Montana State Parks

Welcome to the main page for Montana State Parks. This page is designed to provide information related to the many state parks located in the state of Montana. Below you will a list of all the state parks in Montana along with the address of the parks. Click on the links below for the individual state parks where you can find detailed information specific to that park.

The State of Montana Park Quick Facts: 40 State Parks | 1 National Park | 10 National Forests | 2 National Historic Sites | 10 National Wildlife Refuges | 1 National Recreation Area | So many beautiful resources in one State; Priceless

Montana State Parks Activities

Camping in Montana State Parks

For an unforgettable camping experience with the best views in the United States, head over to Montana, the Big Sky Country! With snowy mountains, trout-filled rivers, glacial lakes, and more, this is a destination that you don’t want to miss.

Big Arm State Park features one of the most popular campgrounds near Flathead Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the country. These sites are well-kept with incredible views of the Mission and Swan Mountains across the water. The park also has three lightly-furnished yurts that may be availed of by visitors.

Other great campgrounds that surround Flathead Lake are Finley Point State Park and Flathead Lake State Park. Primitive and modern camping sites are both found in these parks, catering to every camper’s tastes.

Camping at Montana’s first state park, Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park, is also an unforgettable experience. Featuring both tent and RV camping, the park offers three spacious cabins, as well. Visitors have access to flushing toilets and hot showers – ideal for those who want a rustic camping experience with the benefits of modern amenities.

At Bannack State Park, pitch your tent in the preserved historic ghost town of Bannack, the site of Montana’s first major gold discovery in the late 19th century. A total of 24 sites are available in this park, both with access to running water and vault toilets.

If you’re looking to camp in Montana’s expansive badlands landscape, then Makoshika State Park is perfect for you! The park has 24 different camping sites ranging from standard to rustic. Spread out far away from each other, these are perfect for campers who desire tranquility and privacy. You will have a real sense of being in the wild. Set up your tent, grab a chair, split some wood to start a fire, sit back, and enjoy the peaceful camping experience.

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Hiking in Montana State Parks

The 3,052-acre Rosebud Battlefield State Park is the ideal hike for history enthusiasts. A National Historic Landmark, the park preserves a Great Sioux War battlefield and is considered to be sacred ground to the Northern Cheyenne. Here, trails take you through the story of the 1876 Battle of the Rosebud, an eight-hour clash between thousands of Lakota Sioux and Northern Cheyenne warriors and United States Army soldiers.

Sluice Boxes State Park is also a great hiking destination, featuring a 7.5-mile nature trail that meanders from Riceville Bridge at the top of the canyon down to Logging Creek Bridge. Scenic overlooks, creek crossings, abandoned cabins, and a few cliff-hugging sections await hikers in this park.

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Fishing in Montana State Parks

Cooney State Park is a great yet underrated fishing hole in Montana, featuring excellent walleye and rainbow trout fishing. For anglers wishing to cast their lines without having to fight off huge crowds, then this spot is made for you.

Excellent fishing opportunities are also found at Tongue River Reservoir State Park, located near Decker. Two “State record” fish have even been pulled from its waters, so you’re guaranteed to have an experience like no other.

Bird watching in Montana State Parks

Montana is certainly a hot spot for birding activities with a tremendous number of birds to see. If you are a fan of bird watching it is a great place to go. Montana is a unique destination where you can go birding in state parks such as First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park, Giant Springs State Park, and Lake Elmo State Park in addition to going to amazing places such as Glacier National Park. Montana also has a significant number of National Wildlife Refuge spots to find your feathered friends.

Grab your birding binoculars and your field guide, because you will see a lot of different species. Trumpeter and Tundra swans along with other waterfowl are abundant. On the nature trails you may see California Quail, Wild Turkey, Bald Eagle, Red-naped Sapsucker, Eastern Kingbird, and more. Each region within Montana has it’s own species so where ever you are in the state you will be sure to find a place.

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Geocaching in Montana State Parks

Geocaching is a favorite pastime in Montana and can be done at Giant Springs State Park and Sluice Boxes State Park, among others.

Day Use Areas in Montana State Parks

Lake Elmo State Park is one of the most popular destinations in Montana, boasting of over a hundred thousand visitors each year. Here, families love to picnic on the shores of beautiful Lake Elmo, catching an incredible view of the sunset right before packing up.

At Giant Springs State Park, tourists love picnicking amid the largest freshwater springs found in the United States. After your meal, wander around this scenic and historic site!

For views that can’t be found anywhere else, check out Wayfarers State Park, located in Kalispell. The rocky cliffs along the shoreline offer stunning vistas of Flathead Lake and the park also has a whole host of recreational activities that can be enjoyed by the entire family.

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Boating in Montana State Parks

Enjoy beautiful mountain views while boating at Whitefish Lake State Park, one of the more popular state parks in Montana. The clear waters of the lake, as well as the natural landscapes found within, will provide a stunning backdrop to your boating excursion.

Tongue River Reservoir State Park features a 12-mile long reservoir situated among scenic red shale, juniper canyons, and the open prairies unique to southeastern Montana. Boating enthusiasts love taking on these waters, enjoying the picturesque views and peaceful atmosphere.

Another great boating destination in Montana is Wayfarers State Park, whose stunning views make it a favorite among residents. Keep in mind, though, that the park tends to get crowded during the weekends so don’t be surprised to encounter a whole hoard of other avid boaters.

In south-central Montana, check out Cooney State Park, featuring great boating spots combined with even greater mountain views.

Beaches in Montana State Parks

Beaches in the Big Sky Country may be located on the lakeshore instead of the ocean but they still offer endless fun! Brush Lake State Park is considered to be one of Eastern Montana’s best beaches. After an exhausting afternoon of swimming, relax and take a nap on its beautiful sandy shores under your beach umbrella.

The unique pebble beach found at Flathead Lake State Park is a favorite among residents and out-of-state visitors alike. They’re also a great stargazing spot, offering expansive and unobstructed views of the Milky Way.

Black Sandy State Park is situated on the shores of the Hauser Reservoir, known for its clear and cool waters that make for great swimming, especially on those scorching summer days!

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Recreational Equipment Rentals in Montana State Parks

If you’re looking to enjoy the incredible recreational activities found in Montana, check out Sea Me Paddle Kayaking Tours, Inc., a concessionaire found within both Whitefish Lake State Park and Les Mason State Park. They offer a wide range of rental equipment, including stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, pedal boats, and more. They’ll make your Montana visit undoubtedly more enjoyable!

Caving in Montana State Parks

Experience geological wonders that can’t be found anywhere else at Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park, Montana’s best-known state park and one of the most highly decorated limestone caverns in the Northwest. Guided tours take you through the expanse of the caverns where visitors can marvel at beautiful rock and limestone formations.

At Pictograph Cave State Park, explore the origins of human habitation by the fascinating rock art on the cave walls, some of which date back to 2,000 years old. The park’s three main caves – Pictograph, Middle, and Ghost – were carved from sandstone cliffs by natural forces and were home to generations of prehistoric hunters. Interpretative displays are featured throughout the park, allowing visitors to learn more about the lives led by our ancestors.

Restaurants and Dining in Montana State Parks

There are a ton of great and delectable dining options at Glacier National Park, one of them being Russell’s Fireside Dining Room, which serves mouthwatering bison meatloaf accompanied by a Montana craft brew. Bison burgers are also offered at Lucke’s Lounge so you can definitely experience eating like a local!

The Many Glacier Hotel situated within the national park also features the Ptarmigan Dining Room where diners excitedly dig into meals made with locally sourced ingredients but prepared with contemporary techniques. Take in panoramic lake views as you fare on bison tenderloin, Montana smoked trout, seared duck breast, grass-fed beef, and more.

For a more laid back dining experience, check out Two Dog Flats Grill at Rising Sun Motor Inn & Cabins, which offers classic all-American comfort food.

Museums in Montana State Parks

The 13,000-acre Makoshika State Park located in the badlands of eastern Montana is home to exhibits of fossil remains of Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops, and more. Those who wish to learn more about these fascinating creatures shouldn’t miss this park!

First Peoples Buffalo Jump is another great spot for history enthusiasts. The park is one of the most significant buffalo jump sites – a cliff that indigenous tribes used for hunting by herding buffalo – in North America. During the summer season, the park hosts native interpretative events, traditional native games for kids, and guest speakers from various indigenous tribes.

An intact ghost town with a Main Street, hotel, church, school, and store – all of which can be entered and explored – Bannack State Park is undoubtedly a must-visit. A thriving city in the 1800s that dwindled after the gold rush, Bannack was the first territorial capital of Montana before it gained statehood. Learn more about both the Big Sky Country and the United States in this park.

You can even check out Bannack State Park’s Living History Days every third week of September where people from all over the country dress in period clothing, demonstrate traditional pioneer skills and bring the town back to life.

Winter Sports in Montana State Parks

For a winter outing like no other, check out the fly fishing opportunities at Missouri Headwaters State Park, where the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin Rivers merge together to form the mighty and abundant Missouri River. This is an underrated winter spot, known only to the most avid of fly fishers.

If you’re looking to strap on a pair of snowshoes and take to the trails that meander throughout the painted badlands of Montana, then Makoshika State Park is your best bet. This peaceful destination is perfect for those looking for some winter solitude that can’t be enjoyed anywhere else.

At Bannack State Park, head over to the frozen dredge pond and enjoy a fun-filled day on the ice. Visitors can either rent or bring their own skates. The park also has a warming house near the pond where sweet winter treats and soothing hot drinks may be bought.

Complete Montana State Park List and Addresses

Here is a complete list of all the state parks in Montana along with the address for each park. Enjoy all that Montana has to offer for outdoor actives and natural beauty.

Explore The Country From Coast To Coast

Below is a table of the 50 States in the US, with a link to the individual pages. Each individual page has a list of state parks, along with the address. You can link to the individual parks from there.

America’s State Parks

See the latest on our homepage at www.americasstateparks.org.