Wade Lake (MT)

Wade Lake Campground is located in southwestern Montana on the shore of its scenic namesake lake, 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. The campground sits on a steep hillside, and for many of the sites, particularly in the upper loop, the only flat space for a tent may be in the parking driveway. Trailers longer than 24 feet are not recommended due to small campsites, narrow roads and tight curves within the campground; check the driveway length and width before booking to make sure the entirety of your equipment will fit the site. Snow may hinder access in early or late seasons, and cellular service may be available at the top of the hill near the Forest boundary, about 1.5 miles away. 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. There are five vault toilets and five drinking water spigots spread throughout the campground, with water available May to September. Picnic tables and fire rings are located in each site, and two group camping sites and two walk-in tent camping sites are available. Bear-proof bins enable compliance with food storage regulations. A natural-surface boat launch, suitable for small boats and trailers, is provided, and the lake has a no-wake speed limit. Day-use parking space for the lake is minimal. Garbage service is provided only from May 15 to September 15. At an elevation of 6,217 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. Moose, deer, eagles, an occasional bear and a variety of waterfowl can be seen in the area. Cliff Lake, Cliff Point Campground and Hilltop Campground are within one mile. 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, and 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.