Clover Meadows Dispersed Camping And Picnic Area
03 reviewsClover Meadows Dispersed Camping and Picnic Area, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Montana
Clover Meadows Dispersed Camping And Picnic Area
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
There is no fee ($0) for camping at this campground.
About this campground
Escape to the untouched wilderness of Clover Meadows, where simplicity meets stunning natural beauty. This intimate dispersed camping area invites adventurers seeking an authentic backcountry experience, with spacious tent sites scattered across open, level terrain. Wander along meandering hiking trails, enjoy a peaceful lunch at the day-use picnic area, or simply breathe in the crisp mountain air. With basic vault toilets and little else, Clover Meadows strips camping down to its essence—just you, your tent, and the magnificent Montana wilderness.
Clover Meadows is a dispersed camping area. It is primarily suited for tent camping, as there are no defined camping areas, no fire rings, and no amenities typically associated with developed campgrounds.
Weather and SeasonsFrom July through November, Clover Meadows transforms with the seasons, offering a dynamic camping experience that changes with nature's rhythms. Summer arrives late at this elevation, bringing pleasant 70°F days perfect for hiking and exploration under crystal-clear mountain skies. As autumn approaches, temperatures dance between crisp and downright cold, with early snowflakes often dusting the meadows. Bundle up for those frosty mornings when your breath clouds the air—they're followed by spectacular days that remind you why mountain camping is worth every chilly moment.
ElevationPerched at 6,360 feet in Montana's high country, Clover Meadows offers the rare gift of elevation without extreme altitude. Here, the air is refreshingly thin and cool, providing natural air conditioning even on summer's warmest days. This sweet spot in the mountains delivers spectacular panoramic views while remaining accessible to most visitors, making it an ideal basecamp for exploring even higher reaches of the surrounding peaks.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to endless meadows painted gold by the morning sun, framed by the majestic peaks of the Gravelly Range. Clover Meadows serves as your gateway to one of Montana's most spectacular scenic drives—the renowned Gravelly Range Road, which climbs to over 9,500 feet. In summer, these alpine heights explode with wildflowers in a breathtaking display that transforms the landscape into a natural kaleidoscope. Well-maintained trails beckon hikers to explore this pristine wilderness, where every turn reveals another postcard-worthy vista.
Geological RegionNestled within the vast Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Clover Meadows occupies a special corner of Montana's rugged backbone. This high-altitude sanctuary showcases the raw beauty of the Northern Rockies, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of dramatic peaks, rolling meadows, and hidden valleys. The brief but spectacular wildflower season serves as nature's celebration of this harsh yet beautiful terrain, where resilient alpine plants thrive in conditions that would challenge most living things.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the provided materials.
Sites SizeThe official description does not specify the size of campsites.
Sites PrivacyNo explicit information is provided regarding privacy levels at campsites.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCarry mosquito repellent and prepare for high-altitude conditions.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Camping in an area, campsite, or developed campground is limited to 16 accumulated days within any 30-day period.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground lacks defined camping areas and is characterized by a dispersed layout with open terrain.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen annually from early July through late September, weather-dependent.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations required; sites are first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-up and first-come, first-served, as there is no reservation system.
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The activities at Clover Meadows are minimal due to its dispersed nature. The site is suitable for picnicking, and the well-maintained trails offer hiking opportunities. No other recreational activities are explicitly mentioned.
Hiking
The official description mentions 'well-maintained trails' that allow campers to enjoy hikes. A user review highlights a 'short but extremely strenuous hike' to the top of Black Butte, involving steep scrambling and high-altitude conditions.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are not explicitly mentioned but may be restricted due to the lack of fire rings and high-altitude conditions.
Hazards
General hazardsUsers note the presence of mosquitoes ('Beware of high altitude and the massive amount of mosquitoes') and the lack of cell service ('No cell service for an hour's drive in any direction').
Weather forecast
69
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 16%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 8.1 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 (open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed federal holidays).
Good to know
Peak season datesJuly 1 - November 30, weather dependent.
Trash and recyclingThere are no garbage services on-site; users are required to pack out their trash.
Common complaintsLack of amenities such as defined camping areas, fire rings, and vault toilets. 'For Forest Service Campground it was very disappointing. No Vault toilets, no fire rings, no defined camping areas, very unorganized.'
Campground Map
Clover Meadows Dispersed Camping and Picnic Area, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Montana
Driving directionsFrom Ennis travel southwest on Highway 287 for 1.5 miles. Turn South on Varney Road and continue 10 miles. Take Call Road 292 southwest for 12 miles. Turn onto Gravelly Range Road and continue South for 8 miles to the campground.
The road is described as rough, with one user review noting, 'The road is rather tough. You can do without 4WD, barely, so why risk it?' Gravelly Range Road is unpaved and may pose challenges to certain vehicles.Nearby places
Ennis, MT - approximately 31.5 miles (travel time unknown).
Nearby supplies
Closest town for supplies is Ennis, MT, offering groceries, fuel, and basic amenities.
Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Clover Meadows Dispersed Camping And Picnic Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews portray a mixed sentiment regarding Clover Meadows. While some appreciate the scenic setting and the simplicity of the camping experience, others criticize the lack of organization and amenities. The lack of cell phone service, vault toilets, and other basic amenities is often mentioned.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews commend the area's natural beauty and its suitability for those seeking a rustic camping experience. One user described the approach to the campground as 'so worth seeing.' Another...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the lack of amenities such as fire rings, defined camping areas, and vault toilets. One reviewer noted that the setup was 'very unorganized.' Another highlighted the...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing supplies for a completely self-sufficient camping experience, including water, garbage bags, and mosquito repellant. One user advised that a 4WD vehicle, while not absolutely...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews do not focus deeply on seasonal variations. However, the campground is only open from early July to late September, which aligns with the area's short warm-weather window. Users highlight...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'What a beautiful little campground. The scene up to it and beyond is so worth seeing.' - Becky Jean Wagner
2. 'The Gravely Range Road is amazing. At over 9500' the road offers a spectacular...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific campsite numbers or areas within the campground are identified in the reviews.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews discuss the pet policy or pet-related experiences.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025