Description
Montana's first and best-known state park showcases one of the most highly decorated limestone caverns in the Northwest. Naturally air conditioned, these spectacular caves, lined with stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and helictites, date back through time.
The hiking trails, rental cabins, and campground are open year-round; tours of the caverns are available from May - September.
It is always a great time to explore the colorful limestone formations with a knowledgeable and friendly guide. See the geologic development, learn the history of early exploration, and gain an insight into the delicate ecology of this world without light. Plan to spend a minimum of 2 hours to hike 2 miles on the guided tour through the caverns then visit the gift shop and cafe.
The park also provides trails, a visitor center, amphitheater, picnic areas, large campground, showers, RV dump facilities, tipi, and 3 cabins. Please be aware that water is turned off from October 1-April 30, so flush toilets, showers, drinking water, and the RV dump facilities are available only during the summer.
So, while at the park, hike or bike the extensive trail system, attend an interpretive program, or purchase a unique item in the gift shop. Use this park as a base camp while enjoying several nearby state parks, attractions, and the adjacent Jefferson River.
Services & Amenities:
- Amphitheater
- Bicycling
- Bird Watching
- CAMPGROUND HOST
- CAMPING, IMPROVED SITE
- Comfort Station
- Dump Station
- Dump Station, Camper
- Fire Rings
- Fishing, River / Stream
- Hiking
- Information / Contact Station
- Interpretive Walks, Guide
- Kennel
- Kiosk
- LODGING, CABINS
- MOUNTAIN/TRAIL BICYCLING
- Parking
- Photography
- Picnic Tables
- Picnicking
- Playground
- RESTROOMS
- Retail, Firewood
- Retail, Ice
- Trails, Hiking, Moderate
- Trails, Mountain Bike
- Water Drinking
- Wildlife Viewing
Alerts and Important Information
ADA designated campsites may only be reserved and occupied by a party who can provide proof of disability upon arrival. Proof of eligibility for at least one member of your party will be required in the form of a DMV (or other states equivalent) issued person with disabilities placard or disabilities motor vehicle license plate. The eligible member of your party must be an occupant of the site for the entire reserved period. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in the cancellation of your reservation and forfeiture of your reservation fee. Additional cancellation fees will be applied.
The cabins and group facilities are ADA accessible and do not require proof of disability upon arrival.
Viewing the caves is only allowed by park guided tours. Paradise and Classic tours are scheduled from May 1 - September 30. Prescheduled tours begin May 24 - September 1.
Camping is allowed in designated areas only. All boats, trailers, rigs and motorized vehicles must fit entirely within the campsite parking-spur provided. Any equipment that does not fit entirely within the campsite parking-spur must be parked outside the campground in an area designated by the park manager.
Open fires are allowed only in established iron fire rings and grills. Propane and LPG camp stoves are allowed. Smoking is not allowed except in enclosed vehicles or developed sites at least 3 feet in diameter and cleared of all flammable materials.
Check-in time is 2:00pm for campsites and 3:00pm for cabins and wall tent (local time).
Reservations are non-transferable and cannot be sold, bartered, or traded. The primary occupant and/or their party are the only persons authorized to camp in the site during the duration of their reservation.
Check-out time is 1:00pm for campsites and 12:00pm for yurts, cabins, and wall tent (local park time). Late checkouts may incur additional fees unless prior arrangements have been made with park staff.
The maximum capacity at each individually signed or numbered campsite is eight (8) people. This typically involves a single camping unit, which includes, but not limited to, a tent, motor home, camping bus, truck mounted camper shell, pull-type camper, or other device designed and commonly used for sleeping.
Campfires are allowed in designated areas only!
Pets must be kept on a leash. Please check with destination park staff for local restrictions.
Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00pm to 7:00am.
Fireworks are prohibited in all parks at all times. No Exceptions..
In case of an emergency when visiting Montana State Parks, please dial 911. You may also wish to notify park staff for additional assistance if necessary.
For non-emergency assistance please contact park staff.
Getting There:
GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
45.843,
-111.883
45°50'35"N,
111°52'59"W
Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park is located 19 miles west of Three Forks on Montana 2 or 15 miles east of Whitehall on Montana 2
Contact Information:
Mailing Address:
Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
25 Lewis & Clark Caverns Rd.
Whitehall
MT
59759
Phone Number:
Information:
(406)287-3541