Wade Lake
Closed — Closed for the winter season. Opens in May and operates through September. Reservations available through Recreation.gov with varying booking windows depending on site.
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
Wade Lake Campground is situated on a forested hillside above its scenic namesake lake in southwestern Montana, approximately 43 miles south of Ennis and 35 miles west of Yellowstone National Park. The 25-site campground, including two group sites, is nestled in a dense Douglas Fir forest at 6,217 feet elevation within the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. The spring-fed 200-acre lake is known for its beautiful clear aquamarine water and offers excellent fishing for rainbow and brown trout. A natural-surface boat launch accommodates small boats and trailers, and the lake maintains a no-wake speed limit. Visitors enjoy boating, canoeing, kayaking, and swimming in the cold mountain water. The steep hillside terrain means many sites have limited flat space, with tent setups sometimes requiring use of the parking driveway. Hiking trails begin at the campground and extend into the nearby Lee Metcalf Wilderness, located about five miles northeast. The world-renowned Madison River, offering blue ribbon flyfishing, is just five miles away. Off-road vehicle trails are abundant in the Gravelly Range, though not in the immediate campground area. Wildlife including moose, deer, eagles, bears, and waterfowl frequent the area. Nearby attractions include Cliff Lake (less than one mile), Yellowstone National Park's west entrance (35 miles), Earthquake Lake Visitor Center (10 miles), and Hebgen Lake.
Directions
Located about 37 miles south of Ennis on Highway 287. Turn west at Wade and Cliff Lakes signs on Highway 287, then take Forest Road 241 west for 5 miles.
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 - $30 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 24ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 24ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 682-4253 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
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