. Trailers longer than 24 feet are not recommended due to small campsites, narrow roads and tight curves within the campground. Check the driveway length and width before booking to make sure the entirety of your equipment will fit the site. Snow may hinder access in early or late seasons. Cellular service may be available at the top of the hill near the Forest boundary, about 1.5 miles away. 

 All sites are only available through reservations. To provide reservation opportunities for those who are unable to plan six months in advance, site numbers 6, 13, 17, 20 and 25 may only be reserved two weeks prior to arrival date. Sites 2, 9, 14 and 22 may only be reserved four days prior to arrival. All other sites can be booked 6 months in advance. Each new day becomes available at 8 A.M. Mountain time.

Recreation

Wade Lake offers fishing for rainbow and brown 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. Hiking trails begin right at the campground , as well as, in the nearby Lee Metcalf Wilderness. Off Road Vehicle trails are abundant in the Gravelly range though there are no trails in the immediate campground area.  

Facilities

There are five vault toilets and five drinking water spigots spread throughout the campground. Water is available May to September. Picnic tables and fire rings are located in each site. Two group camping sites and two walk-in tent camping sites are available. “Bear proof” bins enable compliance with food storage regulations. A natural surface boat launch, suitable for small boats and trailers, is provided. Day-use parking space for the lake is minimal. Garbage service is provided only from May 15 to September 15.

Natural Features

At an elevation of 6217 feet, the campground and lake lie in the bottom of a forested ravine at the southern end of the Gravelly mountain range. The spring fed 200 acre lake is known for its beautiful clear aquamarine water. The larger Cliff Lake is less than 1 mile away. Moose, deer, eagles, an occasional bear and a variety of waterfowl can be seen in the area .

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (406) 682-4253.

Nearby Attractions

Cliff Lake, Cliff Point Campground and Hilltop Campground are within one mile. Hilltop is available on a “first come first served” basis. 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

  • 25 bookable sites
  • 29 sites in total, including non-bookable
  • Vehicles up to 30 ft
  • Up to 12 people per site
  • Loops: Lower Loop, Main Loop, Upper Loop, Wade Lake (MT)

Site types

  • 23 Standard Nonelectric
  • 4 Management
  • 2 Group 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

29 campsites at Wade Lake (MT)

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

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceGradeAccessWaterMax rigPeople
1Lower LoopGroup Standard NonelectricParallelGravelSlightDrive InLakefront20 ft12 🐾
2Lower LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelModerateDrive InLakefront24 ft6 🐾
3Lower LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelModerateDrive InLakefront24 ft6 🐾
4Lower LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelModerateDrive InLakefront24 ft6 🐾
5Lower LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelModerateDrive InLakefront24 ft6 🐾
10Main LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelModerateDrive In—24 ft6 🐾
6Main LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelModerateDrive In—24 ft6 🐾
7Main LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelModerateDrive In—24 ft6 🐾
8Main LoopGroup Standard NonelectricBack InGravelModerateDrive In—24 ft12 🐾
9Main LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelModerateDrive In—24 ft6 🐾
T1Main LoopManagement———Hike In——6 🐾
T2Main LoopManagement———Hike In——6 🐾
11Upper LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelModerateDrive In—20 ft6 🐾
12Upper LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelModerateDrive In—22 ft6 🐾
13Upper LoopStandard NonelectricPull ThroughGravelModerateDrive In—24 ft6 🐾
14Upper LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelModerateDrive In—24 ft6 🐾
15Upper LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelModerateDrive In—20 ft6 🐾
16Upper LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelModerateDrive In—24 ft6 🐾
17Upper LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelModerateDrive In—24 ft6 🐾
18Upper LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelModerateDrive In—24 ft6 🐾
19Upper LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelModerateDrive In—24 ft6 🐾
20Upper LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelModerateDrive In—24 ft6 🐾
21Upper LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelModerateDrive In—24 ft6 🐾
22Upper LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelModerateDrive In—24 ft6 🐾
23Upper LoopStandard NonelectricPull ThroughGravelModerateDrive In—24 ft6 🐾
24Upper LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelModerateDrive In—18 ft6 🐾
25Upper LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelModerateDrive In—18 ft6 🐾
S&P GroupWade Lake (MT)ManagementBack InGravelModerateDrive InLakefront30 ft6 🐾
S&P StandardWade Lake (MT)ManagementBack InGravelModerateDrive InLakefront30 ft6 🐾

Getting there

44.80532, -111.57202 · 44°48'19.2"N 111°34'19.3"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, 6.8 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 Wade Lake (MT)

Can you reserve a site at Wade Lake (MT)?
Yes, Wade Lake (MT) is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Wade Lake (MT) have?
29 sites in total, of which 25 can be booked.
What is the maximum RV length at Wade Lake (MT)?
30 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Wade Lake (MT)?
Yes, pets are allowed at Wade Lake (MT).
Are campfires allowed at Wade Lake (MT)?
Campfires are allowed at Wade Lake (MT). Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Also listed by

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

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

  • There is a $15.00 per night fee for this campground. Cash and check only. There is no way to make change, so please bring correct amount.

Restrictions:

  • 16 day stay limit. Food Storage Requirements .

Accessibility:

  • Accessible fishing access Accessible Facilities: Toilets

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Wade Lake (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.