How much does camping cost at Cliff Point?

Camping fees at Cliff Point are $15/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cliff Point first-come first-served or reservation?

Cliff Point accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Cliff Point before I book?

Yes! Cliff Point has 3 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Cliff Point?

Cliff Point is open April 15 to November 30. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Cliff Point?

Cliff Point does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Cliff Point have?

Cliff Point has 6 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cliff Point?

Pets are not allowed at Cliff Point. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Cliff Point?

Cliff Point offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Cliff Point?

Popular activities at Cliff Point include Hiking, Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Cliff Point (Mt)

4.48

23 reviews

Madison Ranger District, 5 Forest Service Road, Ennis, MT, 59729

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Montana

Quick Facts

6,313 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Season opens May 15,...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Madison Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,313 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Season opens May 15,...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Madison Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Cliff Point (Mt)

$15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard Nonelectric: $15.00; first come first served: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

406-682-4253

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Campground Map

Madison Ranger District, 5 Forest Service Road, Ennis, MT, 59729

Cliff Point (Mt)

Madison Ranger District, 5 Forest Service Road, Ennis, MT, 59729

Nearby places

Ennis (43 miles, approximately 50 minutes), Yellowstone National Park (35 miles, approximately 45 minutes)

Driving directionsTravel 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.

Weather at Cliff Point (Mt)

Current alerts(7)

Cellular service is not available at the campground
Each site is for a single camping unit. Double or group camping is not permitted in a single site
Garbage service is available May 15 - September 15. Otherwise, it is Pack It In, Pack It Out.
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.

Best Time to Camp at Cliff Point (Mt)

Best season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Cliff Point because trails, roads, and campground facilities are reliably open and weather is the mildest—expect daytime highs around 65–80°F and nights cooling to the mid-30s–50°F. This is when hiking, non-motorized boating, and trout fishing are at their peak and wildflowers and alpine views are at their best; the glacier-fed lake is spectacularly aquamarine though still brisk for swimming. The six-site campground fills most quickly in mid-July through early-/ Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February, March

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Best season: trails/roads reliably open, mild temps (65–80°F), and favorable summer reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 15 to November 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Season opens May 15, 2025, and closes Nov 30, 2025. Reservations are available from Jun 20, 2025, to Sep 15, 2025.

About Cliff Point (Mt)

Cliff Point sits on the shore of Cliff Lake in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest near Ennis, Montana. The Madison Ranger District operates this small mid-elevation campground with vault toilets, potable water, and lakefront access for fishing and non-motorized boating. Summer brings wildflowers, alpine views, and reliably open trails, though mosquitoes and wind can be intense.

Cliff Point Campground caters to tent and limited RV camping, with its six campsites offering a simple, nature-focused camping experience. Group camping or double camping setups are not permitted due to site restrictions.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Cliff Point because trails, roads, and campground facilities are reliably open and weather is the mildest—expect daytime highs around 65–80°F and nights cooling to the mid-30s–50°F. This is when hiking, non-motorized boating, and trout fishing are at their peak and wildflowers and alpine views are at their best; the glacier-fed lake is spectacularly aquamarine though still brisk for swimming. The six-site campground fills most quickly in mid-July through early-/ Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February, March

Elevation6313 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryCliff Lake's aquamarine color comes from glacial minerals suspended in the water. The campground occupies a forested ravine where pines frame views of the lake and surrounding peaks. Wildlife sightings include moose, eagles, otters, black bears, and grizzly bears. Waterfowl frequent the lake. The setting is rugged and exposed to wind.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available at the campground. The accommodations are limited to campsites.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 16 consecutive nights at a single site and a cumulative 32 nights at multiple sites within a calendar year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each site is for a single camping unit and does not permit double or group camping.

Groups

Group camping is not allowed
each site accommodates a single camping unit only.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, contact center, or in-person.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly detailed in the sources.

Site SizeSites are described as small, with the campground not recommended for trailers over 16 feet in length due to tight turns and limited space.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. Site 6 is noted for its exceptional privacy, while other sites offer some partial shade and proximity to the lake.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 1 is ideal for paddleboarding; site 6 offers privacy and less scenic views. Most sites have stairs leading down to the beach.

Best CampsitesSite 6 offers the most privacy. Sites 1 and 5 sit closest to the lake with direct water views. All sites are small with some partial shade.

Need help booking Cliff Point (Mt)?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Cliff Point Campground offers essential amenities designed to provide a comfortable and safe camping experience. Each of the six campsites includes a picnic table and fire ring, and a centrally located vault toilet and drinking water spigot are present. Water availability is seasonal, typically from May to September, dependent on weather conditions. The campground also features a bear-proof bin for food storage and a natural-surface boat launch in a nearby Day Use area, suitable for small boats and trailers. Reviewers have expressed mixed opinions on the water quality and waste management services, with one user noting the lack of garbage service outside the May 15-September 15 window.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Cliff Point (Mt)

Cliff Point Campground offers a range of outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The lake features a no-wake speed limit, making it ideal for canoeing and kayaking. Visitors can enjoy fishing for rainbow and Yellowstone cutthroat trout in the lake and blue-ribbon fly-fishing on the nearby Madison River. Hiking trails to Hidden Lake and within the Lee Metcalf Wilderness are also accessible. ATV enthusiasts will find abundant Off Road Vehicle trails in the Gravelly Range.

Water Sports4.5/5Top 1% in Montana

Hiking4.0/5

Trails to Hidden Lake and access to Lee Metcalf Wilderness; summer trails reliably open.

Fishing4.0/5

Cliff Lake has rainbow and Yellowstone cutthroat; Madison River 5 miles away is renowned.

Boating4.0/5

No-wake lake, natural boat launch; supports canoeing/kayaking and paddleboarding from sites.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Moose, eagles, otters, black and grizzly bears and waterfowl commonly seen.

Winter Activities1.0/5

No winter-sports info; campground season closes Nov 30 (limited winter access).

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Forested, relatively remote lakeside site with reported solitude—likely good dark skies.

Photography4.5/5Aquamarine lake, alpine peaks, wildlife and waterfront sites give high photographic value.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; instead, a centrally located vault toilet is provided.

Food Storage RequiredA bear-proof bin is available for food storage, enabling compliance with local regulations.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

23 reviews

Recommended

Cliff Point (Mt) is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Cliff Point Campground are polarized, with ratings ranging from 1 to 5 stars. Common praises include the serene and beautiful setting, clean facilities, and excellent lake views. Complaints focus on mosquito prevalence, windy conditions, and issues with the reservation system.

Review Summaries

Based on 23 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 23 reviews.

Site 1Issues noted
Site 1 is noted for being lakeside, with some users appreciating its proximity to the lake despite mosquito issues.
Site 6Issues noted
Site 6 offers privacy but lacks direct lake views.

What Campers Love

"Cliff Lake is the most beautiful in Montana," wrote one user, highlighting the peaceful environment and clean facilities. Another user appreciated the "excellent site right on the water" and the...

Based on 23 reviews

Common Concerns

Numerous reviewers mentioned the abundance of mosquitoes and windy conditions. One user complained about "constant traffic all day long" despite the reservation-only policy. Concerns about the...

Based on 23 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers suggest bringing mosquito repellent and preparing for windy conditions. Arrive early in the season for less crowded experiences, and note the lack of cell service and garbage facilities...

Based on 23 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews are more favorable, emphasizing the lake's beauty and recreational opportunities. Some early-season complaints focused on water quality issues, including a positive coliform test that...

Based on 23 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Cliff lake is my favorite lake and we have camped at Cliff Point Campground before and it has been great each time." 2. "The website said that there was running water but there wasn't." 3....

Based on 23 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically address accessibility features.

Based on 23 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

There are no reviews specifically discussing pet policies or experiences.

Based on 23 reviews

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Cliff Point (Mt)

$15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard Nonelectric: $15.00; first come first served: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-682-4253

Go if

You want a quiet lakefront site for fishing and non-motorized boating in a remote mountain setting.

Skip if

You're sensitive to mosquitoes or need wind protection and garbage service during shoulder seasons.

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Cliff Point Campground

5 Forest Service Road, Ennis, MT 59729

Cliff Point Campground sits on the shore of Cliff Lake in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, about 6,400 feet above sea level. The campground has six sites with picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, and potable water. Trailers up to 16 feet fit. The nightly fee is $15. There's no cell service.

Cliff Point (Mt)

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Weather at Cliff Point (Mt)

Current alerts(7)

Best Time to Camp at Cliff Point (Mt)

Planning Tips

About Cliff Point (Mt)

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Cliff Point (Mt)?

Amenities available

RV details

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Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

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Current alerts(7)

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Need help booking Cliff Point (Mt)?

Amenities available

Things to do at Cliff Point (Mt)

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns