Cameahwait Campground

Hello, Montana adventurers! Are you seeking a fantastic lakeside escape where the wild beauty of our state meets comfortable camping amenities? Look no further than Cameahwait Campground. Tucked away in the scenic Madison Valley, near the charming community of Grayling, this campground offers a truly memorable experience for anyone eager to enjoy the stunning landscapes and abundant recreational opportunities that make Montana so special. It’s a beloved spot for locals who appreciate well-maintained facilities and prime access to the water.

Cameahwait Campground consistently receives high marks for its quality and inviting atmosphere. Visitors frequently describe it as a "Really cool campground and access to the lake," highlighting its key appeal. The facilities are a standout, with "restrooms are very well maintained," ensuring a pleasant and clean experience for all. Whether you prefer the coziness of a covered spot or the openness of a traditional campsite, Cameahwait offers both "shelter and open camp spots," with "Tables in the shelters" for added convenience. And for those quintessential Montana evenings, you'll find "Real nice fire rings" perfect for sharing stories under the stars. While the access to the reservoir is fantastic, a helpful tip from a local emphasizes caution: "Be careful where you drive by the reservoir - it can be real soft and you'll bury your vehicle. Seen this first hand," a testament to the wild, untamed nature of the area that we Montanans know and love.

Cameahwait Campground is beautifully situated in the Madison Valley, near the community of Grayling, Montana. Its general address is X4P2+6F, Grayling, MT 59725, USA. More specifically, the campground is located on the eastern shore of Ennis Lake, offering prime lakeside access and stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including the Madison Range. It falls within the jurisdiction of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest.

To reach Cameahwait Campground, you will typically travel south from Ennis on US-287. Approximately 8 miles south of Ennis, you'll turn right onto a paved road that leads to the lake. The campground is located a short distance down this road. While the main access roads are generally well-maintained, as noted by a local, caution is advised when driving directly on the soft ground near the reservoir itself. The ease of access from a major highway (US-287) makes it a convenient destination for many Montana residents, providing a relatively straightforward drive to a truly scenic and serene location. Given its high-elevation location in Montana, the campground is typically open seasonally, usually from late spring through early fall, depending on snowmelt and weather conditions. Always check with the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest for current accessibility and road status.

Cameahwait Campground provides a range of essential services and amenities designed to enhance the camping experience while embracing the natural setting. The focus is on providing comfort and convenience for both tent campers and those with RVs.

• Designated Campsites: The campground offers 25 campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis. These include both "shelter and open camp spots," providing options based on preference and weather.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, including "Tables in the shelters," offering convenient dining and gathering areas.
• Fire Rings: "Real nice fire rings" are provided at each site, perfect for campfires and outdoor cooking. Campers should always check for current fire restrictions before lighting a fire.
• Well-Maintained Restrooms: Visitors consistently praise the "very well maintained" vault toilets, ensuring clean and accessible basic restroom facilities.
• Drinking Water: Potable water is available via a hand pump, providing a convenient source of fresh water for campers.
• Trash Receptacles: Garbage cans are typically available, making waste disposal easier and helping to keep the campground clean.
• Boat Launch: A concrete boat ramp is located within the campground, offering easy access for launching watercraft onto Ennis Lake.
• Vault Toilet Access: The campground typically features vault toilets that are open year-round, even if the main camping season is closed due to snow, which can be useful for ice fishing or winter recreation.

It is important to note that while the campground offers drinking water and restrooms, it does not typically provide electrical, water, or sewer hookups at individual sites, maintaining a more rustic, traditional camping feel.

Cameahwait Campground boasts several compelling features that make it a highly desirable destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Montana:

• Direct Lake Access: A major highlight is its "access to the lake." Situated on the eastern shore of Ennis Lake, campers have direct and convenient access for swimming, fishing, and boating activities.
• Versatile Camping Options: With both "shelter and open camp spots," the campground caters to different preferences. The shelters provide cover from sun or light rain, while open spots offer expansive views and more direct sunlight.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Ennis Lake is renowned for its fishing, particularly for Rainbow and Brown Trout. Anglers will find ample opportunities from shore, boat, or by wading the Madison River inlet.
• Stunning Scenery: The campground offers "spectacular scenery" with views of the Madison Range to the east and the Gravelly Range to the west. The lake itself provides a beautiful backdrop, especially during sunrise and sunset.
• Wildlife Viewing: The area is rich in wildlife, with opportunities to spot various bird species, including bald eagles, as well as deer, elk, and other local fauna, enhancing the natural experience.
• Nearby Madison River Access: While directly on Ennis Lake, the Madison River, a world-class fly-fishing destination, flows into and out of Ennis Lake, offering additional renowned fishing opportunities just a short distance away.
• Water Sports Hub: Ennis Lake is popular for various water sports, including boating, water skiing, jet skiing, paddleboarding, and kayaking, making Cameahwait a perfect basecamp for aquatic adventures.
• Well-Maintained Facilities: The consistently positive feedback on "very well maintained" restrooms and "Real nice fire rings" indicates a high standard of care for the campground.

Cameahwait Campground is managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the campground, including its operating season, current conditions, fire restrictions, or any alerts, it is best to contact the nearest ranger district or the forest headquarters.

Address: X4P2+6F, Grayling, MT 59725, USA (This is a general Google Maps Plus Code. For detailed navigation, refer to forest service maps.)

Phone: (406) 683-6472 or +1 406-683-6472 (This is the phone number for the Madison Ranger District of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, which manages this area. They are the best source for current information.)

Since Cameahwait Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not accept reservations, calling the Madison Ranger District directly or checking the official U.S. Forest Service website for Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest (www.fs.usda.gov/bdnf) is highly recommended before your trip. This will ensure you have the latest information on accessibility, site availability, and any specific regulations in place.

For Montanans, Cameahwait Campground is more than just a place to set up camp; it’s an accessible slice of our state’s iconic natural beauty, perfectly suited for weekend getaways or longer family vacations. Its prime location on Ennis Lake, with direct water access and stunning views of the Madison and Gravelly Ranges, makes it an irresistible draw for those of us who love to fish, boat, or simply relax by the water. We know the value of a good fishing spot, and Ennis Lake delivers.

The fact that it’s a "really cool campground" with "very well maintained restrooms" speaks directly to our appreciation for functional, clean facilities, even in a natural setting. The choice between "shelter and open camp spots" adds a layer of flexibility, catering to different camping preferences and weather conditions that are so common in Montana. The excellent fire rings invite those classic campfire gatherings, where stories are shared and memories are made under our famously dark, star-filled skies.

While the warning about soft ground near the reservoir is a true local tip, it only adds to the authentic, rugged charm of the place – a reminder that even our more accessible natural areas demand respect and awareness. Cameahwait Campground isn't just a convenient spot; it's a gateway to world-class fishing on the Madison River, endless water sports on Ennis Lake, and the chance to witness Montana's abundant wildlife. It’s a place where our love for the outdoors is truly celebrated, making it an ideal destination for any local seeking genuine Montana adventure and tranquility.

Cameahwait Campground

X4P2+6F, Grayling, MT 59725, USA