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.
Fire Weather Watch issued August 31 at 10:31AM MDT until September 3 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Missoula MT
...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH WEDNESDAY EVENING DUE TO WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR EAST BEAVERHEAD... The National Weather Service in Missoula MT has issued a Fire Weather Watch. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zone 111. * TIMING...From Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday evening. * WINDS...Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Relative Humidity between 20 to 35 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
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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