With More Than 11,000 Acres To Explore, Montana’s Largest State Park Is Worthy Of A Multi-Day Adventure
It’s safe to say that most Montanans have heard of Makoshika State Park. After all, at over 11,500 acres, it’s our largest state park (by far). But it’s also safe to say that most Montanans have never visited—because unless you live on the east side of the state, it’s quite a trek.
Makoshika State Park is a 3.5-hour drive from Billings, a six-hour drive from Bozeman, and over eight hours from Missoula. But if you’ve ever wondered if this park is worth visiting, the answer is a resounding yes. In fact, you should pack your camping gear and stay for a couple of days.
The park does have the highest visitation in the region—it gets over 125,000 visitors every year.
Fortunately, those 125,000 visitors do not all arrive at once—and there's plenty of space here to enjoy some solitude.
A visitor center at the park entrance features several fossils, including a triceratops skull.
The Lakota spent a great deal of time here. Their assessment was correct—you won't see badlands like this anywhere else in Montana.
This place may be rustic, but for campers, it has a lot of amenities: both flush and vault toilets, grills and fire rings, picnic tables, a group-use shelter, and even an outdoor amphitheater.
The visitor center is a great place to start—you'll learn a lot about the local history before you even begin to explore.
So... what are you waiting for?
Have you been to this otherworldly state park?
Address: Makoshika State Park Road, Makoshika State Park Rd, Glendive, MT 59330, USA
