Within the boundaries of this scenic park and National Historic Landmark, the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin rivers merge to form the 2,300 mile Missouri River.

Considering it an essential point in the geography of this western part of the continent, Meriwether Lewis wrote the country opens suddenly to extensive and beautiful plains and meadows which appear to be surrounded in every direction with distant and lofty mountains. The legendary Sacajawea was captured here as a child and eventually returned as a member of the Corps of Discovery. Another member of this expedition, John Colter, later made several trips to this area in search of furs and began his famous run nearby. Pioneers slowly settled the surrounding area and transformed it into profitable grazing and farming land. Missouri Headwaters State Park preserves much of the region's abundant wildlife, lush, vegetation, and scenic beauty that have attracted people for thousands of years.

The park provides 17 campsites, tipi rental, foot trails to points of interest, and interpretive displays of the area's cultural and natural history. River floating, fishing, picnicking, bicycling, hiking, interpretive programs, and photography are popular activities.

The park is 532 acres in size and is 4,045 feet in elevation.

Restrictions and Closures

See a current list of Restrictions and Closures on State Parks and other FWP lands that may be affected by floods, fire, drought or major maintenance activities.

• Bicycling
• Bird Watching
• Boating
• Camping
• Canoeing
• Education
• Exhibit
• Fishing
• Heritage
• Hiking
• History
• Kayaking
• Lewis And Clark
• Photography
• Picnicking
• River Fishing
• RV Camping
• Tent Camping
• Wildlife Viewing

Some amenities are seasonal. Check with the park for availability.

• ADA Accessible
• Boat Launch
• Camp Host
• Grills/Fire Rings
• Interpretive Display
• Maps
• Parking
• Pets Allowed
• Picnic Shelter
• Pack-in/Pack-out
• Tipi
• Toilets (Flush)
• Toilets (Vault)
• Water

Hours listed below are normal operating hours and may not apply when there is a special restriction or closure. Check Alerts and Closures in the tab below.

Park

Open all year

Campsites

*The back campground will be closed on October 1st until May 1st, leaving three camping spots open all winter.

Hunting is allowed at Missouri Headwaters and Madison Buffalo Jump State Park. Both parks are now under Commission Approved weapon restrictions, meaning ONLY archery, crossbow, shotgun, traditional handgun, and muzzleloader hunting is allowed. No shooting from, or across roadways and trails, no hunting within safety zones including visitor centers, administration buildings, parking lots, maintenance buildings, picnic shelters, playgrounds, campgrounds, tipis, yurts, cabins, residential housing, or other similar facilities. Hunters must stop by the Missouri Headwaters State Park's office to obtain a slip before hunting in the park.

Visit the State Parks Fees & Regulations page for complete list of park rules.

Contact the park manager for open volunteer positions at Missouri Headwaters State Park.

For complete position descriptions, application forms, and details about Montana State Parks volunteer programs, visit the Volunteers page.

Montana Residents

• Montana residents who pay the $9 state parks fee with their annual vehicle registration have no daily entrance fees to state parks. For residents who don't include this in their vehicle registration, non-resident day use fees apply.

Nonresidents

• Day use entrance fee with a vehicle: $8
• Day use entrance fee as a walk-in, bicycle or bus passenger: $4
• With a Nonresident Entrance Pass: Free

Campsites

• Campsite fees range from $4-$34 per night, depending on season and available amenities.

Montana State Parks offers hike/bike, rustic, tent, rv, and boatslip campsites.

Tipis

Residents and Nonresidents with a Park Pass:

• $30 per night 
• $26 between third Monday in September—third Thursday in May

Nonresidents:

• $42 Per night. 
• $36 between third Monday in September—third Thursday in May

Visit Reserve America to check fees and reserve campsites and tipis at Missouri Headwaters State Park.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is developing a master plan for Missouri Headwaters State Park and is seeking public input on current and future usage and needs for the park. This effort includes several goals:

• Guide the development and use of park facilities.

• Provide guidelines for the protection and management of important natural, cultural and scenic resources.

• Provide visitors with a wide range of experiences.

• Provide for public health and safety.

• Address short-term and long-term needs, while making the least impact on the landscape and cultural resources.

• Broaden visitors’ knowledge and appreciation of the area.

• Accommodate crowds while still allowing for areas of solitude.

Those wishing to provide input on issues considered in the master planning process can do so through an online survey available at Missouri Headwaters State Park Master Plan - Public Survey.

For more information about the project, please visit wwcengineering.com/portfolio/headwaters-state-park-master-plan.

Mailing Address:
Missouri Headwaters State Park
1585 Trident Road
Three Forks, MT 59752

Phone: 406-285-3610
Email: Alice Southworth

Reservation Phone Number:

1-855-922-6768