Montana State Parks

Whether you have a boat for boating and fishing in any of the many Montana State Parks, or are looking for a relaxing get-away, you'll discover our Montana State Park listings as the place to find just the right park for you and your family.  We have compiled all the state parks into one place for your convenience.

Montana State Parks has something for everyone: Boating, Fishing, Bicycling, Camping, Canoeing, Kayaking, Hiking, Swimming or just good relaxation.  Click on any of the links below to find the specific information on boat launching fees, camp reservations and information about the park.

All state parks are controlled and maintained by the State of Montana. They are clean, safe and well maintained by the state.


Listings

  • Ackley Lake

    Ackley lake is nestled right in the heart of montana's big sky country. one glimpse and you'll easily understand how the beautiful views of the surrounding little belt and snowy mountains and rich agricultural land captured the heart of the legendary western artist, charlie russell, a hundred years ago.

  • Anaconda Smoke Stack

    The old anaconda copper company smelter stack, completed in 1919, is one of the tallest free-standing brick structures in the world at 585 feet. the inside diameter is 75 feet at bottom, tapering to 60 feet at the top. in comparision, the washington monument is 555 feet tall. the stack dominates the landscape like the company once dominated the area's economic life. since the smelter closed in 1980, the stack has become a symbol of the challenges that face communities dependent on finite resources. listed in the national register of historic places, the stack may be viewed and photographed only from a distance. interpretive signs that detail its history are located in the viewing site near goodman park. check out the current weather conditions in anaconda.

  • Bannack

    Bannack state park is a national historic landmark and the site of montana's first major gold discovery on july 28, 1862. this strike set off a massive gold rush that swelled bannack's population to over 3,000 by 1863. as the value of gold steadily dwindled, bannack's bustling population was slowly snuffed out. over 50 buildings line main street; their historic log and frame structures recall montana's formative years. a walk down the deserted streets of bannack evokes a feeling of the realities faced in the 'old west.' bannack is the best preserved of all montana ghost towns -- being preserved rather than restored, protected rather than exploited.

  • Beaverhead Rock

    Sacagawea, a young shoshone indian guide traveling with the lewis and clark expedition in 1805, recognized this rock formation and knew that she may be in the vicinity of her relatives. the sighting gave the expedition hope that they may be able to find native peoples from which to acquire horses for their trip across the mountains to the pacific ocean. "the indian woman recognized the point of a high plain to our right which she informed us was not very distant from the summer retreat of her nation on a river beyond the mountains which runs to the west. this hill she says her nation calls the beaver's head from a conceived resemblance of its figure to the head of that animal. she assures us that we shall either find her people on this river or on the river immediately west of its source; which from its present size cannot be very distant." meriwether lewis, august 8, 1805 resembling the head of a swimming beaver, this natural landmark is listed in the national register of historic places. the site may be viewed and photographed from a distance, but is not directly accessible. check out the current weather conditions in dillon. teachers, this indian education for all lesson plan contains social studies and local history content for 8th graders.

  • Beavertail Hill

    Just off interstate 90 east of missoula, this small park offers river frontage, tipi rentals, a one-hour walking nature trail through a thick canopy of cottonwoods, and developed campsites and picnic areas. there are interpretive programs in the amphitheatre on friday evenings during the summer.

  • Big Arm

    Rv and tent camping, rental yurts and a hiking trails are all here along the shore of magnificent flathead lake. using the public ramp to launch your own boat, this site is a popular jumping-off point to wild horse island.

  • Black Sandy

    One of the few public parks on the shores of hauser lake, this popular campground provides access for boating, waterskiing, kokanee salmon and trout fishing, and other water activities. interpretive displays describe the history of this area. electrical hook-ups are available may 1 - october 1.

  • Brush Lake

    Brush lake is a deep, clear lake with white, sandy beaches surrounded by grass fields and linear stands of spring wheat. due to the mineral make-up of this lake, there are no fish. a day-use area is located on the northeast portion of the lake. this area includes a parking area, boat ramp and dock, vault toilet, picnic tables, fire rings and a designated swimming area.

  • Chief Plenty Coups

    Plenty coups (aleek-chea-ahoosh, meaning "many achievements") was a man of war - and then a man of peace - whose vision has helped bridge a gap between two cultures. recognized for his bravery and leadership, he was made a chief of the apsáalooke (crow) tribe by age 28.

  • Clarks Lookout

    Indian Education For All Lesson Plan In 1805, the Lewis and Clark Expedition passed through this area exploring the land on behalf of the United States. Captain Lewis was leading the way with a small group while Captain Clark was bringing up the rear. In order to make the journey across the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, the party needed horses from the local tribe. On August 13, 1805, Clark climbed a high bluff above the Beaverhead River to get a sense of his surroundings and document the location. Unknown to Clark, Lewis had met with 60 Shoshone warriors and was working to establish a meeting at what would become Camp Fortunate.

  • Cooney

    Head to this reservoir 40 minutes south of billings to boat, play in the water, camp, and fish. the most popular recreation area serving south central montana, it's always a busy place in the summer. the park features good walleye and rainbow trout fishing, boating opportunities, and five campgrounds around the lake. eleven campsites with electricity are now available at red lodge campground.

  • Council Grove

    In 1855, on this site, issac stevens negotiated the hellgate treaty between the u. s. government and the salish, kootenai, and pend d'orielle indians to create the flathead reservation. the treaty was signed on this site on july 16, 1855. come enjoy the natural features and solitude of this day-use-only park for reflection on these historical events. for more information on council grove state park, read the treaty lives on, 2005 montana outdoors article. check out the current weather conditions in missoula. download the council grove state park brochure. educators, this indian education for all lesson plan contains social studies and media literacy content for 4th graders.

  • Elkhorn

    Elkhorn state park brochure (pdf) during its heyday in the 1880s, the mining town of elkhorn swelled to a population of 2,500. the boom ended in 1890 with the drop in silver prices and residents moved to other areas. they left behind two impressive structures, fraternity hall and gillian hall, which have been preserved as outstanding examples of frontier architecture. each has been recorded in the historic american buildings survey. bring your camera to record these two picturesque structures. these are the only two buildings in the town of elkhorn that are publicly owned. please respect private property while visiting this site.

  • Finley Point

    Located on the south end of flathead lake in a secluded, mature pine forest, finley point offers 16 campsites with water and 30-amp electric hookups and two walk-in tent sites. all campsites have a fire ring and grills, and picnic tables.

  • First Peoples Buffalo Jump

    Formerly known as Ulm Pishkun State Park, this is one of the largest prehistoric bison kill sites in the United States. A visitor center and interpretive trails tell the story of the people, the animals, and the landscape of the buffalo culture.

  • Fort Owen

    Fort owen state park brochure this park was the site of many "firsts" in montana history. it was home to montana's first catholic church founded by father desmet in 1841 and the state's first permanent white settlement. also located here were the first sawmill, first grist mill, first agricultual development, first water right, and the first school for settlers. major john owen arrived in the bitterroot valley in 1850 and established the fort and began trading with the indians and growing number of immigrants. period furnishings and artifacts are displayed in the restored rooms of the east barracks. take your time to browse through a small museum housed in preserved and partially-reconstructed structures. this site is listed on the national register of historic places. interpretive signs and exhibits detail the site's history. teachers, this indian education for all lesson plan contains social studies and media literacy content for 4th graders.

  • Frenchtown Pond

    Frenchtown pond state park brochure bring the whole family out for a day of picnicking, swimming, fishing, sailboarding, paddling, snorkeling, walking, or just relaxing in the fresh air with your favorite book. this small, spring-fed lake is a short drive from missoula and easily accessible off interstate 90. a new playground provides a safe place for youngsters to climb and slide. sport fish include largemouth bass, black bullheads, yellow perch and pumpkinseeds. there is non-motorized boating only in this day-use-only park. frenchtown pond hosts the garden city triathlon, a complete triathlon event including swimming, biking and running, on labor day weekend. there are many age categories, including a kid's triathalon. this popular event has approximately 450 participants, spectators, and volunteers. you can now enjoy frenchtown pond year-round. summer hours are 9 am to 9 pm. from october 1 through april 30, park hours are 6 am to 7 pm. reduced services and facilities are available during this period. check out the current weather conditions in frenchtown.

  • Giant Springs

    Construction work is continuing on power lines stretching from morony dam to rainbow dam, affecting a portion of the northshore conservation easement on pplm lands. for public safety, closures remain in place throughout the western end of the easement, limiting recreational opportunities at this time. closures are in effect from the rainbow dam area to ryan dam road. trails and easement lands are open east of ryan dam road. contact fwp region 4 headquarters at (406) 454-5840 for further information and to request a map of closed areas. the northshore trail from rainbow to ryan dam road remains closed

  • Granite Ghost Town

    The remnants of this once thriving 1890's silver boomtown bear stark witness to montana's boom-and-bust mining history. the park preserves the granite mine superintendent's house and ruins of the old miners' union hall which have been included in the historic american buildings survey. this remote mining camp calls for a camera. the road from philipsburg to granite gains 1,280 feet in elevation. the road is narrow, steep and winding. be prepared to pull over for oncoming traffic and enjoy the vistas. a vehicle with good clearance is recommended.

  • Greycliff Prairie Dog Town

    NaGrab your camera and hop off Interstate 90 at Greycliff to delight in the playful, curious black-tailed prairie dogs who live here. This 98-acre park offers a unique opportunity to observe the prairie dog community in its natural environment. Interpretive displays provide information on the important role of these entertaining animals in the prarie ecosystem. These creatures have great ecological significance because they create patches of habitat that provide prey, shelter,and forage for a diverse number of animals, including burrowing owls, black-footed ferrets, and mountain plovers.

  • Hell Creek

    You will reach this campground park, 25 miles north of jordan, through the spectacular scenery of the missouri breaks landscape. on the hell creek arm of fort peck lake, this park provides facilities for most water sports as well as excellent walleye fishing. hell creek also serves as a launching point for boat camping in the wild and scenic missouri breaks.

  • Lake Elmo

    This urban day-use park is a great place to swim, sailboard, fish, picnic, birdwatch, or take a stroll. plan to stretch your legs on a walk around the lake or stop by the fwp region 5 headquarters on the south shore to fish from roger's pier or tour the interpretive center (weekdays from 8 to 5). non-motorized boating only is allowed. there are two reservable group use shelters for social events and a playground. a special feature of lake elmo is its dog park. the 200-square-foot fenced-in water-adjacent area is located on the west side of the lake. each visitor is allowed a maximum of two dogs in the park. dogs must have up-to-date vaccinations, current licenses, respond to voice commands, and be in visual control. dogs must be 4 months or older. dogs in heat may not enter the park. remember that dogs must be on a leash in all other areas of lake elmo state park. enjoy this wonderful oasis in the city with your canine friend and be sure to clean up your pet's waste. check out the current weather conditions in billings.

  • Lake Mary Ronan

    Off the beaten path just seven miles west of flathead lake, this park is shaded by douglas fir and western larch. lake mary ronan provides a quiet camping opportunity nestled among a boreal forest. noted for kokanee salmon, yellow perch and small mouth bass, this park is a fisherman's delight. numerous trails lead into the surrounding area which abound in wildflowers and wildlife. you can also hunt mushrooms and pick huckleberries when the season is right.

  • Les Mason

    This wooded area on the east shore of whitefish lake provides access to cool, clear waters along a stretch of smooth cobble beach. shaded picnic tables, great swimming, and a spot to launch canoes and kayaks all make this an ideal day-use park.

  • Lewis And Clark Caverns

    This wooded area on the east shore of whitefish lake provides access to cool, clear waters along a stretch of smooth cobble beach. shaded picnic tables, great swimming, and a spot to launch canoes and kayaks all make this an ideal day-use park.

  • Logan

    With frontage on the north shore of middle thompson lake, logan is heavily forested with western larch, douglas-fir, and ponderosa pine. this park nestles on 17 acres adjacent to 3,000 acres of recreation opportunities within the "thompson chain of lakes", connecting and containing upper, middle and lower thompson lakes. it's a comfortable spot for swimming, boating, camping, water-skiing, and fishing.

  • Lone Pine

    The overlooks at lone pine state park present a dramatic view of the flathead valley. on a clear day, you can see flathead lake, big mountain, the jewel basin and glacier national park. a walk through the visitor center will provide information on living with wildlife in the wildland-urban interface, along with a look at wildlife and forest ecology within the park. at the park's gift store you can find a variety of informative books on area wildlife, wildflowers and more.

  • Lost Creek

    Lost creek state park brochure indian education for all lesson plan these spectacular gray limestone cliffs and pink and white granite formations rise 1,200 feet above the canyon floor a short way outside anaconda. you will enjoy a short hiking trail to lost creek falls cascading over a 50-foot drop to provide one of the most popular spots in the park. if you prefer a longer hike, walk up the forest service trail just north of the falls parking area. the trail winds for several miles along lost creek through forests and meadows with great views of the surrounding mountains. wildlife, especially mountain goats and bighorn sheep, are frequently seen on the cliffs above the park. check out the current weather conditions in anaconda.

  • Madison Buffalo Jump

    You'll find this day-use-only park just seven graveled miles off interstate 90 at the logan exit. take a picnic along and hike to the top of the jump for impressive views of the madison river valley. imagine how the area might have looked when prehistoric people "called" bison to jump to their death below the cliffs. interpretive displays help visitors understand the dramatic events that took place here for nearly 2,000 years. download the madison buffalo jump state park brochure educators, this indian education for all lesson plan contains social studies, media literacy, and technology content for 8th graders.

  • Makoshika

    To the sioux indians, ma-ko-shi-ka meant bad earth or bad land. today, as montana's largest state park, the pine and juniper studded badland formations house the fossil remains of such dinosaurs as tyrannosaurus rex and triceratops. you'll find a visitor center at the park entrance with exhibits explaining the site's geologic, fossil, and prehistoric stories. roads and hiking trails let you explore the park's whimsical badlands landscape. or try out the campground and the park's folf (frisbee golf) course.

  • Medicine Rocks

    As the name implies, medicine rocks was a place of "big medicine" where indian hunting parties conjured up magical spirits. weathering has given the soft sandstone rock formations a swiss-cheese look providing a unique landscape filled with greater meaning and serenity. you'll enjoy photography, hiking, and wildlife viewing in this remote and primitive site. for more information on medicine rocks state park, read Rock of Ages, 2005 montana outdoors article. educators, this Indian Education For All Lesson Plan contains social studies and language arts content for 4th graders.

  • Missouri Headwaters

    Camp where lewis and clark stayed in 1805! this park encompasses the confluence of the jefferson, madison and gallatin rivers. the lewis and clark expedition anticipated this important headwaters all the way up the missouri river in 1804 and 1805. an easy three-mile drive off interstate 90 at three forks, this park provides outdoor interpretive signs, picnic spots, short hiking trails, a small campground, and a rental tipi. the saturday night speaker series showcases top notch presenters for your learning enjoyment. for more information about missouri headwaters state park, read confluence of cultures, a 2004 montana outdoors article. download the missouri headwaters state park brochure. check out the current weather conditions in three forks. educators, this indian education for all lesson plan contains social studies, science, and technology content for 4th graders.

  • North Shore

    North shore is a recent acquisition of 160 acres of agricultural land sharing a border with flathead lake waterfowl production area at the north end of flathead lake. the site will be managed cooperatively as a state park and wildlife management area, primarily for waterfowl and upland bird hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities. the park will have a seasonal closure each year from march 1 through july 15 while birds are nesting. future plans include a campground.

  • Painted Rocks

    Located in the scenic bitterroot mountains, this 23-acre park offers boating and water sport opportunities on the reservoir. the remote pine-forest setting is a great get-away for a weekend of camping, fishing and relaxation

  • Pictograph Cave

    A new, sandstone-hued interpretive center rises at the foot of rimrocks where pictograph cave has drawn human beings for over 3,000 years. designed for high energy efficiency, the center features a classroom, restrooms, gift shop and indoor exhibits with replicas of artifacts - such as a wooden paint applicator and a bone turtle effigy - found during a works progress administration excavation. a short 5-mile drive from billings, the park is an ideal spot to enjoy a shady picnic, add to your birding life list, attend an interpretive program, or just take a stroll in the quiet outdoors. the pictograph, middle and ghost cave complex was home to generations of prehistoric hunters. with its abundant wildlife and vegetation, the fertile river valley provided an ideal campsite for travelers. these caves were the site of montana's first professional archaeological studies and excavations beginning in 1937. over 30,000 artifacts have been identified from the park. a short paved trail allows visitors to view the rock paintings, known as pictographs, that are still visible in pictograph cave, the largest of the three. interpretive signs tell the story of the archaelogical studies. park and visitor center hours: june through august, park open 8 am-8 pm, visitor center open 9 am-7 pm, 7 days a week. september, april and may, park open 10 am-6 pm, visitor center open 10 am- 5 pm, 7 days a week. october through march, park open 10 am-5 pm, visitor center open 10 am-4 pm, wednesday-sunday. for more information about archaeology and artwork images from the caves, visit www.pictographcave.org. teachers, here's an indian education for all lesson plan for 4th graders that includes art, language arts, and social studies content

  • Pirogue Island

    Isolated and shaded by cottonwood trees, this yellowstone river island offers visitors an excellent spot to view wildlife and to hunt for moss agates. because this rich riparian area contains abundant water and plant life, it provides the perfect habitat for a variety of wildlife. the site is a haven for waterfowl, bald eagles, fox squirrels, and whitetail and mule deer. captain william clark and his men, sacagawea and baby pomp, are believed to have camped on pirogue island on their return trip east to st. louis on july 29, 1806. interpretive signs in the park discuss the lewis and clark corps of discovery and more history of this island. the island can be accessed by floating or, during low water, by foot through a small channel.

  • Placid Lake

    Located in the beautiful clearwater/swan river valley, this popular campground park is known for its smooth water for good fishing and water sports. use this site as a base for other recreational opportunities in the area, watch for wildlife, and check out the interpretive panels that give an account of the early-day logging practices attested to by the massive western larch stumps in the area.

  • Rosebud Battlefield

    This national historic landmark on the rolling prairie of eastern montana preserves the site of the june 17, 1876, battle between lakota (sioux) and cheyenne warriors and general george crook's soldiers supported by crow and shoshone indians. the army was there to enforce the u.s. government's recent reservation proclamation. the lakota and cheyenne were defending their families and way of life. both sides fought bravely. the battle was a draw, with each side claiming victory. eight days later, many of the same lakota and cheyenne met lt. colonel george armstrong custer at the battle of the little bighorn, about 25 miles to the northwest. the cheyenne call this spot kase'eetsevo' estaneveosehaesta'tanemo - where the girl saved her brother. of the many heroic acts that occurred during the battle, the story of buffalo calf trail woman saving her older brother, chief comes in sight, has been passed down through the generations. remote, quiet, and undeveloped, the 3,000-acre park includes prehistoric sites and the homestead ranch of the kobold family. take a picnic, your camera, and plenty of time to appreciate a slice of time and place. hear the Lakota perspective on the battle with aaron ten bears or take a virtual tour with this history buff. A Big Prelude to the Little Bighorn is a 2004 montana outdoors article about the park. this Indian Education For All Lesson Plan for 8th graders contains language arts, history, and social studies content. to understand the modern challenges at this site, review the management plan.

  • Salmon Lake

    Immediately adjacent to montana 83, this park is an access point to one of the beautiful lakes in the clearwater river chain of lakes. plan to fish, picnic, launch your boat, water-ski, read, review interpretive signs, or let your children get the wiggles out after a long drive in this woodland setting of western larch, ponderosa pine and douglas-fir.

  • Sluice Boxes

    Remains of mines, a railroad, and historic cabins line belt creek as it winds through a beautiful canyon carved in limestone. this rugged area has seen its share of prospectors searching for precious metals, miners, muleskinners, smeltermen, and railroaders building bridges. the barker mines and the montana central railroad are just a part of the rich history of this park. long before the mines opened, the railroad was built and white settlers and ranchers came to what now comprises sluice boxes state park. several tribes of indians that still live in present-day montana occupied and managed the natural resources of the area. these tribes include the blackfeet, salish, pend d'oreille, kootenai, gros ventre, crow, assiniboine, chippewa-cree, and little shell band of chippewa. a primitive, unmaintained trail provides access to fishing, challenging floats, and wildlife viewing. steep cliffs, rugged terrain, and cold, swift water may pose risks to visitors.

  • Smith River

    The smith river is a unique 59-mile river corridor. permits are required to float the stretch of smith river between camp baker and eden bridge. noted for its spectacular scenery and renowned trout fishery, the smith river is unique in that it has only one public put-in and one public take-out for the entire 59-mile segment of river. boat camps located along the remote river canyon help preserve the unique quality of this area. visit the Smith River Floating web page for more information. the smith river between camp baker (launch site) and eden bridge (take-out site) is the only river corridor managed by montana fish, wildlife & parks as a permitted river. permits for private floats on the smith river are allocated to the public via a lottery system prior to the spring season. permit applications are typically available the first week of january each year, with the application deadline of mid-february. educators, this Indian Education For All Lesson Plan (pdf) contains united states history, technology, and library media content for 11th and 12th graders.

  • Spring Meadow Lake

    This urban, day-use-only park minutes from helena fed by natural springs, is a popular spot for family afternoons of swimming, sunbathing, scuba diving, fishing, birdwatching, and pure play. when you tire of the beach, walk the park's easy nature trail that circles the lake, home to a wide variety of birds and other wildlife. in winter, you can still stroll along the trail and, if it's cold enough, ice-skate on the lake. check out the current weather conditions in helena.

  • Thompson Falls

    This shaded, quiet campground is located on the clark fork river near the town of thompson falls in the rugged and beautiful clark fork valley. this site provides excellent fishing and boating opportunities on the clark fork river or the noxon rapids reservoir. it is also a nice place to walk, bird watch, or just relax. kids can fish for trout in the fishpond, and a riverside trail provides ample river access. a small boat launch is provided, and a full-sized launch for larger boats is available ½ mile from the park.

  • Tongue River Reservoir

    The 12-mile long reservoir is situated among scenic red shale, juniper canyons, and the open prairies of southeastern montana. the park is loved by montana and wyoming anglers, campers, and boaters. water sports are popular here and the park boasts excellent fishing as four state record fish have been pulled from its waters.

  • Tower Rock

    Tower rock state park is one of montana's newest state parks. the 400-foot high igneous rock formation lies in a 140-acre site along the stretch of the missouri river near cascade, montana. the public can park their vehicle in the spacious parking lot, then learn about the geology and history of the site with interpretive panels located at the trail head. the trail to the base of the saddle is maintained for a quarter-mile.

  • Travelers' Rest

    ravelers' Rest State Park Brochure Located at an ancient crossroads of commerce and culture, Travelers' Rest embraces the cross-cultural history that has shaped the Bitterroot and Missoula valleys. This National Historic Landmark, located just 8 miles south of Missoula, is the only archeologically verified campsite of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in the nation.

  • Wayfarers

    Folks in the know will tell you that the best sunsets on flathead lake can be viewed from wayfarers state park. to be sure, the rocky cliffs along the shoreline offer beautiful vistas of the lake at any time of day.

  • West Shore

    Glacially carved rock outcrops rise from flathead lake to overlooks with spectacular views of the lakeshore and the swan and mission mountains. considered the most quiet park on flathead lake, this site is distinguished by a mature fir, pine, and larch forest. the beach is rocky but you can still swim, boat, and camp here. campsites in b-loop have electric hookups.

  • Whitefish Lake

    Although it's right on the outskirts of whitefish, this small park provides a mature forest and a pleasant campground and beach. boating, swimming and fishing are popular activities and the lake is rarely windy so it provides ideal conditions for waterskiing. children love the trains that rumble along the park's edge.

  • Wild Horse Island

    The largest island in flathead lake preserves an endangered palouse prairie environment, an old growth ponderosa pine forest historic and cultural resources, and offers incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. boat access is required to reach this day-use-only 2,160-acre island.

  • Yellow Bay

    Yellow bay is in the heart of the famous montana sweet cherry orchards, where blossoms color the hillsides during the spring. the park includes yellow bay creek, four walk-in tent camping spots and a wide, sandy beach for swimming, sunbathing, scuba diving, boating, fishing, and bird watching.

  • Yellowstone River

    Created in 2008, this new state park and wildlife management area opens up more than 9,400 acres of hunting, hiking, and wildlife watching, as well as yellowstone river fishing. and it's only 30 miles from billings! the site contains 3,976 deeded acres and includes 5 miles of wooded yellowstone river shoreline. the acquisition also secured for public use 5,450 acres of bureau of land management (blm) and state land that had been difficult to access. currently undeveloped, the park provides an ideal spot for hiking the day away. sandstone bluffs overlook the yellowstone river while deep canyons and ponderosa pine-lined coulees dot the landscape. the area provides habitat for mourning doves, meadowlarks, mallards, canada geese, wild turkeys, pheasants, sage grouse, sharptailed grouse, hungarian partridge, mule deer, whitetail deer, pronghorn antelope, and even an occasional elk. a campground will be developed at this park in the future; anticipated opening date for the campground is 2011. for more information on yellowstone river state park, read a new piece of paradise, a 2008 montana outdoors article. visit the park from the comfort of your desk by checking out this virtual tour.