State Parks Around Missoula, Montana

Where else except Missoula, Montana do you have not one, but five state parks within less than 30 miles from town? Satisfy your curiosity about Montana's history, take a quick hike, catch some fish, take a swim, or camp in a tipi; whatever fun you're looking for, you're likely to find it at these local state parks.

Beavertail Hill State Park, Open May 1-September 30

Just east of Missoula off of I-90's exit #130 is 65 acres of Clark Fork river frontage called Beavertail Hill State Park. Cast a line or two, go for a hike, paddle your boat, bicycle or plan on staying in a tipi you can rent for $25 a night. On Fridays, the amphitheater has interpretive programs throughout the summer. Pets are allowed on leashes. Non-resident day-use fees $5 per vehicle. Camping $15/night.

Beavertail Hill
FWP Region 2 Office
3201 Spurgin Road
Missoula, MT 59804
(406) 542-5500

Council Grove State Park, Open January 1-December 31

Just west of Missoula is Council Grove State Park. Take the Reserve Street exit south two miles and then turn right on Mullan Road and go west for 10 miles. This park has historic significance as the Hellgate treaty was signed by the Salish, Kootenai, and Pend d'Orielle Indians and representatives from the Federal government to create the Flathead Reservation north of Missoula. The 187 acres along the Clark Fork are great for fishing, picnicking, bicycling, hiking and other day activities. They also have Interpretive Programs. No camping and no fires allowed. Pets must be on leash.

Council Grove
FWP Region 2 Office
3201 Spurgin Road
Missoula, MT 59804
(406) 542-5500

Camp Owen State Park, Open January 1-December 31

Visiting Camp Owen is visiting a real piece of Montana's history. From Missoula, go 25 miles south on U.S. 93 to Stevensville Junction; turn east and then go .5 miles on Secondary 269. Camp Owen is just 2 small acres but it marks the first permanent white settlement in Montana and the place where the first Catholic Church was built in the state in 1841. You can see cabins and barracks within Camp Owen and read the interpretive signs. Pets are allowed on leash.

Fort Owen
P.O. Box 995
Lolo, MT 59847
(406) 273-4253

Frenchtown Ponds State Park, Open January 1-December 31

Just west of Missoula off I-90 at Frenchtown Exit #89 and a mile west on the Frontage Road is the spring-fed Frenchtown Ponds. Filling 41 acres, it's a popular place for swimming, fishing, paddling, sailboarding and other non-motorized modes of water fun. There's a big playground there too, so when the kids get tired of the water, they can climb and slide to their hearts' content. There are grills and covered picnic tables big enough for group use. Pets not allowed. Non-resident day-use fees $5 per vehicle.

Frenchtown Pond
FWP Region 2 Office
3201 Spurgin Road
Missoula, MT 59804
(406) 542-5500

Traveler's Rest State Park, Open January 1-December 31

Just 8 miles south of Missoula on Hwy 93 and 1/2 mile west on U.S. Highway 12 brings you to the only verified camping spot of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. But Traveler's Rest has been an ancient campground site for Native peoples, in particular, the Salish, for thousands of years. Located on 41 acres, it is a day-use state park where you can hike, fish, bicycle, have a picnic, or visit the museum and interpretive trail. Non-resident day-use fees $5 per vehicle. Check out the Traveler's Rest Website for their current calendar. Pets are allowed on leash.

Travelers' Rest
P.O. Box 995
Lolo, MT 59847
(406) 273-4253

References

Montana State Parks