Hilltop Campground
4.397 reviews5 Forest Service Road, Ennis, MT 59729
Hilltop Campground
$15.00 - $30.00 / 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 fees are $15 per night for a single site and $30 per night for double sites. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount to Single Campsites only, applicable only to the fee for the campsite physically occupied by the pass holder. Reservation fees may apply for reservable sites. Cash or check is required for payment.
About this campground
Perched majestically on a scenic hilltop between the pristine waters of Cliff and Wade Lakes, Hilltop Campground offers an authentic Montana wilderness experience across 10 sprawling acres. Towering old-growth pine trees create a natural canopy, providing welcome shade and filling the air with their distinctive mountain fragrance. This peaceful retreat features well-maintained vault toilets, fresh potable water, sturdy picnic tables, and grills for memorable outdoor meals. While the campground embraces a rustic charm without food storage lockers, visitors share this beautiful landscape with native wildlife, including bears, making proper food storage essential. The winding access roads and intimate sites are best suited for trailers under 22 feet, ensuring the campground maintains its secluded, intimate atmosphere.
Hilltop Campground is primarily designed for tent camping and does not offer RV sites, group sites, or luxury accommodations such as glamping.
Historical SignificanceWhile Hilltop Campground may not boast ancient ruins or historical markers, its very existence tells the story of America's conservation legacy. This protected slice of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest represents generations of careful stewardship, preserving these wild spaces for outdoor enthusiasts to experience the same untouched beauty that has captivated visitors for decades.
Weather and SeasonsFrom late May through mid-September, Hilltop Campground transforms into an outdoor paradise with comfortable temperatures perfect for casting a line into crystal-clear waters or exploring winding forest trails. The high-elevation climate brings refreshingly cool mornings that give way to warm, sun-drenched afternoons ideal for adventure. While winter blankets the area in deep snow and brings bone-chilling temperatures, the prime camping months offer predominantly dry conditions with spectacular blue skies. Spring arrives late at this elevation, but when it does, wildflowers paint the meadows in vibrant colors, while autumn brings a spectacular display of golden aspens against the evergreen backdrop.
ElevationAt 6,800 feet above sea level in the heart of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Hilltop Campground offers that perfect sweet spot of mountain elevation. High enough to escape the summer heat of the valleys below, yet accessible enough for comfortable camping, this elevation provides crisp, clean air and stunning vistas. The altitude adds an extra dimension to your camping experience, from more brilliant stars in the thin mountain air to the satisfying challenge of high-elevation hiking.
Natural Features and SceneryAncient pines stand as silent sentinels throughout the campground, their gnarled trunks and spreading branches telling stories of centuries past. These majestic trees create a living cathedral, filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The proximity to both Wade and Cliff Lakes means water views are just a short walk away, where morning mist rises off glassy surfaces and evening light transforms the water into liquid gold. Wildlife sightings are common, from curious chipmunks to soaring eagles, while the surrounding forest offers endless opportunities for photography and quiet contemplation.
Geological RegionHilltop Campground sits atop a commanding ridge in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, a geological wonderland where ancient volcanic activity and glacial carving have created a landscape of stunning contrasts. This elevated perch at 6,800 feet offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ecosystem, where weathered granite peaks give way to dense forests of centuries-old pines. The unique position between Wade and Cliff Lakes showcases the region's glacial heritage, with these pristine alpine waters nestled in valleys carved by ice age giants. The rocky soils and resilient vegetation tell the story of a landscape shaped by millions of years of natural forces.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features such as wheelchair-friendly toilets are not available.
Sites SizeEach site includes picnic tables and fire grilles, suitable for standard camping needs.
Sites PrivacySites are shaded, quiet, and private according to user reviews, offering a secluded experience away from lake crowds.
Total Campsites18 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites are private and spacious according to user reviews, with proximity to Wade and Cliff Lakes.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
16-day stay limit.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layout18 combined tent and RV sites with picnic tables and grills. Parking aprons are grass and dirt.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen late May through mid-September.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable since reservations are not allowed.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up only campsite availability.
Cancellation PolicyNot explicitly mentioned.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Hilltop Campground emphasizes outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and fishing at nearby Cliff and Wade Lakes. Swimming and boating are not directly available at the campground, but nearby lakes offer opportunities.
Hiking
The Cliff and Wade Lakes Interpretive Trail is a 1-mile hike ideal for day trips.Fishing
Fishing is available at Cliff and Wade Lakes, but one user review noted that the lakes can be crowded, making fishing difficult at times.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a popular activity at Hilltop Campground, as evidenced by user reviews describing deer sightings.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsBear activity requires adherence to safe food storage practices. Significant drop-offs are present along one edge of the campground, protected by a split rail fence. Supervision of children is advised.
Weather forecast
81
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 9%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 4.1 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 office located at 5 Forest Service Road, Ennis, MT, is the closest emergency point. Phone: 406-682-4253.
Good to know
Peak season datesLate May through mid-September.
Trash and recyclingGarbage services are available seasonally from May 15 to September 15.
Proximity to water featuresLocated between Cliff and Wade Lakes, though not directly beside them.
Common complaintsSeveral reviews mention issues with unpaved roads being rough, lack of toilet paper, and absence of facilities like showers.
HostCamp hosts are noted to be kind in user reviews.
Campground Map
5 Forest Service Road, Ennis, MT 59729
Driving directionsThe campground is about 37 miles south of Ennis on Highway 287. Turn west at the Cliff and Wade Lakes sign on Highway 287, then take Forest Road 241 west for 5 miles to the campground.
The last 6.1 miles are on a dirt road that is rough in places. Steep and winding drive for the last 3/4 mile from Cliff Lake Road.Nearby places
West Yellowstone is approximately 38 miles southeast of the campground.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are likely in the city of Ennis, approximately 37 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.4
7 reviews
Hilltop Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally highlight the tranquil and secluded nature of Hilltop Campground, along with its proximity to Cliff and Wade Lakes. Negative feedback includes the lack of showers, occasional unavailability of essential items like toilet paper in vault toilets, and rough road conditions leading to the site.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects mentioned by users include privacy and shade at campsites, quiet surroundings away from lake crowds, and sightings of wildlife such as deer. One user described the campground as...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the rough unpaved road causing damage to trailers, missing toilet paper in vault toilets, and the lack of showers. The campground's distance from the lakes was noted as a...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend practicing safe food storage techniques due to bear presence and being prepared for rough road conditions. Bringing a kayak or raft could enhance the experience at nearby lakes.
Based on 7 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews emphasize that the campground is open seasonally from late May through mid-September, aligning with favorable weather conditions.
Based on 7 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Lovely campground. Spots are private. Not far from Wade and Cliff Lakes. We had a nice time and a deer came through our site!' - Liz Wight
2. 'Camp host were very kind. So beautiful to be at the...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No user reviews specifically mention particular campsite numbers or areas within Hilltop Campground.
Based on 7 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features or experiences for campers with disabilities.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically mention pet policies or experiences related to pets.
Based on 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025