Branham Lakes Campground And Picnic Area
02 reviewsnull
Branham Lakes Campground And Picnic Area
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
No fees are required for this site, except for the $15.00 per night camping fee.
About this campground
Perched high in the mountain wilderness at nearly 9,000 feet, Branham Lakes Campground offers adventurous souls a rare escape into Montana's alpine paradise. This intimate 3-acre retreat features just six coveted lakeshore sites, each one a front-row seat to nature's grandest theater. Wake up to mirror-still waters reflecting the jagged peaks of the Tobacco Root Mountains, while alpine meadows burst with wildflowers around your tent. Despite its remote feel, modern conveniences haven't been forgotten – you'll find an ADA-accessible restroom, a peaceful day-use picnic area perfect for afternoon gatherings, and a boat launch that beckons anglers to try their luck in the crystal-clear mountain waters.
Branham Lakes Campground provides primitive camping experiences with rustic lakeshore sites. RV and group camping are not recommended due to road conditions, and the campground caters mainly to tent campers.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsMother Nature rules supreme at this elevation, painting each day with dramatic brushstrokes of mountain weather. Open from early July through late September, Branham Lakes rewards the intrepid with a true high-country experience. Pack your warmest sleeping bag – even summer nights can dip toward freezing, while afternoon thunderstorms roll through with theatrical flair. The rocky approach road adds to the adventure, especially early in the season. Savvy campers target the sweet spots of early July and late August, when azure skies dominate and the chances of rain dwindle to almost nothing. But whenever you visit, come prepared for weather that can shift from sunshine to snow in the span of an afternoon meal.
ElevationAt 8,800 feet above sea level, Branham Lakes stands as one of Southwest Montana's highest drive-to campgrounds – a remarkable achievement that puts you closer to the clouds than most vehicles ever venture. This lofty perch means you're camping in the realm of mountain goats and golden eagles, where the air is thin but the views stretch endlessly across the Continental Divide.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a landscape that seems painted by the gods themselves. Alpine meadows carpet the terrain in a tapestry of wildflowers – Indian paintbrush, lupine, and mountain avens creating a natural garden around your campsite. The centerpiece is the pristine mountain lake, its waters so clear you can count the trout swimming in its depths. Towering above it all, the Tobacco Root Mountains thrust their granite spires into the Montana sky, their slopes holding snow well into summer. This is one of those rare places where you can drive your vehicle right to the edge of wilderness that usually requires days of backpacking to reach.
Geological RegionNestled within the alpine meadows of the Tobacco Root Mountains, this corner of Southwest Montana showcases geology written in stone over millions of years. These ancient peaks, carved by glaciers and polished by time, create a dramatic backdrop for your camping adventure in one of Montana's lesser-known but equally spectacular mountain ranges.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAn ADA-accessible toilet is available at the campground.
Sites SizeThe six campsites are described as rustic and positioned along the lakeshore.
Sites PrivacySurrounded by alpine meadows and Tobacco Root mountains, the sites offer a natural, secluded atmosphere.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUser reviews suggest arriving early on weekends to secure one of the limited lakeshore sites.
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Camping in an area, campsite, or developed campground is limited to 16 accumulated days within any 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
No details about group camping sites are provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSix lakeshore sites spread across 3 acres.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen annually from early July through late September, weather dependent.
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in AvailabilityGet there early on weekends as there are only a handful of sites.
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Branham Lakes Campground offers multiple recreational activities including fishing, hiking, picnicking, swimming, and non-motorized boating. The lakeshore setting enhances the opportunities for water-based activities. Hunting and shooting sports are also permissible within the forest area.
Hiking
Day hikes are available within the forest and provide access to scenic alpine meadows and mountain views.Fishing
Fishing opportunities include lake and pond fishing, with ice fishing available during colder months.Swimming
Visitors can swim in the lakes, with the setting being described as 'lovely' by user reviews.Boating
Non-motorized boating is permitted, with a boat launch provided for convenience.Winter Activities
Ice fishing is mentioned as a possible winter activity when the lake freezes over.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding are supported, as implied by the presence of a boat launch and user comments about paddling.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- null
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include rocky road conditions unsuitable for low-profile vehicles and trailers.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
65
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 22%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 9.5 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Madison Ranger District, 5 Forest Service Road Ennis, MT 59729, Phone: 406-682-4253, operational hours Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays).
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingCampers must pack out all trash as there is no garbage service on-site.
Proximity to water featuresLocated along the lakeshore, the campground provides access to a high mountain lake for swimming, non-motorized boating, and fishing.
Common complaintsGuest reviews note limited availability of campsites on weekends and challenging road conditions.
Hostnull
Campground Map
null
Driving directionsFrom Sheridan go east on Mill Creek Road for about 13 miles. Road conditions can be an issue, so the road is not recommended for those with trailers. Please call for specific road conditions.
The road to the campground is a dirt road that is rocky in places and may not be suitable for low-profile vehicles. Trailers are not recommended.Nearby places
Sheridan - approximately 13 miles away, travel time varies due to road conditions.
Nearby supplies
null
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Branham Lakes Campground And Picnic Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the scenic beauty and rustic charm of Branham Lakes Campground, with praise for its high-altitude location and accessibility to a mountain lake. Road conditions and limited sites are noted as key factors to consider.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Users consistently praise the beauty of the location, proximity to the Tobacco Root mountains, and the ability to drive to a high-altitude lake. The campground's small size is seen as an advantage...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Road conditions are a recurring complaint, described as rocky and challenging for low-profile vehicles and unsuitable for trailers. The limited number of sites is also noted as a drawback for those...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
One user advises arriving early during weekends due to limited sites. All-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for safer travel through rocky roads.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews indicate high satisfaction during summer months due to accessible water activities and pleasant alpine weather. Late fall and winter visits highlight challenges like road conditions and...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. "Lovely campground, and unique - It is rare to be able to drive to a high mountain lake in Montana!" - James QP
2. "The most beautiful place to drive. Don't go. All-wheel drive recommended." -...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No site-specific reviews by number are available.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
The ADA-accessible toilet is appreciated, but no additional accessibility features are mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically addressing pet policies or pet-related features are provided.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025