Located in southwestern Montana on the shore of its scenic namesake lake, situated in a dense Douglas Fir forest on the hillside above the lake. 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 campground is situated on a steep hillside. 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. Lake has a no-wake speed limit. Bear-proof bins are required for food storage.
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: 25
- Type: Tent/RV
- Fee range: $15 - $30
- Season: May-Nov
- Reservations: Recreation.gov, FCFS
- Access road: Gravel
- Max RV length: 24 ft
- Best for: Wade Lake fishing
Amenities
Vault toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, fire rings, bear-proof bins, natural surface boat launch, garbage service, boat ramp, boat rentals, lake access, self pay station, shade
How to book
Reservations and site details typically run through Recreation.gov, FCFS. 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/10125082.
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: 44.8736, -111.6833
- Road note: Gravel
- 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.