Makoshika State Park
Glendive, MT
Badlands of banded clay and sandstone, with fossil finds, a scenic drive and short trails among the formations. Come in the evening for the light and bring water, as summer afternoons are hot and exposed.
Makoshika is Montana's largest state park at 11,538 acres (about 4,670 hectares) and lies near Glendive at an elevation of about 736 meters (2,415 feet). The name is a variant of a Lakota phrase meaning "bad land." The park lies in the late Cretaceous Hell Creek Formation, one of the richest dinosaur fossil sites: finds include a complete Triceratops horridus skull, remains of Tyrannosaurus rex and Edmontosaurus, and a nearly complete Thescelosaurus skeleton. Fossils are on display in the visitor center.
There are eleven hiking trails, scenic drives through the badlands, a campground with 28 sites and disc golf. The visitor center has seasonal hours and is not open daily in winter. Allow two to three hours for the drive and one or two short hikes.
- Nearest town
- Glendive, MT
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 47.0830, -104.7000
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Motorhome stopoverMotorhome stopover1 mi from Makoshika State ParkMotorhomes
- Riverview RV ParkMotorhome stopover1 mi from Makoshika State ParkMotorhomes
- Pine-on-the-Rock CampgroundCampsite2 mi from Makoshika State Park · 10 pitches
- Glendive CampgroundCampsite3 mi from Makoshika State ParkWi-Fi
- Green Valley CampgroundMotorhome stopover3 mi from Makoshika State ParkMotorhomes
All campsites in Montana · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Makoshika State Park?
Makoshika State Park is in Glendive, MT, at GPS 47.0830, -104.7000. It is about 57 mi from Medora.
Can you camp near Makoshika State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Riverview RV Park, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 5 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Makoshika State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Chateau de Mores State Historic Site (56 mi), Medora (57 mi), Painted Canyon Overlook (64 mi) and Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site (70 mi).
When is the best time to visit Makoshika State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)