Day-use improvements at Brush Lake nearly complete

Andrew McKean

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Day-use improvements at Brush Lake nearly complete

While the final touches are being put on recreational improvements at Brush Lake, Montana’s newest state park is open to day use, including boating, picnicking, hiking and swimming. 

“I’m pleased to announce that there is safe, legal and public access to Brush Lake,” says Woody Baxter, FWP regional parks manager. “The water-based recreation amenities include a concrete boat ramp, boat dock, interior park road and parking area with boat-trailer parking. Other developments include a vault toilet, picnic tables and fire rings and a hiking trail.”

Contractors are finishing work this month on a designated swimming area along the sandy beach on Brush Lake’s north end. Brush Lake State Park is located 31 miles southeast of Plentywood and about 5 miles northeast of Dagmar. Work on the park’s improvements has been done by LSC, Inc. from Fort Peck and Interstate Engineering out of Sidney.

“In the near future we plan to provide a group-use shelter and pavilion and overnight camping facilities,” says Baxter. “We’re somewhat limited by terrain but there is some level ground on the east and west sides of the lake. And we are still keenly interested in acquiring other properties around the lake’s perimeter, which would allow for more suitable recreational developments.”

A mile-long county road from the East Reserve Highway to the northeast entrance to the park was improved earlier this summer through a cooperative partnership between Sheridan County and FWP. Fish, Wildlife & Parks plans to provide park visitors with interpretive signing within the day-use area and along the hiking trail that would inform visitors about the area’s natural and cultural history.

The entrance and day-use fees to all Montana state parks have already been paid by Montana residents through their annual vehicle registration fees. Non-resident visitors are required to pay a $5-per-vehicle entrance fee to use Montana’s state parks. Brush Lake is Montana’s 50 th state park.