The Madison River flows directly through this Forest Service campground, creating two distinct camping areas connected by the water. Sites spread across both sides of the river, with a formal loop on the west bank and additional spots along the roadway on the east side. RVs up to 30 feet can access most sites, though reviewers note the access road can be rough.
Weekend crowds arrive early for the river access, particularly during peak summer months. J W. notes the campground "tends to fill up quickly, especially on the weekends" due to heavy use by boaters and tubers. Weekday visits offer more space and quieter conditions along the water. The river supports fishing and floating activities, with mountain views visible from many sites.
Standard Forest Service amenities include drinking water, restrooms, and a dump station. Firewood is available for purchase, and pets are welcome throughout the campground. The $15 nightly fee covers sites from May through October, with reservations recommended given the popularity among river users. For additional options in the region, campers can explore camping near Beaverhead National Forest.
This campground works best for campers who enjoy river-based activities and don't mind sharing the space with day-use boaters during busy periods.
Description
Overview
Madison River Campground is located in southwestern Montana just beyond the banks of its namesake river. It is approximately 34 miles south of Ennis and about 45 miles west of Yellowstone National Park. The ten site campground borders a Douglas Fir covered hillside to the back, with the Madison River just across the road, on the front side. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. Vault toilets and drinking water taps are located near each site, along the one-way road. Visitors enjoy fishing, sight-seeing and nearby hiking and ATV trails. Riverview Campground is only about a quarter mile away and West Fork Campground is less than one mile and both are available on a first come, first served basis.__Campsite 8 can only be reserved 2 weeks in advance. All other sites can be reserved 6 months ahead of your arrival date, with the next day becoming available for reservations at 8 A.M. mountain time.
Recreation
Just across the gravel road, and for about a 40 mile length, the world renowned Madison River offers blue ribbon flyfishing. Nearby Wade and Cliff Lakes also offer fishing opportunities as well as small craft boating, canoeing and swimming. Hebgen and Henry's Lakes are each about a 30 minute drive. There are many hiking trails in the area, including just beyond the highway in the Lee Metcalf Wilderness. Off Road Vehicle trail riding is popular in the Gravelly range.
Facilities
There are two vault toilets and four drinking water spigots spread throughout the campground. Water is available May to September, exact dates being dependent upon weather. Picnic tables and fire rings are located in each site. Bear proof bins enable compliance with food storage regulations. The camp sites lie along a one way through road which parallels and reconnects with the access road. There is no garbage service. Cellular service is available.
Natural Features
At an elevation of 5910 feet, the campground is situated on the west side of the world renowned Madison River and at the southern end of the Gravelly Mountain range. The Lee Metcalf Wilderness is about two miles directly to the west. Wade and Cliff Lakes are about ten miles away. The campground is backed by a forest of predominantly Douglas Fir trees.
Nearby Attractions
Wade and Cliff Lakes are ten miles away. Riverview and West Fork Campgrounds are less than one mile away, and available on a first come, first served basis, while Wade, Cliff Point and Hilltop Campgrounds are ten miles. The west entrance to Yellowstone National Park is less than 40 miles east, at West Yellowstone. The Earthquake Lake Visitor Center and Geologic Site is only about a ten minute drive.
Fee Info
Fee to reserve campsite is non-refundable within 14 days of arrival date. Any changes in reserved dates may be assessed an additional fee by the National Recreation Reservation Service.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundMadison River Campground (MT) is located in Montana
Directions
Travel south from Ennis for 33 miles on US Highway 287. Approximately one mile beyond the Lyon Rest Area, turn west at signs indicating West Fork RV Camp. Cross the Old Kirby Bridge (maximum height 12 7 , maximum weight four tons) and turn left onto West Madison road #8381. Travel about one mile to campground. When travelling from south or east, turn to Old Kirby Bridge six miles northwest of US 287 and MT 87 junction.
Address
Madison Ranger District
5 Forest Service Road
Ennis, MT 59729
Coordinates
44.87719 N
111.57571 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 4/27/26
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 13 usersLast on 4/27/26- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 4/27/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 4/27/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 13 usersLast on 4/27/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 4/27/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
Drive Time
- 1 hr 28 min from Bozeman, MT
- 1 hr 47 min from Idaho Falls, ID
- 2 hrs 9 min from Helena, MT
- 2 hrs 30 min from Pocatello, ID
