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.
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.
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.
R1-2025-02 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.
Delmoe Lake Area/Road Closure
U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest ServiceBeaverhead-Deerlodge National ForestButte Ranger DistrictArea/Road Closure
Elkhorn Mine Area and Road Closure
The purpose of this Order is for public safety, the mill site is unstable with heavy metals in the soil and the adit area is flooded with falling rock at the portal entrance.
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.
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…
Anaconda Pintler Wilderness Restrictions
A package of restrictions for the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness Area on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge and Bitterroot National Forests regarding travel and camping with stock, campfires, group size, and mandatory party/individual registration.
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 |
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