How much does camping cost at Madison River?

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

Is Madison River first-come first-served or reservation?

Madison River 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 Madison River before I book?

Yes! Madison River has 4 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 Madison River?

Madison River is open January 01 to December 31. 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 Madison River?

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

Is there cell service at Madison River?

Cell phone service at Madison River is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Madison River have?

Madison River has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Madison River?

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

What amenities are available at Madison River?

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

What activities can I do at Madison River?

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

Madison River (Mt)

3.72

67 reviews

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

Top 9% in MTFall

C+Report Card

Fishing

Featured in:Hiking Camping Montana

Quick Facts

5,910 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open May 15 to Septe...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Madison Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,910 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open May 15 to Septe...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Madison Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Madison River (Mt)

$15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

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

Standard Site Fee$15.00

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Provider

406-682-4253

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Campground Map

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

Madison River (Mt)

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

Nearby places

Ennis (34 miles, approximately 45 minutes)

West Yellowstone (45 miles, approximately 1 hour).

Driving directionsTravel south from Ennis for 33 miles on US Highway 287. Approximately one mile beyond the Lyon Rest Area, turn west at signs indicating West Fork RV Camp. Cross the Old Kirby Bridge (maximum height 12’ 7”, maximum weight four tons) and turn left onto West Madison road #8381. Travel about one mile to campground. When travelling from south or east, turn to Old Kirby Bridge six miles northwest of US 287 and MT 87 junction.

Weather at Madison River (Mt)

Current alerts(4)

No garbage service is available. 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.
There is a 16 day camping limit. Campers must move beyond a five mile radius for seven days before returning.
There is a food storage order in place. All food and attractants must be stored in a bear-proof manner when unattended.

Best Time to Camp at Madison River (Mt)

Best season: fall. Fall delivers the best combination of comfortable daytime temps, dramatic color along the riparian cottonwoods and aspens, and quieter campsites after peak summer. Expect daytime highs in September often 50–70°F and nights dropping to 25–40°F (colder by late October), ideal for hiking, photography, and float/fly-fishing when river flows mellow and trout feeding is excellent. Crowds thin after Labor Day and hunters become more active later in the season, so you’ll enjoy solitude for wildlife-view Peak months: September, October, August, May Avoid: December, January, February, March

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 9% in MT

Overview: 'Best season: fall' for comfortable temps, dramatic color and quieter campsites.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 15 to September 15 for reservations; first-come, first-served from September 16 to December 31.

About Madison River (Mt)

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.

Madison River Campground features individual campsites suitable for tent and RV camping. While primitive camping is available, there are no group-specific accommodations or luxury options such as glamping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall delivers the best combination of comfortable daytime temps, dramatic color along the riparian cottonwoods and aspens, and quieter campsites after peak summer. Expect daytime highs in September often 50–70°F and nights dropping to 25–40°F (colder by late October), ideal for hiking, photography, and float/fly-fishing when river flows mellow and trout feeding is excellent. Crowds thin after Labor Day and hunters become more active later in the season, so you’ll enjoy solitude for wildlife-view Peak months: September, October, August, May Avoid: December, January, February, March

Elevation5910 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDouglas firs shade most of the campground, though some sites sit in full sun. The Madison River flows along the eastern boundary, known for excellent fly-fishing. The Gravelly Mountains rise to the north, and the Lee Metcalf Wilderness is accessible nearby. Wade and Cliff Lakes lie within a short drive. Expect mosquitoes during summer, especially near the water.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges or accommodations available within the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no cultural or educational programs explicitly listed for this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

16 days camping limit—campers must move beyond a five-mile radius for seven days before returning.

Groups

No group-specific sites or accommodations are available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations are made via Recreation.gov. Contact center, app, and website options are available.

AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets are available. However, no additional accessibility features, such as paved trails, ramps, or ADA-compliant facilities, were noted.

Site SizeSites are spacious and provide enough room for standard camping setups, including trailers and full-size trucks.

PrivacySites are reasonably private with a mix of shaded and sunny options. Some users described them as spacious and quiet (e.g., 'Nice campground with lots of room,' said by LUCY G, campsite 6 on 7/27/2022).

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesCampsite 8 is sunny, while Campsites 6, 9, and 10 offer more shade. Campsite 7 accommodates trailers and trucks and is near the river.

Best CampsitesSites 6 and 9 get positive mentions for shade and quiet. Reviewers suggest avoiding site 8, which sits in full sun. Sites are spacious enough for trailers and full-size trucks.

Need help booking Madison River (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

Madison River Campground is located in southwestern Montana, just beyond the Madison River's banks. This Douglas Fir bordered campground features 10 individual sites each equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. Amenities include two vault toilets and four drinking water taps available seasonally (May to September, weather-dependent). Bear-proof bins align with food storage regulations, while no garbage service is provided. Cellular service is available at the campground.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Madison River (Mt)

Madison River Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities catering to nature enthusiasts. Popular activities include fly fishing on the Madison River, hiking in nearby trails such as those in the Lee Metcalf Wilderness, and ATV riding in the Gravelly Mountain Range. Birdwatching is also a highlight, with notable species such as ospreys and eagles.

Fishing5.0/5Top 3% in Montana

Hiking4.0/5

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Water Sports3.0/5

Small craft boating is possible at nearby lakes (~10 mi); limited onsite kayaking opportunities.

Winter Activities2.0/5

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5River, mountains, wildlife and fall color provide strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at the campground.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof bins are available for compliance with food storage regulations.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trash & RecyclingNo trash and recycling services are available. Campers are required to 'Pack It In, Pack It Out,' which caused frustration among some users, particularly in bear country (e.g., 'No trash cans in bear country, lame,' said by MATTHEW T, campsite 8 on 9/11/2021).

Cell CoverageCellular reception is available at the campground. However, some users reported issues with connectivity, especially in emergencies.

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

Rate Madison River (Mt)

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From Booking Sources

3.7

67 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Madison River (Mt) has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Madison River Campground are mixed, with some praising its scenic location and peaceful environment while others express dissatisfaction with missing amenities like trash services and limited reservation flexibility.

Review Summaries

Based on 67 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 67 reviews.

Site 6Loved
Site 6 and Site 9 are praised for their spaciousness and shade ('Very nice shady spot in #9 especially,' said by Robert B).
Site 8Mentioned
Site 8 is noted as overly sunny and lacking privacy.
Site 7Mentioned
Site 7 accommodates trailers and trucks well ('Easily accommodated an 18-ft trailer and full-size truck,' noted by Scott B).

What Campers Love

Positive mentions include its serene riverside location, spacious campsites, and proximity to fishing and hiking opportunities. Many users also appreciated its quiet atmosphere and clean facilities.

Based on 67 reviews

Common Concerns

Criticisms focus on the lack of garbage services and shortages of toilet paper. Some users also noted challenges with mosquitoes and the occasional noise from nearby highways.

Based on 67 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bear spray and mosquito repellent. Plan meals and supplies ahead of time, as the nearest restaurant is 25 miles away. Reviewers suggest opting for shaded sites during sunny periods and avoiding...

Based on 67 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Campground experiences vary by season. In late September or early October, the area becomes colder and sunnier sites like Site #10 may be preferable due to limited daylight. Mosquitoes peak in...

Based on 67 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Nice and peaceful place for fly fishermen.' — Thierry L, 7/10/2022. 2. 'We have been coming to Madison River CG since 2000. It’s great bird habitat in the campground and on the river.' — Carmen...

Based on 67 reviews

Accessibility Features

Vault toilets are accessible, but no additional accessibility features were reported. Older campers may face challenges due to the lack of garbage services and modern amenities.

Based on 67 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Reviews do not explicitly mention policies or experiences related to pets.

Based on 67 reviews

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Madison River (Mt)

$15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

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

Standard Site Fee$15.00

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 budget-friendly riverside camping with fishing access and don't mind minimal services or road noise.

Skip if

You need garbage service, guaranteed site reservations, or complete isolation from road sounds.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

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.

Madison River (Mt)

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