Each year, millions of visitors flock to world-famous Glacier and Yellowstone, Montana’s two national parks. However, the state also has 55 scenic state parks that showcase Montana’s natural beauty and provide plenty of space for outdoor recreation with smaller crowds. Whether you’re heading between the national parks or are looking for an easy pit stop on Interstate 90 east of Missoula, Montana’s cultural hub, you’ll find opportunities to relax and take in the scenery at Beavertail Hill State Park.
Despite being only 65 acres, Beavertail Hill packs an authentic slice of Big Sky Country into an easy-to-reach and accessible setting. The park rests between a former railbed and the Clark Fork River. By day, visitors can enjoy a quick hike through the park, enjoy a picnic, or splash or fish the afternoon away while spotting local birds and local wildlife. Once the sun sets, the dark skies above open a window to the heavens for campers. For adventurers looking for a more rugged adventure, it’s just a stone’s throw from hiking, backpacking, or fishing trips in Montana’s underrated Lolo National Forest.
A fun stop to break out your hiking boots or fishing rod
Whether you’re just stopping to stretch your legs or are staying the night, you’ll want to lace up your boots or get your fishing pole ready. For hikers, Beavertail Hill shady hiking trail loops through the park and provides views of the river and mountains. Reviewers on AllTrails and Google Maps noted it’s an enjoyable walk. Anglers can throw a line in the Clark Fork River. The section running through the park may not have a lot of brown trout, but they are noted to be bigger than in other stretches of the river downstream from Rock Creek.
If you’re not having any luck in the river, head to Beavertail Pond, an 11-acre fish pond on the other side of the interstate. The pond is frequently stocked by Montana Fish & Wildlife and is designated as a “family fishing water.” Several reviewers on Google Maps noted they caught trout weighing several pounds. If you’re visiting the park for the day, come prepared with all of your outdoor gear and get a fishing license online from Montana Fish, Parks, & Wildlife for all anglers age 12 and older. The park does not have a visitor center or a gear rental shop on site.
Camping at Beavertail Hill State Park
For travelers spending the night, Beavertail Hill has a well-developed camping area. Each of the park’s two dozen sites has electricity as well as nearby access to water, restrooms, and firewood. Camper vehicles up to 28 feet can fit. If you’re looking for a unique spot to stay, or don’t want to set up camp after a long drive, the park also has two unfurnished tipis available for groups or campers looking for more space.
Campers spending the night in the summer can learn more about the park and the local area and attend a Saturday evening chat with a park ranger. Campsites are walk-up, however you can check in advance how many spaces are available on the Montana State Parks website. At the time of this writing, individual sites range from $4 to $42, depending on the season and campsite (tipis are the most expensive).
If you are looking for a serene night in the woods, this may not be the place. Being just off the Interstate, several reviewers on Google Maps and the dyrt noted that they could hear traffic as well as trains at night. Travelers looking for fishing, hiking, and the soothing sounds of nature while camping can also visit Lake Mary Ronan State Park, a quiet lakefront state park closer to Glacier National Park.
