Cliff Point (MT)
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
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.
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. There is no garbage service.
Need to Know
Cellular service is not available at the campground
There is a food storage order in place. All food and attractants must be stored in a bear-proof manner when unattended.
There is a 16 day camping limit. Campers must move beyond a five mile radius for seven days before returning.
No garbage service is available. Pack It In, Pack It Out.
Trailers over 16 feet in length are not recommended due to small camp spaces and tight turns.
Each site is for a single camping unit. Double or group camping is not permitted in a single site
Please cancel your reservation if you do not plan to use the campsite. Reservations may be forfeited, without refund, for failure to occupy campsite on first night and for absences exceeding 24 hours thereafter. For "no-shows", campsite will be made available to other campers at 2PM the following day, for the remainder of the reservation.
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.
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.
Contact Information
Mailing
Madison Ranger District 5 Forest Service Road Ennis MT 59729
Physical
Madison Ranger District 5 Forest Service Road Ennis MT 59729
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 406-682-4253
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
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.
Available Campsites
- Site 1, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 3, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 5, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site S&P Standard, Loop S&P, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 2, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 6, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 4, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
