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Madison River Campground is located in southwestern Montana just beyond the banks of it’s 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Amazing trout fishing from may to september (unless they are spiking the dam). Nice slow moving water. It is exceptionally known for floating during the summer time and will always be filled with campers and river floaters during the warmer weather. Fun party spot, but if you want something quiet and secluded, this is too close to town for that.
1990,s vacations to Yellowstone, and Montana. It's amazingly beautiful . Best memories of my life. I'm 66 and looking back, and seeing the changes made. First trip there were no houses in the park. Things changed every year.
Breathtaking scenery abounds on the Upper Madison with big trout hiding in its waters. The Lower Madison has Bear Trap Canyon then beautiful floating and fishing water through lovely scenery.
