Wade Lake (MT)
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
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 have a six month booking window.
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. There is no garbage service.
Need to Know
Cellular service is not available at the campground but may be available at the top of the hill, about one and one half miles away.
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.
For “First Come First Served” campsites - Pay by cash or check. Change is not available.
Unless desiganted as a group site, campsites are for a single camping unit only. No double camping is pernitted.
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. Campsite will be made available to other campers at 2PM the following day, for the remainder of the reservation.
Campsites must be occupied the first night and may not be unattended for more than 24 hours
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 .
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.
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.
Contact Information
Mailing
Madison Ranger District 5 Forest Service Road Ennis MT 59729
Physical
Madison Ranger District 5 Forest Service Road Ennis MT 59729
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Available Campsites
- Site 13, Loop Upper Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 19, Loop Upper Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 3, Loop Lower Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 17, Loop Upper Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 12, Loop Upper Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 5, Loop Lower Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 23, Loop Upper Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 7, Loop Main Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 20, Loop Upper Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 9, Loop Main Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 18, Loop Upper Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 16, Loop Upper Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 11, Loop Upper Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 25, Loop Upper Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 4, Loop Lower Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 24, Loop Upper Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 8, Loop Main Loop, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site 21, Loop Upper Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 2, Loop Lower Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 14, Loop Upper Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 22, Loop Upper Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 10, Loop Main Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 1, Loop Lower Loop, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site 6, Loop Main Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 15, Loop Upper Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
