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.
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.
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
Amenities
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
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 all year
Campsites
*The campground is now fully open! All campsites are first come, first serve until May 16th when reservation begin. We will have 6 sites throughout the summer open to walk-up camping.
Park Rules
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.
Horse Use is PROHIBITED Except December 1st through February 28th and Wednesdays throughout the Year. Trails are Closed in Wet Conditions.
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.
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.
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
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.
Alice Southworth has put her degree in Park and Recreation Management from Northern Arizona University to work at many State Parks across Montana. She currently manages Missouri Headwaters and Madison Buffalo Jump State Park along with several FAS and one WMA site. Alice is originally from upstate New York but has always dreamed of Montana until she moved here in 2012. Alice is bringing her love of working with people and her passion for the environment to the region.
CONTACT INFO Mailing Address:
Missouri Headwaters State Park
1585 Trident Road
Three Forks, MT 59752
