State Parks

Milltown State Park on the Clark Fork River. © LYMAN GILLEN

MONTANA’S BACKYARD TREASURES

Explore our state parks and national forests.

If your getaway goals include epic outdoor experiences, alpine sunshine and pure mountain air, you’ve come to the right place. Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness are both worthy destinations to experience our true nature, but there are plenty of other areas in Montana for authentic outdoor adventures, like national forests and state parks.

Montana boasts 55 state parks, 21 of which are in Glacier Country. Each park provides access to some of the region’s best nature-based experiences. For fun on the water, visit one of the six state parks on Flathead Lake. Overnight campsites are available at Wayfarers, West Shore, Big Arm, Finley Point and Yellow Bay state parks, and day-use recreation can be found at Wild Horse Island State Park. Many of the region’s state parks also offer a look into Montana’s history. Of note: Missoula’s Council Grove State Park and Milltown State Park, Fort Owen State Park in Stevensville and Travelers’ Rest State Park in Lolo.

East of Flathead Lake, the 90-mile-long Seeley-Swan Valley is home to countless lakes, rivers and forested land ideal for boating, fishing, kayaking, swimming, hiking and camping. Numerous public campgrounds, picnic areas and maintained trails can be found throughout the valley. Salmon Lake and Placid Lake state parks offer overnight camping, public boat launches, showers and RV hookups.

Additional recreation opportunities can be found at off-the-beaten-path parks, including Painted Rocks State Park near Darby, perfect for an ATV adventure. Also visit Fish Creek State Park near Alberton and Thompson Falls State Park in Thompson Falls. Fun fact: Many Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks fishing access sites offer dry camping. Sites can’t be reserved in advance, however, so make sure you have a backup plan.

For a complete overview of Montana State Parks, or to book a campsite, visit stateparks.mt.gov. You can also learn more about our wilderness areas, as well as state parks and national forests, at glaciermt.com/parks. Remember to Leave No Trace, which you can learn more about at SafetyFirstMT.com.

RECREATE RESPONSIBLY

Protect yourself, others and the great outdoors.

Here’s how to stay safe and play safe while enjoying our great outdoors and fresh mountain air.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Know what’s open and when, before you head out.

PLAN AHEAD Adequate legwork ensures safer, more enjoyable travels.

PLAY IT SAFE Stick to low-risk activities that match your skill level.

MINDFUL EXPLORATION When visiting local parks, trails and public spaces, be aware of your impact.

LEAVE NO TRACE Respect public and Tribal lands and waters. Pack it in, pack it out.

EXTINGUISH CAMPFIRES Attend to and extinguish your campfire properly and completely.

PHYSICAL DISTANCING Maintain a 6-foot distance from others, even outdoors.

MASK REQUIREMENTS Mask mandates vary depending on the community; be respectful.

INCLUSIVE OUTDOORS Keep the outdoors safe and welcoming for all abilities/ identities.

Read more about recreating responsibly at blog.glaciermt. com/recreate-responsibly-inwestern-montana.

Boating on Kicking Horse Reservoir. © NOAH COUSER

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