The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service is seeking interest from businesses, organizations, and individuals interested in managing recreation sites at Cliff and Wade Lakes on the Madison Ranger District of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. Sites included in this solicitation are Cliff Point Campground, Cliff Lake Day Use and Boat launch, Wade Lake Campground, Wade Lake Day use and Boat Launch, and Hilltop Campground.
Cliff Lake, a 679-acre natural lake, and Wade Lake, a spring-fed 200-acre lake, are recognized for their clear aquamarine waters and scenic mountain setting. Both lakes offer fishing opportunities for rainbow, brown, and Yellowstone cutthroat trout, with ice fishing available in the winter. Canoeing, swimming, and other non-motorized recreation are common. All sites are located less than 10 miles from paved Highway 287.
Several improvements have been made to the recreation facilities over the last few years including:
Several improvements have been made to the recreation facilities over the last few years including:
- Removal of four old, wooden vault toilets at Hilltop Campground, and replacement with two new vault toilets.
- Replacement of five old concrete vault toilets at Wade Lake Campground with five new vault toilets.
- Development of a new, centralized host site.
- Placement of a “visitor entrance booth” on the access road to the area.
- Improved parking at Wade Lake Day Use Area and Boat Launch.
- Contracted trash service.
The current fees at these sites are as follows:
- Individual campsites at all three campgrounds are $15/day.
- Wade Lake Campground features two group campsites that are $30/day.
- The fees at both day use sites are $5/day/vehicle.
The amount of investment required to operate these sites would be dependent on the business model proposed. The purpose of this public notice is to determine whether sufficient competitive interest exists to warrant issuing a prospectus in the future.
If a prospectus is issued, the Forest Service would review proposals through a competitive process and may authorize operations through special use permits or agreements. The specific tool—permit, agreement, or a combination of both—would depend on the content and context of the proposal. Any special use permits issued would be subject to environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act.
Questions regarding this opportunity may be submitted to Josh Connors at joshua.connors@usda.gov until close of business on November 10, 2026.
About the Forest Service: The Forest Service has brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation for more than 100 years. Grounded in world-class science and technology—and rooted in communities—the Forest Service connects people to nature and recreation opportunities. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, supports the nation’s forest industry and energy needs, and operates the largest and most respected wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. By providing assistance to state and private landowners and working with Tribes and other partners, the Forest Service also helps steward an additional 900 million forested acres within the U.S.
Photo: US Forest Service via FLIckr
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