Palisades Campground
Open for the season. First-come, first-served only; no reservations available through Recreation.gov. 14-day stay limit enforced.
Air Quality Alert issued August 9 at 8:15AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
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
About
Palisades Campground sits along the Upper Madison River at 5,500 feet elevation, approximately 25 miles south of Ennis in Madison County. The campground provides 10 primitive campsites spread across 80 acres of riverside terrain, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. Two accessible vault toilets serve the campground, and a host site provides seasonal oversight. The location is popular with anglers targeting the Madison River's renowned trout fishery. A separate day-use area adjacent to the campground features a paved boat launch capable of accommodating standard trailers with 2WD vehicles. The campground operates on a pack-in, pack-out trash policy. Palisades is one of six BLM campgrounds along the Madison River corridor managed by the Dillon Field Office. Modern off-grid payment kiosks installed in 2026 accept credit cards in addition to cash and checks.
Directions
From Ennis, drive approximately 26 miles south on US Highway 287. Turn west and continue about 1 mile to the campground.
Amenities
| Water | — |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $20 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| BLM_MT_Dillon_FO@blm.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (406) 683-8000 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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