Is Ruby Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Ruby Creek 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 Ruby Creek Campground?

Ruby Creek Campground is open Open year-round. 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 Ruby Creek Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Ruby Creek Campground?

Fire policies at Ruby Creek Campground: Fire rings are present and fires are reported allowed; the campground is pack-in/pack-out with no on-site trash service.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Ruby Creek Campground have?

Ruby Creek Campground has 22 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Ruby Creek Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Ruby Creek Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Ruby Creek Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Ruby Creek Campground?

Popular activities at Ruby Creek Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Ruby Creek Campground

4.73

27 reviews

Top 5% in MTSpring

Seasonal ranking by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

StargazingFishing

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Montana

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Pets Allowed

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Pets Allowed

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Ruby Creek Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

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BLM

Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Ruby Creek Campground

45.0608, -111.6659

Nearby places

Ennis, MT — ~23 miles

Cameron, MT — nearest community (distance not specified)

Weather at Ruby Creek Campground

Best Time to Camp at Ruby Creek Campground

Ruby Creek welcomes visitors year-round, transforming with Montana's dramatic seasons. Summer temperatures hover around a comfortable 80°F, drawing fishing enthusiasts and boaters to the Madison's famous waters, while winter transforms the landscape into a snowy playground with temperatures dipping to 20°F—ideal for snowmobiling and skiing adventures (remember to check avalanche conditions for backcountry excursions). The exposed setting means big skies and occasional winds, so pack accordingly and embrace the authentic Montana experience where shade is scarce but views are endless.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summers ~80°F, peak season for fishing and boating; many positive summer reviews.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

About Ruby Creek Campground

Nestled along the legendary Madison River, Ruby Creek Campground offers 22 spacious sites where world-class fly fishing meets sweeping Montana vistas. The willow-lined banks provide easy river access while the open landscape frames stunning panoramas of the Madison and Gravelly mountain ranges stretching across the horizon.

22 primitive sites situated along the Madison River; sites accommodate both tents and RVs. No hookups available.

Historical Significance

No historical or cultural significance mentioned in available sources.

Weather and SeasonsRuby Creek welcomes visitors year-round, transforming with Montana's dramatic seasons. Summer temperatures hover around a comfortable 80°F, drawing fishing enthusiasts and boaters to the Madison's famous waters, while winter transforms the landscape into a snowy playground with temperatures dipping to 20°F—ideal for snowmobiling and skiing adventures (remember to check avalanche conditions for backcountry excursions). The exposed setting means big skies and occasional winds, so pack accordingly and embrace the authentic Montana experience where shade is scarce but views are endless.

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Natural Features and SceneryWake up to the gentle sounds of the Madison River flowing just steps from your campsite, where willow-draped banks invite morning anglers and wildlife watchers alike. The campground's open terrain creates an amphitheater of mountain views, with the rugged Madison Range rising to the east and the Gravelly Range defining the western skyline. Beyond the immediate riverside setting, nearby forests within the Ruby Range and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest provide habitat for mule deer, elk, and blue grouse that occasionally venture into view.

Geological RegionMadison River valley near the Madison Range (east), Gravelly Range (west), and Ruby Range; adjacent to Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Scenic ViewsPanoramic views of the Madison Range to the east and the Gravelly Range to the west; open-field mountain vistas with river frontage.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsUseDirect (commonly used for BLM campground reservations)

Total Campsites22 campsites

Best CampsitesSites are large and well-spaced with ample distance between neighbors; one reviewer specifically recommended site 5 after a two-week stay, though all 22 primitive sites provide river access and mountain views.

Amenities available

Basic BLM campground amenities along the Madison River: potable water spigots, vault/pit toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. No showers or electrical hookups; no on-site trash service noted.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Ruby Creek Campground

River-centered recreation with direct Madison River access for fishing and boating, plus nearby hiking, horseback riding, cycling and winter snow sports opportunities. Wildlife viewing is commonly reported.

Fishing5.0/5Top 2% in Montana

Hiking4.0/5

Access to nearby trails, Lee Metcalf Wilderness and Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF for day hikes and cross-country routes.

Boating4.0/5

Site notes direct Madison River access for boating and river-centered recreation.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Wildlife viewing commonly reported; willow banks and quiet river habitat draw animals.

Water Sports4.0/5

Direct river access for boating implies good kayaking opportunities on the Madison.

Biking3.0/5

Cycling mentioned among nearby activities but not a highlighted facility.

Signature experiences

Photography4.5/5Panoramic ranges, river frontage, wildlife and starlit skies offer high photo potential.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsExposed, wind-prone terrain and very limited shade; can experience heavy insect activity. Wildlife encounters (including bears reported by visitors) are possible. Cell service (Verizon) is reported poor in the area. Winter backcountry activities carry avalanche risk in nearby terrain.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.7

27 reviews

Top-Rated

Ruby Creek Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising cleanliness, spacious sites, river access and friendly camp hosts; a minority of visitors report heavy insect activity, wind and limited cell service.

Review Summaries

Based on 27 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean, well-maintained campground; direct Madison River access and strong fishing; large, well-spaced sites with mountain views; attentive camp hosts (reported by visitors as Jim and Page); on-site...

Based on 27 reviews

Common Concerns

Several reviewers note the sites are exposed and can be windy (one visitor after Labor Day felt the wind all day) and there is no electrical/water hookups. One reviewer strongly warned of heavy bugs;...

Based on 27 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 5 was called out by a reviewer who stayed two weeks and praised the campground; reviewer notes two centrally located fresh water spigots and mentions a county trash dump a few miles south for...

Based on 27 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Pack in/pack out (no trash receptacles on-site); bring wind protection and insect repellent; purchase fishing license before arrival; water available at two central spigots; one long-term visitor...

Based on 27 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Off-season visits are described as especially quiet and scenic with snow-covered peaks and abundant wildlife. Late-season (after Labor Day) can be noticeably windy due to limited cover. A single...

Based on 27 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Camping here was so peaceful. The river soothed me to sleep.” — “The greatest campground if you want away from it all.”

Based on 27 reviews

Reviews on Outdoorithm

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Ruby Creek Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

Share this campground

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Provider

Go if

Fly fishers and anglers get the most out of this place: direct Madison River access from your site, reliable potable water, and a camp host on-site. Site 5 gets repeat visitors for a reason. The mountain views east and west are real, not just marketing.

Skip if

No hookups, no showers, no trash service, and very limited cell coverage make this a bad fit if any of those are non-negotiable. The terrain is exposed and windy, shade is genuinely scarce, and bug pressure can be serious depending on timing.

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