Meadow Lake Campground

GPS 45.44279, -111.70785

If you are looking for easy access free camping near Ennis, MT, this is the place. Only 1.4 miles from US-287, a somewhat smooth gravel road gets you there with no undulations. The campground is nestled between the Tobacco Root Mountains to the West and Madison Range to the East. Several of the sites have access to Ennis Lake. Our 37’ motorhome would fit on half of the sites, but some aren’t the most level. We did see a rather large fifth wheel occupy a site at the far end near the cul du sac, but many sites are for smaller units under 30 feet. They do have one handicap site with a level concrete pad. There is a stay limit of 7 days. Come before noon if possible as it fills up most evenings. Besides being right on Lake Ennis, a vault toilet is about the only amenity. There is no trash or other facilities. We had a very good signal with T-Mobile.

An easy 4.5 mile drive on the same gravel road leads you to Madison Dam. Beyond that is Beartrap Canyon, where signs declare only two outfitters are qualified for rafting the Class 4 rapids. For convenience, the town of Ennis is 8 miles to the South, and for old-timey feels, Virginia City and Nevada City are 22 miles West. Other distances: 72 miles to the entrance gate at Yellowstone National Park and around 50 to Bozeman/Belgrade.

We met many people while camping here. I was very greatful for the socializing as one of those families traveling in a skoolie bus came to our rescue when we got stuck around 22 miles away. Were it not for them, the tow truck that came would not have been able to get us out. Thank you Rachel & Bryce who have the YouTube Channel “Freedom Lane” for helping us out of the mud!

The mayflies were abundant on the drier days, seen in one pic looking like an irregular cloud just above the water and speckled throughout the rest. Had it not rained most every one of the six days we stayed, we would have really enjoyed the throngs of mountain and lake views. Betty was satisfied watching the pelicans, swallows, and other moving objects while she lazed away on the dashboard. Suki was mad that we had to leave once the weather finally improved, so if in the area, I will try to stay here again.

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