Cliff Point
Closed — Closed for the season. Opens mid-May through mid-September annually. Snow may hamper access during early and late seasons. All sites are reservation-only through Recreation.gov.
R1-2024-01 Weed Free Forage & Mulch Products Order for the Northern Region
It is illegal to possess, store or transport straw, hay, grain, seed or other forage or mulch products on Forest Service lands without documentation that the product is certified as “weed free” by a state certification process that meets or exceeds the North American Weed Free Forage standards.
R1-2025-01 Camping stay limits & prohibitions on pallets and refuse use for target shooting
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within all national forests in Montana, and the Dakota Prairie National Grasslands, Idaho Panhandle and Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests.
R1-2023-02 - NCDE Food and Wildlife Attractant Storage Order
Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem Food/Wildlife Attractant Storage Order for the Flathead, Lolo, Kootenai, Helena-Lewis and Clark, and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests within the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem.
R1-2023-01 Northern Region Camping Restrictions
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within the states of Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
R1-2025-02 Use of Vehicles Off Road
Use of vehicles off road prohibition for the Nez-Perce Clearwater and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests and Dakota Prairie Grasslands.
Use of Vehicles Off Road
Possessing or using a vehicle off National Forest System Roads is prohibited on all National Forest System lands on the Nez-Perce Clearwater and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests and Dakota Prairie Grasslands.
Madison Ranger District 8325A and 8325B Roads Closure
U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest ServiceBeaverhead-Deerlodge National ForestMadison Ranger District
Road/Trail Prohibitions, Off-Road Prohibitions in Recommended Wilderness Areas
This order describes the off-road prohibitions in Recommended Wilderness.
Annual Food Storage Order
Food storage order is in effect annually from March 1 to December 1 on the National Forest System (NFS) lands within the Beaverhead- Deerlodge and Bitterroot National Forests.
Pallet Prohibition Order Butte Ranger District
The following is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Butte Ranger District, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest: possessing or storing any material containing nails, screws, or other metal hardware, including wood pallets and construction debris, that could be used as fir
Thompson Park Area Closure for Camping and Fires
The purpose of this Order is to provide for public health and safety and resource protection resulting from high levels of undeveloped (dispersed) camping in the area.
Elkhorn Mill and Mine Area Closure
The purpose of this Order is for public safety. The mill site is unstable with heavy metals in the soil and the audit area is flooded with falling rock at the portal entrance.
About
Cliff Point Campground occupies a forested ravine along the southern shore of Cliff Lake, approximately 43 miles south of Ennis and 35 miles west of Yellowstone National Park. At 6,400 feet elevation in the Gravelly Mountains, the campground provides lakeside access to 600 acres of clear, aquamarine water known for rainbow and Yellowstone cutthroat trout fishing. Each of the 6 sites includes a picnic table and fire ring, with some partial shade. A centrally located vault toilet and hand pump drinking water serve the campground. An undeveloped natural-surface boat launch sits nearby, and the lake maintains a no-wake speed limit. The area offers diverse recreation beyond the immediate shoreline. The Madison River, renowned for blue ribbon fly fishing, flows just 5 miles away. Hiking trails include the route to Hidden Lake beginning at the upper end of Cliff Lake, plus trails into the nearby Lee Metcalf Wilderness. Off-road vehicle trails traverse the Gravelly Range. Wildlife sightings include moose, deer, eagles, otters, occasional bears, and various waterfowl. Wade Lake sits less than a mile away, and Earthquake Lake Visitor Center is approximately 10 miles distant. All sites are reservation-only through Recreation.gov. Site 6 can be reserved two weeks in advance, while other sites have a six-month advance window. The campground's tight curves and small turnaround loop limit suitable vehicles to trailers 16 feet or shorter. Snow may affect access during early and late season periods. A 16-day stay limit applies, and food storage requirements are enforced due to bear activity.
Directions
From Ennis travel south on Highway 287 for approximately 37 miles. Turn west on Forest Road 241 (also signed as Wade and Cliff Lakes Road) and continue 5 miles to the campground. Follow signs for Wade and Cliff Lakes. When traveling from the east, turn onto Wade and Cliff Lakes Road 1 mile west of the US 287 and MT 87 junction.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 16ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 16ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 682-4253 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
Photos
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