Palisades Campground
4.717 reviewsDillon Field Office, 1005 Selway Drive, Dillon, MT, 59725, USA
Palisades Campground
$8.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$8.00
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
$8 per night for camping. Additional vehicles are charged $5 each per night. No fees for boat launches or day use.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine waters of the Upper Madison River, Palisades Campground offers an intimate riverside retreat just 25 miles south of the charming town of Ennis. This peaceful sanctuary features 10 thoughtfully spaced camping sites where the gentle sounds of the river create nature's perfect soundtrack. Five river miles upstream from Ruby Creek Recreation Area, you'll find modern amenities including two accessible vault toilets and a welcoming campground host to ensure your stay is comfortable. Adventure awaits at the nearby day-use area, complete with a convenient paved boat launch that serves as your gateway to world-class fishing and water recreation on one of Montana's most celebrated rivers.
Palisades Campground offers individual tent camping sites and supports RV camping without hookups. No group camping options or cabins are mentioned.
Historical SignificanceWhile the specific stories of Palisades remain unwritten in formal histories, this stretch of the Madison River has long served as a corridor for those seeking the untamed beauty of Montana's wilderness. The campground stands as a modern gateway to timeless experiences, where anglers follow in the footsteps of generations who have cast lines into these legendary waters.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal tapestry of the Madison Valley, where winter transforms the landscape into a serene wonderland dusted with light snow and crystalline frost. As spring awakens the river corridor, wildflowers burst into bloom and the campground comes alive with possibilities. Late spring through early summer unveils the area at its finest—warm days perfect for fishing and hiking give way to cool evenings ideal for campfire stories under brilliantly clear mountain skies. The mild summer conditions create an outdoor paradise where every day promises new adventures along the river's edge.
ElevationSet within the Madison River valley, Palisades Campground occupies a sweet spot in Montana's varied topography. Though specific elevation data awaits confirmation, the campground's riverside position offers the perfect balance—high enough to provide stunning valley views while remaining easily accessible for all types of outdoor enthusiasts.
Natural Features and SceneryThe Upper Madison River serves as the campground's stunning centerpiece, its crystal-clear waters winding through a landscape that defines Montana's wild beauty. Towering mountains frame the horizon in every direction, their peaks catching the first light of dawn and the last glow of sunset. This riverside haven attracts an impressive array of wildlife—watch for majestic raptors soaring overhead, from golden eagles to red-tailed hawks, while songbirds fill the riparian corridors with their melodies. The rich ecosystem surrounding the campground creates endless opportunities for wildlife viewing and nature photography.
Geological RegionPalisades Campground sits within the remarkable Upper Madison River region, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of extraordinary beauty. The river has carved its path through mountainous terrain over millennia, creating the dramatic valley that cradles the campground today. This unique riverside setting showcases Montana's diverse geology, from water-smoothed river rocks to the rugged mountain formations that stand sentinel over the valley, telling the story of the Earth's dynamic past in every vista.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible vault toilets and a campground host pad. Accessibility options beyond this are not detailed.
Sites SizeUser reviews describe the sites as spacious, with easy access for larger rigs.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials but are implied to be peaceful and quiet by user reviews.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesRecommendations include camping near the river for scenic views and privacy. Best times for finding sites mentioned during weekdays.
Best CampsitesUser reviews suggest spots near the river offer the best views and tranquil experience.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time not specified.
Check-out
Check-out time not specified.
Stay Limit
Stay limit not specified.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Guest limits per site not specified.
Groups
Group camping is not mentioned in the source materials.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layout10 campsites arranged near the Madison River with accessible vault toilets and a nearby day-use area.
Open and Closed SeasonSeasonal availability not explicitly stated.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable, no reservations accepted.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability only, as no reservations are accepted.
Cancellation PolicyNo advanced reservations allowed. Overnight stays must occupy campsites nightly.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, wildlife viewing, and exploring the scenic Madison River area. There is a day-use site with a paved boat launch for water activities, and the area is known for natural beauty and tranquility.
Fishing
Fishing is available along the Madison River, with user reviews praising the location for its tranquil and scenic environment. Specific fish types are not detailed.Boating
Boating is supported with a paved boat launch available at the day-use site near the campground.Wildlife viewing
User reviews highlight the opportunity to watch raptors and other birds along the Madison River, adding to the nature experience.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned in the source materials.Water Sports
The campground supports water activities such as boating and fishing, facilitated by the paved boat launch.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No specific fire policies mentioned.
- Quiet hours not explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazardsNo specific hazards mentioned, though wildlife such as raptors are noted in the area.
Active alertsNo active alerts mentioned.
Weather forecast
83
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 10%
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
Nearest emergency services are likely in Ennis, MT, approximately 25 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season dates not explicitly stated.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned in the source materials.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to the Upper Madison River. Separate day-use area features a paved boat launch.
Common complaintsNo cell reception reported by some users. Lack of services like hookups noted.
HostCampground host pad present; further host details not specified.
Campground Map
Dillon Field Office, 1005 Selway Drive, Dillon, MT, 59725, USA
Driving directionsLocated approximately 25 miles south of Ennis, on the west side off of US Highway 287.
Accessible 25 miles south of Ennis via US Highway 287, located west of the highway.Nearby places
Ennis (25 miles, approximately 30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies (groceries, fuel, camping supplies) are likely available in Ennis, MT, approximately 25 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.7
7 reviews
Palisades Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Users generally praise Palisades Campground for its peaceful environment, cleanliness, proximity to the Madison River, and well-maintained facilities. Vault toilets and views of the river are frequently mentioned. However, some reviews note the lack of cell service and hookups.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include clean vault toilets, proximity to the Madison River, peaceful atmosphere, spacious sites, and well-maintained facilities.
Based on 7 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints focus primarily on the lack of hookups and cell phone reception.
Based on 7 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
A user recommended visiting to "watch raptors and other birds, explore back roads," and advised that the best time to find a site during COVID was Tuesday or Wednesday morning.
Based on 7 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Seasonal trends are not elaborated in the source materials. User reviews span multiple years but do not specify seasonal variations.
Based on 7 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Very clean, most spots are right on the river." - Trish Clements
"Beautiful! On the bank on the Madison River. Very peaceful." - Betsy Cornette
"Gorgeous!! Vault toilet very clean. No reception,...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No site-specific reviews are provided beyond general comments about cleanliness and proximity to the Madison River.
Based on 7 reviewsAccessibility Features
Users highlight the clean and accessible vault toilets but do not elaborate on other accessibility features.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies are not mentioned in the source materials.
Based on 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025