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MILES CITY – With no further hot spots detected this week from a July 3 wildfire, Makoshika State Park fully reopened to visit traffic today.
A partial emergency closure had been in effect, with access limited to the visitor’s center near the park’s entrance. The 169-acre, wind-driven fire spread quickly, prompting closure of all other camping and day use areas. Rain and fire crews had the fire mostly out by the following day, but some hot spots lingered through the weekend.
The fire, which is still under investigation, claimed the popular yurt campsite, a toilet near the tent campsite, some picnic tables and some signs. Maintenance crews went through and removed hazardous trees along the road, and four campsites in the fire zone may be unavailable the remainder of the season as staff work to reclaim those areas. Sites will be barricaded while work is ongoing.
Some of the park’s educational events had to be canceled after the fire, but regular programs should resume. A schedule is available at https://fwp.mt.gov/makoshika.
Dawson County is not under any fire restrictions at this time, but visitors are encouraged to check in advance for any restrictions or closures before coming, and to use extreme caution due to increasing fire danger this summer. Visit fwp.mt.gov for updated news on restrictions and closures.
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