Your Ultimate Guide to State Parks in Montana

Big Sky Country is an amazing place. If you ask us, Montana is one of the most beautiful places in the country. If you're looking to truly experience the best scenery here in the Treasure State, checking out any of our incredible state parks is a grand adventure. How many state parks are in Montana? There are 55 state parks within our borders, and each has its own special attributes that make it worth a visit. With so many choices, it can be difficult choosing which parks to visit. We're here to help you out with a guide to our picks for some of the most special state parks in Montana—check it out.

Most Popular State Parks in Montana

While we've got some pretty amazing national parks, skipping out on the state parks here means you miss all kinds of additional opportunities for fun. Whether you enjoy picnicking, exploring expansive trail systems, bird-watching, kayaking, or biking, Montana state parks offer up all kinds of activities perfect for the whole family to enjoy.

1. Bannack State Park

• Location: Dillon, Montana
• Wow Factor: This is the most well-preserved ghost town in Montana and it's a fascinating piece of history.
• Need to Know: The park is open year-round, but tours are conducted from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Walking through Bannack State Park feels like a step back in time. This was the site of Montana's first gold rush, and it's now the state's best-preserved ghost town. Over 60 buildings remain on the site, and many of them can be explored by visitors. On the third weekend of July, the annual celebration of Bannack Days is held. This fun festival contains historical re-enactments and lets you see what the city looked like back in its heyday as the territorial capital of Montana. If you love the idea of exploring a ghost town and learning more about the Treasure State's history, you'll find plenty of things to do at Bannack State Park.

2. Pictograph Cave State Park

• Location: Billings, Montana
• Wow Factor: Pictograph Cave State Park has more than 100 cave paintings on display. Some of the artwork here dates back more than 2,000 years!
• Need to Know: Bring binoculars if you'd like to get a better peek at the pictographs.

Another park that's teeming with history is Pictograph Cave State Park. The park contains three major caves, each of which has fascinating cave art depicting hunters and daily life from thousands of years ago. Chief among things to do at Pictograph Cave State Park is visit the Visitor Center. It's been recently renovated and has tons of information about the more than 30,000 artifacts that have been found at the caves. This is a fascinating place that holds so much history.

3. Giant Springs State Park

• Location: Great Falls, Montana
• Wow Factor: The park is home to one of the country's largest freshwater springs and also one of the shortest rivers in the world.
• Need to Know: The park is open all year, but there's no camping allowed and it closes at sunset.

You'll find plenty of things to do at Giant Springs State Park: it's one of the Treasure State's best gems. There are more than 30 miles of trails to explore here, and there are ample opportunities for fishing. The park also has some wonderfully unique rock formations that are perfect for those simply seeking an afternoon of sight seeing. This is one park that's perfect for a visit at any time of year, but, of course, dipping your toes in the water on a hot summer's day is certainly a treat!

4. Makoshika State Park

• Location: Glendive, Montana
• Wow Factor: As the largest state park in Montana, this is definitely one that belongs on everyone's bucket list.
• Need to Know: Make sure to check out the Visitor Center, which contains fossils from a Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops that were discovered at the park.

There are more than 11,000 acres at this expansive park, meaning that just about anyone can find things to do at Makoshika State Park. With camping, hiking, biking, and wildlife spotting, this is an amazing place with a diverse array of things to enjoy. The badlands here are a landscape that's totally unique. It's also well-known as one of the state's most prolific paleontologic sites. Many dinosaurs have been unearthed here, some of which are on display at the visitor center.

Best State Parks in Montana to Camp

Our state parks here are so magnificent that we won't blame you if you decide you don't want to leave! Fortunately, many of our parks offer campsites or cabins so that you can spend a few nights in paradise before heading back home.

5. Wayfarers / Flathead Lake State Park

• Location: Bigfork, Montana
• Wow Factor: The Wayfarers unit of Flathead Lake is tucked away on the lake's northeast shore. The rocky cliffs create an incredible scenic backdrop.
• Need to Know: Flathead Lake State Park is so huge that it's got six separate units, five of which are on the mainland.

No list of things to do at Wayfarers State Park would be complete without including camping. While this unit is just 67 acres in size, it's absolutely stunning and definitely worthy of a visit, especially if you're looking to spend the night. There are 30 campsites here, and while RVs are allowed, we love the thrill of roughing it in a tent. The campground is open from April through October, with water available from May through September. The park is open for day use all year long.

6. Medicine Rocks State Park

• Location: Ekalaka, Montana
• Wow Factor: This park has so much history. It's filled with sandstone rock formations that have been weathered into unique shapes over the years.
• Need to Know: The campground here is open year-round. There are 12 campsites here and they are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Another state park in Montana that's popular with campers is Medicine Rocks State Park. It's certainly easy to see why this landscape was sacred to many Native American tribes. Chief among things to do at Medicine Rocks State Park is admire the awe-inspiring sandstone formations. These fascinating rocks will make you feel like you're on another planet, and they're perfect backdrops for photographers. The campground is open all year, so you can get your fix of overnight stays in nature even in the dead of winter!

Best State Parks in Montana to RV

Many people love roughing it while camping. Pitching a tent is a great way to fully immerse yourself in nature, but there are certainly those among us who prefer more of a glamping-style outing. Camping in an RV is a special experience that combines all the comforts of home with enjoying the outdoors. Even if you don't own your own RV, you can still enjoy a few nights in a camper thanks to RVShare. Renting an RV allows you to enjoy all of the fun with none of the maintenance costs - sounds pretty perfect!

7. Big Arm / Flathead Lake State Park

• Location: Big Arm, Montana
• Wow Factor: The sprawling forests here are beautiful, and just like at Flathead Lake's other units, there are plenty of opportunities for fun on the water.
• Need to Know: The campground here is open from April to October and has 41 campsites (including one wheelchair-accessible one) and three yurts.

Big Arm is yet another unit of Flathead Lake State Park—this one's located along the lake's west shore. There are so many things to do in Big Arm State Park that we're certainly grateful this place has such a wonderful campground! Whether you're interested in fishing, wildlife viewing, mountain biking, or exploring hiking trails, you'll find plenty to do here. The campground has plenty of on-site amenities that make it great for enjoying a few nights out in nature.

8. Salmon Lake State Park

• Location: Seeley Lake, Montana
• Wow Factor: Salmon Lake is tucked away between the Mission and Swan Mountain Ranges, meaning you'll get to enjoy some incredible scenery.
• Need to Know: The campground here is open from May through September. The park is open for day use throughout the year, but is walk-in only during the winter months - no motorized vehicles are allowed.

This park is one of the best state parks in Montana in summer thanks to its abundance of water recreation activities. If you're looking to head out on (or in) the water, you'll find plenty of things to do at Salmon Lake State Park. Landscapes don't come much prettier than this, and the park is open for camping throughout the summer months. The wooded campground has 24 campsites, plus a hike-bike campsite that can hold up to 10 tents.

Best State Parks in Montana for Hiking

The Treasure State boasts some of the best hiking in the world, and many of its top hiking trails are located within state parks. If you're an avid fan of hiking, you'll want to read on for all kinds of great information about and photos of some of our state's best trails.

9. Missouri Headwaters State Park

• Location: Three Forks, Montana
• Wow Factor: Missouri Headwaters State Park is home to the confluence of the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin Rivers, where the mighty Missouri River originates.
• Need to Know: The park hosts a Summer Speaker Series, featuring a variety of professionals who give lectures each week throughout the summer months.

With 532 acres to explore, there's certainly no shortage of things to do at Missouri Headwaters State Park. This historic park is where the Lewis and Clark expedition spent a night in 1805. The river offers a variety of on-the-water activities for nature lovers to enjoy, as well as miles of trails to explore and 17 campsites, including a tipi rental.

10. Whitefish Lake State Park

• Location: Whitefish, Montana
• Wow Factor: The freshwater lake that the park is named for is massive, at about seven miles long and one mile wide.
• Need to Know: The park is open for day use all year long.

While visits to lakes are typically thought of as a summer activity, we think this is one of the best state parks in Montana in winter. You'll find so many things to do at Whitefish Lake State Park, and we find the off season to be the best time to go! Cross-country skiing, ice skating, and snowshoeing are all popular here. The combination of woods, mountains, and beach terrain make this a beautiful place to escape to no matter the time of year, and it's a hiker's paradise.

11. Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park

• Location: Whitehall, Montana
• Wow Factor: This park features one of the largest known limestone caverns in the Northwest.
• Need to Know: You cannot access the caves without purchasing a tour ticket, so make sure to check the park website for ticket availability if you're interested in exploring the caverns. Tours are offered seasonally.

This state park was the first in Montana, and you'll find plenty of things to do in Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park. One of the best things about life in the Treasure State is the variety of landscapes on display, and you'll find plenty at this park, which contains all kinds of terrain. There are miles of hiking trails to explore within the park's 3,000 acres, and it's also a popular spot for hunting and fishing.

12. Lone Pine State Park

• Location: Kalispell, Montana
• Wow Factor: On a clear day, you can see all the way to Glacier National Park from the overlooks here.
• Need to Know: An all-terrain wheelchair is available for rent for those with mobility issues.

Snowshoe rentals are available at the park, and it's a particularly stunning place to explore when covered in snow, making this one of the best state parks in Montana in winter. However, there are tons of things to do at Lone Pine State Park no matter the season, and you won't be bored at any time of year. It's the state's second-oldest state park and boasts some of the most incredible views in Montana. There are more than seven miles of hiking trails here.

Little-Known State Parks in Montana

With so many state parks in Montana, it makes sense that some tend to fall through the cracks and not get the attention they deserve. Some of our favorite state parks are not quite as popular as their better-known counterparts, but that just means you can enjoy a bit more seclusion when visiting them!

13. Sluice Boxes State Park

• Location: Belt, Montana
• Wow Factor: The limestone canyon here is beautiful, and you'll also get to see the remains of an old historic mine and a railroad as you explore this oasis.
• Need to Know: This is a rugged park that doesn't have as much trail maintenance as many of the other state parks in Montana, so make sure to remain safe when exploring the park.

This is one of the state's most under-appreciated gems, and you'll find so many things to do in Sluice Boxes State Park. This is a rugged area that's open all year long and even has backcountry campsites available in any season. The park has a beautiful creek that makes for a gorgeous backdrop to the wild trail. There are also plenty of artifacts from the mine that used to thrive here, including old cabins and remnants of the railroad.

14. Painted Rocks State Park

• Location: Darby, Montana
• Wow Factor: Countless species of mammals and birds inhabit this area, and the untouched surroundings make it the perfect place to unwind in nature.
• Need to Know: This is a wonderful place for stargazing due to its distance from light pollution.

Painted Rocks State Park is one of the more underrated parks in Montana—it definitely doesn't get as many visitors as somewhere like Yellowstone National Park or Glacier National Park. The park's peaceful tranquility and serene surroundings make it a favorite of anyone who visits, though. The cliffs that give the park its name are incredibly beautiful, and the area has plenty of great hiking trails to enjoy. It’s a wonderful spot for wildlife viewing, as you’ll find everything from bighorn sheep to bald eagles here. There are reservable campsites available seasonally.

15. Wild Horse Island State Park

• Location: Big Arm, Montana
• Wow Factor: This primitive area is absolutely stunning and feels like you're stepping into a primordial landscape.
• Need to Know: The park is only accessible by boat, and there's no public transportation here. Make sure to use one of the designated landing sites.

Chief among things to do on Wild Horse Island is to keep an eye out for the wild horses that give the park its name. There are plenty of other rare species here, though, including a variety of plants that thrive in the grasslands here. This is a beautiful place perfect for collecting your thoughts and enjoying the serenity of Montana's nature.

Anyone else feel up for a road trip? How many of these state parks in Montana have you visited? Are there any you think should have been on the list? We'd love to hear about your favorites.