South Shore State Park
South Shore State Park is a public state park in Montana near Harlowton in Live Oak, McMullen County. Spanning 25,670 acres and established in 1987, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Montana |
| Nearest City | Harlowton |
| County | Live Oak, McMullen |
| Park Size | 25,670 acres |
| Established | 1987 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.4/5 (350 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
South Shore State Park is located near Harlowton, Montana. The park’s coordinates are 38.6202, -89.3036.
Things to Do
Montana state parks offer access to the raw, untamed beauty of the “Big Sky” state, featuring alpine glacial lakes, immense river canyons, Old West ghost towns, and Native American buffalo jumps. Activities are deeply rooted in the wilderness experience: world-renowned fly fishing on blue-ribbon trout streams, hiking and mountain biking in bear country, floating and kayaking crystal-clear rivers, and camping in remote, scenic locations. The parks also serve as unparalleled gateways for wildlife viewing, including eagles, bighorn sheep, and elk.
Best Time to Visit
Summer (late June to August) is the primary window for visiting Montana parks, offering warm days, accessible high-elevation trails, and peak water recreation. Fall (September–October) is stunning with golden aspens and excellent, uncrowded fishing, though snow can arrive early. Winter is long and harsh, closing many park roads, but select parks offer ice fishing and cross-country skiing. Spring is beautiful but often hampered by muddy trails and high, murky river runoffs until late June.
Visitor Tips
Montana residents who pay the state parks fee with their annual vehicle registration enter for free. Out-of-state visitors pay a day-use fee (typically $8 per vehicle). Bear safety is critical: carry bear spray, know how to use it, hike in groups, make noise, and strictly adhere to food storage regulations when camping. Many parks have limited amenities (pit toilets, no running water), so prepare for a more rustic experience. Weather can change drastically—snow is possible in the mountains even in July.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Montana state parks require an entrance fee?
Montana residents can enter free if they pay the state parks fee with their vehicle registration. Non-residents pay a day-use fee of approximately $8 per vehicle. No annual pass is available for non-residents.
Do I need bear spray at Montana state parks?
Bear spray is strongly recommended at most Montana state parks, especially in the western and mountainous regions. Black bears and grizzly bears are present. Carry spray, know how to use it, and follow food storage rules.
What are the best state parks near Glacier National Park?
Whitefish Lake, Wayfarers (on Flathead Lake), and Lone Pine are accessible parks near Glacier. Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi and offers excellent camping.
Can it snow in Montana state parks in summer?
Yes, snow is possible in Montana mountain parks even in July and August at higher elevations. Weather can change dramatically and quickly. Always carry layers, rain gear, and be prepared for cold conditions.
Explore More Montana State Parks
South Shore State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Montana. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Montana guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
South Shore State Park on Carlyle Lake — the largest man-made lake in Illinois at 24,580 acres — provides excellent lakeside recreation and camping. The park’s position on the lake’s southern shore offers spectacular views across the open water. Carlyle Lake is designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) by the Audubon Society for its significance as a migratory waterfowl stopover. During peak fall migration, 100,000+ ducks and geese use the lake simultaneously. The shallow bays support dabbling ducks; the deeper open water attracts diving ducks. White pelicans rest in flocks of hundreds during migration. The park’s grasslands and forest edges support nesting eastern bluebirds, indigo buntings, and American goldfinches. Coyotes howl at dusk.
Nearby Attractions
Carlyle Lake offers boating, fishing, and sailing. Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area is on the opposite shore. Carlyle has the historic General Dean Suspension Bridge. Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site — Illinois’ oldest surviving state capitol — is 30 minutes east. Kaskaskia — Illinois’ first state capital — has a flood-ravaged history. Centralia provides shopping and dining. St. Louis and the Gateway Arch are 60 miles west.
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