Skip to content

Citybreaks USA

Menu
  • Home
  • Destination Guides
  • National Parks
  • Travel Tips
  • About US
  • Privacy Policy
Menu

This Montana State Park Is a Year-round Destination — But Here’s Why Winter Is Especially Magical

Posted on June 27, 2025

xplore Medicine Rocks State Park: Montana’s Hidden Gem

Medicine Rocks State Park (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with  Reviews)

Montana is famous for its vast, wide-open spaces, big skies, and rugged landscapes. Most people who visit the state head to well-known spots like Big Sky or Yellowstone National Park, but if you venture off the beaten path, you’ll discover the serene beauty of Eastern Montana and its untouched Great Plains.

One of the most peaceful and underexplored places in this region is Medicine Rocks State Park—a hidden gem that only spans 330 acres, yet offers some of the most stunning natural beauty in Montana. The park is known for its breathtaking, rugged landscape, reminiscent of the Great Plains Badlands, and is far away from the crowds. This park’s uniqueness even caught the attention of Teddy Roosevelt, who visited the area in the 1800s. He wrote in Hunting Trips of a Ranchman that it was “as fantastically beautiful a place as I have ever seen.”

A Remote Escape in Montana’s Great Plains

Escape to the Wild with a Trip to American Prairie

Medicine Rocks is tucked between the small town of Baker and the even smaller community of Ekalaka, far from major cities and airports. The nearest large airport is in Billings, which is about 3.5 hours away by car. As a result, this park remains peaceful and far less crowded compared to more famous destinations. In fact, in 2023, only about 21,000 visitors came to Medicine Rocks—while Glacier National Park had nearly 2.9 million visitors that same year! This remote location is precisely what makes the park so appealing—it’s an ideal destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of tourist-heavy spots.

Discovering the Magic of Medicine Rocks

Exploring Medicine Rocks State Park in Montana - thatawaydad.com

Visitors to Medicine Rocks are drawn by its quiet solitude and the opportunity to camp surrounded by unique sandstone pillars. Some of the rock formations in the park have naturally occurring holes, giving them a Swiss-cheese-like appearance, which adds to the surreal beauty of the landscape. In 2020, the park was designated as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, making it one of the best places in the U.S. to experience stargazing, with almost no light pollution to interfere with the views.

The park isn’t just about the views—it’s also home to a rich variety of wildlife. You’ll find mule deer, antelope, grouse, and wild turkeys roaming the land, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Winter at Medicine Rocks: The Ultimate Solitude

Winter Capitol Reef Backpacking Trip in Utah | Wildland Trekking

For those who truly seek solitude, winter is the best time to visit Medicine Rocks. With few visitors during the colder months, you can enjoy the park all to yourself. Imagine having miles of open land, a star-filled sky, and roaming wildlife all to yourself—without the noise of crowds. It’s the ultimate escape into nature, where you can disconnect completely from the outside world.

Camping and Amenities at Medicine Rocks State Park

Medicine Rocks State Park – Montana's Best TV

If you’re planning a visit, Medicine Rocks State Park offers eight campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations are required, which makes it a flexible option for spontaneous trips. You can bring your dog along too, as long as it’s on a leash (no longer than eight feet). There’s drinking water available year-round, so you don’t have to worry about bringing your own water supply.

The cost for camping ranges from $4 to $34 per night, depending on the season, with winter and spring being the most affordable times to stay. There’s also an $8 entry fee for visitors from out of state. However, if you’re a Montana resident and have already paid the $9 state parks fee through your vehicle registration, you can enter the park for free.


FAQs

1. How do I get to Medicine Rocks State Park?
Medicine Rocks is located between Baker and Ekalaka in eastern Montana, about 3.5 hours from Billings. The park is remote, so the closest major airport is in Billings.

2. What makes Medicine Rocks State Park unique?
The park features unique sandstone formations, including pillars with natural holes that resemble Swiss cheese. It was also designated an International Dark Sky Sanctuary in 2020, making it one of the best places in the U.S. for stargazing.

3. When is the best time to visit Medicine Rocks?
If you’re looking for solitude and quiet, winter is the best time to visit. During this time, there are fewer visitors, allowing for a peaceful and undisturbed experience in nature.

4. Are there camping options at Medicine Rocks?
Yes, there are eight campsites available, first-come, first-served. You can also bring your dog along as long as it’s on a leash. Drinking water is available year-round.

5. How much does it cost to camp at Medicine Rocks?
Camping fees range from $4 to $34 per night depending on the season. Winter and spring are the cheapest times to stay. There is also an $8 entry fee for out-of-state visitors.

6. Can I visit the park if I’m a Montana resident?
Montana residents who have paid the $9 state parks fee with their vehicle registration can enter Medicine Rocks State Park for free.

7. What wildlife can I see at Medicine Rocks?
You’ll likely see mule deer, antelope, grouse, and wild turkeys, making it a great spot for wildlife enthusiasts.


Conclusion

Medicine Rocks State Park is a true hidden gem of Montana, offering a peaceful escape into the natural beauty of the Great Plains. Whether you’re stargazing under a dark sky, exploring the unique rock formations, or enjoying the wildlife, this park provides a serene retreat far away from the crowds. Its remoteness, natural beauty, and tranquility make it a perfect destination for those seeking a break from the usual tourist spots. From affordable camping to a quiet winter visit, Medicine Rocks State Park offers an unforgettable experience for anyone looking to connect with the natural world.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Posts

  • 10 best things to do in Switzerland
  • Unlock the secrets of the Blue Zones—how to master the art of living longer
  • Top 10 wildlife encounters in parks
  • 8 of Europe’s best beer cities beyond Munich
  • Should you worry about mpox when traveling?

Categories

  • Destination Guides
  • National Parks
  • Travel Tips
  • About US
  • Contact Us
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
©2025 Citybreaks USA | Design: Newspaperly WordPress Theme