Getaway Plans? Check Out Montana’s Top 5 Most-Visited State Parks

Montana’s state parks continue to be a recreation destination for millions of visitors.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks tells us that there was an estimated 3.2 million visitors in 2024. That’s up 3.8 percent over 2023, and a 45 percent increase over the last 10 years!

So, what makes some state parks more popular than others? Location obviously comes into play. Parks around more populated cities with likely see more activity. But amenities, scenery and specific recreation opportunities available all factor in as well.

If you have friends and family coming to visit this summer, or you just want some time away to yourselves, maybe some of the most-visited state parks will give you some inspiration, OR perhaps make you think about visiting other parks that might not be as crowded.

Either way, here are Montana FWP's numbers on the five most-visited state parks, according to 2024 figures:

1>>>Giant Springs, 463,724 visitors in 2024: Located in Great Falls: this park boasts many unique geologic features and abundant recreational opportunities. First recorded by the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805, it is one of the largest freshwater springs in the country.

2>>>Flathead Lake (all units), 363,024 visitors in 2024: With multiple locations all under one umbrella, you might assume collectively that this would be a much larger number. Flathead Lake State Park has five mainland units circling the lake’s 191 square miles and covering 160 miles of shoreline.

3>>>Lake Elmo, 198,655 visitors in 2024: This 64-acre Reservoir inside the city limits of Billings is a great place to swim, boat, paddleboard, fish, picnic, birdwatch or stroll on the 1.4 mile hiking/nature trail.

4>>>Cooney Reservoir, 186,672 visitors in 2024: The most popular recreation area serving south central Montana featuring excellent walleye and rainbow trout fishing, boating, water-skiing and scenic mountain views.

5>>>Spring Meadow, 173,998 visitors in 2024: Spring Meadow Lake State Park is located on the western edge of Helena.  It is an urban day-use park and is a popular spot for family afternoons of swimming, sunbathing, fishing, birdwatching, and having fun. The park features picnic shelters and a pavilion for group use.

With increased demand, reservations and other important advanced planing is always in your best interest. For those overnight stays, it's a good idea to get more details on Montana FWP's reservation website page.

We hope it is a spectacular and safe Montana getaway for you this summer!