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Campsite at Hilltop Campground
Closed

The campground is currently closed for the season and reopens May 15, 2026. Operating season runs late May through mid-September, weather dependent. First-come, first-served; 16-day stay limit. Garbage service available May 15 through September 15.

Air Quality Alert issued August 10 at 7:30AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT

7:30 AM — August 11th, 9:00 AM

AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Broadwater, Deer Lodge, Flathead, Gallatin, Granite, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Mineral, Missoula, Park, Powell, Ravalli, Silver Bow, Sweet Grass, Sanders, Yellowstone counties in effect until 9AM on 08/11/2026 An Air Quality Alert means that particulates have been trending upwards and that an exceedance of the 24 hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) has occurred or may occur in the near future. Elevated particulate levels from wildfire smoke As of 7AM on 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Columbia Falls, Frenchtown, Libby and Missoula are Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Dillon, Great Falls, Helena and Thompson Falls are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 7AM on 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Butte, Cut Bank, Hamilton, Lewistown and Sleeping Giant are Moderate. When air quality is Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid prolonged exertion; everyone else should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Moderate... State and local health officials recommend that unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. For more information visit the Montana Department of Environmental Quality at http://todaysair.mtdeq.us

Air Quality Alert issued August 9 at 8:15AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT

August 9th, 8:15 AM — 9:00 AM

AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Flathead, Granite, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli, Sanders, Silver Bow counties in effect until 9AM on 08/10/2026 An Air Quality Alert means that particulates have been trending upwards and that an exceedance of the 24 hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) has occurred or may occur in the near future. Elevated particulate levels from wildfire smoke As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Columbia Falls are Very Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Dillon, Libby and Thompson Falls are Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Butte, Hamilton, Lewistown and Sleeping Giant are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Cut Bank, Frenchtown, Great Falls, Havre, Helena, Malta and Missoula are Moderate. When air quality is Very Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid any outdoor activity; everyone else should avoid prolonged exertion. When air quality is Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid prolonged exertion; everyone else should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Moderate... State and local health officials recommend that unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. For more information visit the Montana Department of Environmental Quality at http://todaysair.mtdeq.us

Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Northern Region Camping & Target Restrictions, Pallet Prohibition

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, South Dakota, and Idaho

About

Hilltop Campground is perched at 6,800 feet elevation on a forested hilltop midway between Cliff and Wade Lakes in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. The 18 campsites are nestled in a quiet old-growth Douglas fir forest, providing shade and seclusion from the busier lake access areas. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring, with four vault toilets and three fresh water hydrants distributed throughout the campground. The campground serves as an excellent base for fishing, swimming, and small craft boating at nearby Cliff Lake (1.25 miles) and Wade Lake (1.75 miles). A hiking trail departs directly from the campground to Wade Lake Campground and connects to other routes in the trail system. The Madison River, a world-famous trout stream, lies about seven miles away, and Yellowstone National Park's west entrance is less than 40 miles distant. Access requires navigating a steep, winding 3/4-mile climb from the Cliff Lake road. Trailers over 22 feet are not recommended due to the road conditions and site configurations. There is no cell service at the campground, and a food storage order is in effect requiring bear-proof storage of all food and attractants when unattended.

Directions

From Ennis, drive about 37 miles south on Highway 287. Turn west at the Cliff and Wade Lakes sign, then take Forest Road 241 west for 5 miles to the campground. The final 3/4 mile is a steep, winding climb from the Cliff Lake road.

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station
Wifi No
Pets Allowed
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store
Price $15

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length 22ft
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (406) 682-4253

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Campsite at Hilltop Campground
Hilltop Campground from Google Earth

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