Haven’t you always heard that the best things in life are free? That’s not always the case. While Montana state parks are among the best things in life, they come with an entrance fee, even for day use.
Brush Lake State Park in northeast Montana gets a lot of visitors during the summer wanting to cool off or relax in the hot summer months…including many nonresidents from North Dakota.
Please make sure, whether you are resident or nonresident, that you have the proper passes to access the park or you will need to pay the day-use fees…or you can be cited.
These fees are for any day-use of the park including (but not limited to), boating, swimming, birdwatching, picnicking, hiking, and more. Unless users have a pass, these fees should be paid upon entrance to the park in the iron ranger located next to the kiosks. Separate fees are required for camping.
Montana residents day-use fees
• 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 (see below).
Nonresidents day-use fees
• 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
o Nonresidents can purchase a Nonresident Entrance Pass which allows free entrance and discounted camping fees. The 12-month pass costs $50/vehicle and is valid for one year from month of issue. These passes can be purchased through the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Online Licenses Service, or at any FWP office.
o A 7-Day Nonresident Entrance Pass, which costs $35, is an option for a shorter period. 7-Day Passes are available at the parks. The pass is good for 7 consecutive days starting from the purchase date.
For more on park fees and general information, go here: https://fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/fees-and-general-information
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