Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park wilderness guide
State Park · MT

Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park

Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is known for its impressive limestone caverns and breathtaking natural scenery, offering a unique outdoor experience in southwestern Montana.

State Park3,0154+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

3,015

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park

Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is known for its impressive limestone caverns and breathtaking natural scenery, offering a unique outdoor experience in southwestern Montana.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park, spanning over 3,000 acres in southwestern Montana, is one of the region's most popular attractions due to its extensive limestone caverns—the largest in the state. The park is named after the famous expedition duo, though they never visited the caverns. The caverns feature stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and other geological formations, accessible through guided tours that showcase the underground wonders. Above ground, the park's terrain is a mix of rolling hills and rugged ridges, providing habitat for diverse flora and fauna, including deer, birds, and various plant species. History buffs will find interest in the early 20th-century park developments and the Civilian Conservation Corps' contributions. The park offers several hiking trails with scenic views, as well as opportunities for bird watching, picnicking, and camping. Its natural beauty, combined with educational experiences and outdoor activities, makes it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and families.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Guided tours of the limestone caverns✦ Stunning views from the Caverns Trail✦ Wildlife observation including deer and birds✦ Picnic spots with beautiful scenery
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Entrance fee required; cavern tours are ticketed separately.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Lewis & Clark Caverns Campground

Easily accessible with modern facilities, perfect for families looking to stay overnight.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Cardwell, Montana
⌖ 5.76 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Cardwell, Montana

Cardwell is a peaceful Montana town near the Yellowstone River, perfect for fishing, hiking, and paddling. Offering easy access to Gallatin National Forest, it’s a quiet basecamp for exploring scenic river valleys and mountain trails.

Late Spring through Early Fall
Explore Town
Whitehall, Montana
⌖ 12.55 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Whitehall, Montana

Whitehall, MT is a gateway to adventure, offering great hiking, fishing, and biking with stunning mountain and river views. Ideal for those seeking a quiet escape into nature.

Three Forks, Montana
⌖ 15.03 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Three Forks, Montana

Three Forks is a Montana town where three major rivers meet, offering excellent fishing, paddling, and hiking options. It’s an ideal basecamp to explore Big Sky’s rivers, trails, and wildlife from spring to fall.

Late Spring through Early Fall
Explore Town
Cushing, Montana
⌖ 26.47 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Cushing, Montana

Cushing, Montana offers a peaceful rural escape with access to hiking, bird watching, paddling, and wildlife viewing. Its close proximity to the Teton River and Big Hole National Battlefield makes it a quiet gateway to Montana’s wide open spaces.

Late Spring to Early Fall
Explore Town
Boulder, Montana
⌖ 31.50 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Boulder, Montana

Boulder, Montana is a quiet outdoor destination framed by the Elkhorn Mountains and Boulder River. It offers hiking, fishing, paddling, and winter sports with fewer crowds, perfect for travelers seeking rugged, peaceful adventure.

Late Spring through Early Fall
Explore Town
Belgrade, Montana
⌖ 32.51 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Belgrade, Montana

Belgrade, Montana, is your gateway to thrilling outdoor adventures from hiking and mountain biking to world-class fly fishing along the Gallatin River. With nearby ski resorts and untamed wilderness, it’s a year-round destination for those who crave Montana’s wild spirit.

Spring through Fall for hiking and fishing; Winter for skiing
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

A Compact Slipstream for Montana’s Shallow Runs
ADVEXPEDITION
Belgrade, Montana
RaftingADV Bookable

A Compact Slipstream for Montana’s Shallow Runs

Hatch Adventures’ NRS Slipstream 120 is a purpose-built 12' fishing raft rented in Belgrade for day trips through low-water runs and multi-day angling escapes.

RaftingPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip