Montana’s 55 state parks span 12,000 years of human history, over 11,000 acres of badlands, some of the world’s largest freshwater springs, and a ghost town that once served as the territorial capital. Managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), the system is one of the most diverse in the American West — and one of the most affordable, with all parks free for Montana residents who pay the $9/year parks fee at vehicle registration. This guide covers 20 parks across 12 categories, with camping details, fees, activities, and directions.
🏞️ State Parks Directory (20)
Bannack State Park
Ghost TownMontana's best-preserved ghost town and site of the state's first significant gold strike in 1862. Bannack served as Montana's first territorial capital in 1864. Over 60 structures remain, including the hotel, courthouse, church, and Masonic lodge. The annual Bannack Days living history event is held each July. Sheriff Henry Plummer and his outlaw gang, the Innocents, operated from Bannack before being hanged by vigilantes in 1864.
Montana's best-preserved ghost town. Bannack Days living history event each July. 60+ original structures. Sheriff Plummer hanged by vigilantes 1864.
Chief Plenty Coups State Park
CulturalHome and farm of Chief Plenty Coups (Alaxchiiaahush), the last traditional chief of the Crow Nation. Plenty Coups donated his home and land to the people of Montana upon his death in 1932. The Visitor Center presents Crow history and the chief's remarkable life. The original log home, spring, and medicine spring are preserved. Located on the edge of the Crow Reservation near Pryor.
Home of Chief Plenty Coups, last traditional chief of the Crow Nation. Donated to Montana upon his death in 1932. Original log home and medicine spring preserved.
Cooney State Park
ReservoirA popular reservoir state park in Carbon County with 76 campsites and excellent walleye and rainbow trout fishing. Located 25 miles from Red Lodge and 40 miles from Billings, it is one of the most popular state parks in south-central Montana. Boating and swimming are popular in summer.
Excellent walleye and rainbow trout fishing. 25 miles from Red Lodge, 40 miles from Billings. Popular family destination.
First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park
ArchaeologyOne of the largest buffalo jumps in North America, with a sandstone cliff stretching nearly a mile. Used by Native Americans for at least 1,000 years to drive bison herds off the edge. The Visitor Center tells the story of pishkun (buffalo jump) culture with exhibits and a short film. The 1-mile trail to the cliff top offers sweeping views of the Missouri River valley. Pronghorn antelope are frequently spotted in the surrounding prairie.
Formerly Ulm Pishkun State Park. One of the largest buffalo jumps in North America. Cliff stretches nearly 1 mile. Visitor Center with film and exhibits.
Giant Springs State Park
Natural AreaHome to one of the largest freshwater springs in the world, discharging 156–388 million gallons of water daily at a constant 54°F. The Roe River, which flows from Giant Springs to the Missouri, was once listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's shortest river at 201 feet. Lewis and Clark visited the springs on June 18, 1805. The adjacent Montana Fish Technology Center raises millions of trout annually and is open for tours.
One of the largest freshwater springs in the world (156–388 million gallons/day). Roe River — once world's shortest river (201 ft). Lewis and Clark June 18, 1805.
Greycliff Prairie Dog Town State Park
WildlifeOne of the most accessible wildlife viewing stops in Montana — right off I-90 at Exit 377. Black-tailed prairie dogs are active year-round. Burrowing owls nest in abandoned prairie dog burrows in summer. The colony is one of the largest protected prairie dog towns in Montana. Interpretive signs explain prairie dog ecology and their role in the ecosystem.
Right off I-90 Exit 377. Black-tailed prairie dogs active year-round. Burrowing owls nest in summer. Quick stop between Billings and Bozeman.
Hell Creek State Park
ReservoirLocated on the north shore of Fort Peck Lake, the fifth-largest reservoir in the United States with 1,520 miles of shoreline. Walleye fishing is exceptional. The surrounding Hell Creek Formation is one of the world's richest dinosaur fossil beds. Jordan is the most remote county seat in the contiguous United States.
Fort Peck Lake has 1,520 miles of shoreline. Exceptional walleye fishing. Hell Creek Formation is one of the world's richest dinosaur fossil beds. Most remote county seat in contiguous US.
Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
CaveMontana's first state park, established in 1935, Lewis and Clark Caverns features one of the most decorated limestone cave systems in the Northwest. Guided tours (1.5 miles, 2 hours, 600 steps) run May through September. The cave maintains a constant 50°F — bring a jacket. Despite the name, Lewis and Clark never actually entered the cave. The 2,920-acre park also offers camping, hiking, and Jefferson River access.
Montana's first state park (1935). Cave tours May–September. Cave is 50°F year-round — bring a jacket. Bats present; tours may be limited during white-nose syndrome monitoring.
Lost Creek State Park
Natural AreaA narrow granite canyon with a 50-foot waterfall at the end of a 1-mile trail. Mountain goats are frequently visible on the canyon walls throughout the hike — one of the best places in Montana to see mountain goats from a short, easy trail. The campground is shaded and quiet. Located 6 miles from Anaconda.
50-foot waterfall at end of 1-mile trail. Mountain goats frequently visible on canyon walls. One of the best accessible mountain goat viewing sites in Montana. 6 miles from Anaconda.
Madison Buffalo Jump State Park
ArchaeologyA limestone cliff used as a buffalo jump by Native Americans for approximately 2,000 years. Less developed than First Peoples Buffalo Jump but offers better views of the Madison River valley. The 0.5-mile trail to the cliff top is steep. Interpretive signs explain the pishkun hunting technique. Located 25 miles west of Bozeman.
Used as buffalo jump for ~2,000 years. 0.5-mile steep trail to cliff top. Views of Madison River valley. 25 miles west of Bozeman.
Makoshika State Park
BadlandsMontana's largest state park at 11,634 acres, Makoshika (Lakota for 'bad earth') is a spectacular badlands landscape of eroded buttes, hoodoos, and ravines in eastern Montana. Fossils of Triceratops and Tyrannosaurus rex have been found here. The Visitor Center displays actual fossils and casts. The Cap Rock Nature Trail (1.5 miles) is the most popular hike. An archery range and disc golf course are on-site. Excellent astrophotography location.
Montana's largest state park. Triceratops and T. rex fossils found here. Visitor Center open daily in summer. One of the darkest sky locations in Montana.
Medicine Rocks State Park
BadlandsSandstone formations weathered into pillars, arches, and honeycombed surfaces in the remote Carter County of southeastern Montana. Sacred to the Lakota and other Plains tribes. Teddy Roosevelt visited and described the area as 'fantastically beautiful.' One of the most isolated state parks in Montana — 100 miles from Miles City. Excellent astrophotography location. No water on-site — bring your own.
No water on-site — bring your own. 100 miles from Miles City. Teddy Roosevelt visited. Sacred to Lakota. Excellent astrophotography. Primitive camping.
Missouri Headwaters State Park
HistoryThe official headwaters of the Missouri River — the longest river in North America — where the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin rivers converge. Lewis and Clark reached this point on July 25, 1805. The 3-mile trail system connects interpretive sites along the riverbanks. Excellent fishing for brown and rainbow trout. Osprey, great blue heron, and white pelicans are commonly seen.
Confluence of Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin rivers. Lewis and Clark July 25, 1805. Osprey, great blue heron, white pelicans. Brown and rainbow trout fishing.
Pictograph Cave State Park
ArchaeologyThree caves containing over 100 pictographs painted by Native Americans over 2,000 years. The site was occupied for at least 4,500 years. Artifacts recovered here include a Roman coin and a Spanish sword guard, suggesting extensive trade networks. The 0.75-mile paved loop trail accesses all three caves. Binoculars are recommended for viewing the faded pictographs. The Visitor Center has interpretive exhibits.
100+ pictographs over 2,000 years. Binoculars recommended. Visitor Center with interpretive exhibits. 0.75-mile paved loop. 7 miles from downtown Billings.
Rosebud Battlefield State Park
HistorySite of the June 17, 1876 Battle of the Rosebud, fought eight days before the Battle of Little Bighorn. General George Crook's forces were turned back by Lakota and Cheyenne warriors led by Crazy Horse. Interpretive signs mark key battle positions. Remote and undeveloped — no facilities. Dirt road access; high-clearance vehicle recommended when wet.
Free admission. Battle of the Rosebud, June 17, 1876. Crazy Horse turned back General Crook 8 days before Little Bighorn. No facilities. Dirt road — high clearance recommended.
Sluice Boxes State Park
CanyonBelt Creek carved a spectacular limestone canyon through the Little Belt Mountains. The 5-mile out-and-back trail follows the creek through the canyon. Named for the wooden sluice boxes used by gold miners in the 1870s. No facilities — pack in water. 30 miles southeast of Great Falls.
No facilities — pack in water. 5-mile out-and-back trail through limestone canyon. Named for gold mining era sluice boxes. 30 miles southeast of Great Falls.
Smith River State Park
Float TripOne of the most sought-after float trips in the American West. The 59-mile corridor has only one public put-in (Camp Baker) and one public take-out (Eden Bridge), making it a true wilderness experience. Permits are drawn by lottery — apply January 1 through mid-February for the May–July season. Canyon walls rise 1,000 feet above the river. Brown and rainbow trout fishing is world-class. No motorized boats permitted.
Permit required — lottery opens January 1. $15/person. 59-mile corridor, one put-in, one take-out. Canyon walls 1,000 ft. World-class brown and rainbow trout. No motorized boats.
Tongue River Reservoir State Park
ReservoirThe largest campground in the Montana state park system with 106 sites. Located on the Tongue River Reservoir in southeastern Montana, it is popular with local families for boating, waterskiing, and fishing. Walleye, bass, and catfish fishing. The reservoir is warm enough for swimming by July.
Largest campground in Montana state park system (106 sites). Walleye, bass, catfish. Swimming by July. Popular with southeastern Montana families.
Travelers' Rest State Park
HistoryThe only archaeologically verified Lewis and Clark campsite in the world. The expedition camped here twice — in 1805 on the way west and in 1806 on the return. Soil samples confirmed the presence of mercury (used as a laxative by the Corps of Discovery) at the exact campsite location. The Visitor Center has excellent interpretive exhibits. Located just 10 miles south of Missoula.
Only archaeologically verified Lewis and Clark campsite in the world. Mercury confirmed in soil samples at exact campsite location. 10 miles south of Missoula.
Wild Horse Island State Park
IslandThe largest island in Flathead Lake and one of the most unique state parks in the country. Accessible only by private boat or charter — no bridge or ferry service. Small herds of wild horses and bighorn sheep roam freely on the 2,164-acre island. Bald eagles nest here. The 6-mile trail system traverses open grasslands and ponderosa pine forest. No facilities on the island — pack in everything.
Accessible by boat only — no bridge or ferry. Wild horses and bighorn sheep roam freely. Bald eagles nest on island. No facilities — pack in everything. Boat charters from Dayton and Big Arm.
💲 Fees & Reservations
Montana residents pay $9/year at vehicle registration for unlimited free day-use access to all 55 state parks. Nonresident vehicles pay $8/day at most parks. The Montana State Parks Annual Pass ($60 for nonresidents) covers unlimited day-use access for one year.
- Campground reservations: stateparks.mt.gov or (855) 922-6768
- Reservations open in early January — popular parks fill quickly
- Smith River float permits: lottery applications open January 1
📖 Montana State Parks Planning Guide
Montana State Parks Guide
Browse by Category
Montana's 55 state parks span 12,000 years of human history, 11,634 acres of badlands, some of the world's largest freshwater springs, and a ghost town that once served as the territorial capital. Managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), the system is one of the most diverse in the American West — and one of the most affordable, with many parks free to enter for Montana residents who pay the parks fee at vehicle registration.
This directory covers the parks most relevant to travelers, organized by experience type. All acreage and establishment dates are sourced from Montana FWP and Wikipedia's verified list of Montana state parks.
🦕 Badlands & Fossil Parks (2)
Makoshika State Park
★★★★★ 4.7 (2,800+)
State Park · Badlands · Fossil Site
Nearest Town: Glendive
County: Dawson
Acreage: 11,634 acres
Established: 1953
Camping: Yes — 34 sites (electric and primitive), first-come/first-served
Day Use Fee: $8 nonresident vehicle / Free with MT registration
Address: 1301 Snyder Ave, Glendive, MT 59330
Phone: (406) 377-6256
Website: fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/makoshika
Best For: Hiking, fossil viewing, photography, stargazing, mountain biking
Notes: Montana's largest state park. The name means "bad earth" or "bad land" in Lakota. Fossils of Triceratops and Tyrannosaurus rex have been found here. The Visitor Center displays actual fossils and casts. The Cap Rock Nature Trail (1.5 miles) is the most popular hike. Archery range and disc golf course on-site. Glendive is 35 miles from the North Dakota border on I-94.
Medicine Rocks State Park
★★★★☆ 4.4 (500+)
State Park · Badlands · Photography
Nearest Town: Ekalaka
County: Carter
Acreage: 330 acres
Established: 1957
Camping: Yes — primitive sites, first-come/first-served
Day Use Fee: $8 nonresident vehicle / Free with MT registration
Address: 25 miles north of Ekalaka on MT-7
Phone: (406) 234-0900
Website: fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/medicinerocks
Best For: Photography, solitude, geology, Indigenous cultural history
Notes: Sandstone formations weathered into pillars, arches, and honeycombed surfaces. Sacred to the Lakota and other Plains tribes. Teddy Roosevelt visited and described the area as "fantastically beautiful." One of the most isolated state parks in Montana — 100 miles from Miles City. No water on-site; bring your own.
🏛️ History & Culture Parks (8)
Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
★★★★★ 4.8 (3,200+)
State Park · Cave Tours · History
Nearest Town: Whitehall / Three Forks
County: Jefferson
Acreage: 2,920 acres
Established: 1935 (Montana's first state park)
Camping: Yes — 40 sites (electric and primitive), reservable
Day Use Fee: $8 nonresident vehicle / Free with MT registration
Cave Tour Fee: $15 adults / $8 youth (ages 5–11) / Under 5 free
Address: 25 Lewis and Clark Caverns Rd, Whitehall, MT 59759
Phone: (406) 287-3541
Website: fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/lewisandclarkcaverns
Best For: Cave tours, camping, Jefferson River access, wildlife viewing
Notes: Montana's first state park, established 1935. The cave system features stalactites, stalagmites, helictites, and cave popcorn. Guided tours run May–September (1.5 miles, 2 hours, 600 steps). The cave maintains a constant 50°F — bring a jacket. Named for Lewis and Clark, though the expedition never actually entered the cave. Bats are present; tours may be limited during white-nose syndrome monitoring periods.
Bannack State Park
★★★★★ 4.6 (2,100+)
State Park · Ghost Town · History
Nearest Town: Dillon
County: Beaverhead
Acreage: 1,529 acres
Established: 1954
Camping: Yes — 28 sites (primitive), reservable
Day Use Fee: $8 nonresident vehicle / Free with MT registration
Address: 4200 Bannack Rd, Dillon, MT 59725
Phone: (406) 834-3413
Website: fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/bannack
Best For: History, photography, ghost town exploration, family trips
Notes: Montana's best-preserved ghost town. Bannack was Montana's first territorial capital (1864) and the site of the state's first significant gold strike (1862). Over 60 structures remain, including the hotel, courthouse, church, and Masonic lodge. The annual Bannack Days living history event is held each July. The notorious Sheriff Henry Plummer and his outlaw gang, the Innocents, operated from Bannack before being hanged by vigilantes in 1864. Interpretive signs throughout.
Pictograph Cave State Park
★★★★☆ 4.5 (1,400+)
State Park · Rock Art · Archaeology
Nearest Town: Billings
County: Yellowstone
Acreage: 93 acres
Established: 1969
Camping: No
Day Use Fee: $8 nonresident vehicle / Free with MT registration
Address: 3401 Coburn Rd, Billings, MT 59101
Phone: (406) 247-2940
Website: fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/pictographcave
Best For: Rock art viewing, archaeology, short hikes, day trips from Billings
Notes: Three caves contain over 100 pictographs painted by Native Americans over 2,000 years. The site was occupied for at least 4,500 years. Artifacts recovered here include a Roman coin and a Spanish sword guard, suggesting extensive trade networks. The 0.75-mile paved loop trail accesses all three caves. Binoculars are recommended for viewing the faded pictographs. The Visitor Center has interpretive exhibits.
First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park
★★★★☆ 4.3 (1,200+)
State Park · Indigenous History · Archaeology
Nearest Town: Ulm (near Great Falls)
County: Cascade
Acreage: 1,481 acres
Established: 1972 (formerly Ulm Pishkun State Park)
Camping: No
Day Use Fee: $8 nonresident vehicle / Free with MT registration
Address: 342 Ulm-Vaughn Rd, Ulm, MT 59485
Phone: (406) 866-2217
Website: fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/firstpeoplesbuffalojump
Best For: Indigenous cultural history, archaeology, prairie wildlife viewing
Notes: One of the largest buffalo jumps in North America. The sandstone cliff stretches nearly a mile and was used by Native Americans for at least 1,000 years to drive bison herds off the edge. The Visitor Center tells the story of pishkun (buffalo jump) culture with exhibits and a short film. The 1-mile trail to the cliff top offers sweeping views of the Missouri River valley. Pronghorn antelope are frequently spotted in the surrounding prairie.
Missouri Headwaters State Park
★★★★☆ 4.4 (1,600+)
State Park · History · Paddling
Nearest Town: Three Forks
County: Gallatin
Acreage: 532 acres
Established: 1947
Camping: Yes — 22 sites (electric and primitive), reservable
Day Use Fee: $8 nonresident vehicle / Free with MT registration
Address: 1585 Trident Rd, Three Forks, MT 59752
Phone: (406) 994-4042
Website: fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/missouriheadwaters
Best For: History, kayaking, fishing, birdwatching, family trips
Notes: The confluence of the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin rivers — the official headwaters of the Missouri River, the longest river in North America. Lewis and Clark reached this point on July 25, 1805. The 3-mile trail system connects interpretive sites along the riverbanks. Excellent fishing for brown and rainbow trout. Osprey, great blue heron, and white pelicans are commonly seen.
Chief Plenty Coups State Park
★★★★☆ 4.2 (800+)
State Park · Crow History · Cultural Site
Nearest Town: Pryor
County: Big Horn
Acreage: 195 acres
Established: 1961
Camping: No
Day Use Fee: $8 nonresident vehicle / Free with MT registration
Address: 1 Edgar Rd, Pryor, MT 59066
Phone: (406) 252-1289
Website: fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/chiefplentycoups
Best For: Crow Nation history, cultural interpretation, photography
Notes: Home and farm of Chief Plenty Coups (Alaxchiiaahush), the last traditional chief of the Crow Nation. Plenty Coups donated his home and land to the people of Montana upon his death in 1932. The Visitor Center presents Crow history and the chief's remarkable life. The original log home, spring, and medicine spring are preserved. Located on the edge of the Crow Reservation near Pryor.
Travelers' Rest State Park
★★★★☆ 4.1 (700+)
State Park · Lewis & Clark History
Nearest Town: Lolo
County: Missoula
Acreage: 41 acres
Established: 2001
Camping: No
Day Use Fee: $8 nonresident vehicle / Free with MT registration
Address: 6717 US-12, Lolo, MT 59847
Phone: (406) 273-4253
Website: fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/travelersrest
Best For: Lewis & Clark history, short walks, interpretive exhibits
Notes: The only archaeologically verified Lewis and Clark campsite in the world. The expedition camped here twice — in 1805 on the way west and in 1806 on the return. Soil samples confirmed the presence of mercury (used as a laxative by the Corps of Discovery) at the exact campsite location. The Visitor Center has excellent interpretive exhibits. Located just 10 miles south of Missoula.
Rosebud Battlefield State Park
★★★☆☆ 3.9 (400+)
State Park · Military History · Remote
Nearest Town: Decker / Sheridan, WY
County: Big Horn
Acreage: 3,052 acres
Established: 1978
Camping: No
Day Use Fee: Free
Address: Rosebud Battlefield Rd, Decker, MT 59025
Phone: (406) 234-0900
Website: fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/rosebudbattlefield
Best For: Military history, solitude, prairie landscapes
Notes: Site of the June 17, 1876 Battle of the Rosebud, fought eight days before the Battle of Little Bighorn. General George Crook's forces were turned back by Lakota and Cheyenne warriors led by Crazy Horse. Interpretive signs mark key battle positions. Remote and undeveloped — no facilities. Dirt road access; high-clearance vehicle recommended when wet.
💧 Lakes & Water Parks (10)
Giant Springs State Park
★★★★☆ 4.4 (2,200+)
State Park · Springs · Fishing
Nearest Town: Great Falls
County: Cascade
Acreage: 675 acres
Established: 1972
Camping: No
Day Use Fee: $8 nonresident vehicle / Free with MT registration
Address: 4803 Giant Springs Rd, Great Falls, MT 59405
Phone: (406) 454-5840
Website: fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/giantsprings
Best For: Giant springs viewing, Missouri River fishing, family picnics, Lewis & Clark history
Notes: Home to one of the largest freshwater springs in the world, discharging 156–388 million gallons of water daily at a constant 54°F. The Roe River, which flows from Giant Springs to the Missouri, was once listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's shortest river at 201 feet. Lewis and Clark visited the springs on June 18, 1805. The adjacent Montana Fish Technology Center raises millions of trout annually and is open for tours.
Wild Horse Island State Park
★★★★★ 4.6 (1,800+)
State Park · Island · Wildlife
Nearest Town: Polson / Bigfork
County: Lake
Acreage: 2,164 acres
Established: 1977
Camping: No (day use only; accessible by private boat or charter only)
Day Use Fee: $8 nonresident vehicle / Free with MT registration
Address: Flathead Lake (accessible by boat from Dayton or Big Arm)
Phone: (406) 849-5082
Website: fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/wildhorseisland
Best For: Wildlife viewing (bighorn sheep, wild horses, bald eagles), hiking, photography
Notes: The largest island in Flathead Lake and one of the most unique state parks in the country. Accessible only by boat — no bridge, no ferry service. Small herds of wild horses and bighorn sheep roam freely. Bald eagles nest on the island. The 6-mile trail system traverses open grasslands and ponderosa pine forest. Boat charters available from Dayton and Big Arm. No facilities on the island — pack in everything.
Lewis and Clark Caverns (see History section above)
Flathead Lake State Park Units
Flathead Lake State Park is divided into six units around the perimeter of Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. Each unit offers camping, swimming, and boating access.
Units: Big Arm, Finley Point, Wayfarers, West Shore, Yellow Bay, North Shore
Nearest Town: Polson, Bigfork, Kalispell
Camping: Yes — reservable sites at all units
Day Use Fee: $8 nonresident vehicle / Free with MT registration
Website: fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/flatheadlake
Best For: Swimming, boating, fishing, camping, cherry picking (Yellow Bay, July)
Notes: Flathead Lake is 28 miles long, 15 miles wide, and up to 370 feet deep. Water temperatures reach the low 70s°F in July and August. Kokanee salmon, lake trout, and bull trout fishing. The Yellow Bay unit is adjacent to the University of Montana's Flathead Lake Biological Station, one of the oldest inland freshwater research stations in North America.
Hell Creek State Park
★★★★☆ 4.1 (900+)
State Park · Fort Peck Lake · Boating
Nearest Town: Jordan
County: Garfield
Acreage: 337 acres
Established: 1966
Camping: Yes — 30 sites (electric and primitive), first-come/first-served
Day Use Fee: $8 nonresident vehicle / Free with MT registration
Address: Hell Creek Rd, Jordan, MT 59337
Phone: (406) 232-0900
Website: fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/hellcreek
Best For: Boating, fishing (walleye, northern pike, paddlefish), remote camping
Notes: Located on the north shore of Fort Peck Lake, the fifth-largest reservoir in the United States. Fort Peck Lake has 1,520 miles of shoreline — more than the California coast. Walleye fishing is exceptional. The surrounding Hell Creek Formation is one of the world's richest dinosaur fossil beds. Jordan is the most remote county seat in the contiguous United States.
Smith River State Park
★★★★★ 4.8 (1,200+)
State Park · Float Trip · Permit Required
Nearest Town: White Sulphur Springs / Camp Baker
County: Meagher
Acreage: 1 acre (access points only; river corridor managed separately)
Established: 1960
Camping: Yes — designated campsites along the 59-mile river corridor
Day Use Fee: Permit required for float trips
Float Permit Fee: $15/person (drawn by lottery, applications open January 1)
Address: Camp Baker (put-in), Eden Bridge (take-out)
Phone: (406) 454-5840
Website: fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/smithriver
Best For: Multi-day float trips, fly fishing, canyon scenery, solitude
Notes: One of the most sought-after float trips in the American West. The 59-mile corridor has only one public put-in and one public take-out, making it a true wilderness experience. Permits are drawn by lottery — apply January 1 through mid-February for the May–July season. The canyon walls rise 1,000 feet above the river. Brown and rainbow trout fishing is world-class. No motorized boats permitted.
Tongue River Reservoir State Park
★★★☆☆ 3.8 (600+)
State Park · Reservoir · Boating
Nearest Town: Decker
County: Big Horn
Acreage: 642 acres
Established: 1983
Camping: Yes — 106 sites (electric and primitive), reservable
Day Use Fee: $8 nonresident vehicle / Free with MT registration
Address: Tongue River Reservoir Rd, Decker, MT 59025
Phone: (406) 234-0900
Website: fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/tongueriverreservoir
Best For: Boating, waterskiing, fishing, camping
Notes: The largest campground in the Montana state park system. Popular with southeastern Montana families. Walleye, bass, and catfish fishing. The reservoir is warm enough for swimming by July.
Cooney State Park
★★★★☆ 4.0 (700+)
State Park · Reservoir · Fishing
Nearest Town: Red Lodge / Billings
County: Carbon
Acreage: 309 acres
Established: 1970
Camping: Yes — 76 sites (electric and primitive), reservable
Day Use Fee: $8 nonresident vehicle / Free with MT registration
Address: 1 Cooney Dam Rd, Roberts, MT 59070
Phone: (406) 445-2326
Website: fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/cooney
Best For: Fishing, boating, camping, family trips
Notes: Excellent walleye and rainbow trout fishing. One of the most popular state parks in south-central Montana. 25 miles from Red Lodge, 40 miles from Billings.
🌿 Natural Areas & Scenic Parks (6)
Lost Creek State Park
★★★★★ 4.5 (1,100+)
State Park · Canyon · Wildlife
Nearest Town: Anaconda
County: Deer Lodge
Acreage: 502 acres
Established: 1957
Camping: Yes — 25 sites (primitive), first-come/first-served
Day Use Fee: $8 nonresident vehicle / Free with MT registration
Address: Lost Creek Rd, Anaconda, MT 59711
Phone: (406) 542-5500
Website: fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/lostcreek
Best For: Wildlife viewing (mountain goats, bighorn sheep), waterfall, photography
Notes: A narrow granite canyon with a 50-foot waterfall at the end of a 1-mile trail. Mountain goats are frequently visible on the canyon walls. One of the best places in Montana to see mountain goats from a short, easy trail. The campground is shaded and quiet. Located 6 miles from Anaconda.
Sluice Boxes State Park
★★★★☆ 4.3 (600+)
State Park · Canyon · Hiking
Nearest Town: Great Falls / Belt
County: Cascade
Acreage: 1,451 acres
Established: 1974
Camping: No
Day Use Fee: $8 nonresident vehicle / Free with MT registration
Address: Sluice Boxes Rd, Belt, MT 59412
Phone: (406) 454-5840
Website: fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/sluiceboxes
Best For: Hiking, geology, solitude, photography
Notes: Belt Creek carved a spectacular limestone canyon through the Little Belt Mountains. The 5-mile out-and-back trail follows the creek through the canyon. Named for the wooden sluice boxes used by gold miners in the 1870s. No facilities — pack in water. 30 miles southeast of Great Falls.
Granite Ghost Town State Park
★★★☆☆ 3.9 (400+)
State Park · Ghost Town · History
Nearest Town: Philipsburg
County: Granite
Acreage: 1 acre
Established: 1975
Camping: No
Day Use Fee: Free
Address: Granite Ghost Town Rd, Philipsburg, MT 59858
Phone: (406) 542-5500
Website: fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/granite
Best For: Photography, history, short hike to ruins
Notes: Ruins of an 1890s silver mining boomtown perched at 7,000 feet in the Flint Creek Range. At its peak, Granite had 3,000 residents and produced $40 million in silver. The 3-mile round-trip hike to the ruins gains 1,400 feet. The miners' union hall and several stone foundations remain. Open June–September (road may be impassable other times).
Makoshika State Park (see Badlands section above)
Greycliff Prairie Dog Town State Park
★★★★☆ 4.2 (900+)
State Park · Wildlife · Roadside
Nearest Town: Big Timber
County: Sweet Grass
Acreage: 98 acres
Established: 1974
Camping: No
Day Use Fee: $8 nonresident vehicle / Free with MT registration
Address: I-90 Exit 377, Greycliff, MT 59033
Phone: (406) 247-2940
Website: fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/greycliff
Best For: Prairie dog viewing, quick I-90 stop, burrowing owl sightings
Notes: One of the most accessible wildlife viewing stops in Montana — right off I-90. Black-tailed prairie dogs are active year-round. Burrowing owls nest in abandoned prairie dog burrows in summer. The colony is one of the largest protected prairie dog towns in Montana. Interpretive signs explain prairie dog ecology and their role in the ecosystem.
Madison Buffalo Jump State Park
★★★☆☆ 3.8 (500+)
State Park · Indigenous History · Geology
Nearest Town: Logan (near Bozeman)
County: Gallatin
Acreage: 638 acres
Established: 1966
Camping: No
Day Use Fee: $8 nonresident vehicle / Free with MT registration
Address: 6990 Buffalo Jump Rd, Logan, MT 59741
Phone: (406) 994-4042
Website: fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/madisonbuffalojump
Best For: Indigenous history, geology, views of Madison River valley
Notes: A limestone cliff used as a buffalo jump by Native Americans for approximately 2,000 years. Less developed than First Peoples Buffalo Jump but offers better views of the Madison River valley. The 0.5-mile trail to the cliff top is steep. Interpretive signs explain the pishkun hunting technique. Located 25 miles west of Bozeman.
Montana State Parks at a Glance
| Park | County | Acres | Established | Camping | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makoshika | Dawson | 11,634 | 1953 | Yes | $8 NR |
| Rosebud Battlefield | Big Horn | 3,052 | 1978 | No | Free |
| Lewis & Clark Caverns | Jefferson | 2,920 | 1935 | Yes | $8 NR + tour |
| Wild Horse Island | Lake | 2,164 | 1977 | No | $8 NR |
| Marias River | Toole | 2,011 | 2009 | No | $8 NR |
| Bannack | Beaverhead | 1,529 | 1954 | Yes | $8 NR |
| First Peoples Buffalo Jump | Cascade | 1,481 | 1972 | No | $8 NR |
| Sluice Boxes | Cascade | 1,451 | 1974 | No | $8 NR |
| Giant Springs | Cascade | 675 | 1972 | No | $8 NR |
| Madison Buffalo Jump | Gallatin | 638 | 1966 | No | $8 NR |
| Tongue River Reservoir | Big Horn | 642 | 1983 | Yes | $8 NR |
| Smith River | Meagher | 1 (corridor) | 1960 | Yes | Permit |
| Missouri Headwaters | Gallatin | 532 | 1947 | Yes | $8 NR |
| Lost Creek | Deer Lodge | 502 | 1957 | Yes | $8 NR |
| Chief Plenty Coups | Big Horn | 195 | 1961 | No | $8 NR |
| Hell Creek | Garfield | 337 | 1966 | Yes | $8 NR |
| Pictograph Cave | Yellowstone | 93 | 1969 | No | $8 NR |
| Greycliff Prairie Dog Town | Sweet Grass | 98 | 1974 | No | $8 NR |
| Cooney | Carbon | 309 | 1970 | Yes | $8 NR |
| Travelers' Rest | Missoula | 41 | 2001 | No | $8 NR |
NR = nonresident vehicle fee. Montana residents who pay the state parks fee at vehicle registration ($9/year) enter all parks free.
Planning Your Montana State Parks Visit
Montana's state park system is managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP). Reservations for campgrounds can be made at stateparks.mt.gov or by calling (855) 922-6768. Reservations open in early January for the upcoming season and popular parks — particularly Lewis and Clark Caverns, Bannack, and the Flathead Lake units — fill quickly.
The Montana State Parks Annual Pass ($60 for nonresidents) provides unlimited day-use access to all 55 state parks for one year and pays for itself after eight visits. The pass is available online at fwp.mt.gov or at any FWP regional office.
Seasonal Considerations: Most parks are accessible year-round, though facilities (restrooms, water) are typically available May through September. Cave tours at Lewis and Clark Caverns run Memorial Day through Labor Day. Bannack Days living history event occurs each July. The Smith River float season runs May through July, with permit applications opening January 1.
Accessibility: Many parks have paved trails and accessible facilities. Lewis and Clark Caverns offers an accessible cave tour option. Giant Springs, Greycliff Prairie Dog Town, and Pictograph Cave all have paved or hardened surfaces suitable for wheelchairs.
Source: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (fwp.mt.gov), Wikipedia List of Montana State Parks, and Montana Office of Tourism. Verify current fees and hours directly with FWP before visiting.
All fees, campsite counts, and park details reflect current information from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Always verify at fwp.mt.gov/stateparks before visiting.