Plan Your Southeast Montana Adventure

While winter still has Montana in its grip, now is the perfect time to start planning your warm-weather adventures. Spring and summer hiking and camping trips require thoughtful preparation, especially in Southeast Montana's diverse terrain. While many travelers automatically set their sights on the mountains in the western part of the state, we invite you to consider something different this year: the breathtaking buttes, fascinating badlands, and remarkable natural bridges of Southeast Montana.

From the secluded Calypso Trail in the Terry Badlands to unexpected national forests, Southeast Montana offers authentic outdoor experiences for explorers willing to venture beyond the typical tourist paths. Here's your guide to planning the perfect Southeast Montana adventure.

Makoshika State Park

Best Time to Visit: Late April through October

Reservation Window: 6 months in advance for campsites

Montana's largest state park deserves a spot at the top of your 2025 adventure list. Conveniently located next to Glendive along Interstate 94, Makoshika's nearly 11,000 acres provide endless opportunities for exploration. If you're planning to camp, especially at the new yurt, mark your calendar now – reservations open six months in advance, and summer weekends fill quickly.

Planning Tip: Schedule your visit around the Saturday morning paleo adventures for an inside look at active excavation sites and the fossil lab. Check the Montana State Parks website in early April for the summer program schedule to plan around ranger-led activities.

For day hikers, the Cap Rock Trail offers a moderate hike with the reward of crossing a natural bridge. More ambitious explorers should request a backcountry permit well in advance. No matter your itinerary, be sure to time at least one hike for sunrise or sunset – the golden light on the badlands is photographic magic.

Insider's Tip: The park's name means "bad land or bad earth" and is pronounced Ma'ko'-shik-ka. Reserve campsites at Montana State Parks Reservation 

Medicine Rocks State Park

Best Time to Visit: May through September

Reservation Notes: First-come, first-served camping

Start planning now for a trip to one of Montana's hidden gems. Located between Baker and Ekalaka in the eastern part of the state, Medicine Rocks was recently designated as an International Dark-Sky Sanctuary, making it an ideal destination for stargazers. When building your itinerary, check the park's event calendar for monthly astronomy programs, typically announced 2-3 months in advance.

Since camping is first-come, first-served, plan to arrive mid-week if possible, especially during peak summer months. The distinctive Swiss-cheese-like rock formations create a landscape unlike anywhere else in Montana. Don’t miss the Dalton Trail – just under a mile long, it’s perfect for an early morning walk when the light creates a mystical atmosphere.

Planning Tip: Pack extra water containers to fill at the park entrance pump and bring your own firewood as it may not be available for purchase nearby.

Insider’s Tip: If camping spots are full, consider lodging in Baker (25 miles) or Ekalaka (12 miles) and making day trips to the park.

Custer Gallatin National Forest

Best Time to Visit: Late May through September

Reservation Window: Varies by site; lookout towers book 6 months ahead

When planning your national forest adventure, look beyond the familiar Beartooth Mountains. The Ashland and Sioux Ranger Districts offer a completely different experience with rolling grasslands, steep rock outcroppings, and scattered Ponderosa pines. For spring planning, target early summer visits (late May to mid-July) to catch peak wildflower season and mild temperatures before the summer heat arrives.

Make Red Shale or Ekalaka Park Campgrounds part of your itinerary. If you're interested in staying at a Forest Service cabin or lookout tower, now is the time to secure your reservation – these unique accommodations often book up 6 months in advance. Include Poker Jim Butte in your plans for panoramic views that make great photos regardless of whether you're staying overnight.

Planning Tip: Create a flexible itinerary with backup plans, as forest roads can sometimes be impassable after spring rains.

Insider's Tip: For detailed information on Forest Service camping options, visit the Ashland Ranger District or Sioux Ranger District.   

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Best Time to Visit: Late May through September

Reservation Notes: Marina rentals should be booked 2-3 months ahead

Begin planning now for an unforgettable water adventure at Bighorn Canyon near Fort Smith. The North Unit features the impressive 71-mile-long Bighorn Lake nestled below towering 1,000-foot cliffs. Start by researching pontoon rentals from Ok-a-Beh Marina – reservations typically open in April for the summer season and fill quickly for weekends.

For those planning to camp, add Afterbay Campground at Fort Smith to your itinerary for convenient access. More adventurous travelers should consider boat-in camping at Black Canyon, which offers easier paddling access and floating latrines. Include time in your schedule to visit the Visitor's Information Center for educational exhibits about Yellowtail Dam.

Planning Tip: Combine your Bighorn adventure with a guided fishing trip on the blue-ribbon trout stream below the dam. Research and contact outfitters in the Fort Smith area by April to secure prime fishing dates.

Insider's Tip: If planning a multi-day visit, check the weather forecast carefully. Afternoon thunderstorms can create challenging conditions on the water, so schedule boating activities for morning hours when possible.

Terry Badlands

Best Time to Visit: Late April through June, September through October

Planning Requirements: Check road conditions before departure

Perhaps the most untamed destination on our list, the Terry Badlands Wilderness Study Area (WSA) requires careful advance planning. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), this area offers an experience largely untouched by modern development. Begin your planning with a call to the BLM office in Miles City for current trail and road conditions – essential information that changes seasonally.

For a less challenging experience, include the Terry Scenic Overview via Scenic View Road in your itinerary. Adventure seekers should research the Calypso Trail conditions before attempting access to the Natural Bridges Trailhead. This impressive 3.5-mile loop showcases natural bridges, buttes, grasslands, coulees, and hoodoos – but requires high-clearance 4WD vehicles during dry conditions only.

Planning Tip: Consider visiting in late spring (May-June) or early fall (September-October) to avoid summer heat and potential thunderstorms. Pack extra water, as there are no services in the area.

Insider's Tip: Mountain biking enthusiasts should plan to bike the Calypso Trail (remember: wheels on established two-tracks only). Research bike-friendly accommodations in Terry for before and after your adventure.

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a week-long exploration, now is the perfect time to map out your Southeast Montana adventure. Start making reservations, researching trail conditions, and creating flexible itineraries that allow you to experience the roads less traveled. And don't forget to include time to visit the small towns along your route – connecting with locals might reveal even more hidden treasures for your next trip.