Wade Lake (Mt)

Star4.01
117 reviews
Madison Ranger District, 5 Forest Service Road, Ennis, MT, 59729
Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Quick Facts

6,217 ft

Price

$15 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Open from May 15 to ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

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
Wade Lake (Mt)
$15.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $15 for standard nonelectric sites to $30 for group sites. A $5 day-use fee is charged for visitors.
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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Provider
406-682-4253406-682-4253
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What Campers Say

4.01

Satisfactory

Based on 117 reviews

67 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulwaterlake

Some mention

crowdedsmall

"User reviews for Wade Lake Campground are mixed, with many praising the site's natural beauty, clear aquamarine waters, and opportunities for outdoor activities. Negative reviews focus on overcrowding, small and uneven campsites, and issues with maintenance or noise."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Wade Lake (Mt)

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

Driving directionsDrive south from Ennis, MT on US-287 for 43 miles, turn west onto Cliff and Wade Lakes Road (Forest Road 241), follow signs until you reach the campground. Alternatively, from West Yellowstone, travel west 35 miles following US-20 to MT-87, then onto Cliff and Wade Lakes Road.
The roads include a mix of paved and gravel surfaces. User reviews note the road from MT-87 is particularly rough, with one stating it is 'miles of rough road' and slippery when wet. The route via US-287 is recommended as smoother.
Nearby places
Yellowstone National Park (West Entrance) - 35 miles
Ennis, MT - 43 miles
Nearby supplies
Ennis, MT has grocery stores, fuel stations, and other supplies. Additionally, West Yellowstone (35 miles east) offers similar amenities.

Best Time to Camp at Wade Lake (Mt)

Summer days at Wade Lake unfold with crisp, invigorating mornings that give way to pleasantly warm afternoons—though mountain weather keeps even seasoned campers on their toes with its delightful unpredictability. Pack layers and be prepared for anything from sunshine to sudden showers. Pro tip: those refreshing rains awaken the local mosquito population, so bring your favorite bug spray to keep these tiny locals at bay.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season with best access to hiking, boating, fishing; busy and sometimes overcrowded.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Shoulder season likely offers great scenery and fewer crowds; trails and lake access remain appealing.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens mid-May; spring offers fewer crowds but variable weather and colder water for activities.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Site is seasonally open May 15–Nov 30; snow restricts winter access and operations.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 15 to September 15. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 15 to September 15 for reservations, with first-come, first-served availability afterward until November 30.
  • Current Alerts: No specific alerts mentioned.

About Wade Lake (Mt)

Perched on a scenic hillside overlooking the pristine waters below, Wade Lake Campground beckons adventurers with 25 thoughtfully placed sites nestled among towering Douglas Fir trees. This mountain sanctuary seamlessly blends the tranquility of dense forest camping with easy access to crystalline waters perfect for fishing and boating. Miles of hiking trails wind through the surrounding wilderness, offering endless opportunities to explore the untamed beauty of Montana's high country.
Wade Lake Campground accommodates a mix of camping styles, including tent-only sites, group sites, and small trailers. Larger RVs over 24 feet are not recommended due to narrow roads and tight curves.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
  • 16 consecutive days per site
  • 32 days annual limit across multiple sites.

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 recreational activities in a serene natural setting. Visitors frequently engage in fishing, boating, hiking, wildlife viewing, and swimming, despite the cold water. The campground provides access to hiking trails and is located near the Gravelly Range, which offers ATV trails. Additionally, the lake features pristine aquamarine waters ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking.
HikingHiking trails are accessible directly from the campground and in the nearby Lee Metcalf Wilderness. Trails vary in difficulty and offer scenic views of the surrounding area.
FishingThe lake features fishing opportunities for rainbow and brown trout. The nearby Madison River, located five miles away, is renowned for blue-ribbon fly fishing.
SwimmingVisitors can swim in Wade Lake, though the water is cold and may be uncomfortable for extended periods. Swimming is more common in mid-summer when temperatures are warmer.
BoatingBoating is allowed at Wade Lake, but the area is restricted to a no-wake speed limit. A natural surface boat launch is available, and visitors can rent boats from the nearby Wade Lake Resort.
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as moose, deer, eagles, bears, and waterfowl can be observed in the area. The scenic lake and forested surroundings provide excellent viewing opportunities.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include bears, steep and uneven terrain, and cold lake water.
Active AlertsNo specific alerts mentioned.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are provided to ensure compliance with food storage regulations.

Weather at Wade Lake (Mt)

Reviews

4.0
117 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Wade Lake (Mt) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Wade Lake Campground are mixed, with many praising the site's natural beauty, clear aquamarine waters, and opportunities for outdoor activities. Negative reviews focus on overcrowding, small and uneven campsites, and issues with maintenance or noise.
Review Summaries
Based on 117 reviews

What Campers Love

Many visitors highlight the stunning aquamarine water of Wade Lake, the natural beauty of the surrounding area, and the variety of recreational activities such as paddleboarding and fishing. Several...
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Based on 117 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include overcrowding, especially during peak seasons, the small size and unevenness of campsites, and noise from other campers. Some visitors criticized the lack of garbage services...
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Based on 117 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend arriving early to secure a spot, especially on weekends. They also advise bringing sufficient water, bug spray, and being prepared for narrow, rough roads. Group site reservations...
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Based on 117 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with frequent mentions of overcrowding and busy day-use areas. Winter and offseason reviews note that snow can restrict access, and visitors need to prepare for...
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Based on 117 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The lake is gorgeous and the area is so peaceful." - Katie Robb; "The natural aquamarine waters make the lake absolutely stunning!" - Camry Lefort; "Overcrowded during peak times, but very quiet and...
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Based on 117 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 19 (Upper Loop): Complaints about lack of privacy and unfavorable layout. Site 10 (Main Loop): Noted as being too close to neighboring campers. Site 6 (Main Loop): Highly praised for proximity...
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Based on 117 reviews

Accessibility Features

The steep hillside of the campground poses challenges for individuals with mobility limitations. No additional reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 117 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are permitted, but several reviews highlight issues with unleashed dogs disrupting other campers or polluting the lake.
Based on 117 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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