Cliff Point Campground
03 reviews5 Forest Service Road, Ennis, MT 59729
Cliff Point Campground
$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
Overnight use fee of $15 per night applies. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders receive a 50% discount but only for the campsite physically occupied by the pass holder. Payments must be made with cash or check.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine shores of Cliff Lake in southwestern Montana, Cliff Point Campground invites outdoor enthusiasts to experience the rugged beauty of the American West. This intimate retreat features six thoughtfully spaced camping units, each equipped with picnic tables and fire rings where stories are shared under star-filled skies. Modern conveniences include vault toilets and fresh drinking water, while the nearby natural boat launch beckons anglers and paddlers to explore the crystal-clear waters. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, hiking mountain trails, or simply savoring the peaceful lakeside atmosphere, Cliff Point delivers an authentic Montana camping experience. Early and late season adventurers should come prepared for winter's touch, as snow can transform this summer paradise into a wonderland of solitude.
Cliff Point Campground is suitable for traditional camping methods, including tent and RV camping, within the specified size limitations.
Weather and SeasonsMontana's mountain weather writes its own dramatic story at Cliff Point. Summer brings warm days perfect for swimming and cool nights ideal for campfires, while shoulder seasons offer a wilder experience with crisp air and possible snowfall. Spring and fall visitors witness nature's grand transitions but should pack layers and winter gear, as temperatures can plunge and snow may dust the landscape. The unpredictable weather adds to the adventure, rewarding prepared campers with stunning seasonal displays and peaceful solitude when fair-weather crowds stay home.
ElevationPerched at 6,400 feet above sea level, Cliff Point Campground offers that sweet spot where mountain air feels crisp and clean without leaving you breathless. This elevation brings cooler temperatures even in summer, spectacular night skies unmarred by light pollution, and the occasional reminder that you're camping in true mountain country. The altitude influences everything from cooking times to weather patterns, creating an environment where afternoons might bring sudden thunderstorms and mornings often dawn crystal clear with mist rising from the lake.
Natural Features and SceneryCliff Lake spreads before the campground like a mirror reflecting the surrounding peaks, its waters shifting from deep sapphire to emerald green as clouds drift overhead. Towering pines and firs provide welcome shade to select campsites, their branches whispering mountain secrets in the breeze. From your tent door, watch osprey dive for trout while deer emerge from forest shadows to drink at water's edge. The surrounding peaks of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest frame every view, creating a natural amphitheater where each sunrise and sunset becomes a private show. This is the Montana that photographers dream about and memories are built upon.
Geological RegionCliff Point Campground sits within the vast wilderness tapestry of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest in southwestern Montana, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of dramatic contrasts. Here, glacial lakes nestle between weathered peaks, and the Continental Divide's influence shapes both terrain and weather. The region tells a story millions of years in the making, from volcanic upheavals to ice age carvings, all resulting in today's stunning backdrop of forests, meadows, and the jewel-like Cliff Lake that defines this special corner of the Northern Rockies.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo information was provided about accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Sites SizeEach campsite can accommodate trailers up to 16 feet in length, which is explicitly recommended in the authoritative source.
Sites PrivacySome campsites provide partial shade, which may offer a level of privacy, but detailed privacy descriptions (e.g., secluded or clustered) are not provided.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
16-day stay limit applies.
Groups
Group camping facilities are not mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of six well-defined camping units in a compact layout with a small turn-around loop.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen mid-May to mid-September. Specific dates vary by year.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll campsites are reservable only; no walk-up availability is mentioned.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are subject to Recreation.gov rules. Visitors should check the platform for detailed terms.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Cliff Point Campground offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors, including fishing, boating, hiking, and swimming. The lake has a no-wake speed limit, and there is an undeveloped natural-surface boat launch near the campground. Wildlife viewing is also a popular activity.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are available nearby, but specific details about trail lengths, difficulty levels, or scenic highlights were not provided.Fishing
Fishing is available at Cliff Lake. The authoritative source mentions easy access for fishing, but no details about the types of fish or specific fishing conditions are provided.Swimming
Swimming is available at Cliff Lake. A user review highlights the site as "Beautifull place for 🏊" (Juan Lopez, 2022).Boating
Boating is supported with a natural-surface boat launch available near the campground. The lake enforces a no-wake speed limit.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is mentioned as an activity, but no specific details about species or recommended viewing areas are provided.Winter Activities
No winter activities were specifically mentioned, though snow may impact early and late season access to the campground.Water Sports
Water activities include boating and swimming. Kayaking, canoeing, or other non-motorized water sports are not explicitly mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings at individual campsites.
Hazards
General hazardsSnow during early and late seasons may restrict access. Tight curves and small turn-around loops make the campground unsuitable for long trailers or RVs.
Weather forecast
80
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 9%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 5.1 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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. Operating hours are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed on federal holidays.
Good to know
Peak season datesMid-May to Mid-September
Trash and recyclingGarbage services are provided from May 15 to September 15. No specific details about recycling facilities are mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on Cliff Lake's shoreline, providing easy access for fishing and boating. The lake has a no-wake speed limit.
Campground Map
5 Forest Service Road, Ennis, MT 59729
Driving directionsFrom Ennis travel South on Highway 287 for approximately 37 miles. Turn West on Forest Road 241 and continue 5 miles to the campground. There are signs along the way for Wade and Cliff Lakes.
The campground is accessible via paved roads until Forest Road 241, which is unpaved and may include tight curves and a small turn-around loop unsuitable for long trailers or RVs. Snow may hamper access during early and late seasons.Nearby places
Ennis (43 miles, approximately 45 minutes), West Yellowstone (35 miles, approximately 40 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Nearest supplies are in Ennis (43 miles) and West Yellowstone (35 miles), where visitors can find groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.
Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Cliff Point Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's scenic beauty, cleanliness, and recreational opportunities. Visitors appreciate the lake's incredible views and swimming opportunities.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive comments include: "Very nice camp sites and incredible lake" (Kraig Allen, 2019); "Beautifull place for 🏊" (Juan Lopez, 2022); "Great water temp. Very clean camp ground" (Miguel Cruz, 2020).
Based on 3 reviewsCommon Concerns
No specific complaints were identified in the provided reviews.
Based on 3 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
One reviewer (Juan Lopez, 2022) notes that visitors need to make reservations for other lakes in the area.
Based on 3 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Seasonal access may be impacted by snow during the early and late seasons. There are no specific user reviews addressing seasonal differences.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Very nice camp sites and incredible lake" (Kraig Allen, 2019); "Beautifull place for 🏊" (Juan Lopez, 2022); "Great water temp. Very clean camp ground" (Miguel Cruz, 2020).
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No user reviews specifically address pet policies or experiences.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025