How much does camping cost at West Fork Madison Campground?

Camping fees at West Fork Madison Campground range from $12/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is West Fork Madison Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

West Fork Madison Campground 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 West Fork Madison Campground before I book?

Yes! West Fork Madison Campground has 3 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 West Fork Madison Campground?

West Fork Madison Campground 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 West Fork Madison Campground?

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

How many campsites does West Fork Madison Campground have?

West Fork Madison Campground has 7 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at West Fork Madison Campground?

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

What amenities are available at West Fork Madison Campground?

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

West Fork Madison Campground

4.45

91 reviews

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

Top 23% in MTSpring

Featured in:Primitive Camping Montana

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,928 ft

Price

$12/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Madison Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,928 ft

Price

$12/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Madison Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

West Fork Madison Campground

$12.00 - $12.00 / night

Campsite Fees

S&P Standard: $12.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

I manage this campground

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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

Nearby places

Yellowstone National Park (west entrance) is less than 40 miles away.

Weather at West Fork Madison Campground

Current alerts(2)

Campsites must be attended the first night and may not be left unattended for more than a 24 hour period throughout the stay.
There is a food storage order in effect. When unattended, all food and attractants must be stored in a bear proof manner in accordance with regulations.

Best Time to Camp at West Fork Madison Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of reliably warm days, long daylight, and peak river conditions for trout fishing—average highs around 75–80°F and cool evenings near the mid-50s make daytime hikes and evenings by the river very comfortable. The old-growth spruce and Douglas fir canopy provides pleasant shade for camping while the Madison’s insect hatches and flows are at their most productive, so fly-fishing and wildlife viewing are at their peak. Expect moderate crowds in July–August at the Peak months: July, August, September, June

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Late summer 'sweet spot': highs 75–80°F, cool shade and peak insect hatches for fly-fishing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About West Fork Madison Campground

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.

West Fork Madison Campground is best suited for tent camping and does not accommodate trailers due to narrow turns and small spaces.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of reliably warm days, long daylight, and peak river conditions for trout fishing—average highs around 75–80°F and cool evenings near the mid-50s make daytime hikes and evenings by the river very comfortable. The old-growth spruce and Douglas fir canopy provides pleasant shade for camping while the Madison’s insect hatches and flows are at their most productive, so fly-fishing and wildlife viewing are at their peak. Expect moderate crowds in July–August at the Peak months: July, August, September, June

Elevation5928 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe dense canopy of spruce and Douglas fir creates an unusually lush microclimate for this part of Montana. At 5,928 feet, the river valley traps moisture and shade, fostering thick understory vegetation that gives the campground a Pacific Northwest feel rather than typical Rocky Mountain dryness. The West Fork flows right past the sites before joining the Madison, and the convergence draws both anglers and wildlife. The old-growth forest provides genuine shade and privacy between sites when the vegetation cooperates.

Lodging & AccommodationsThis campground is limited to campsites and does not offer hotel-style accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

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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.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Exact guest limits per site are not stated.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsScan and Pay using the Recreation.gov mobile app.

AccessibilityThe campground has not explicitly listed accessibility features. The road and small camp spaces may pose challenges for some visitors.

Site SizeThe campsites are small and not suitable for trailers, as the turns and spaces are narrow and tight.

PrivacyThe campground is divided by an access road, offering two sites north of the road and a five-site loop on the south. The dense vegetation provides shade and potential privacy.

Total Campsites7 campsites

Need help booking West Fork Madison Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

West Fork Madison Campground is a small, seven-unit campground located along the banks of the West Fork of the Madison River. Each campsite is equipped with a fire ring and picnic table, and the campground offers bear-proof food storage lockers on both sides. A water spigot and two vault-style outhouses are located in the loop. The dense, shaded environment adds to the camping experience.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsThere are no flush toilets available at the campground, with only vault-style toilets provided.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers are available at the campground for secure storage of food and attractants.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

91 reviews

Recommended

West Fork Madison Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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

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