How much does camping cost at Elk Lake Dispersed Camping And Picnic Area?

Camping fees at Elk Lake Dispersed Camping And Picnic Area range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Elk Lake Dispersed Camping And Picnic Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Elk Lake Dispersed Camping And Picnic Area operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Null

What is the best time to visit Elk Lake Dispersed Camping And Picnic Area?

Elk Lake Dispersed Camping And Picnic Area is open Null. 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 Elk Lake Dispersed Camping And Picnic Area?

Elk Lake Dispersed Camping And Picnic Area does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Elk Lake Dispersed Camping And Picnic Area?

Fire policies at Elk Lake Dispersed Camping And Picnic Area: Null. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Elk Lake Dispersed Camping And Picnic Area have?

Elk Lake Dispersed Camping And Picnic Area has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Elk Lake Dispersed Camping And Picnic Area?

Pets are not allowed at Elk Lake Dispersed Camping And Picnic Area. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Elk Lake Dispersed Camping And Picnic Area?

Elk Lake Dispersed Camping And Picnic Area offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Elk Lake Dispersed Camping And Picnic Area?

Popular activities at Elk Lake Dispersed Camping And Picnic Area include Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Elk Lake Dispersed Camping And Picnic Area

4 reviews

5 Forest Service Road Ennis, MT 59729

Featured in:Hiking Camping Montana

Quick Facts

6,400 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open annually mid-Ma...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,400 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open annually mid-Ma...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Elk Lake Dispersed Camping And Picnic Area

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

There is no fee for this dispersed camping area.

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

406-682-4253

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

5 Forest Service Road Ennis, MT 59729

Elk Lake Dispersed Camping And Picnic Area

5 Forest Service Road Ennis, MT 59729

Nearby places

Henry's Lake, ID (~23 miles)

Monida, MT (~50 miles)

Nearby supplies

Null

Weather at Elk Lake Dispersed Camping And Picnic Area

Current alert: Road conditions can be an issue accessing this campground. Visitors are advised to call in advance for updates.

Best Time to Camp at Elk Lake Dispersed Camping And Picnic Area

Late June through August brings the warmest, most reliable weather for hiking, boating, and fishing. Daytime highs reach 60–80°F, with nights cooling to the mid-30s to mid-40s. Lakes thaw completely by summer, and wildflowers hit their peak. Brief afternoon thunderstorms are common, so start day hikes early. Weekends fill up despite the primitive nature of the site. Arrive early or come midweek.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open mid-May–mid-Sept; summer is best for hiking, boating and fishing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open annually mid-May through mid-September, weather dependent.

About Elk Lake Dispersed Camping And Picnic Area

Elk Lake dispersed camping and picnic area sits in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest near Ennis, Montana, at 6,400 feet elevation. The single primitive site offers picnic tables and bear lockers. Road conditions can limit accessibility, and there's no potable water, garbage service, or cell coverage.

Elk Lake Dispersed Camping and Picnic Area is a primitive camping site without many developed facilities, offering a raw and natural camping experience.

Weather and SeasonsLate June through August brings the warmest, most reliable weather for hiking, boating, and fishing. Daytime highs reach 60–80°F, with nights cooling to the mid-30s to mid-40s. Lakes thaw completely by summer, and wildflowers hit their peak. Brief afternoon thunderstorms are common, so start day hikes early. Weekends fill up despite the primitive nature of the site. Arrive early or come midweek.

ElevationPerched at 6,400 feet above sea level, this high-altitude haven offers crisp mountain air and spectacular vistas. The elevation creates a natural climate that keeps summer temperatures comfortable while providing stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys below.

Natural Features and SceneryGlacial lakes nestle between weathered peaks in this mountain wilderness, where streams have carved valleys through ancient rock. At 6,400 feet, the landscape shows millions of years of geological history. Wildflowers and alpine meadows peak during summer months.

Geological RegionSet within the majestic Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, this camping area showcases the raw beauty of Montana's mountain wilderness. The landscape tells a geological story millions of years in the making, where glacial lakes nestle between weathered peaks and mountain streams have carved valleys through ancient rock formations, creating a dramatic backdrop for your outdoor adventure.

Scenic ViewsNull

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no accommodations such as lodges or cabins at this site.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned for this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

Camping in an area, campsite, or developed campground is limited to 16 accumulated days within any 30-day period.

Groups

Details about group site capacity and regulations are not provided.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsNull

Walk-in AvailabilityNull

Cancellation PolicyNull

Site SizeNo specific data about campsite sizes is mentioned.

PrivacyNo specific data about campsite privacy is mentioned.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesNull

Amenities available

Elk Lake Dispersed Camping and Picnic Area is a primitive camping site surrounded by pristine wilderness, providing an undisturbed natural environment for campers. The lack of developed infrastructure is a defining feature, with visitors required to bring their own potable water and pack out all trash. The site offers picnic tables and restrooms, but potable water is explicitly unavailable. A bear-resistant food storage system is in place to ensure safety in this bear-frequented area. The site is accessible via a challenging road, and visitors are advised to check road conditions before arrival.

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The Elk Lake Dispersed Camping and Picnic Area offers a variety of outdoor activities suited to its pristine wilderness setting. Popular activities include hiking, fishing, picnicking, and boating. Wildlife viewing is a highlight for birders and nature enthusiasts.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears are frequent in the area. Visitors should follow bear safety practices.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

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

Food Storage RequiredBear-resistant food storage boxes are available.

Trip Planning Tools

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

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

0.0

4 reviews

Limited Reviews

Elk Lake Dispersed Camping And Picnic Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

No user reviews are provided in the authoritative content to summarize.

Review Summaries

Based on 4 reviews

What Campers Love

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Based on 4 reviews

Common Concerns

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Based on 4 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

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Based on 4 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

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Based on 4 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No user reviews are provided in the authoritative content to analyze seasonal trends.

Based on 4 reviews

Camper Quotes

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Based on 4 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews are provided in the authoritative content to address accessibility.

Based on 4 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No user reviews are provided in the authoritative content to discuss pet-related policies or experiences.

Based on 4 reviews

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Go if

Fly fishers and boaters who pack all their own water and want a free lakeside base in Montana's high country during July or August. Midweek arrivals have the best shot at snagging the single site before weekend crowds arrive.

Skip if

Road conditions can close or complicate access with no warning, so anyone towing a large rig or driving a low-clearance vehicle should call the Madison Ranger District at 406-682-4253 before leaving town. No cell service means no real-time updates once you're en route.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

4.2

(39)

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.

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

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

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.

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

5 Forest Service Road, Ennis, MT 59729

Hilltop Campground sits at 6,800 feet on a ridge between Wade and Cliff Lakes in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. The 18 primitive sites are shaded by old-growth pines and offer a quiet alternative to busier lakeside camping. Fees run $15-30 per night. No cell service, and rough unpaved roads make access challenging for some rigs.

$15.00 - $30.00 / night

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

Wade Lake sits in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest near Ennis, Montana, known for its striking aquamarine waters fed by natural springs. Managed by the Madison Ranger District, this mid-elevation campground offers tent, primitive, and group sites for anglers, paddlers, and hikers exploring the surrounding forest. The lake's unusual color and cool, clear water draw visitors for fishing and boating during the summer operating season.

$15.00 - $30.00 / night

Frequently Visited

4.4

(96)

Wade Lake Campground And Picnic Areas

Wade Lake, MT, USA

Wade Lake Campground sits on a forested hillside at 6,400 feet in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, offering 27 sites (tent, RV, and group) from mid-May to mid-September. Fees run $15-30 per night. The campground includes vault toilets, potable water, bear lockers, and standard tables and fire rings. First-come-first-served sites fill quickly during summer weekends, and visitors report parking challenges during peak season.

$15.00 - $30.00 / night

Frequently Visited

4.3

(164)

Henrys Lake State Park

3917 E 5100 N, Island Park, Idaho, 83429-5209, United States

Henrys Lake State Park sits on the eastern shore of a glacially-formed high mountain lake at 6,000 feet, about a short drive from Yellowstone's west entrance. The campground has 83 sites (tent, RV, and cabins) with fees ranging from $33–70/night and full amenities including showers, flush toilets, and hookups. It's a popular base camp for Yellowstone trips and serious trout fishing.

$33.00 - $70.00 / night

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

Madison River campground sits along the Madison River in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest near Ennis, operated by the Madison Ranger District. This small riverside site offers tent, RV, and primitive camping with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors come for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing in a quiet mid-elevation forest setting.

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

4.5

(91)

West Fork Madison Campground

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

West Fork Madison Campground sits along the Madison River in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, managed by the Madison Ranger District. This very small site offers shaded tent and primitive camping under old-growth spruce and Douglas fir, with vault toilets, potable water, and direct river access for trout fishing. The dense canopy and riverside location appeal to anglers and hikers seeking a quiet base near Ennis.

$12.00 - $12.00 / night

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

Riverview Campground sits along the Madison River in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, operated by the Madison Ranger District near Ennis. This mid-elevation forest campground offers tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Campers enjoy scenic mountain views, well-maintained sites large enough for trailers, and clean facilities managed by attentive hosts.

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

5 Forest Service Road, Ennis, MT 59729

Riverview Campground sits on a sagebrush plateau above the Madison River, 20 sites arranged in a single loop with outward-facing placement for privacy. The 5,900-foot elevation keeps nights cool even in summer. Vault toilets stay clean and well-stocked thanks to attentive hosts. Sites cost $15 per night (cash or check), accommodate trailers up to 30 feet, and include fire rings, picnic tables, and bear lockers. Cell service works. The open terrain means zero shade and summer mosquitoes.

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Less Visited

4.0

(13)

West Fork Cabin (S Of Ennis)

5 FOREST SERVICE ROAD, ENNIS, MT 59729, USA

West Fork Cabin sits in the high-elevation alpine terrain of Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, managed by the Madison Ranger District near Ennis. This secluded rental cabin offers a base for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing in wildflower meadows and clear mountain streams during the summer months. Guests regularly spot deer, antelope, elk, and moose around the property.

1 campsites

Reservable

25.224 km

$45.00 - $45.00 / night

Caribou-Targhee National Forest

Upper Coffee Pot sits along Henry's Fork in Caribou-Targhee National Forest near Island Park, operated by Aud & Di Campground Services. This small mid-elevation campground offers electric hookups and riverside access for tent and RV campers who fish, boat, and explore forest trails. The setting is forested and close to the water, with a five-day stay limit during the peak summer season.

$25.00 - $62.00 / night

Campgrounds you may also like

Big Elk sits in mid-elevation forest within Caribou-Targhee National Forest, about an hour from Idaho Falls and near Palisades Reservoir. Operated by Aud & Di Campground Services, this very small campground offers tent, RV, and group sites with vault toilets, potable water, and standard amenities. Visitors come for Big Elk Creek access, reservoir boating and fishing, and wildlife viewing on surrounding trails.

$60.00 - $100.00 / night

Campgrounds

Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Elk Lake Dispersed Camping And Picnic Area

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Elk Lake Dispersed Camping And Picnic Area sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>Elk Lake dispersed camping and picnic area is surrounded by pristine wilderness and mountain lakes and streams. There are abundant wildlife viewing opportunities in the area, which is particularly popular with birders. Bears frequent the landscape here, so be sure to be bear aware and follow all regulations and best practices for food storage.</p>