HELENA – The Montana state parks system welcomed an estimated 3.38 million visitors in 2025. This number is a 4.9 percent increase from 2024, an 11.5 percent increase from 2022 and a 27.3 percent increase over the last 10 years. Since 2015, total visitation has increased by more than 725,000 visitors, representing a 27.3 percent rise.
Based on reservation data, the highest number of reservations were made by residents of the following states:
- Montana
- Washington
- Idaho
- California
- Colorado
- Oregon
- Texas
- Florida
The five most visited state parks in 2025 were:
- Giant Springs with 645,978 visitors (Region 4)
- Flathead Lake (all units) with 362,136 visitors (Region 1)
- Cooney Reservoir with 194,447 visitors (Region 5)
- Lake Elmo with 181,462 visitors (Region 5)
- Lone Pine with 170,467 visitors (Region 1)
Here is a breakdown by region:
Region 1 (northwest Montana)
Region 1 served approximately 984,685 visitors in 2025, representing an estimated 2 percent increase compared to the previous year. Visitation in Region 1 accounted for just under 30 percent of total use across the state park system, a share that remains consistent with prior years.
Region 2 (western Montana)
With an estimated 421,227 visitors in 2025, Region 2 experienced a 9.6 percent decrease compared to 2024. Visitation in the region accounted for 12.4 percent of the system's total use in 2025, continuing a downward trend observed in recent years.
Region 3 (southwest Montana)
With an estimated 255,537 visitors in 2025, Region 3 experienced a 5.9 percent increase compared to 2024. The region accounted for 7.5 percent of the system's total visitation, consistent with its share in 2024.
Region 4 (north-central Montana)
With an estimated 967,946 visitors in 2025, Region 4 experienced a 21.8 percent increase compared to 2024. The region accounted for 28.6 percent of the system's total visitation, representing a 4 percent increase in its share from the previous year.
Region 5 (south-central Montana)
With an estimated 460,469 visitors in 2025, Region 5 experienced a 1.3 percent decrease compared to 2024. The region accounted for 13.6 percent of the system's total visitation, a slight decline from the previous year.
Region 6 (northeast Montana)
For many years, Regions 6 and 7 were combined into a single administrative unit. Beginning in 2022, they were separated, with Region 6 consisting solely of Brush Lake State Park. With an estimated 31,044 visitors in 2025, Region 6 experienced a 30.9 percent decrease compared to 2024. The region accounted for approximately 0.9 percent of the system's total visitation in 2025, a decline from the previous year.
Region 7 (southeast Montana)
With an estimated 265,317 visitors in 2025, Region 7 experienced a 6.8 percent increase compared to 2024. The region accounted for 7.8 percent of the system's total visitation, consistent with its share in the previous year.
A full list of state parks, regional breakdowns and their estimated visitation levels can be found in the 2025 Montana State Parks Visitation Report. This report and past reports can be found on the State Parks webpage.