Montana summers are fleeting... but that just gives us a reason to enjoy every single beautiful day. But while tourists head to Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake, locals tend to sneak off to our lesser-known gems, like Missouri Headwaters State Park. This place is beautiful in any season, but it shines its brightest in the summertime.
Missouri Headwaters State Park is located in Three Forks.
Believe it or not, the water flowing through this area will eventually reach the Gulf of Mexico.
People have been coming to this area for thousands of years -- it was a geographical focal point for early Native Americans trappers, traders, and settlers.
In his notes, Meriwether Lewis said that the country opens suddenly to extensive and beautiful plains and meadows which appear to be surrounded in every direction with distant and lofty mountains. He certainly wasn't wrong.
In fact, the park is full of reminders of Montana's early history.
The Breathtaking Small Town State Park in Montana That We Can’t Stop Thinking About
Tongue River Reservoir is a small town state park in Montana worth exploring. This 12-mile-long reservoir is situated along the open prairies of southeastern Montana.
Montana really does pack a punch when it comes to undisturbed, sprawling pockets of nature. We're lucky to have such an incredible array of opportunities when it comes to being outside and enjoying the space as it was intended by good ol' Mother Earth.
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One such place that I cannot stop thinking about is Tongue River Reservoir State Park. Located near the town of Decker in southeastern Montana, this park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those interested in water-based recreation. Decker, with a population of just over 100 residents, is quite small when you think about it. This just means that this state park likely won't be overcrowded when you visit!
Tongue River Reservoir State Park is situated about 10 miles northwest of the Montana-Wyoming border, near the small town of Decker. The park is accessible by car and is about 25 miles from Sheridan, Wyoming, and roughly 100 miles from Billings, Montana. The park’s remoteness offers a peaceful escape, with wide-open skies and scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
The park encompasses more than 12 miles of shoreline around the Tongue River Reservoir, a 12-mile-long reservoir formed by the Tongue River Dam. It spans approximately 642 acres, offering visitors plenty of space to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of southeastern Montana.
The reservoir is surrounded by rolling hills, prairie grasslands, and the Big Horn Mountains in the distance. The park’s main draw is its water activities but it also offers wildlife viewing, fishing, camping, and picnicking opportunities.
The reservoir's expansive size makes it perfect for a variety of boating activities. Whether you’re using a motorboat, pontoon boat, or jet ski, there are several boat ramps around the park for convenient water access.
Fishing is another major draw at the reservoir, attracting anglers from all over. Common catches include walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, crappie, perch, and catfish. During the winter months, ice fishing is a popular activity as well.
While there are no designated swimming beaches, many visitors still enjoy cooling off in the clear waters of the reservoir. This is especially popular during the warmer summer months when the weather is perfect for a refreshing dip.
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For wildlife enthusiasts, the park is a great spot for wildlife viewing. Visitors might spot deer, antelope, and a variety of birds such as waterfowl and raptors like hawks and eagles. Birdwatching is particularly rewarding in the spring and fall seasons.
Camping at Tongue River Reservoir offers over 80 campsites, catering to both tent and RV campers. Some sites are located right on the water, providing stunning views and easy access to the reservoir. The campground offers basic amenities, including drinking water, vault toilets, and a fish cleaning station, though it lacks electric hookups, making it ideal for a rustic experience.
Tongue River Reservoir State Park experiences a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures can reach into the 80s and 90s°F (around 27-35°C), making it perfect for swimming and boating. However, be prepared for occasional thunderstorms.
Winters can be quite cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing, but this is the best time for ice fishing enthusiasts. Spring and fall offer milder temperatures and fewer crowds, which is ideal for those looking to enjoy camping, fishing, or wildlife viewing.
When planning a visit to Tongue River Reservoir State Park, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. The park is open year-round, but the camping season typically runs from mid-May to mid-September, depending on weather conditions. Fees include a small day-use fee for out-of-state visitors, while Montana residents with a state park pass can enter for free. Camping fees vary depending on the type of campsite selected.
The park offers basic facilities, including vault toilets and drinking water, but there are no electric hookups or shower facilities so visitors should prepare for a more primitive camping experience. For boaters, there are no specific restrictions for motorboats on the reservoir, though it’s important to be mindful of other boaters, swimmers, and anglers.
Wildlife safety is another consideration. While larger wildlife encounters, such as with bears, are rare, it’s essential to store food properly and keep a safe distance from animals. In warmer months, be aware of the presence of rattlesnakes. Additionally, the rural location means that cell service can be spotty or nonexistent, so it’s a good idea to download maps or navigation tools ahead of time.
If you want more information about visiting this small-town state park in Montana, then visit the Montana Fish & Wildlife Parks website. Want some more peaceful places in nature? Check out the most remote lake in Montana, perfect for a weekend getaway.
Also, make sure to sign up for an Alltrails Plus membership before you hike! That way you can receive plenty of information before you start your journey.
Montana is a land of endless wilderness and grand, sweeping beauty found within its state and national parks. And while there are so many incredible state parks in Montana worth visiting, there is one that flies a little off the radar. As unassuming as it may appear at first glance, the stunning landscape found here offers much more than meets the eye, and you should add it to your Montana travel bucket list.
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Near the tiny but charming Montana town of Three Forks lies Missouri Headwaters State Park, the birthplace of the 2,341-mile-long Missouri River.
This state park is a true scenic beauty. Snow-capped mountains in the distance to the south, combined with the sounds of rushing water and birds chirping, make this state park a truly serene destination.
Missouri Headwaters State Park encompasses the confluence of the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin Rivers. There is something especially magical and humbling about viewing this entanglement of rivers from above.
It's well worth staying at the park for a few days to really soak in the scenery. The park's campground offers various types of campsites ranging from standard tent and RV sites to 8-person tipis, which I personally enjoy the most.
There are also a handful of great walking trails that meander alongside the water. My personal favorite is Fort Rock Trail Loop, which is 1.3 miles in length and rated as "easy" on AllTrails. It's quite doable for most hikers. I would rank it highly among the best easy hikes in Montana simply for the views alone.
Be sure to download AllTrails + so you can record your hikes, download offline trails and topographic maps, and discover other exciting hikes near you.
One of the most historic structures in the park is the Gallatin City Hotel, which was constructed in 1868. Back in its heyday, it was a bustling social hub in Gallatin City before portions of it were scrapped and the rest later abandoned.
Missouri Headwaters State Park is a beautifully serene place to stop, camp, hike, fish, and simply drink in the natural beauty The Treasure State offers. If peace and quiet is what you seek, let the park's tranquility rejuvenate your soul.
And if you plan on staying in Three Forks, Montana for a few days and roughing it in a campground isn't quite your style, I highly recommend you stay at one of the most stunning and historic hotels in Montana, which happens to be right in town.
