Top 5 most visited Montana State Parks in 2024
Montana State Parks continue to increase in popularity with an estimated 3.2 million visitors in 2024. That’s up 3.8 percent over 2023, a 21.9 percent increase from pre-pandemic levels in 2019, and a 45 percent increase over the last 10 years.
A recent press release also shows us which parks are the most popular:
- Giant Springs with 463,724 visitors
- Flathead Lake (all units) with 363,024
- Lake Elmo with 198,655
- Cooney Reservoir with 186,672
- Spring Meadow with 173,998
Full press release:
Montana’s state parks continue to be a recreation destination for millions of visitors. Last year our parks welcomed an estimated 3.2 visitors. They came for the opportunities to camp, hike, fish and learn about the cultural, natural and recreational heritage of our state.
“People value our state parks, which is reflected in the increasing visitation numbers, said Renee Lemon, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Parks and Outdoor Recreation Division Administrator. “This success is made possible by the dedicated parks staff who keep our parks clean, safe and welcoming while providing excellent customer service.”
The data collected for the 2024 State Parks Visitation Report shows an increase of 3.8 percent over 2023, a 21.9 percent increase from pre-pandemic levels in 2019, and a 45 percent increase over the last 10 years.
The five most visited state parks in 2024 were:
- Giant Springs with 463,724 visitors
- Flathead Lake (all units) with 363,024
- Lake Elmo with 198,655
- Cooney Reservoir with 186,672
- Spring Meadow with 173,998
FWP partners with the University of Montana’s Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research to produce this annual report and gather visitation data.
Visitation data helps FWP update its Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). The plan addresses recreation growth, resource stewardship and infrastructure challenges for outdoor recreation across Montana. FWP staff are currently working on the plan for the 2026–2030 cycle. A draft of the plan is available for review and public comment through June 26. Review the draft SCORP and submit your comments here.
A full list of state parks, regional breakdowns and their estimated visitation levels can be found in the 2024 report. Go to fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/about-state-parks and click on Visitation Reports.
Source: Montana FWP
Photo: FWP press release, March 2025
