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Bannack State Park

Open

Open year-round. Potable water is available during summer months only; bring your own water in winter. Eight sites are first-come, first-served; remaining sites reservable up to 3 months in advance through Montana State Parks.

Air Quality Alert issued August 9 at 8:15AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT

8:15 AM — August 10th, 9:00 AM

AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Flathead, Granite, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli, Sanders, Silver Bow counties in effect until 9AM on 08/10/2026 An Air Quality Alert means that particulates have been trending upwards and that an exceedance of the 24 hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) has occurred or may occur in the near future. Elevated particulate levels from wildfire smoke As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Columbia Falls are Very Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Dillon, Libby and Thompson Falls are Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Butte, Hamilton, Lewistown and Sleeping Giant are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Cut Bank, Frenchtown, Great Falls, Havre, Helena, Malta and Missoula are Moderate. When air quality is Very Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid any outdoor activity; everyone else should avoid prolonged exertion. When air quality is Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid prolonged exertion; everyone else should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Moderate... State and local health officials recommend that unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. For more information visit the Montana Department of Environmental Quality at http://todaysair.mtdeq.us

About

Bannack State Park protects the remarkably preserved remains of Montana's first territorial capital and the site of its first major gold discovery on July 28, 1862. Over 50 weathered buildings line the main street and surrounding hillsides, offering an authentic glimpse into frontier mining life without the typical tourist reconstructions found at other ghost towns. The campground is divided into two areas: Vigilante and Road Agent, named after the competing factions that shaped the town's violent early history. Together they offer 24 campsites suitable for tents and smaller RVs. Each site includes a fire ring with grill and picnic table. Flush restrooms and vault toilets are available, with potable water running during the summer season only. A wall tent rental provides a more sheltered option, and backpackers can use the hike-in/bike-in area with its four tent pads. Eight sites remain first-come, first-served while others can be reserved up to three months in advance. The remote location 21 miles west of Dillon means no cell service, no nearby services, and dark skies. Interpretive programs run during summer months, and Bannack Days each July brings the ghost town to life with period demonstrations. Winter visitors can ice skate on the historic dredge pond when conditions allow.

Directions

From Dillon, take I-15 to Exit 59. Head west on Highway 278 for approximately 17 miles, then turn south on Bannack Road and continue 4 miles to the park entrance.

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store Yes
Price $18 - $54

Vehicle

Max RV Length 60ft
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly
Pull Through Sites Yes

Contact

Email bannackstatepark@mt.gov
Phone +1 (406) 834-3413

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

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