Kayakers and anglers find direct access to Wade Lake's clear blue waters at this Forest Service campground in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. The campground operates on a split reservation system where odd-numbered sites require advance booking through Recreation.gov while even-numbered sites remain first-come, first-serve. Sites accommodate RVs up to 30 feet and include picnic tables, fire rings, and grilling grates.
The lake draws families for day-long water activities, with a boat launch available for small watercraft. Megan notes the water "looks like the Caribbean in Montana" due to its distinctive turquoise color. Several sites offer direct beach access, though tent campers should expect some sloped terrain. The campground fills quickly during peak season, with reviewers recommending arrival before 2 PM to secure a spot.
A dirt road provides access from the main highway, and cell service disappears once you reach the lake level. Clean restrooms serve the campground, and a nearby resort offers additional services. The area connects to Cliff Lake Campground for those exploring multiple camping spots outside Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. Wade Lake works well for campers who prioritize water access and don't mind rougher road conditions to reach this mountain lake setting.
Description
Overview
Wade Lake Campground is located in southwestern Montana on the shore of its scenic namesake lake. It is approximately 43 miles south of Ennis and 35 miles west of Yellowstone National Park. The 25 site campground, including two group sites, is situated in a dense Douglas Fir forest on the hillside above the lake. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. Vault toilets and drinking water taps are provided in each of the two camping loops. The campground is situated on a steep hillside. For many of the sites, particularly in the upper loop, the only flat space for a tent may be in the parking driveway. There is an undeveloped natural-surface boat launch and the lake has a no-wake speed limit. Visitors enjoy fishing, small craft boating, and nearby hiking and ATV trails in the Gravelly Range. Trailers longer than 24 feet are not recommended due to small campsites, narrow roads and tight curves within the campground. Check the driveway length and width before booking to make sure the entirety of your equipment will fit the site. Snow may hinder access in early or late seasons. Cellular service may be available at the top of the hill near the Forest boundary, about 1.5 miles away._All sites are only available through reservations. To provide reservation opportunities for those who are unable to plan six months in advance, site numbers 6, 13, 17, 20 and 25 may only be reserved two weeks prior to arrival date. Sites 2, 9, 14 and 22 may only be reserved four days prior to arrival. All other sites can be booked 6 months in advance. Each new day becomes available at 8 A.M. Mountain time.
Recreation
Wade Lake offers fishing for rainbow and brown trout, as well as boating, canoeing and swimming, despite the cold water. Boats can be rented at Wade Lake Resort. Just five miles away, the world renowned Madison River offers blue ribbon flyfishing. Hiking trails begin right at the campground , as well as, in the nearby Lee Metcalf Wilderness. Off Road Vehicle trails are abundant in the Gravelly range though there are no trails in the immediate campground area.
Facilities
There are five vault toilets and five drinking water spigots spread throughout the campground. Water is available May to September. Picnic tables and fire rings are located in each site. Two group camping sites and two walk-in tent camping sites are available. Bear proof bins enable compliance with food storage regulations. A natural surface boat launch, suitable for small boats and trailers, is provided. Day-use parking space for the lake is minimal. Garbage service is provided only from May 15 to September 15.
Natural Features
At an elevation of 6217 feet, the campground and lake lie in the bottom of a forested ravine at the southern end of the Gravelly mountain range. The spring fed 200 acre lake is known for its beautiful clear aquamarine water. The larger Cliff Lake is less than 1 mile away. Moose, deer, eagles, an occasional bear and a variety of waterfowl can be seen in the area .
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (406) 682-4253.
Nearby Attractions
Cliff Lake, Cliff Point Campground and Hilltop Campground are within one mile. Hilltop is available on a first come first served basis. The west entrance to Yellowstone National Park is about 35 miles east at West Yellowstone. The Earthquake Lake Visitor Center and Geologic Site is about a ten mile drive. The Lee Metcalf designated wilderness begins about five miles to the northeast. A short drive will bring you to much larger Hebgen Lake to the east and Henry's Lake to the south.
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 CampgroundWade Lake Campground — Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest is located in Montana
Address
Madison Ranger District
5 Forest Service Road
Ennis, MT 59729
Coordinates
44.80532 N
111.57202 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 1 hr 55 min from Bozeman, MT
- 1 hr 55 min from Bozeman, MT
- 2 hrs 5 min from Idaho Falls, ID
- 2 hrs 5 min from Idaho Falls, ID
- 2 hrs 35 min from Helena, MT
- 2 hrs 35 min from Helena, MT
- 2 hrs 49 min from Pocatello, ID
- 2 hrs 49 min from Pocatello, ID
