Since 1871 the National Fish Hatchery system has been at work improving
recreational fishing and restoring aquatic species that are in decline, at
risk, and are important to the health of our aquatic systems. Across the
country the network of National Fish Hatcheries work with states and tribes to
conserve, restore and enhance the fish and aquatic resources of America for
future generations.

The Ennis National Fish Hatchery was authorized by Congress in May 1930 and
started fish culture operations in July 1933. Ennis National Fish Hatchery is
different from other hatcheries. Most hatcheries produce fish of various sizes
and then stock these fish in public lakes and streams, providing anglers with
hours of fishing fun. Ennis NFH, however, operates as a broodstock hatchery
and is the largest facility in the Service’s National Broodstock Program. It
is one of only two rainbow trout broodstock hatcheries in the nationwide
federal hatchery system.

<p>Since 1871 the National Fish Hatchery system has been at work improving recreational fishing and restoring aquatic species that are in decline, at risk, and are important to the health of our aquatic systems. Across the country the network of National Fish Hatcheries work with states and tribes to conserve, restore and enhance the fish and aquatic resources of America for future generations.</p>

<p>The Ennis National Fish Hatchery was authorized by Congress in May 1930 and started fish culture operations in July 1933. Ennis National Fish Hatchery is different from other hatcheries. Most hatcheries produce fish of various sizes and then stock these fish in public lakes and streams, providing anglers with hours of fishing fun. Ennis NFH, however, operates as a broodstock hatchery and is the largest facility in the Service’s National Broodstock Program. It is one of only two rainbow trout broodstock hatcheries in the nationwide federal hatchery system. </p>

Bird's eye view of the park

Ennis National Fish Hatchery

**Going Camping? Reserve your spot through recreation.gov**

Axolotl Cabin is located approximately 14 miles southwest of Ennis, Montana,
in the foothills of the Gravelly Range. The cabin provides access to a variety
of outdoor recreational activities and breathtaking views as it peers over the
Madison Valley. The cabin is at an elevation of about 7,000 feet and is
adjacent to Axolotl Lakes Wilderness Study Area. This picturesque land of
numerous small lakes, grasslands, meadows, and forests offers excellent
opportunities for horseback riding, hiking, fishing, cross-country skiing,
snowmobiling, mountain biking, hunting and wildlife observation. Get your
reservations at https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/251354

<p><b>Going Camping? Reserve your spot through recreation.gov</b></p>

<p>Axolotl Cabin is located approximately 14 miles southwest of Ennis, Montana, in the foothills of the Gravelly Range. The cabin provides access to a variety of outdoor recreational activities and breathtaking views as it peers over the Madison Valley. The cabin is at an elevation of about 7,000 feet and is adjacent to Axolotl Lakes Wilderness Study Area. This picturesque land of numerous small lakes, grasslands, meadows, and forests offers excellent opportunities for horseback riding, hiking, fishing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, mountain biking, hunting and wildlife observation. Get your reservations at https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/251354</p>

## Overview

**The Dillon Field Office is unable to make reservations for you. Please call
Recreation.gov (877-444-6777) to book a reservation or book online.**

Axolotl Cabin is located approximately 14 miles southwest of Ennis, Montana,
in the foothills of the Gravelly Range. The cabin provides access to a variety
of outdoor recreational activities and breathtaking views as it peers over the
Madison Valley. The cabin is at an elevation of about 7,000 feet and is
adjacent to Axolotl Lakes Wilderness Study Area.

## Recreation

Recreation opportunities abound in the surrounding area including numerous
small lakes for angling, paddling, and relaxation, and excellent areas for
hiking, wildlife viewing, and horseback riding. The world famous Madison River
winds through the valley below, with abundant scenery all around.

## Facilities

The cabin sleeps a maximum of seven people. There is a full bed, a full-size
fold out futon and two single bunkbeds. No bedding is provided. The cabin
amenities run off of both solar and propane. The lights and refrigerator
operate off solar power and can be subject to outages. The stove/oven operates
off propane; please read directions of how to operate!! There is also a BBQ,
wood stove, fireplace, and outdoor fire pit. Non-potable water available;
please treat.

One small corral near the cabin can accommodate two horses. You are required
to bring your own certified weed seed-free feed; no grazing is allowed.

## Natural Features

Axolotl salamanders exist in a few of the nearby lakes; please observe only,
do not handle. Several lakes provide ample opportunities for fishing and
paddleboarding. The surrounding lands are primarily managed by the Bureau of
Land Management and provide a variety of recreational opportunities. Certain
restrictions are in place for the Wilderness Study Area lands; please ensure
your understanding of these.

## Nearby Attractions

Visitors to the area may like to explore nearby Virginia City and Nevada City
historic districts, as well as access the Gravelly Road scenic drive.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p><strong>The Dillon Field Office is unable to make reservations for you. Please call Recreation.gov (877-444-6777) to book a reservation or book online. </strong></p>

<p>Axolotl Cabin is located approximately 14 miles southwest of Ennis, Montana, in the foothills of the Gravelly Range. The cabin provides access to a variety of outdoor recreational activities and breathtaking views as it peers over the Madison Valley. The cabin is at an elevation of about 7,000 feet and is adjacent to Axolotl Lakes Wilderness Study Area.</p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Recreation opportunities abound in the surrounding area including numerous small lakes for angling, paddling, and relaxation, and excellent areas for hiking, wildlife viewing, and horseback riding. The world famous Madison River winds through the valley below, with abundant scenery all around.</p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>The cabin sleeps a maximum of seven people. There is a full bed, a full-size fold out futon and two single bunkbeds. No bedding is provided. The cabin amenities run off of both solar and propane. The lights and refrigerator operate off solar power and can be subject to outages. The stove/oven operates off propane; please read directions of how to operate!! There is also a BBQ, wood stove, fireplace, and outdoor fire pit. Non-potable water available; please treat. </p>
<p>One small corral near the cabin can accommodate two horses. You are required to bring your own certified weed seed-free feed; no grazing is allowed.</p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>Axolotl salamanders exist in a few of the nearby lakes; please observe only, do not handle. Several lakes provide ample opportunities for fishing and paddleboarding. The surrounding lands are primarily managed by the Bureau of Land Management and provide a variety of recreational opportunities. Certain restrictions are in place for the Wilderness Study Area lands; please ensure your understanding of these.</p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>Visitors to the area may like to explore nearby Virginia City and Nevada City historic districts, as well as access the Gravelly Road scenic drive.</p>

Reservations are booked through Recreation.gov only. A credit card is required
to secure your reservation.

Sunrise over the Gravelly Mountains from the Axolotl Cabin access road

Gravelly Mountain Range

Axolotl Cabin

Kitchen Applicances

Bedroom

Access Map

Axolotl Cabin Backside

Cooking Equipment

Axolotl Cabin Front Porch

Fireplace

View from Axolotl Cabin Porch

Kitchen

Beginning with the 2027 recreation season reservation period, the maximum stay
at Axolotl Cabin will be reduced from seven nights to three nights **per
season** due to increased demand.

<p>Beginning with the 2027 recreation season reservation period, the maximum stay at Axolotl Cabin will be reduced from seven nights to three nights <strong>per season</strong> due to increased demand.</p>

Axolotl Lakes

The Ruby Creek Recreation Area is located on the Upper Madison River. The
campground has 22 camping sites, with a separate boat launch and parking area
nearby. There is a seasonal volunteer campground host on site.

The Ruby Creek Recreation Area is located on the Upper Madison River. The campground has 22 camping sites, with a separate boat launch and parking area nearby. There is a seasonal volunteer campground host on site.

Ennis National Fish Hatchery

Directions

Reviews

Nearby Parks

Axolotl Lakes

Ruby Mountain SRMA