Makoshika State Park sits at an elevation of 2,460 feet within Montana's badlands. The area features distinctive clay formations and exposed fossil beds from the Late Cretaceous period when dinosaurs roamed the region. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 100°F while winter camping is possible but uncommon due to limited road maintenance.
What to do
Disc golf on the badlands: Makoshika State Park offers a unique disc golf course that winds through the badlands landscape. "Super fun, nearly complete disc golf course with baskets" notes Tania W., who also mentions that "primitive sites available for less money (Main $18, Primitive $12)."
Hiking in Short Pine OHV Area: Located just 7-8 miles from Glendive and Interstate 94, this area offers hiking trails through scenic badlands terrain. "It's a really pretty area! Very quiet. Great if you're offroading. Pit toilet. No water, no other amenities," according to reviewer Tee C. from Short Pine OHV Area.
Fishing at Intake Dam: Situated along the Yellowstone River, Intake Dam provides excellent fishing opportunities, particularly during paddlefishing season. "If you come during paddlefishing season (May & June), the banks will be filled with fishermen trying to snag into one of these fish. Though it's a busy time of year, it's a wonderful time to stay and see them working in fish that can reach over 100 lbs," reports Leah N. from Intake Dam.
What campers like
Private upper sites: The Pine on Rocks campground area at Makoshika State Park offers secluded sites for those seeking privacy. "This was one of several sites up a winding steep but paved road where trailers are not allowed. We had a very private site #20 with our own clean private vault toilet and garbage can," describes Judy T., who adds that "There was lots of room to set up a tent and just wander around."
Winter camping options: For those seeking dog friendly campgrounds near Glendive during the off-season, Makoshika State Park remains open. "I was able to make my way down here in January and happened to be the only fool camping in the Montana winter when a wind storm rolled through. Regardless of the wind, this is a wonderful campground with plenty of hiking and biking extremely close to the campground," writes Evan H.
Spacious riverside sites: The Buffalo Gap Campground offers well-maintained sites about 50 minutes from Glendive. "Campground was clean and well maintained, camp hosts were friendly and knowledgeable about the area. Easy access, nice parking pads, have picnic tables and fire rings at each camp site," notes Jessica S., who appreciates the "very beautiful views of the badlands."
What you should know
Limited water access: Water is only available at certain locations in most campgrounds near Glendive. At Intake Dam, "There were vault toilets scattered about and two water pump spigots with amazing water pressure," according to Judy T., but at many primitive sites, no water is available.
Winter conditions: Off-season camping requires preparation. The Small Towne RV Campground in nearby Terry remains open year-round but with limited amenities. "The campground isn't super updated but the small town with gravel roads and kind people make up for it," notes reviewer kandice.
Campsite selection: Reserve specific sites when possible or arrive early. "Stayed here on May 30, 2025. Got to campsite was not the same campsite that we chose. They just random gave us a different campsite," reports Kelly C. about their experience at Makoshika State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Makoshika State Park offers excellent options for children. "Makoshika Stare Park has a Triceratops on the sign, how can you not get excited about checking it out! Kids would love this park," writes Shelly S., adding "The hiking was...well... Awesome! You can actually walk through the hills and on top and around. There were rabbits appearing and disappearing."
Plan for extreme temperatures: The badlands climate requires preparation for families with pets. With temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F in summer, the limited shade in many pet friendly campgrounds near Glendive creates challenges. "Hot but beautiful. The campground is non-electric, so remember that if you like to run your AC when it is 100+!" warns Stacy M.
Wildlife awareness: Teach children about local wildlife, including rattlesnakes. "Luckily, we did not see any rattlesnakes, though I heard there are giant ones in the park," notes one camper from Makoshika State Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Primitive site access: Many primitive sites at Makoshika have access restrictions. "This was one of several sites up a winding steep but paved road where trailers are not allowed," notes Judy T., explaining that their "24' pop up truck camper made it with ease" to site #20, while "There is a campground for larger RVs but they are on asphalt closer to the entrance."
Hookup availability: For RVers seeking full hookups near Glendive, options are limited. "Clean and well cared for. Excellent wifi. Host is super nice! Spaces are well spaced and the grass is well cared for. About half pull through and half back in," reports Mimi about Small Towne RV Campground, noting it provides "excellent value for going to see the Terry Badlands and Mikoshako. $25/night for full hook ups."
Off-grid preparation: Many dog friendly RV sites near Glendive lack full amenities. "Nice stop or weekend. No power, water at visitors center. Verizon service limited to none," explains Kris K. about Makoshika State Park, emphasizing the importance of arriving with water tanks filled.
