Madison Arm Resort

For Montana residents seeking the quintessential Big Sky Country outdoor experience, the Madison Arm Resort offers a unique combination of RV park, campground, and full-service marina located directly on the shores of Hebgen Lake, just minutes from West Yellowstone. This resort is nestled deep within the Gallatin National Forest, providing a stunning, shady, and scenic environment that promises an intimate connection with Montana’s wilderness. Madison Arm Resort is an ideal basecamp for world-class trout fishing, water sports, and exploring the vast landscape of Yellowstone National Park.

Unlike many roadside RV parks, Madison Arm is an immersive destination. It caters to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts, from those bringing large recreational vehicles to campers preferring a rustic tent site, and even travelers needing cabin or cottage rentals. The resort’s dual function as a marina significantly enhances the experience, granting guests immediate access to the beautiful waters of Hebgen Lake, renowned for its incredible trout fishing. The integration of on-site services—including a general store, laundry facilities, and boat rentals—allows Montanans to settle in for an extended period without the constant need to drive back to town for supplies.

However, the journey to this secluded slice of paradise is a critical factor for all guests to consider. Public feedback consistently highlights the condition of the access road, Forest Service Road 291, which connects the resort to the main highway. Travelers should be prepared for a rough, unpaved road with severe washboards and rivets that requires caution and patience. The park management acknowledges this challenge, noting that the Forest Service is responsible for grading the road. While recent updates suggest the road conditions have been temporarily improved by grooming, prospective guests, particularly those pulling large RVs, should factor the difficulty of the 5-mile drive into their planning. Despite this hurdle, those who value a clean, lakefront setting surrounded by the Gallatin National Forest often find the destination worth the effort.

The resort’s physical location is both a major feature and a logistical consideration. It is approximately 8.5 miles northwest of the town of West Yellowstone, a key hub for entering Yellowstone National Park. The main approach involves driving a few miles north on US Highway 191/20, then turning onto the 5-mile, unpaved Forest Service Road 291. Guests should know that this dirt/gravel access road, while typically negotiable, can be extremely rough and heavily rutted, potentially adding a significant amount of travel time and stress to the journey. The resort recommends a speed of 25-30 mph for a smoother ride, but caution is necessary.

Once inside the resort, accessibility is well addressed, with several features dedicated to guest comfort and inclusion:

• There is a Wheelchair accessible entrance to key facilities.
• Dedicated Wheelchair accessible parking lots are available.
• The resort provides a Wheelchair accessible restroom.
• The resort is easily accessible by boat, featuring a boat ramp and docking facilities for a "Boat-In" option.

• Comprehensive Campsites: The resort offers a variety of site types, including **Full Hook Up RV Sites** (Water/Power/Sewer with 20A/30A electric—no 50A), **Water & Power Campsites (No Sewer)**, **Dry Campsites (No Utilities)**, and Tent Sites (including premium Lakeside Tent Sites).
• Marina and Water Activities: A full-service **Marina** is on-site, which includes a boat launch ramp, docking, and a **Fuel Dock** with marine-grade (non-ethanol, 91 octane) gasoline.
• **Boat and Watersport Rentals:** Guests can rent various watercraft, including pontoon boats, 14’ and 16’ aluminum fishing boats, canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, and water bicycles. Fishing licenses are also sold (cash only).
• **Guest Facilities:** Clean, well-maintained **Bathrooms and Showers** are provided, along with a **Laundromat** that includes clotheslines. There is also a communal **Dish Washing Station** and a **Fish Cleaning Station**.
• **Retail and Supplies:** An on-site **General Store** (or Camp Store) sells essential supplies, snacks, ice cream, souvenirs, firewood, ice, and propane.
• **Accessibility:** Offers **Onsite services**, including ADA accessible restrooms.
• **Payments:** Accepts the **Camping fee**, **Credit cards**, **Debit cards**, and **NFC mobile payments**.

• **Prime Location on Hebgen Lake:** Situated on the beautiful Madison Arm of Hebgen Lake, offering **lake and mountain views** from many sites and easy access to the water for swimming, fishing, and boating.
• **Family Owned and Operated:** The resort has been owned and operated by the same family since 1977, fostering a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere.
• **Diverse Accommodations:** In addition to RV sites, the resort offers **Rustic Cabins & Cottages** and rental RV campers, accommodating non-RV travelers.
• **Shade and Scenery:** The campground is set in a **shady location** surrounded by tall pine and spruce trees within the Gallatin National Forest.
• **Trout Fishing Hub:** Hebgen Lake is famous for its world-class trout fishing, making the resort an ideal base for anglers.
• **Direct Trail Access:** The well-connected Gallatin National Forest Trail Route 1731 runs through the campsite, open to motorized and non-motorized vehicles, perfect for hiking, biking, and motorsports.
• **Pet-Friendly Camping:** **Dogs are allowed** in campsites and resort rental RVs (with an extra fee), though pets are restricted from cabins/cottages and pontoon boat rentals.
• **Day Use Sites:** For Montanans who wish to enjoy the lake and amenities without an overnight stay, **Day Use Sites** are available for a fee.

Address: 5475 Madison Arm Rd, West Yellowstone, MT 59758, USA
Phone: (406) 646-9328
Mobile Phone: +1 406-646-9328
Office Hours: Typically 9:00 AM–6:00 PM (Mid-May to Mid-October season)

However, the decision must be made with the understanding that the approach road (Forest Service Road 291) is a significant obstacle. Montanans accustomed to backcountry travel may find it manageable, but those with large, sensitive RVs or new trailers must proceed with extreme caution to prevent potential vehicle damage. Ultimately, the resort is chosen by those prioritizing the destination: a peaceful, amenity-rich, lakefront basecamp for water sports and exploring the world-class wilderness of the Gallatin National Forest and the Yellowstone ecosystem. The beautiful views and proximity to nature remain the biggest draws, making it a worthy, if challenging, destination for the prepared traveler.

Madison Arm Resort

5475 Madison Arm Rd, West Yellowstone, MT 59758, USA