Hilltop Campground
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.
Winter Weather Advisory issued October 9 at 11:29AM MDT until October 12 at 6:00AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
* WHAT...Heavy wet snow possible. Total snow accumulations between 4 and 8 inches, with isolated amounts up to 12 inches above 8000 feet. Snow accumulation in the West Yellowstone area and valleys near the Idaho border of up to 2 inches. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Gallatin and Madison County Mountains and Centennial Mountains. * WHEN...From 6 PM Saturday to 6 AM MDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be difficult. Gusty winds combined with the wet and heavy nature of the snow could bring down tree branches. Isolated power outages are possible. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snowfall amounts will vary drastically from grassy surfaces to roadways, most notably at lower elevations, with accumulations on non-grassy surfaces being confined mainly to between the evening through late morning hours.
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
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.
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 |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov | |
| USFS - Hilltop Campground |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!