Wade Lake Campground And Picnic Areas

4.53

96 reviews

Wade Lake, MT, USA

Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Montana

Quick Facts

6,400 ft

Price

$15 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

27 campsites

Season

Open annually from m...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Madison Ranger District, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,400 ft

Price

$15 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

27 campsites

Season

Open annually from m...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Madison Ranger District, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Wade Lake Campground And Picnic Areas

$15.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Campsites cost $15 per night for single sites and $30 per night for group sites. Payments for peak season (May 15 - September 15) must be made at the...

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$30.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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USFS

Provider

406-682-4253

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What Campers Say

4.53

Top-Rated

Based on 96 reviews

97 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciouswaterlake

"User reviews generally praise Wade Lake Campground for its beautiful scenery, clear turquoise water, and recreational opportunities like paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing. However, several reviews mention overcrowding during the summer months and challenges with parking."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Wade Lake, MT, USA

Wade Lake Campground And Picnic Areas

Wade Lake, MT, USA

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

Trailers longer than 24 feet are not recommended due to narrow roads and tight curves within the campground. Snow may hinder access in early or late seasons.

Nearby places

Ennis (37 miles, approximately 45 minutes)

Yellowstone National Park (35 miles, approximately 50 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Supplies can likely be obtained in Ennis, 37 miles away, or potentially at local stores near Yellowstone National Park 35 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Wade Lake Campground And Picnic Areas

From mid-May through mid-September, Wade Lake transforms with the seasons, offering visitors a dynamic mountain climate at 6,400 feet. Summer days bring warmth that invites swimming and paddling, while evenings cool dramatically, perfect for gathering around crackling campfires. Mountain weather keeps things interesting—afternoon thunderstorms can roll through with little warning, painting dramatic skies before giving way to spectacular sunsets. Early and late season adventurers should come prepared for possible snow, as winter's grip lingers long and returns early at this elevation, occasionally blocking access roads with late spring or early fall snowfall.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Warm days ideal for swimming/paddling; busiest season with crowded beaches and parking issues.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Open through mid-September; early fall likely pleasant and less crowded but short season window.

Spring(Mar-May)

2.0 / 5

Open from mid-May; early/late spring snow can hinder access and reduce recreational options.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground is seasonally open mid-May to mid-September; winter access is generally not available.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 - September 15. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open annually from mid-May to mid-September, weather dependent.

About Wade Lake Campground And Picnic Areas

Nestled among towering Douglas Firs on a gentle hillside, Wade Lake Campground offers 27 peaceful campsites where the forest meets the water's edge. This mountain retreat combines the tranquility of old-growth forest with stunning lake views, providing campers with picnic tables, fire rings, and essential amenities including vault toilets and fresh drinking water. The campground's crown jewel is its group site, perfect for family reunions or gatherings of friends. With a strictly enforced no-wake policy preserving the lake's mirror-like surface and easy access to both hiking and ATV trails threading through the surrounding wilderness, Wade Lake has become a cherished escape for those seeking authentic Montana outdoor experiences. Note that the winding approach road, while scenic, limits access to trailers under 24 feet—a small trade-off for the intimate, unspoiled setting that awaits.

The campground accommodates tent camping, RV camping (with restrictions), and group camping. Trailers over 24 feet are not recommended due to narrow roads and tight curves.

Weather and SeasonsFrom mid-May through mid-September, Wade Lake transforms with the seasons, offering visitors a dynamic mountain climate at 6,400 feet. Summer days bring warmth that invites swimming and paddling, while evenings cool dramatically, perfect for gathering around crackling campfires. Mountain weather keeps things interesting—afternoon thunderstorms can roll through with little warning, painting dramatic skies before giving way to spectacular sunsets. Early and late season adventurers should come prepared for possible snow, as winter's grip lingers long and returns early at this elevation, occasionally blocking access roads with late spring or early fall snowfall.

ElevationPerched at 6,400 feet above sea level, Wade Lake Campground offers that perfect high-country atmosphere where the air is crisp, the stars shine brilliantly, and every breath feels refreshingly pure. This elevation provides natural air conditioning during summer's heat while creating ideal conditions for the Douglas Fir forests that blanket the surrounding slopes.

Natural Features and SceneryWade Lake captivates visitors with its remarkable turquoise waters, a jewel-like centerpiece framed by dense stands of Douglas Fir that seem to march right down to the shoreline. The interplay of light through the forest canopy creates an ever-changing tapestry of shadows and golden rays, while the lake itself shifts from deep emerald in the morning to brilliant aquamarine by midday. Wildlife thrives in this pristine environment—eagles soar overhead, deer browse at dawn, and the occasional moose might be spotted wading in the shallows. The surrounding forest provides both shelter and scenery, with massive firs creating cathedral-like spaces where campers can truly disconnect from the modern world.

Geological RegionDeep in the heart of southwestern Montana's Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Wade Lake Campground occupies a special corner of the Northern Rockies where ancient geological forces have carved out a perfect mountain basin. This densely forested hillside location showcases the region's characteristic Douglas Fir ecosystem, thriving in the well-drained soils and mountain climate that define this portion of the Continental Divide's eastern slopes. The campground's position on the hillside above Wade Lake offers a unique vantage point to appreciate the dramatic landscape that makes this corner of Montana so spectacular.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

16 day stay limit.

Groups

There is one group site available. No further details on capacity or specific features are provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground includes two loops with designated parking spots. Sites are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityHalf the sites are first-come-first-served, though they fill quickly. Early arrival is recommended.

AccessibilityTrailers longer than 24 feet are not recommended due to narrow roads and tight curves within the campground. Snow may impact early or late season access.

Site SizeUser reviews indicate tent sites are spacious, but the exact dimensions are not provided.

PrivacyReviews note that Hilltop Campground offers better privacy but no lake view, while other sites offer shade and close proximity to the lake.

Total Campsites27 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 13 offers a good middle ground for lake access and desirability. Site 17 is noted for its appeal but may be difficult to access. Site 19 offers sunlight for solar panels.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Wade Lake Campground offers a variety of activities, including fishing, small craft boating, hiking, and swimming. The lake's no-wake speed limit makes it ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking. Nearby hiking and ATV trails are available in the Gravelly Range.

HikingBoth authoritative sources and user reviews mention nearby hiking trails in the Gravelly Range. Specific trail lengths and difficulty levels are not provided.

FishingFishing at Wade and Cliff Lakes is highlighted in user reviews as very good. One user stated, 'You can see the fish swimming if you are on a kayak.'

SwimmingSwimming in the crystal-clear, turquoise water is commonly praised in user reviews. However, the rocky shoreline may require water shoes for comfort.

BoatingBoating is permitted, but only for small craft due to the lake's no-wake speed limit. An undeveloped natural-surface boat launch is available.

Wildlife viewingNo specific wildlife species are mentioned, but the area is described as scenic and natural, suggesting opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Beach activitiesUser reviews mention tight beach spaces during busy periods and a fee of $5 per vehicle for day use starting in 2023.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTrailers over 24 feet may encounter difficulties due to narrow roads and sharp curves. Seasonal snow can also hinder access.

Food Storage RequiredBear food lockers are available at tent sites to ensure safety and proper food storage.

Emergency ServicesMadison Ranger District located at 5 Forest Service Road, Ennis, MT 59729 (Phone: 406-682-4253, Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).

Trash & RecyclingThere is no specific mention of trash or recycling facilities in authoritative sources or user reviews.

Water FeaturesThe campground is situated on the hillside above Wade Lake, offering convenient access to the lake for activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming. Cliff Lake is also nearby.

Weather at Wade Lake Campground And Picnic Areas

Reviews

4.5

96 reviews

Top-Rated

Wade Lake Campground And Picnic Areas is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews generally praise Wade Lake Campground for its beautiful scenery, clear turquoise water, and recreational opportunities like paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing. However, several reviews mention overcrowding during the summer months and challenges with parking.

Review Summaries

Based on 96 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the lake's clear water, excellent fishing opportunities, spacious tent sites, bear-proof food lockers, and clean vault toilets.

Based on 96 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints involve overcrowding during peak seasons, limited parking, and challenges in accessing specific campsites, especially for larger trailers.

Based on 96 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend reserving campsites well in advance, especially during summer holidays. Arriving early is advised for first-come, first-served sites. Water shoes are recommended for swimming due to...

Based on 96 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate summer as the busiest and most crowded season, with tighter beach spaces and congested parking. Early or late seasons may experience snow hindering access.

Based on 96 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'What an absolutely great place... Weather was perfect. We plan on going back but will reserve a campsite.' (Donna Smith) 2. 'Great campsite and wonderful lake. Paddled around on our canoe, swam...

Based on 96 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #17 is highlighted as desirable but difficult to access. Site #13 is described as a good middle ground for lake access and site desirability. Site #19 allows limited solar panel usage due to...

Based on 96 reviews