Overview
Cliff Point Campground is located in southwestern Montana on the shoreline of scenic Cliff Lake. It is approximately 43 miles south of Ennis and 35 miles west of Yellowstone National Park. Each site in the small six site campground is equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. There is a centrally located vault toilet and drinking water tap. Some of the sites have partial shade. An undeveloped natural-surface boat launch is very close by and the lake has a no-wake speed limit. Visitors enjoy fishing, boating, and nearby hiking and ATV trails. All campsites are reservation only. With some tight curves and small turn-around loop, the campground may not be suitable for long trailers or RVs. The maximum recommended trailer length is 16 feet. Snow may hamper access during early and late seasons. Site number 6 is reservable two weeks in advance of your arrival date. All other sites have a six month in advance reservation window. Each new day becomes available at 8 A.M. Mountain time.
Recreation
Cliff Lake offers fishing for rainbow and Yellowstone cutthroat 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 . There are hiking opportunities nearby, including the trail to Hidden Lake, beginning at the upper end of Cliff Lake, as well as trails in the nearby Lee Metcalf Wilderness. Off Road Vehicle trails are abundant in the Gravelly range.
Facilities
A vault toilet and drinking water spigot are located in the center of the campground loop. Water is available May to September, exact dates being weather dependent. Picnic tables and fire rings are located in each site. A “bear proof” bin enables compliance with food storage regulations for those without a hard sided camping unit. A natural surface boat launch, suitable for small boats and trailers, is located across the small cove at the Day Use area. Garbage service is provided only from May 15 - September 15.
Natural Features
At an elevation of 6313 feet, the campground and lake lie in the bottom of a forested ravine at the southern end of the Gravelly mountain range. The 600 acre lake is known for it’s beautiful clear aquamarine water. Wade Lake is less than 1 mile away. Moose, deer, eagles, otters, an occasional bear and a variety of waterfowl can be seen in the area .
Nearby Attractions
Wade Lake, Wade Lake 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. 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.
The description, directions and fees are the Forest Service’s own words, from its record on Recreation.gov.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
US Forest Service (USFS)
National Park Service (NPS)
US Fish and Wildlife (USFW)
Bureau of Reclamation (USBR)
Department Of Defense (DOD)
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
Other Federal
State
Local
Alaska Native Lands (Patented or Interim Conveyed)
Alaska Native Allotment
Road
Primitive Road
Road
Primitive Road
Trail
Roads open to all Vehicles, Yearlong
Roads open to all Vehicles, Seasonal
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Yearlong
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Seasonal
Special Designation, Yearlong
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails open to all vehicles, Yearlong
Trails open to all vehicles, Seasonal
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Yearlong
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Seasonal
Trails open to motorcycles, Yearlong
Trails open to motorcycles, Seasonal
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" in Width, Yearlong
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" or Less in Width, Seasonal
Wilderness Area
Wilderness Study Area