Sick of camping in a tent? Then try these unique, reservable, lodging options at State Parks across Montana.

Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park has four cabins that are available for rent all year. They are a great option to use as a basecamp to explore all that the park has to offer including our famous cave tours, ten miles of multi-use singletrack trail and the nearby Jefferson River.  

Flathead Lake State Park-Big Arm has a unique camping offering: Yurts! Yurts are made of a wood lattice frame covered with insulated canvas walls. They have skylights that open, screened windows, solid floors and locking doors. The largest Yurts at the park can accommodate 6 people. This is a great way to explore the shores of Flathead Lake or even paddle out to Wild Horse Island State Park.  

Several State Parks across Montana offer the experience of camping in a Tipi. Missouri Headwaters, Beavertail Hill, Bannack and Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park have canvas tipis that can accommodate 6 to 8 people and are around 18 feet in diameter.  Tipi camping is a favorite for families wanting an enjoyable experience that will be talked about for years to come.

All of our unique lodging can be reserved up to nine months in advance. More information is available at http://stateparks.mt.gov/camping/

Camping in Montana State Parks is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy time with family and friends. Planning your adventure just got easier!

Bannack Living History Week: Where the 1860s come alive!
Bannack State Park, Montana’s first territorial capital, is where much of our state’s rich history began. Travel to this incredibly kept ghost town during the year and you can explore the insides of over 50 buildings that are still intact. Your mind will harken back to a time when miners roamed the streets and saloons were full of men looking to strike it rich. There is one weekend, every year, where history literally comes alive at Bannack State Park; Bannack Living History Weekend.  

Bannack Living History Weekend is a four-day event where historic reenactors descend on Bannack State Park from across the country and live how the town’s first residents did in the 1860s. This large event is the premiere gathering for 1860s reenactors across the West and is a must-see for history buffs and families looking for a unique fall outing on an incredible landscape.

Some of the event highlights include a tent city, blacksmiths, a town doctor, sawmill, schoolhouse, saloon, mercantile, carpenter, boarding house, telegraph, period street vendors and a church service on Sunday.

The four-day Bannack Living History Event is held on the third Sunday in September at Bannack State Park. Bannack State Park is located 25 miles southwest of Dillon, Montana. The event is free for vehicles registered in Montana and $6 for non-Montana registered vehicles.  More information is available at http://stateparks.mt.gov/bannack/ or by calling the park at 406-834-3413.

Here’s Your Chance to Learn Spelunking: Wild Cave Tours at Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park
If you’re not afraid to get dirty, then a Wild Cave Tour at Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is for you! A Wild Cave tour is an introduction to Spelunking on an off-the-beaten-path tour of the Caverns. This challenging tour is available by reservation only and open to people 12 years old or older.  The tours take place on Tuesday and Sunday evenings from mid-June to mid-August. The cost is $30 per person.  Learn more by visiting http://stateparks.mt.gov/lewis-and-clark-caverns/ or by calling the park at 406-287-3541.

Plan your summer daytrips around three incredible State Parks surrounding Three Forks

Madison Buffalo Jump State Park-Kite Festival
Situated on the edge of a broad valley carved by the Madison River, Madison Buffalo Jump State Park was used as a traditional hunting ground by over a dozen tribes for over 2,000 years. On June 16, it’s home the annual Flying Buffalo Kite Flying Day, hosted by the Friends of Madison Buffalo Jump.  The event features members of the Friends of Madison Buffalo Jump demonstrating flying large kites adorned with elaborate Native American Art.  Kite kits for children are available for a small donation and the event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. More information is available at http://stateparks.mt.gov/madison-buffalo-jump/

Missouri Headwaters State Park is your source for History this summer
Missouri Headwaters State Park will be hosting its Summer Speaker Series on Saturday evenings at 7 p.m. from June 16 – August 18. Come spend a relaxing evening where the Gallatin, Madison and Jefferson rivers meet and hear one of our incredible speakers speak on our 2018 theme: “Resources, Our Bountiful Natural Heritage.”

In 1805, Meriwether Lewis arrived at the area of what is now Missouri Headwaters State Park.  Please join our park staff as this historic event is commemorated by having its annual “Brown Bag Breakfast.” A traditional Dutch Oven breakfast is prepared and served by our parks staff while attendees learn about the Lewis and Clark expedition.  The event will take place on the morning of July 28 and is free to the public.

For more information on events at Missouri Headwaters State Park, please visit http://stateparks.mt.gov/missouri-headwaters/
Where do Volunteering, Bats and Music come together? Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park!

Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is internationally known for its incredible limestone cave that has been enthralling visitors for almost 80 years. Outside of the cave, Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park offers lots of programming to keep park visitors entertained all summer long.  This summer, the park will be hosting two “Music by the Caverns” days that give visitors a chance to experience free live music. These great family friendly events take place on July 22 and August 25.

If you’re looking for family friendly volunteer opportunities, the caverns have you covered. When spring hits in Montana, it’s time to get the trails ready for the onslaught of users that are itching to get out and enjoy the outdoors.  Come celebrate Earth Day on Aril 22 with our annual trails and weed remediation event or give our trails some needed maintenance on June 2, for National Trails Day.

Every year, the Caverns dedicates an entire week to bats, the parks most notable inhabitant. This year’s festivities are from August 12-18.  

For more information on events at Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park, please visit  http://stateparks.mt.gov/lewis-and-clark-caverns/

Patrick Doyle is the Marketing and Communications Manager at Montana State Parks.