Medicine Rocks State Park

Enjoy photography, hiking and wildlife viewing at Medicine Rocks. As the name implies it was a place of "big medicine" where Indian hunting parties gathered.

About the Park

"As fantastically beautiful a place as I have ever seen," said one of its first tourists in the late 1800s, a young rancher named Teddy Roosevelt. Medicine Rocks State Park is a treasure—full of history, culture and unique topography—and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Weathering has given the soft sandstone rock formations a Swiss cheese look providing a fascinating landscape filled with meaning and serenity. Visitors can witness thousands of inscriptions on the sandstone pillars dating back centuries.

Enjoy photography, hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, picnicking and camping in this remote state park.

The park is also a haven for mule deer, antelope, woodhouse's toads, and sharp tailed grouse.

There are 8 campsites that are available on a first come, first served basis. There is 1 site reservable for group-use.

Park size 330 acres. Elevation: 3,379 feet.

2026 Summer Events

MONDAY, JUNE 15, 2026 AT at 7 p.m.
Sunset Nature Hike
Medicine Rocks State Park, Group Use Area, 1141 MT-7 Ekalaka MT 59324
Join us at the Night Sky Trail for a hike featuring geology, native plants, and wildlife of Medicine Rocks State Park. Led by Carter County Museum Curator Dr. Nathan Carroll and U.S. National Forest Service Ranger Kurt Hansen, this hike will cover easy to moderate terrain and total 2 miles round-trip. Be sure to wear bug-spray, sunscreen, a hat, and close-toed/hiking shoes. After the hike, feel free to stay in the park and stargaze on this beautiful, new moon evening!
There will be a Bat Walk following the event at 8:30 p.m.
(Co-hosted with Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks and the U.S. National Forest Service)

THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2026 AT 10 P.M.
Dinosaurs & Dark Skies
Free Admission
Medicine Rocks State Park, Night Sky Area, 1141 MT-7 Ekalaka MT 59324
As part of the festivities leading up to the Carter County Museum's 14th Annual Dino Shindig, Dinosaurs & Dark Skies invites visitors to Medicine Rocks State Park (Montana's first International Dark Sky Sanctuary) for a night of stargazing and fossil phosphorescence. Join us at the Night Sky Trail and bring a folding chair and warm clothing. We will provide telescopes and red-light flashlights for wayfinding.
There will be a Bat Walk preceding the event at 9 p.m.
(Co-hosted with Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks)

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19 AT 8:30 P.M.
Bat Walk
Medicine Rocks State Park, Group Use Area, 1141 MT-7 Ekalaka MT 59324
Join Carter County Museum and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks for a fun and educational night focused on Montana's native bats! We will start the evening with an introduction to bats, their natural history, and behavior. Afterward, we will put our new knowledge to the test using bat detection equipment as we look for bats along the Night Sky Trail at Medicine Rocks State Park! Meetup will begin at the Night Sky Trail parking lot at 8:30 p.m. We will then head to the viewing area to begin our bat walk. All ages are welcome! No cost to join; donations appreciated. Please bring comfortable walking shoes, flashlights, bug-spray, and snacks. Bat detectors will be provided.

Activities

Camping
Cultural
Heritage
History
Hunting
Nature
Photography
Picnicking
RV Camping
Tent Camping
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

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

Grills/Fire Rings
Maps
Pets Allowed
Picnic Shelter
Toilets (Vault)
Drinking Water

Seasons & Hours

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 year-round. Day use hours: 7 am - 10 pm.

Camping
Open year-round. Campsites are on a first come first serve basis.

Drinking Water
Available year-round

Park Rules

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

Volunteer

Contact the park manager for open volunteer positions at Medicine Rocks State Park.

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

Fees

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.

Alerts & Closures

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.

Contact Information

Medicine Rocks State Park

352 I-94 Business Loop
PO Box 1630
Miles City, MT 59301

Phone: 406-377-6256
Email: Riley.Bell@mt.gov

Reservation Phone Number For Group Use Site:

406-390-5174

Recreate Responsibly

Tips to stay safe while getting outdoors

Watch this short video from Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park for some guidance on how to enjoy all the beauty and adventure our state parks have to offer while staying safe and protecting those around you.