Camping and Packrafting Along the Madison River Montana | Postcards from Camp #2
In this episode of our Postcards from Camp series, we share a short but memorable micro-adventure along the Madison River in southwest Montana. What started as a simple overnight camping trip turned into a spontaneous river float that reminded us why we love leaving space for unplanned adventures.
A Peaceful Evening Beside the Madison River
This trip was a quick one, just a single night away. It was our first “practice run” leaving our pup Greta with my parents overnight in preparation for an upcoming trip she couldn’t join. With no firm plans beyond camping near the river, we packed up and headed out.
We set up camp at a riverside campground on the Madison River and spent the evening relaxing by the fire. As the sun dipped behind the hills, we watched deer and other wildlife move along the banks and noticed an abundant insect hatch bringing the nighthawks and bats out in full force. Crawling into bed in our GFC rooftop camper, we fell asleep to the steady sound of the river flowing just feet away.
An Unexpected River Float
The next morning brought another surprise: as we sipped our coffee by the fire, we spotted what looked like a weasel bounding through the tall grass across the river. A rare and fun sighting!
Drift boats full of fly fishermen began to pass by one after another. Watching them, Brian and I looked at each other and realized that, without Greta along, the logistics of floating the river were suddenly much simpler.
“I know we hadn’t planned on it…” I said, “but we’ve got all our packrafting gear with us. Why not go for a float?”
With nothing pressing to do that day and gorgeous weather on our side, it felt like the perfect chance to seize the moment. After a quick phone call, my Dad kindly agreed to pick us up at the end of the float, so we packed up camp, moved the truck into the day-use area, and started getting our boats ready.
Gearing Up for the Madison
We always carry our packrafts with us since they don’t take up much space in the truck. Normally, we stick to lakes or shorelines of the Sea of Cortez, where shuttling back to our truck isn’t an issue, so getting the chance to float the river felt extra special.
One little trick we’ve discovered is using a small electric air duster (originally bought for cleaning the truck) to quickly inflate our boats. It saves time and energy, inflating our boats in seconds!
We grabbed the essentials — spray skirts to keep us dry, life jackets, river shoes, a water bottle, and snacks — and before long we were launching our packrafts into the Madison.
Floating Through Big Sky Country
What followed was one of those simple joys that make outdoor adventures so memorable. Floating through “Big Sky Country”, we passed drift boats, hoping not to disturb the fishermen, before finding stretches of quiet water to ourselves.
The crystal-clear river carried us past grassy islands where deer grazed. Overhead, Ospreys and Bald Eagles patrolled the sky and we were treated to views of the beautiful peaks in the distance as the current gently carried us downstream. Floating the Madison River is really an experience that is hard to beat!
Reflections on an Impromptu Micro-Adventure
This little overnight trip was supposed to be just a practice night away from our pup, but it turned into so much more. It reminded us that sometimes the best adventures happen when you don’t plan them. We hope this inspires you to make the most of those little unexpected chances too!
Thanks Dad for the photo and the ride!
👇 Here’s a quick list of our favorite gear that we used on this trip:
Sun Hoodys by NW Alpine Gear
Blowfish Designs Hat
Electric Air Duster to inflate our boats
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