Makoshika State Park
00 review1301 Snyder Ave, Glendive, Montana, 59330, United States
Makoshika State Park
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees are not specified in the data provided.
Share this campground
Reserve AmericaProvider
About this campground
Step into a prehistoric wonderland at Makoshika State Park, where ancient badlands reveal the secrets of Earth's distant past. This dramatic landscape, once home to mighty Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops, now invites modern adventurers to explore its otherworldly rock formations through scenic hiking trails and unique activities like frisbee golf. Every twist and turn through these whimsical badlands offers a chance to walk where dinosaurs once roamed.
The campground within Makoshika State Park caters to both tent and RV camping. Group camping is also available, and campsites are ADA-accessible with specific restrictions.
Historical SignificanceMakoshika stands as one of North America's most significant paleontological treasures, where the fossilized remains of Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops have been discovered embedded in the ancient rock layers. These badlands serve as a time capsule, preserving evidence of the Late Cretaceous period when dinosaurs ruled this land, making every visit a journey through millions of years of Earth's history.
Weather and SeasonsExperience Montana's dramatic seasonal contrasts in this badlands environment. Winter transforms the park into a frigid, crystalline landscape where snow dusts the ancient rock formations, while summer brings warm, comfortable days perfect for exploration. Spring and fall offer their own magic, with wildflowers dotting the rugged terrain and autumn colors contrasting beautifully against the weathered stone.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering badland formations create a mesmerizing landscape where weathered pinnacles and colorful rock layers tell the story of ancient seas and prehistoric life. Pine and juniper trees dot the rugged terrain, their green canopies providing stunning contrast to the amber and rust-colored stone. Winding trails lead visitors through this sculptural wonderland, where every viewpoint reveals new perspectives on nature's artistry carved by wind, water, and time.
Geological RegionWelcome to Montana's largest state park, a geological masterpiece where millions of years of erosion have sculpted extraordinary badland formations. These pine and juniper-studded canyons and pinnacles showcase layers of sedimentary rock that chronicle Earth's ancient history, creating one of the most distinctive and scientifically important landscapes in the American West.
Campsite details
AccessibilityADA-designated campsites are available and may only be reserved and occupied by eligible parties with proof of disability.
Sites SizeSites are designed to accommodate a single camping unit such as a tent, motorhome, or camper, with a maximum capacity of 8 people. Double sites allow for 16 people and two camping units.
Sites PrivacyNo specific details regarding site privacy were mentioned.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00pm local time
Check-out
1:00pm local park time
Stay Limit
- The maximum capacity at each numbered campsite is 8 people
- Double Site capacity is 16.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 people per camping unit.
Groups
Group sites are available and allow for up to 16 people and two camping units.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Cancellation PolicyReservations are non-transferable. Proof of disability is required for ADA sites.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Makoshika State Park is rich in recreational opportunities, including hiking, disc golf, wildlife viewing, and photography. Reviewers frequently praise the hiking trails and dog-friendly environment.
Hiking
Hiking trails are available and cater to all levels of difficulty. One user stated, 'Hiking trails for all levels. If I lived closer this would be my every weekend hiking spot.' Another mentioned, 'Excellent hiking areas,' while highlighting the diversity of the trails.Biking
Bicycling is listed as one of the activities available within the park.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is highlighted as one of the activities available. Specific species are not mentioned.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned in the source material.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or canoeing are not mentioned in the source material.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated areas only.
- Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00pm to 7:00am.
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews indicate limited cellular coverage. Fireworks are explicitly prohibited for safety.
Weather forecast
78
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 25%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 6.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
In case of an emergency, visitors are directed to dial 911 and may notify park staff for assistance. For non-emergency issues, visitors are advised to contact park staff.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingDetails about trash and recycling facilities were not provided in the source material.
Common complaints"Bring your own shade" due to limited shade at campsites.
Campground Map
1301 Snyder Ave, Glendive, Montana, 59330, United States
Driving directionsFollow signs thru town to Snyder Avenue in Glendive.
Road accessibility details are not explicitly mentioned. However, the description indicates regular access via Snyder Avenue, suggesting paved roads.Nearby places
Glendive is the closest city, no further distances to additional cities are specified.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Makoshika State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, focusing on the park's natural beauty, hiking opportunities, and disc golf course. A common theme is the need for additional shade in camping areas.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Positive comments include 'Great State Park. Excellent hiking areas,' and 'This is such a great state park that lets you get up close to the Badlands of Montana.' The dog-friendly trails and variety...
Show more
Common Concerns
The most common complaint from reviewers is the lack of natural shade at campsites, which can be an issue during the summer months: 'If you are camping in the summer bring your own shade. The camping...
Show more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Reviewers suggest bringing your own shade for summer visits due to limited natural shading. One user noted, 'If I lived closer, this would be my every weekend hiking spot,' emphasizing the park's...
Show more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews suggest that summer can be challenging due to heat and limited shade at campsites. However, the park's natural beauty and hiking opportunities make it a popular destination year-round.
Camper Quotes
- 'This is such a great state park that lets you get up close to the Badlands of Montana.'
- 'Great State Park. Excellent hiking areas.'
- 'My only hack is that if you are camping in the summer,...
Show more
Site-Specific Reviews
No reviews specifically addressing individual campsites were provided.
Accessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features were provided.
Pet-Friendly Features
The park is described as dog-friendly, with one user stating, 'Dog-friendly trails.'
Last updated August 10, 2025