West Fork Madison Campground

Star4.55
91 reviews
Madison Ranger District, 5 Forest Service Road, Ennis, MT 59729

Quick Facts

5,928 ft

Price

$12/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Madison Ranger District site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
West Fork Madison Campground
$12.00 - $12.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Recreation use fee is $12.00 per night during the first-come, first-served season from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025. Displayed rates do not...
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Standard Site Fee$12.00
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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What Campers Say

4.55

Top-Rated

Based on 91 reviews

64 Google reviews

Most mentioned

shadehiking

"The campground is generally appreciated for its proximity to natural features like the West Fork Madison River, its shaded environment, and recreational opportunities. However, it lacks modern amenities such as showers or flush toilets."

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Campground Map

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

West Fork Madison Campground

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

Driving directionsExact driving directions are not provided in the source materials.
Access road divides the campground into two sections and the road has tight, narrow turns which do not allow trailers. Specific details about paved/unpaved status or seasonal closures are not provided.
Nearby places
Yellowstone National Park (west entrance) is less than 40 miles away.
Nearby supplies
Close to grocery stores, meat markets, dollar stores, and dining options in Ennis, MT.

Best Time to Camp at West Fork Madison Campground

Summer days at West Fork Madison are nothing short of spectacular, with comfortable highs reaching around 77°F—perfect for afternoon fishing or leisurely hikes. Evening temperatures dip to a refreshing 54°F, ideal for gathering around the campfire and stargazing through the canopy. The dry mountain air and remarkably clear skies (boasting sunshine 88% of the time) create that crisp, invigorating atmosphere that makes Montana summers legendary. Late summer emerges as the golden season here, when wildflowers paint the meadows, berries ripen along the trails, and the fishing reaches its peak.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Comfortable summer highs (~77°F), fishing and hiking make summer attractive.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall likely strong for colors and solitude, though no specific seasonal reviews are provided.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring offers fishing and emerging greenery; no seasonal review trends provided.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Open year-round but primitive facilities and no winter activity details reduce winter appeal for many.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025 (First-come, First-served Season).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round (January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025).

About West Fork Madison Campground

Tucked away along the pristine banks of the West Fork of the Madison River, this intimate seven-unit campground offers a true back-to-nature experience. Ancient spruce and Douglas fir create a natural cathedral overhead, while the gentle murmur of the river provides a constant soundtrack to your stay. The campground's two distinct areas, separated by a winding access road, each offer their own character—though both share the same sense of peaceful seclusion. Due to the wonderfully tight, winding approach and cozy site dimensions, this hidden gem is tent-only territory, keeping the atmosphere refreshingly primitive. Whether you're casting a line into the legendary Madison waters or setting off to explore the nearby Lee Metcalf Wilderness trails, West Fork Madison serves as your perfect basecamp for authentic Montana adventures.
West Fork Madison Campground is best suited for tent camping and does not accommodate trailers due to narrow turns and small spaces.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Stay limit is not explicitly stated, but campsites must be attended the first night and not left unattended for more than a 24-hour period.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

West Fork Madison Campground provides a variety of outdoor recreational activities, particularly suited for fishing and hiking. The location also offers access to OHV trails, scenic drives in the Gravelly Mountains, and hiking opportunities in the nearby Lee Metcalf Wilderness.
HikingHiking trails are available in the nearby Lee Metcalf Wilderness, although specific details about trail difficulty, length, or popularity are not provided.
FishingFishing is available in both the West Fork and Madison Rivers. Specific details about the types of fish or quality of fishing are not provided.
Wildlife viewingThe dense vegetation and location along the river might provide opportunities for wildlife viewing, though specific species or areas are not detailed.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear-proof food storage is mandated due to the presence of wildlife. Specific hazards are not detailed.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers are available at the campground for secure storage of food and attractants.

Weather at West Fork Madison Campground

Reviews

4.6
91 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
West Fork Madison Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is generally appreciated for its proximity to natural features like the West Fork Madison River, its shaded environment, and recreational opportunities. However, it lacks modern amenities such as showers or flush toilets.
Review Summaries
Based on 91 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the dense, shaded vegetation, the close proximity to the river, and the availability of recreational activities like fishing and hiking.
Based on 91 reviews

Common Concerns

No specific complaints are provided in the authoritative sources or user reviews.
Based on 91 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors should note that trailers are not allowed due to the tight, narrow turns in the area. It's advised to arrive early as the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Based on 91 reviews

Seasonal Insights

There are no specific seasonal reviews or trends mentioned in the authoritative content or user reviews.
Based on 91 reviews

Camper Quotes

No direct quotes from users are provided in the source materials.
Based on 91 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

There is no information about reviews of specific campsites within the campground.
Based on 91 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features are available.
Based on 91 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No information about pet policies or related reviews is provided.
Based on 91 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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