Beaverhead National Forest Wade Lake Campground and Picnic Area, near West Yellowstone, Montana, is a picturesque retreat that offers a slice of paradise for families and nature lovers alike. With its stunning turquoise waters and sandy beaches, it’s hard not to feel like you’ve stumbled into a tropical oasis right in the mountains.

This small campground features clean restrooms and picnic tables, perfect for enjoying a meal with a view. Visitors rave about the crystal-clear lake, which is ideal for kayaking and fishing, although you’ll need to bring your own gear since rentals aren’t available nearby. As one happy camper put it, “Wade lake is gorgeous!! Crystal clear waters and only a few camping spots so it's not overcrowded.”

Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the open spaces and mountain views, with opportunities to spot moose and pronghorns in the area. The campground is conveniently located close to West Yellowstone, making it a great base for exploring the national park while still enjoying a peaceful lakeside experience. Just remember, this spot can fill up quickly, so arriving early is key to snagging a site.

This is a spacious campground covering nearly 20 acres of wilderness around beautiful Wade Lake. Fish Your National Forests: This site can be accessed by Passenger Car; Fish available include: Trout; Types of fishing available include: Wade, Shore, Motorized boat, Float tube, Fly, Spin, Bait, Ice; ADA Accessible fishing access with fishing pier and boat launch.

Beaverhead National Forest Wade Lake Campground and Picnic Area

Join the fun near Island Park. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Discover great camping spots near Island Park, reviewed by campers like you.

Island Park

The Best Camping Near Island Park, Idaho

Wade lake is gorgeous!! Crystal clear waters and only a few camping spots so it's not over crowded. Bring a kayak or canoe and paddle around the amazing blue water!

Fiji in Montana

If your one of the lucky few to find this location and get a spot you may have found a peek into heaven.  The lake is so clear and blue at the sametime it's amazing.   Not may places compair to this.

Great hidden location 

A bit of dirt road driving gets you off the main highway and to two of the most beautifully colored blue lakes I have seen! The campground itself is small and primitive, making for a very nice and relaxing experience.

Beautiful and Off The Beaten Path

Turquoise waters and white sandy beaches – surrounded by mountains in the middle of Montana, this place has absolutely stunning scenery. Cliff and Wade Lakes are two medium sized lakes with multiple campground sites along both lakes. Camping fee is $10/night, bathrooms, a marina and store to rent kayaks/paddleboards, both single and group use sites. Cell service at the top of the mountain when driving in but no service down by the lakes. There are many campsites, but this a very popular destination and sites fill up quickly. I recommend getting there before 2pm to grab a site!

Tropics in the Mountains 

Wide open spaces and mountain views, lots of wildlife. Simple clean and small campground but lots to do in the area to enjoy the nature. There’s also a resort with fancy cabins very nearby---make sure you know which you want. Not too far from Yellowstone, in case you are desperate for a camp site.

Moose, pronghorns, birding and more 

$10.00 to stay 2 nights I believe. Restrooms were clean. Fishing at Wade lake was ok, as well as Cliff Lake.

Quiet and pretty

Crystal clear lake, good fishing, easy to get your boat in, group sites, day sites, and a rental shop what more can you ask for? A great spot have camped here many of times! Highly recommend! 

Awesome 

Beautiful lake - looks like the Caribbean in Montana! Somewhat close to West Yellowstone for those visiting national parks. Odd campsites required reservations (even if you show up and there’s one open for the night, the sign says you still have to go to recreation.gov and reserve it) and Even sites are first come first serve. Small campground and relatively small parking lot but we went on Monday July 5th and it wasn’t busy! Excellent spot to kayak or use a small boat but it’s all BYO, no rentals anywhere nearby that we saw. Mostly families enjoying a laid back lake day. Picnic tables first come first serve for day use. 

Photos of Beaverhead National Forest Wade Lake Campground and Picnic Area

Real photos from real campers