Hilltop Campground (Mt)

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Madison Ranger District, 5 Forest Service Road, Ennis, MT 59729
Hilltop Campground (Mt)
$3.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range based on services, including recreation fees (variable by location/activity) and reservation service fees ($8 online, $9 contact center,...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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About this campground

Escape to the tranquil heights of Hilltop Campground, where 18 secluded sites await beneath a canopy of ancient Douglas Fir trees. Perched strategically between the pristine waters of Cliff and Wade Lakes, this hidden gem delivers the perfect balance of accessibility and solitude. Here, away from the crowds, you'll discover what camping was meant to be—peaceful mornings filtered through towering evergreens and evenings spent under a blanket of stars.
Hilltop Campground caters to both tent and small RV campers with its quiet, shaded sites amidst an old-growth Douglas Fir forest.
Historical SignificanceYour basecamp sits just 40 miles from the legendary Yellowstone National Park, placing you at the doorstep of America's first national park and one of the world's most extraordinary geological wonders. This proximity connects you to centuries of Native American heritage, the birth of the conservation movement, and a landscape that has captivated explorers, artists, and nature lovers for generations.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the refreshing mountain climate where crisp mornings greet you at 35°F before warming to comfortable afternoons around 55°F. While Mother Nature keeps things interesting with a 38% chance of precipitation—sometimes appearing as delicate snow flurries or gentle rain showers—you'll enjoy generous 15-hour summer days perfect for exploration. Pack layers for those characteristic mountain breezes that can gust up to 25 mph, adding a dynamic element to your outdoor adventure.
ElevationWhile specific elevation data awaits confirmation, the campground's hilltop location promises that refreshing mountain air and those spectacular views that only come with altitude.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking up in a natural cathedral of old-growth Douglas Firs, their massive trunks telling stories of centuries past. This rolling hilltop sanctuary offers more than just campsites—it's a portal to tranquility where dappled sunlight dances through ancient branches and the forest floor cushions your every step. The surrounding landscape provides nature's perfect amphitheater for both relaxation and adventure.
Geological RegionNestled within the vast expanse of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Hilltop Campground occupies a unique position on a gently rolling hill carved by millennia of natural forces. This remarkable old-growth Douglas Fir ecosystem represents one of Montana's remaining pristine forest environments, where geological history meets biological diversity in a spectacular display of nature's enduring beauty.

Campsite details

AccessibilityThere is no specific information provided about accessibility features for campers with disabilities.
Sites SizeThe campground contains 18 sites, but specific dimensions are not provided.
Sites PrivacyReviews mention that the sites are quiet and shaded, providing a peaceful and somewhat secluded experience away from crowded areas.
Total Campsites18 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNo explicit site recommendations provided.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsites are identified as the best.

Reserving a campsite

Groups
There is no specific mention of designated group camping sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground consists of 18 individual sites spread across a shaded area among Douglas Fir trees.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or mobile app.
Walk-in Availability"Scan & Pay" system indicates availability of walk-up or first-come-first-serve options, but specific details on site patterns are unspecified.
Cancellation Policy"Scan and Pay" system applies here meaning no refunds, modifications, or cancellations are allowed for payments made using this system. For advanced reservations, cancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeiture of the first-night fee if made after 12:00am local time prior to check-in date.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Hilltop Campground offers ample recreational opportunities. Campers have access to fishing, swimming, and small craft boating at Cliff Lake (1.25 miles away) and Wade Lake (1.75 miles away). A hiking trail connects the campground to Wade Lake and other routes in the trail system. Nearby attractions include Madison River (7 miles away), known for trout fishing, and Yellowstone National Park (less than 40 miles away).
Hiking
A hiking trail from the campground connects to Wade Lake Campground and other routes within the trail system. No specific details on difficulty level or trail length are provided.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available at Cliff Lake (1.25 miles away) and Wade Lake (1.75 miles away). The Madison River, a world-famous trout stream, is approximately 7 miles from the campground.
Swimming
Swimming is available at Cliff Lake and Wade Lake, both within 1.25–1.75 miles of the campground.
Boating
Small craft boating opportunities are available at Cliff Lake and Wade Lake, located 1.25 and 1.75 miles away respectively.
Winter Activities
No details are provided about winter recreational activities at the campground.
Water Sports
The campground supports non-motorized water sports such as small craft boating at nearby Cliff and Wade Lakes.

Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • Campfires are permitted in provided fire rings at each site.

Hazards

General hazardsPotential wildlife presence (bears) requires adherence to strict food storage rules.

Weather forecast

62
°F
Oct 10
Friday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Humidity: 57%

Moderately humid conditions

Wind: 7.8 mph

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Clear sky
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Emergency Services

Closest emergency services include health facilities in Ennis, MT, approximately 45 miles away.

Good to know

Peak season datesNo peak season dates are provided.
Trash and recyclingThere is no specific mention of trash and recycling facilities at the campground.
Proximity to water featuresCliff Lake (1.25 miles) and Wade Lake (1.75 miles) are nearby, offering opportunities for fishing, swimming, and boating.

Campground Map

Madison Ranger District, 5 Forest Service Road, Ennis, MT 59729
The campground is accessible via a 3/4 mile steep and winding drive from Cliff Lake road, requiring caution for larger vehicles or trailers.
Nearby places
Ennis, MT (45 miles away, approximately 1-hour drive)
West Yellowstone, MT (40 miles away, approximately 45-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are available in Ennis, MT, which includes camping stores, groceries, and fuel stations.

Camper Reviews

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0 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Hilltop Campground (Mt) has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews are available for Hilltop Campground at this time.
Review Summaries

What Campers Love

As no user reviews are available, positive aspects cannot be summarized.

Common Concerns

No information on complaints is available due to the absence of user reviews.

Pro Tips & Recommendations

No user tips or recommendations are available for the campground at this time.

Seasonal Insights

There are no user reviews available to assess seasonal trends.

Camper Quotes

No user quotes are available for Hilltop Campground.

Site-Specific Reviews

User feedback regarding specific campsites is not available due to the lack of reviews.

Accessibility Features

No reviews addressing accessibility features are available.

Pet-Friendly Features

No user reviews discussing pet policies or experiences are present.

Last updated August 10, 2025

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