Montanans Have Something New To Look Forward To

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Montanans have a new reason to celebrate the New Year—free entry into all 42 State Parks.

"Now your Montana license plate is your pass to all 42 State Parks," said Doug Monger, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Parks Division administrator. 

The 2003 Montana State Legislature combined free parks entry with a $4 annual vehicle registration fee to enhance funding for Montana State Parks, beginning with 2004 vehicle registrations. Previously Montana residents paid $2-5 per visit or $30 for an annual State Parks Passport for unlimited visits.

The $4 fee is voluntary, but Monger said parks officials anticipate most people will see the benefit of free entry into State Parks, combined with a secure funding source to help operate and maintain these recreational, historical and cultural sites.

  “This new approach makes our parks more accessible and affordable for all Montanans,” Monger said.

A portion of the new vehicle registration fee will be used to help maintain the state’s popular fishing access sites and other state-owned properties at Virginia City, Monger said.

Nonresident parks visitors will pay $2-$5 for daily use of State Parks, depending on the park, or may purchase a nonresident State Parks Passport on the FWP web site at www.fwp.state.mt.us on the Parks and Recreation page, or at FWP regional offices.

Residents and nonresidents will continue to pay camping fees, which range from $12 to $15.