West Fork Madison Campground
Open for the 2026 season. Operates late May through mid-September, weather dependent. First-come, first-served only. A food storage order is in effect requiring bear-proof storage of all food and attractants when unattended. 16-day stay limit.
Air Quality Alert issued August 11 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, Gallatin, Granite, Madison, Park, Flathead, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli, and Silver Bow counties in effect until 9AM on 08/12/2026 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 8AM on 08/11/2026, particulate levels in Missoula are Unhealthy. As of 8AM on 08/11/2026, particulate levels in Dillon, Frenchtown, Great Falls and Hamilton are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 8AM on 08/11/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Butte, Choteau, Columbia Falls, Cut Bank, Helena, Lewistown, Libby, Malta, Thompson Falls and West Yellowstone 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
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
West Fork Madison Campground sits at 6,400 feet elevation along the banks of the West Fork of the Madison River, near its confluence with the main Madison. The campground occupies a shaded grove of old-growth spruce and Douglas fir, creating a cool, densely vegetated setting. The access road divides the seven sites: two lie north of the road while a five-site loop occupies the south side. This is strictly a tent-camping destination. Trailers are not permitted due to the tight, narrow turns and small camp spaces. Each campsite includes a fire ring and picnic table. Potable drinking water is available from a hand pump in the loop, and two vault toilets serve the campground. There is no cell phone coverage. Fishing is the primary draw, with access to both the West Fork and Madison Rivers. The West Fork Road provides access to OHV trails and scenic drives in the Gravelly Mountains, while hiking trails in the Lee Metcalf Wilderness are nearby. Yellowstone National Park's west entrance is less than 40 miles away.
Directions
Located about 34 miles south of Ennis on Highway 287, approximately 9 miles west of the Madison River Canyon Earthquake slide area.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $12 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 682-4253 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov | |
| USFS West Fork Madison Campground |
Availability
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