West Fork Madison Campground
4.5928 reviewsMadison Ranger District, 5 Forest Service Road, Ennis, MT 59729
West Fork Madison Campground
$12.00 - $12.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Recreation use fee is $12.00 per night during the first-come, first-served season from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025. Displayed rates do not...
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Standard Site Fee$12.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$12.00
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Recreation.gov
ProviderAbout this campground
Tucked away along the pristine banks of the West Fork of the Madison River, this intimate seven-unit campground offers a true back-to-nature experience. Ancient spruce and Douglas fir create a natural cathedral overhead, while the gentle murmur of the river provides a constant soundtrack to your stay. The campground's two distinct areas, separated by a winding access road, each offer their own character—though both share the same sense of peaceful seclusion. Due to the wonderfully tight, winding approach and cozy site dimensions, this hidden gem is tent-only territory, keeping the atmosphere refreshingly primitive. Whether you're casting a line into the legendary Madison waters or setting off to explore the nearby Lee Metcalf Wilderness trails, West Fork Madison serves as your perfect basecamp for authentic Montana adventures.
West Fork Madison Campground is best suited for tent camping and does not accommodate trailers due to narrow turns and small spaces.
Weather and SeasonsSummer days at West Fork Madison are nothing short of spectacular, with comfortable highs reaching around 77°F—perfect for afternoon fishing or leisurely hikes. Evening temperatures dip to a refreshing 54°F, ideal for gathering around the campfire and stargazing through the canopy. The dry mountain air and remarkably clear skies (boasting sunshine 88% of the time) create that crisp, invigorating atmosphere that makes Montana summers legendary. Late summer emerges as the golden season here, when wildflowers paint the meadows, berries ripen along the trails, and the fishing reaches its peak.
ElevationElevation information is not provided.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into an enchanted grove where towering old-growth spruce and Douglas fir have stood sentinel for centuries, their massive trunks creating natural privacy screens between campsites. The West Fork River dances past your doorstep, its crystal-clear waters reflecting dappled sunlight through the dense canopy above. This is where two rivers meet—the West Fork joining the mighty Madison in a confluence that has drawn anglers and nature lovers for generations. The thick understory of native plants and wildflowers creates a lush, almost jungle-like atmosphere that feels worlds away from civilization, while the interplay of shadow and light throughout the day transforms the campground into an ever-changing natural gallery.
Geological RegionNestled at the dramatic confluence where the West Fork meets the legendary Madison River, this campground occupies a special pocket of Montana's geological tapestry. The surrounding landscape tells an ancient story—carved by glaciers, shaped by rivers, and clothed in a magnificent old-growth forest of spruce and Douglas fir. The dense vegetation thrives in this river valley microclimate, creating an unusually lush environment for this part of Montana. The natural shade canopy and rich riverside soils have fostered an ecosystem that feels more Pacific Northwest than Rocky Mountain, offering campers a unique geological and botanical experience where mountain meets river in perfect harmony.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground has not explicitly listed accessibility features. The road and small camp spaces may pose challenges for some visitors.
Sites SizeThe campsites are small and not suitable for trailers, as the turns and spaces are narrow and tight.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is divided by an access road, offering two sites north of the road and a five-site loop on the south. The dense vegetation provides shade and potential privacy.
Total Campsites7 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Stay limit is not explicitly stated, but campsites must be attended the first night and not left unattended for more than a 24-hour period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact guest limits per site are not stated.
Groups
No information about group camping is provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground layout includes seven campsites divided into two sections by the access road—two sites north of the road and five sites in a loop south of the road.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round (January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025).
Reservation PlatformsScan and Pay using the Recreation.gov mobile app.
Walk-in AvailabilityThis is a Scan and Pay campground where reservations can only be made on-site on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyNo refunds, modifications, cancellations, or other fee changes allowed with Scan and Pay payments.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
West Fork Madison Campground provides a variety of outdoor recreational activities, particularly suited for fishing and hiking. The location also offers access to OHV trails, scenic drives in the Gravelly Mountains, and hiking opportunities in the nearby Lee Metcalf Wilderness.
Hiking
Hiking trails are available in the nearby Lee Metcalf Wilderness, although specific details about trail difficulty, length, or popularity are not provided.Fishing
Fishing is available in both the West Fork and Madison Rivers. Specific details about the types of fish or quality of fishing are not provided.Wildlife viewing
The dense vegetation and location along the river might provide opportunities for wildlife viewing, though specific species or areas are not detailed.Winter Activities
No information is provided about winter recreational opportunities.Water Sports
No explicit information about non-motorized water sports like kayaking or canoeing is available.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire rings are available at each site.
Hazards
General hazardsBear-proof food storage is mandated due to the presence of wildlife. Specific hazards are not detailed.
Weather forecast
72
°F
Oct 10
Friday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 37%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 17.9 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Clear sky
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
Details about emergency services are not provided, but the nearest city is Ennis, MT.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025 (First-come, First-served Season).
Trash and recyclingNo details about trash or recycling facilities are provided in the authoritative content or user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near the West Fork of the Madison River and its confluence with the Madison River.
Common complaintsSome reviews mention sprinklers blasting tents at night and difficulty contacting the campground via phone.
Campground Map
Madison Ranger District, 5 Forest Service Road, Ennis, MT 59729
Driving directionsExact driving directions are not provided in the source materials.
Access road divides the campground into two sections and the road has tight, narrow turns which do not allow trailers. Specific details about paved/unpaved status or seasonal closures are not provided.Nearby places
Yellowstone National Park (west entrance) is less than 40 miles away.
Nearby supplies
Close to grocery stores, meat markets, dollar stores, and dining options in Ennis, MT.
Camper Reviews
4.6
28 reviews
West Fork Madison Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is generally appreciated for its proximity to natural features like the West Fork Madison River, its shaded environment, and recreational opportunities. However, it lacks modern amenities such as showers or flush toilets.
Review Summaries
Based on 28 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the dense, shaded vegetation, the close proximity to the river, and the availability of recreational activities like fishing and hiking.
Based on 28 reviewsCommon Concerns
No specific complaints are provided in the authoritative sources or user reviews.
Based on 28 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors should note that trailers are not allowed due to the tight, narrow turns in the area. It's advised to arrive early as the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Based on 28 reviewsSeasonal Insights
There are no specific seasonal reviews or trends mentioned in the authoritative content or user reviews.
Based on 28 reviewsCamper Quotes
No direct quotes from users are provided in the source materials.
Based on 28 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
There is no information about reviews of specific campsites within the campground.
Based on 28 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features are available.
Based on 28 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No information about pet policies or related reviews is provided.
Based on 28 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025