How much does camping cost at Hilltop Campground?

Camping fees at Hilltop Campground range from $15-$30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Hilltop Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Hilltop Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Walk-up only campsite availability.

Can I see photos of campsites at Hilltop Campground before I book?

Yes! Hilltop Campground has 2 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 Hilltop Campground?

Hilltop Campground is open Late May through mid-September.. 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 Hilltop Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Hilltop Campground?

Fire policies at Hilltop Campground: Not explicitly mentioned.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Hilltop Campground have?

Hilltop Campground has 18 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Hilltop Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Hilltop Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Hilltop Campground?

Popular activities at Hilltop Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Hilltop Campground

3.95

20 reviews

5 Forest Service Road, Ennis, MT 59729

Featured in:Primitive Camping Montana

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

Check Availability 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

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Hilltop Campground

$15.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Single Site: $15 per night There is a $15.00 per night fee for this campground.

Standard Site Fee$15.00

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USFS

Provider

406-682-4253

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Hilltop Campground

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Campground Map

5 Forest Service Road, Ennis, MT 59729

Hilltop Campground

5 Forest Service Road, Ennis, MT 59729

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.

Weather at Hilltop Campground

Best Time to Camp at Hilltop Campground

Summer brings mid-60s to mid-70s°F days with cool nights dropping to the 30s and 40s°F. June and July deliver peak wildflowers and active trout fishing, while longer daylight and mostly snow-free roads keep access manageable. Spring arrives late at this elevation. Winter buries the campground in deep snow and makes the site inaccessible. The high-elevation location means cooler temperatures than lower valleys, which is a bonus on hot afternoons but requires warm layers for evenings.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Mid-60s to 70s days, peak wildflowers and active trout fishing in June/July; prime season.

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

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.

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

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings mid-60s to mid-70s°F days with cool nights dropping to the 30s and 40s°F. June and July deliver peak wildflowers and active trout fishing, while longer daylight and mostly snow-free roads keep access manageable. Spring arrives late at this elevation. Winter buries the campground in deep snow and makes the site inaccessible. The high-elevation location means cooler temperatures than lower valleys, which is a bonus on hot afternoons but requires warm layers for evenings.

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 SceneryThe campground's ridgetop position offers views of surrounding granite peaks and the glacially carved valleys holding Wade and Cliff Lakes. Dense stands of old-growth pines create shade and a thick forest floor of needles and rocky soil. Deer move through the sites regularly, and the proximity to two alpine lakes means morning mist and glassy water views are a short walk away. The elevation and volcanic geology create a landscape of weathered rock and resilient vegetation that's held this ridge for centuries.

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.

Scenic ViewsCampground sites do not have views of the lakes, but its hilltop location offers tranquility and gentle breezes. A significant drop along one edge adds to the picturesque landscape.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging or accommodations such as cabins or hotels are available at this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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 primitive sites spread across the ridge with grass and dirt parking aprons. Each site has a picnic table and fire grill. The layout provides decent spacing and privacy under the pines, though the rough access road limits trailer length to under 22 feet.

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

Hilltop Campground offers a mix of essential amenities, including vault toilets and potable water, with four water spigots available on-site. Picnic tables and fire grilles are provided at all 18 campsites. However, there are no showers, flush toilets, laundry facilities, or bear-resistant food storage lockers, which may be a concern for some campers. Garbage services are seasonal, available from May 15 to September 15.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not provided; only vault toilets are available, which some users described as clean but lacking essential items like toilet paper.

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.

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

4.0

20 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Hilltop Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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

Site-Specific Reviews

No user reviews specifically mention particular campsite numbers or areas within Hilltop Campground.

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

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features or experiences for campers with disabilities.

Based on 20 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically mention pet policies or experiences related to pets.

Based on 20 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

Tent campers and car campers who want shade, deer in the sites, and easy access to trout fishing at Cliff and Wade Lakes without the lake-crowd noise. First-come-first-served keeps it low-key, and $15/night is hard to argue with.

Skip if

Trailers over 22 feet will take damage on the rough unpaved access road, multiple reviewers flagged real rig damage. No showers, no cell service, and supplies are 37 miles away in Ennis, so come fully stocked.

Nearby Campgrounds

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.

Hilltop Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Hilltop Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Hilltop Campground

Best Time to Camp at Hilltop Campground

Planning Tips

About Hilltop Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Go if

Skip if

Overview

About the campground

Seasons & access

RV information

Directions

Plan a trip to Hilltop Campground

Best Time to Camp at Hilltop Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews