Hilltop Campground

4.39

20 reviews

5 Forest Service Road, Ennis, MT 59729

Quick Facts

6,800 ft

Price

$15 - $30/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Open late May throug...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Beaverhead National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,800 ft

Price

$15 - $30/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Open late May throug...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Beaverhead National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Hilltop Campground

$15.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight use fees are $15 per night for a single site and $30 per night for double sites. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50%...

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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USFS

Provider

406-682-4253

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What Campers Say

4.39

Recommended

Based on 20 reviews

19 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacyquietshadelake

"User reviews generally highlight the tranquil and secluded nature of Hilltop Campground, along with its proximity to Cliff and Wade Lakes. Negative feedback includes the lack of showers, occasional unavailability of essential items like toilet paper in vault toilets, and rough road conditions leading to the site."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

5 Forest Service Road, Ennis, MT 59729

Hilltop Campground

5 Forest Service Road, Ennis, MT 59729

Driving directionsThe campground is about 37 miles south of Ennis on Highway 287. Turn west at the Cliff and Wade Lakes sign on Highway 287, then take Forest Road 241 west for 5 miles to the campground.

The last 6.1 miles are on a dirt road that is rough in places. Steep and winding drive for the last 3/4 mile from Cliff Lake Road.

Nearby places

West Yellowstone is approximately 38 miles southeast of the campground.

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies are likely in the city of Ennis, approximately 37 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Hilltop Campground

From late May through mid-September, Hilltop Campground transforms into an outdoor paradise with comfortable temperatures perfect for casting a line into crystal-clear waters or exploring winding forest trails. The high-elevation climate brings refreshingly cool mornings that give way to warm, sun-drenched afternoons ideal for adventure. While winter blankets the area in deep snow and brings bone-chilling temperatures, the prime camping months offer predominantly dry conditions with spectacular blue skies. Spring arrives late at this elevation, but when it does, wildflowers paint the meadows in vibrant colors, while autumn brings a spectacular display of golden aspens against the evergreen backdrop.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open late May–mid-Sept; peak season with comfortable temps and full recreational access.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

2.5 / 5

Open into mid-September only; early fall fine but seasonality limits later-fall use.

Spring(Mar-May)

2.0 / 5

Opens late May, so most of spring is closed; very limited late-spring access.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed outside late May–mid-September; winter use not supported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Late May through mid-September.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open late May through mid-September.

About Hilltop Campground

Perched majestically on a scenic hilltop between the pristine waters of Cliff and Wade Lakes, Hilltop Campground offers an authentic Montana wilderness experience across 10 sprawling acres. Towering old-growth pine trees create a natural canopy, providing welcome shade and filling the air with their distinctive mountain fragrance. This peaceful retreat features well-maintained vault toilets, fresh potable water, sturdy picnic tables, and grills for memorable outdoor meals. While the campground embraces a rustic charm without food storage lockers, visitors share this beautiful landscape with native wildlife, including bears, making proper food storage essential. The winding access roads and intimate sites are best suited for trailers under 22 feet, ensuring the campground maintains its secluded, intimate atmosphere.

Hilltop Campground is primarily designed for tent camping and does not offer RV sites, group sites, or luxury accommodations such as glamping.

Historical SignificanceWhile Hilltop Campground may not boast ancient ruins or historical markers, its very existence tells the story of America's conservation legacy. This protected slice of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest represents generations of careful stewardship, preserving these wild spaces for outdoor enthusiasts to experience the same untouched beauty that has captivated visitors for decades.

Weather and SeasonsFrom late May through mid-September, Hilltop Campground transforms into an outdoor paradise with comfortable temperatures perfect for casting a line into crystal-clear waters or exploring winding forest trails. The high-elevation climate brings refreshingly cool mornings that give way to warm, sun-drenched afternoons ideal for adventure. While winter blankets the area in deep snow and brings bone-chilling temperatures, the prime camping months offer predominantly dry conditions with spectacular blue skies. Spring arrives late at this elevation, but when it does, wildflowers paint the meadows in vibrant colors, while autumn brings a spectacular display of golden aspens against the evergreen backdrop.

ElevationAt 6,800 feet above sea level in the heart of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Hilltop Campground offers that perfect sweet spot of mountain elevation. High enough to escape the summer heat of the valleys below, yet accessible enough for comfortable camping, this elevation provides crisp, clean air and stunning vistas. The altitude adds an extra dimension to your camping experience, from more brilliant stars in the thin mountain air to the satisfying challenge of high-elevation hiking.

Natural Features and SceneryAncient pines stand as silent sentinels throughout the campground, their gnarled trunks and spreading branches telling stories of centuries past. These majestic trees create a living cathedral, filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The proximity to both Wade and Cliff Lakes means water views are just a short walk away, where morning mist rises off glassy surfaces and evening light transforms the water into liquid gold. Wildlife sightings are common, from curious chipmunks to soaring eagles, while the surrounding forest offers endless opportunities for photography and quiet contemplation.

Geological RegionHilltop Campground sits atop a commanding ridge in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, a geological wonderland where ancient volcanic activity and glacial carving have created a landscape of stunning contrasts. This elevated perch at 6,800 feet offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ecosystem, where weathered granite peaks give way to dense forests of centuries-old pines. The unique position between Wade and Cliff Lakes showcases the region's glacial heritage, with these pristine alpine waters nestled in valleys carved by ice age giants. The rocky soils and resilient vegetation tell the story of a landscape shaped by millions of years of natural forces.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

16-day stay limit.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layout18 combined tent and RV sites with picnic tables and grills. Parking aprons are grass and dirt.

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable since reservations are not allowed.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up only campsite availability.

Cancellation PolicyNot explicitly mentioned.

AccessibilityAccessibility features such as wheelchair-friendly toilets are not available.

Site SizeEach site includes picnic tables and fire grilles, suitable for standard camping needs.

PrivacySites are shaded, quiet, and private according to user reviews, offering a secluded experience away from lake crowds.

Total Campsites18 campsites

Recommended SitesSites are private and spacious according to user reviews, with proximity to Wade and Cliff Lakes.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Hilltop Campground emphasizes outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and fishing at nearby Cliff and Wade Lakes. Swimming and boating are not directly available at the campground, but nearby lakes offer opportunities.

HikingThe Cliff and Wade Lakes Interpretive Trail is a 1-mile hike ideal for day trips.

FishingFishing is available at Cliff and Wade Lakes, but one user review noted that the lakes can be crowded, making fishing difficult at times.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a popular activity at Hilltop Campground, as evidenced by user reviews describing deer sightings.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity requires adherence to safe food storage practices. Significant drop-offs are present along one edge of the campground, protected by a split rail fence. Supervision of children is advised.

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

Fire PolicyNot explicitly mentioned.

Emergency ServicesMadison Ranger District office located at 5 Forest Service Road, Ennis, MT, is the closest emergency point. Phone: 406-682-4253.

Trash & RecyclingGarbage services are available seasonally from May 15 to September 15.

Water FeaturesLocated between Cliff and Wade Lakes, though not directly beside them.

Camp HostCamp hosts are noted to be kind in user reviews.

Weather at Hilltop Campground

Reviews

4.4

20 reviews

Recommended

Hilltop Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews generally highlight the tranquil and secluded nature of Hilltop Campground, along with its proximity to Cliff and Wade Lakes. Negative feedback includes the lack of showers, occasional unavailability of essential items like toilet paper in vault toilets, and rough road conditions leading to the site.

Review Summaries

Based on 20 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects mentioned by users include privacy and shade at campsites, quiet surroundings away from lake crowds, and sightings of wildlife such as deer. One user described the campground as...

Based on 20 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the rough unpaved road causing damage to trailers, missing toilet paper in vault toilets, and the lack of showers. The campground's distance from the lakes was noted as a...

Based on 20 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend practicing safe food storage techniques due to bear presence and being prepared for rough road conditions. Bringing a kayak or raft could enhance the experience at nearby lakes.

Based on 20 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews emphasize that the campground is open seasonally from late May through mid-September, aligning with favorable weather conditions.

Based on 20 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Lovely campground. Spots are private. Not far from Wade and Cliff Lakes. We had a nice time and a deer came through our site!' - Liz Wight 2. 'Camp host were very kind. So beautiful to be at the...

Based on 20 reviews