Cliff Point (Mt)

Star4.48
23 reviews
Madison Ranger District, 5 Forest Service Road, Ennis, MT, 59729
Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

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

Opens Madison Ranger District site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Cliff Point (Mt)
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Recreation use fee is $15 per night for standard non-electric campsites during both the peak (May 15 - Sep 15) and off-peak (Sep 16 - Nov 30)...
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Standard Site Fee$15.00
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

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Provider
406-682-4253
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What Campers Say

4.48

Recommended

Based on 23 reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanwaterlake

Some mention

reservation

"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."

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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

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.
The campground is accessible via paved and unpaved roads. Snow may hamper access during early and late seasons. Trailers over 16 feet in length are not recommended due to small camp spaces and tight turns.
Nearby places
Ennis (43 miles, approximately 50 minutes), Yellowstone National Park (35 miles, approximately 45 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries can be accessed in Ennis, MT. Wade Lake Resort offers boat rentals and basic supplies. Gas stations are available in Ennis.

Best Time to Camp at Cliff Point (Mt)

Mother Nature rules supreme at Cliff Point, where daily winds carry stories from the surrounding peaks and create a symphony of rustling pines. The lake's glacier-fed waters maintain their refreshing chill even in summer, offering a bracing dip for the brave rather than a leisurely swim. As seasons shift in this high-altitude haven, services ebb and flow with the weather—drinking water and garbage collection follow nature's calendar, typically available from late spring through early fall when the mountain passes clear and temperatures allow.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 22% in MT

Summer reviews more favorable; peak season offers swimming, boating and hiking opportunities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open into November; good scenery but colder, windier conditions can reduce comfort.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 15; early season has cold water and some reported water‑quality issues.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground season ends Nov 30; winter camping/use is limited or closed.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 15 - Sep 15. 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.
  • Current Alerts: Cellular service is not available at the campground. Water contamination issues were reported in user reviews but resolved.

About Cliff Point (Mt)

Tucked away at the southern edge of Montana's majestic Gravelly Mountains, Cliff Point Campground offers an intimate escape with just six secluded sites along the stunning shores of Cliff Lake. This hidden gem beckons adventurers with its crystalline aquamarine waters that shimmer like liquid turquoise against the rugged mountain backdrop. While nature enthusiasts will revel in the pristine wilderness setting, visitors should come prepared for the raw elements that make this spot so wild and wonderful—brisk mountain winds sweep across the lake daily, and during peak summer months, mosquitoes remind you that you're sharing this paradise with its original inhabitants.
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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2PM
Check-out
12 PM
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.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

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.
HikingHiking opportunities include trails to Hidden Lake and within the nearby Lee Metcalf Wilderness. The trail to Hidden Lake begins at the upper end of Cliff Lake.
FishingThe lake offers fishing for rainbow and Yellowstone cutthroat trout. The nearby Madison River, just five miles away, is a renowned spot for blue-ribbon fly-fishing.
SwimmingSwimming is permitted in Cliff Lake, though the water is described as cold. Several users noted the appeal of the lake's aquamarine color for swimming and other water activities.
BoatingThe lake's no-wake speed limit supports boating, canoeing, and kayaking. A natural-surface boat launch is available nearby. Boats can also be rented at Wade Lake Resort.
Wildlife viewingWildlife commonly seen includes moose, deer, eagles, otters, bears, and various waterfowl.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBiting and stinging bugs reported in user reviews. Bears (including grizzlies) are present in the area.
Active AlertsCellular service is not available at the campground. Water contamination issues were reported in user reviews but resolved.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredA bear-proof bin is available for food storage, enabling compliance with local regulations.

Weather at Cliff Point (Mt)

Reviews

4.5
23 reviews
Recommended
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

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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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....
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Based on 23 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 1 is noted for being lakeside, with some users appreciating its proximity to the lake despite mosquito issues. Site 6 offers privacy but lacks direct lake views. Other sites have stairs leading...
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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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Last updated January 13, 2026
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