Makoshika State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Spanning 11,538 acres in far eastern Montana, Makoshika State Park is recognized for its stunning rock formations and dinosaur fossils. This is the largest state park in Montana, and its interpretive displays, fossils, and hiking trails are among the more popular attractions. Special annual events are also held at Makoshika State Park throughout the year, including races, a disc golf tournament, and Montana's Shakespeare in the Park festival.
Spring 26-66 F
Summer 52-87 F
Fall 26-74 F
Winter 17-39 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Makoshika State Park
The campsites in Makoshika State Park can accommodate RVs up to 60 feet long. Back-in, head-in, and pull-through sites are available. All campsites have picnic tables and fire rings. Hookups are not provided. Water is available throughout the year. Both flush and pit toilets are available.
What to Do at
Makoshika State Park
Outdoor adventurers have plenty of exciting ways to spend their time at Makoshika State Park, which has miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, a disc golf course, and incredible birdwatching opportunities. From enjoying scheduled events and interpretive programs to taking amazing photos of the stunning landscape, Makoshika State Parks offers something for everyone to enjoy.
Across Makoshika State Park’s expansive landscape, visitors can experience both intensive and more relaxed outdoor recreational opportunities throughout the year. Learn more about the area’s fascinating natural history and cultural heritage through the various artifacts and exhibits at the park's Visitor Center.
Fishing
While Makoshika State Park does not have a major lake or river, the small streams and creeks that are accessible via hiking trails are perfect for casting a line. Cutthroat trout, brook trout, rainbow trout, and brown trout are often caught in these waters. A Montana fishing license is required for all anglers who are 12 years old and older.
Geocaching
While exploring the park, visitors can add an extra element of fun to their experience by searching for hidden caches. The GPS coordinates for the current caches in the park are available through the geocaching website.
Nature Watching
While the majority of the park has gorgeous badlands rock formations, there are also prairies and stands with pine and juniper trees. The ecosystem supports turkey vultures, mountain lions, golden eagles, mule deer, bald eagles, and mountain bluebirds.
Hiking
One of the best ways to take in the wonderful natural rock formations and gorgeous views at Makoshika State Park is on foot, and there are numerous trails to explore that range from 0.3 miles to 5.8 miles long. Some of the easier trails to navigate are the McCarty Trail, the Doc Hiatt Overlook Trail, and the Ponderosa Trail. More challenging trails include the Artist Vista and Sand Creek Overlook Trail, the Vista Trail, the Hungry Joe Trail, and others.
Stargazing
Makoshika State Park is far removed from major cities with light pollution, and many areas of the park have wide expanses of land without trees. These conditions make stargazing at the park ideal on clear nights.
Biking
Mountain biking is permitted on the trails in Makoshika State Park. The longer trails are popular for mountain biking, and some of these include the 4.6-mile Hungry Joe Trail, the 3.7-mile Vista Trail and the 4.4-mile Gunners Ridge Trail.
How to Get to
Makoshika State Park
Makoshika State Park is located a few miles south of Interstate 94 close to Glendive. From Interstate 94, turn south on Highway 16. This runs into the interstate’s business loop. Turn left on this road, and then turn right on South Douglas Street. This street becomes E. Barry Street after the railroad tracks. Turn right on S. Taylor Avenue, and then turn left on Snyder Street. Just outside of town, you will see the sign for Makoshika State Park.
Entering Makoshika State Park
The park and the campground are open year-round. The Visitor Center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily from May 1 through September 30. During the rest of the year, the Visitor Center is open on Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Visitor Center is closed for most federal holidays.
Montana residents who have paid the state park fee with their auto registration can enter the park at no cost. Non-residents are responsible for a day-use fee of $8 per vehicle.
Day Pass (Resident) : $0.0
Day Pass (Non-resident) : $7.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Makoshika State Park
The winter months bring frigid temperatures and ample snowfall, and the summers are generally dry and mild. Many visitors enjoy the outdoor recreational activities at the park during the summer months.
Makoshika State Park has a badlands landscape, and many species thrive here. These include mule deer, mountain lions, bald eagles, golden eagles, mountain bluebirds, and turkey vultures. The creeks are home to brown trout, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and brook trout.
There are no designated RV spots at the state park. All of the sites at the campground are open to both tent camping and RV camping, though hookups are not available.
Reservations can be made online or by phone with a non-refundable $10 reservation fee, but they are not required. Reservations are only available for dates between mid-May and mid-September. The camping fee is $4 to $34 per night based on the season and the amenities of the particular site you choose.
Pets are permitted throughout the park except inside of any of the park's buildings. They must be leashed at all times.