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

Palisades Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

What is the best time to visit Palisades Campground?

Palisades Campground is open Seasonal availability not explicitly stated.. 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 Palisades Campground?

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

How many campsites does Palisades Campground have?

Palisades Campground has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Palisades Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Palisades Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Palisades Campground?

Popular activities at Palisades Campground include Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Palisades Campground

3.78

23 reviews

Dillon Field Office, 1005 Selway Drive, Dillon, MT, 59725, USA

Featured in:Boating Camping Montana

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

5,633 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Seasonal availabilit...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on BLM Dillon Field Office Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

5,633 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Seasonal availabilit...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on BLM Dillon Field Office Official Website

Get Directions

Palisades Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Standard Site Fee$8.00

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Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-683-8000BLM_MT_Dillon_FO@blm.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Dillon Field Office, 1005 Selway Drive, Dillon, MT, 59725, USA

Palisades Campground

Dillon Field Office, 1005 Selway Drive, Dillon, MT, 59725, USA

Nearby places

Ennis (25 miles, approximately 30 minutes)

Weather at Palisades Campground

Best Time to Camp at Palisades Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and full access to river recreation — expect warm, sunny days (typically 70–85°F) and cool nights (40–55°F), ideal for floating, wading, and long evenings at the river. Fishing and boating are at their peak with consistent insect hatches and easier drift-boat access on the Upper Madison; campground services (host, vault toilets) are most dependable then. Crowds are moderate at this small 10-site campground (larger on holiday weekends), so you get a lively, Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer offers warm days, peak fishing/boating season and a resident host onsite.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Seasonal availability not explicitly stated.

About Palisades Campground

Palisades Campground sits along the Upper Madison River between Ennis and the Quake Lake area, managed by the BLM Dillon Field Office. This small, mid-elevation forest campground offers direct river access for anglers and a quiet alternative to busier Madison Valley sites. Spacious sites with fire rings and picnic tables accommodate tents, RVs, and primitive setups, with vault toilets and potable water on-site.

Palisades Campground offers individual tent camping sites and supports RV camping without hookups. No group camping options or cabins are mentioned.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and full access to river recreation — expect warm, sunny days (typically 70–85°F) and cool nights (40–55°F), ideal for floating, wading, and long evenings at the river. Fishing and boating are at their peak with consistent insect hatches and easier drift-boat access on the Upper Madison; campground services (host, vault toilets) are most dependable then. Crowds are moderate at this small 10-site campground (larger on holiday weekends), so you get a lively, Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation5633 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits at 5,633 feet elevation where the Madison River has carved through mountainous terrain. Water-smoothed river rocks line the banks. Mountains frame the valley in all directions. The riparian corridor attracts raptors. Golden eagles, red-tailed hawks. And songbirds. Reviews mention watching birds and exploring back roads. The river itself is the main feature: clear water, consistent flows, good for floating and wading.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodges or accommodations are mentioned in the source materials.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural or educational programs are not mentioned in the source materials.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Stay limit not specified.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Guest limits per site not specified.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable, no reservations accepted.

AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible vault toilets and a campground host pad. Accessibility options beyond this are not detailed.

Site SizeUser reviews describe the sites as spacious, with easy access for larger rigs.

PrivacyPrivacy levels are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials but are implied to be peaceful and quiet by user reviews.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesRecommendations include camping near the river for scenic views and privacy. Best times for finding sites mentioned during weekdays.

Best CampsitesReviews mention sites near the river offer the best views and the quietest experience. Specific site numbers aren't noted in the feedback, but users describe all sites as spacious with good access for larger rigs.

Amenities available

Palisades Campground offers 10 campsites on the Upper Madison River, providing a serene setting with views of the river and accessible amenities. The campground features 2 accessible vault toilets, a campground host pad, and a nearby day-use site with a paved boat launch and parking area. User reviews highlight clean facilities, picnic tables, fire pits, and accessible bathrooms.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The campground provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, wildlife viewing, and exploring the scenic Madison River area. There is a day-use site with a paved boat launch for water activities, and the area is known for natural beauty and tranquility.

Fishing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

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).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

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

3.8

23 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Palisades Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Users generally praise Palisades Campground for its peaceful environment, cleanliness, proximity to the Madison River, and well-maintained facilities. Vault toilets and views of the river are frequently mentioned. However, some reviews note the lack of cell service and hookups.

Review Summaries

Based on 23 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include clean vault toilets, proximity to the Madison River, peaceful atmosphere, spacious sites, and well-maintained facilities.

Based on 23 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints focus primarily on the lack of hookups and cell phone reception.

Based on 23 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No site-specific reviews are provided beyond general comments about cleanliness and proximity to the Madison River.

Based on 23 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

A user recommended visiting to "watch raptors and other birds, explore back roads," and advised that the best time to find a site during COVID was Tuesday or Wednesday morning.

Based on 23 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Seasonal trends are not elaborated in the source materials. User reviews span multiple years but do not specify seasonal variations.

Based on 23 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Very clean, most spots are right on the river." - Trish Clements "Beautiful! On the bank on the Madison River. Very peaceful." - Betsy Cornette "Gorgeous!! Vault toilet very clean. No reception,...

Based on 23 reviews