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Lewis and Clark Caverns
Overview
Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park offers a unique blend of geological wonders and high-desert scenery in southwestern Montana. As the state's first state park, it protects one of the most decorated limestone caverns in the Northwest. RVers will find a peaceful setting that emphasizes natural beauty and historical significance. The park is famous for its intricate stalactites and stalagmites, but it serves as a gateway to the broader Montana wilderness for those traveling between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks.
Location & Surroundings
Situated near Whitehall, MT, the park sits high above the Jefferson River. The landscape is characterized by sagebrush, juniper trees, and dramatic limestone outcrops. Travelers arriving at this destination will appreciate the rugged hillsides and the expansive views of the surrounding mountain ranges. It is an ideal spot for those who enjoy high-desert environments where the air is crisp and the night sky is remarkably clear, far from the light pollution of larger cities.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground caters to RVers with several campsites that provide a rustic but comfortable experience. Facilities include the following features:
- The park offers several electric hookup sites that support 20 and 30 amp service.
- Guests have access to seasonal flush toilets and showers during the warmer months.
- The facility provides a well-maintained dump station and potable water access for all registered campers.
Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, perfect for evening gatherings. While it lacks the high-end amenities of a commercial resort, the park provides a peaceful atmosphere with well-maintained trails leading directly from the camping area into the hills.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The main draw is the guided cavern tours, which take visitors through a subterranean labyrinth of columns and chambers. Outside the caves, there are over 10 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails that offer varying levels of difficulty. Anglers and paddlers often head down to the Jefferson River for a day on the water. The nearby town of Whitehall offers a small-town Montana experience with local shops and essential services for restocking supplies.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is an excellent choice for nature enthusiasts and families who want an educational stop on their Montana road trip. It is particularly well-suited for those who prefer state park settings over crowded commercial parks. RVers traveling in mid-sized rigs will find the sites most comfortable, as the terrain and site sizes favor agility. It is a must-visit for anyone looking to combine outdoor recreation with one of the most unique geological features in the state.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
User Reviews
Montana Geology Tours
The Classic Tour 2 hours is the best experience. The Guide was 4th generation with great stories and professional presentation. The path was well worn and drier now my last time here in the 80s. My knowledge of Geology was helpful in the identification of some of the outside parts of the limestone layer related to the last period of Glaciation and how it rose 3 million years ago over the newer Sedimentary Rock. Will take my Tours again as the Campground was lovely.
Lobo M.
We took the “Classic Tour” at 11 a.m. Our guide Huckleberry was a nice mix between informative, funny & smooth. He led the entire 2 hours tour with knowledge & dedication. We always felt in good hands & safe during the entire tour. The tour itself was quite impressive. Exploring those caves and learning about how they started to exist and developed was interesting and informative. I can recommend experiencing this part of Montana’s cave history.
Merna Tilden
Wow! And wow! I know a lot of people did not discover this place yet but if you ever came across to Montana. You’ve got to visit this beautiful cave it is amazing and beyond amazing. The picture cannot even justify. I would say highly, highly recommended this tour you will love it.
Tom Riexinger
I had a really great experience with our guild Dean on the moderate tour. He was very knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor but very stern when we weren't to touch something. Now the view of the surrounding area from up top at the cave entrance was just amazing. Definitely recommend a must go see.
Linda Radford
We loved the main cavern tour. We hiked about 3/4 of a mile up the paved trail to the cavern opening. There were a lot of stairs but as active seniors, we could do it without difficulty. There are some tight places and a lot of crouching so as not to hit your head. The rooms were full of stalagmites and stalactites, rock shaped like ribbons of bacon, popcorn, and columns. It was incredible to see and photograph. We loved our experience. There is another tour that is more accessible for younger kids and mobility challenged people.