Located in southwestern Montana on the shoreline of scenic Cliff Lake, at an elevation of 6313 feet, in the bottom of a forested ravine at the southern end of the Gravelly mountain range. The 600 acre lake is known for its beautiful clear aquamarine water.
Cellular service not available. Food storage order in place (bear-proof manner). 16 consecutive day camping limit, 32 day cumulative limit. Trailers over 16 feet not recommended. Each site for a single camping unit.
This is a Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF campground—one of the Forest Service camps that define Montana camping for travelers who want a fire ring, a picnic table, and quiet timber rather than full-hookup convenience. Amenities are modest by design. Confirm water, trash, and fire restrictions with the local ranger district before you drive in.
Nearest town: Cameron. Elevation about 6500 feet.
Campground snapshot
- Agency / unit: USFS — Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF
- Sites: 6
- Type: Tent/RV
- Fee range: $15 / night
- Season: May-Sep (water available May to September, exact dates weather dependent; garbage service May 15 - September 15)
- Reservations: Reservation only
- Access road: County road, which becomes Forest road #572
- Max RV length: 16 ft
- Best for: Cliff Lake views
Amenities
Vault toilet, drinking water spigot, picnic tables, fire rings, bear-proof bin, natural surface boat launch, garbage service (May 15 - September 15)
How to book
Reservations and site details typically run through Reservation only. Many Forest Service camps keep first-come, first-served loops; remote camps may be entirely FCFS. Confirm current fees, water status, and fire restrictions before arrival. Official listing: www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10124992.
Bear country & campcraft
This stop sits in classic Montana bear country. Store all attractants—food, trash, toiletries, cookware, and pet food—in a hard-sided vehicle, an IGBC-approved container, a provided bear box, or a proper hang. Never bring food or cooking clothes into the tent.
Campfires belong only in provided metal rings when restrictions allow. Drown, stir, and feel the ashes with the back of your hand before leaving or sleeping. In Stage II restrictions, open fires are banned even in developed sites—use a shut-off stove only.
Follow Leave No Trace: camp on durable surfaces, pack out everything you pack in, and leave the site cleaner than you found it.
Plan the rest of the trip
- Camping reference: reservations, bears, and fire rules
- Open this stop on the Backroads Guided Trails map
- Campgrounds directory
Visitor Access
- Nearest town: Cameron
- Focus: National Forest
- Coordinates: 44.8536, -111.6633
- Road note: County road, which becomes Forest road #572
- Access note: Confirm road conditions, water availability, and fire restrictions before arrival. Mountain weather can drop below freezing even in midsummer.
- Legal reminder: Follow agency food-storage orders, stay within designated sites in developed camps, and respect private land and tribal boundaries.