Makoshika State Park

Breathtaking beauty. But they charge $24 for out of state; $10 more than state residents.
Online, they promise a water tap in the "RV" campsite but once got there and set up our pop up camper, we found a sign that said "water only available at the visitor center" , more than 3 miles away! We had stopped at the visitor center on the way in to enquire about camping; the gentleman there was not very detailed in his park descriptions and certainly did not mention that we should stock up on water at that visitor center. Luckily we had 5 gallons with us from the last place we camped... Which was Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, ND.(compare that ND state Park: $26 for electricity and easily accessible water tap and hot showers)

I visited here in Mid-May 2016, very few campers this time of year. The real bliss for any Class B or vans, is in the upper section, sites #20 and up. You probably can bring a trailer up there but since I was there only 2 nights didn't try it. It is a steep (15% grade) climb on loose gravel but I know a Roadtrek and Airstream Interstate that did it and loved it. I got a site in the main area and unhooked to check it out. Sites #21 and #22 have great views! Sites #20 and #23 are still good but not for views in my opinion. Site #23 will definitely hold a medium trailer if you want to go up the initial hill. If I was going to stay for a week or more, would have ventured it. So if you have a trailer, unhook and check them out before attempting. If you happen to have that lovely Class B/van, check them out before staying in the main campground. Since it wasn't busy, I had a great time in the main campground area. You will note when you enter the park, the further sites are not listed but I had talked to a ranger who told me about the sites.

Bad news, in the main campground, no cellular service most of the time. Perhaps in the upper sites you might get better service but I don't know. No dump station and if you need water, get it at the Visitors Center before going further. No shower, however vault toilets are at the main campground and at sites #20-#23. The vault toilets might be at sites above #23 but I did not venture further than site #23. I

Another note, from the main interstate, the park directions will take you under an under pass at 14' max, I have no idea if there is another way into the park but note that the under pass is 14'.

There may be a dump station in the town of Glendive, MT but the Dump Station at West Jaycees during my travels was closed.

Makoshika is the Lakota phrase for “land of bad spirits," or badlands, and this 11,500 acre park encompasses the eastern Montana badlands, which include interesting formations such as caprocks. Paleontologists are drawn to Makoshika as T Rex and Triceratops fossils have been found here. The scenery is stunningly beautiful, and we enjoyed biking and dog-friendly hiking with no crowds.

Makoshika is Montana’s largest state park, but the campground was nearly empty during our stay. Only dry camping is offered; campsites are on asphalt and have little shade, no hookups, no showers, and no cell service. Staying here in hot weather could potentially be brutal, but we had perfectly cool temperatures during our visit, and amazing views from our door. If you’re traveling through eastern Montana, Makoshika is well worth a stop. (Note: nightly camping fee includes a $10 non-resident fee.)