The narrow dirt road beyond the paved entrance winds through badlands terrain to reach elevated primitive sites that RVs cannot access. Makoshika State Park Campground spreads across two distinct areas: lower sites 1-19 in Cains Coulee accommodate RVs up to 45 feet, while upper sites in the 20s and 30s require hiking or walking to reach secluded spots with expansive views.
All camping remains primitive with no electrical hookups, though water spigots serve each camping area and a free fill station operates at the visitor center. Heather K. notes "you can pull in and fill up your RV water tank" but warns there's "no dump station at the park, nor in Glendive." Vault toilets serve both campgrounds. Sites feature fire rings and picnic tables, with firewood available for purchase.
The park's geological formations create a natural playground for hikers and disc golf enthusiasts. Dustin M. cautions that "don't let anyone fool you into believing the Diane Gabriel Trail is 'easy'" due to steep climbs, though multiple trail options accommodate different skill levels. Fossil hunting opportunities exist throughout the badlands, and a small museum at the visitor center displays local discoveries.
Summer temperatures can exceed 100 degrees, making spring and fall preferable for extended hiking. Generators run frequently since sites lack electrical hookups, though quiet hours from 8 PM to 8 AM help manage noise. The rough access road requires slow speeds, particularly after rain. Reservations prove essential for weekend visits, as the limited sites fill quickly during peak season.
Campers seeking full hookups can explore camping near Glendive for RV parks with electrical and sewer connections just minutes away.
Description
To the Lakota Indians, Makoshika 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 disc golf (frisbee golf) course.
<font>ADA designated campsites may only be reserved and occupied by a party who can provide proof of disability upon arrival. Proof of eligibility for at least one member of your party will be required in the form of a DMV (or other states equivalent) issued person with disabilities placard or disabilities motor vehicle license plate. The eligible member of your party must be an occupant of the site for the entire reserved period. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in the cancellation of your reservation and forfeiture of your reservation fee. Additional cancellation fees will be applied. </font>
Camping is allowed in designated areas only. All boats, trailers, rigs and motorized vehicles must fit entirely within the campsite parking-spur provided. Any equipment that does not fit entirely within the campsite parking-spur must be parked outside the campground in an area designated by the park manager.
Reservations are non-transferable and cannot be sold, bartered, or traded. The primary occupant and/or their party are the only persons authorized to camp in the site during the duration of their reservation.
Check-in time is 2:00pm for campsites and 3:00pm for yurts, cabins and tipis's (local time).
Check-out time is 1:00pm for campsites and 12:00pm for yurts, cabins, and tipis (local park time). Late checkouts may incur additional fees unless prior arrangements have been made with park staff.
The maximum capacity at each individually signed or numbered campsite is eight (8) people. This typically involves a single camping unit, which includes, but is not limited to, a tent, motor home, camping bus, truck mounted camper shell, pull-type camper, or other device designed and commonly used for sleeping. In the event the site is designated as Double Site, the site capacity for that site is doubled to allow for sixteen (16) people and two camping units.
Campfires are allowed in designated areas only!
Pets must be kept on a leash. Please check with destination park staff for local restrictions.
Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00pm to 7:00am.
Fireworks are prohibited in all parks at all times. No Exceptions..
In case of an emergency when visiting Montana State Parks, please dial 911. You may also wish to notify park staff for additional assistance if necessary.
For non-emergency assistance please contact park staff.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
ATTENTION: Makoshika is currently closed to all recreation due to an active fire in the park. (7/3-7/10/2025)
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundMakoshika State Park Campground is located in Montana
Directions
Follow signs thru town to Snyder Avenue in Glendive.
Address
1301 Snyder Ave
Glendive, MT 59330
Coordinates
47.07645458 N
104.69565018 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/30/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 4/30/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/30/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 4/30/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
- Yurts
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 42 min from Bismarck, ND
- 3 hrs 4 min from Billings, MT
- 3 hrs 44 min from Minot, ND
- 4 hrs 11 min from Rapid City, SD




























































