Wade Lake (Mt)

4.2·29 reviews
·Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Overview

Wade Lake Campground is located in southwestern Montana on the shore of it’s scenic namesake lake. It is approximately 43 miles south of Ennis and 35 miles west of Yellowstone National Park. The 25 site campground, including two group sites, is situated in a dense Douglas Fir forest on the hillside above the lake. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. Vault toilets and drinking water taps are provided in each of the two camping loops. There is an undeveloped natural-surface boat launch and the lake has a no-wake speed limit. Visitors enjoy fishing, small craft boating, and nearby hiking and ATV trails in the Gravelly Range. Trailers longer than 24 feet are not recommended due to small campsites, narrow roads and tight curves within the campground. Snow may hinder access in early or late seasons. Cellular service may be available at the top of the hill near the Forest boundary, about 1.5 miles away.

Great Facilities and Amenities

  • Campfire Allowed

    (All campsites have Campfire Allowed)

  • Checkin Time

    (All campsites have Checkin Time)

  • Checkout Time

    (All campsites have Checkout Time)

  • Driveway Entry

    (Majority of the campsites have back in)

  • Firepit

    (All campsites have Firepit)

  • Hike In Distance To Site

    (Up to 500')

  • Max Num Of People

    (Up to 12)

  • Max Num Of Vehicles

    (Up to 4)

  • Pets Allowed

    (All campsites have Pets Allowed)

  • Picnic Table

    (All campsites have Picnic Table)

  • Shade

    (All campsites have Shade)

  • Site Access

    (Majority of the campsites have drive in)

Natural Features

Wade Lake CG - Credits: USFS
Wade Lake Campground - Credits: USFS
CamperEdge Unavailable Image - Credits: CamperEdge
CamperEdge Unavailable Image - Credits: CamperEdge

At an elevation of 6217 feet, the campground and lake lie in the bottom of a forested ravine at the southern end of the Gravelly mountain range. The spring fed 200 acre lake is known for its beautiful clear aquamarine water. The larger Cliff Lake is less than 1 mile away. Moose, deer, eagles, an occasional bear and a variety of waterfowl can be seen in the area .

Recreation

Wade Lake Campground - Credits: USFS

Wade Lake offers fishing for rainbow and brown trout, as well as boating, canoeing and swimming, despite the cold water. Boats can be rented at Wade Lake Resort. Just five miles away, the world renowned Madison River offers blue ribbon flyfishing. Hiking trails begin right at the campground , as well as, in the nearby Lee Metcalf Wilderness. Off Road Vehicle trails are abundant in the Gravelly range though there are no trails in the immediate campground area.  

Nearby Attractions

Cliff Lake, Cliff Point Campground and Hilltop Campground are within one mile. Hilltop is available on a “first come first served” basis. The west entrance to Yellowstone National Park is about 35 miles east at West Yellowstone. The Earthquake Lake Visitor Center and Geologic Site is about a ten mile drive. The Lee Metcalf designated wilderness begins about five miles to the northeast. A short drive will bring you to much larger Hebgen Lake to the east and Henry's Lake to the south. 

Additional Information

Campsites