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Lost Creek State Park

4.8
·248 reviews·Anaconda, United States

A serene, rustic state park featuring a charming waterfall, scenic camping, and vibrant fall foliage in a secluded valley.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Fall mornings

Stunning fall foliage

CrowdMedium
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waterfall

Lost Creek State Park

Best Time

Fall mornings

Stunning fall foliage

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene, rustic state park featuring a charming waterfall, scenic camping, and vibrant fall foliage in a secluded valley.

4.8
(248 reviews)

"A little gem of a park with a nice little waterfall and primitive camping sites."

Vertical photo
TIP

Don't Miss the Falls! :water_wave:

The waterfall is a must-see and easily accessible via a paved trail.

Arrive Early for Camping ⛺

Campsites are first-come, first-served and can fill up, especially on weekends.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.8 · 248 reviews

Type

State Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lost Creek Falls

Lost Creek Falls

Main park area

A charming, accessible waterfall perfect for a short hike and stunning photos.

Scenic Campground

Scenic Campground

Valley floor

Enjoy a tranquil camping experience in a beautiful valley, often with few crowds.

Aspen Grove Drive

Aspen Grove Drive

Park entrance road

Experience breathtaking fall colors driving through a vibrant aspen grove.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Serenity

Lost Creek State Park offers a peaceful escape with primitive camping and beautiful natural features. It's a bit off the beaten path, making it ideal for those seeking quiet. Be prepared for a rustic experience, as amenities are basic but well-maintained.

Plan for Day Use & Overnight

While perfect for overnight stays, the park is also popular for day-use visitors, especially those with horses. Arrive early for prime camping spots, as they are first-come, first-served. Enjoy the waterfall and creek access for a refreshing break.

Best Times

When
Fall mornings
Why
Stunning fall foliage
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer day-use visitors
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

4 Weeks in Big Sky Country- What’s not in the guide book?

There’s a beautiful little state park just outside of Anaconda called Lost Creek—we camp hosted there for a couple of summers. Also Red Rocks Lakes (Lakeview), just outside of West Yellowstone…where trumpeter swans overwinter! Very beautiful spot. Helena has the BEST chocolate…

Don't Miss the Falls! :water_wave:

The waterfall is a must-see and easily accessible via a paved trail. Reddit

Arrive Early for Camping ⛺

Campsites are first-come, first-served and can fill up, especially on weekends. Reddit

Enjoy the Quiet :zzz:

The park's remote location means minimal highway noise, perfect for relaxation. Reddit

Horse Trailer Parking 🐴

Popular spot for equestrians; expect to see horse trailers during the day. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

Don't Miss the Falls! :water_wave:

The waterfall is a must-see and easily accessible via a paved trail. Reddit

Arrive Early for Camping ⛺

Campsites are first-come, first-served and can fill up, especially on weekends. Reddit

Enjoy the Quiet :zzz:

The park's remote location means minimal highway noise, perfect for relaxation. Reddit

Horse Trailer Parking 🐴

Popular spot for equestrians; expect to see horse trailers during the day. Reddit

Fall Foliage Spectacle :maple_leaf:

Visit in autumn for incredible aspen colors and scenic drives. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(248 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Lost Creek State Park is lauded as a 'little gem' offering a peaceful, rustic escape with a charming waterfall and scenic camping. Visitors appreciate the quiet, remote location and the beauty of the aspen groves, especially in fall. Some find the camping fees a bit high for the primitive facilities, but the overall serene experience is highly valued.

"A little gem of a park. Nice little waterfall, primitive camping sites, some trails, great picnic area"

Michael Stearney

"Picked this campground because it seemed a good overnight stopping place on my way to Yellowstone National Park. I didn't realize how far off the beaten path this park was (about seven miles from the T-intersection that's the nearest cross highway). But the absence of highway noise was actually something that I liked about it (so many campgrounds seem to adjacent to highways). The campground itself is located in a beautiful valley. It was less crowded than I expected for a first-come first-serve campground. I may have been the only person there that night. It does seem popular for day use, though. Vehicles left late and came back early, some hauling horse trailers. I see from other reviews that I missed the waterfall, which disappoints me. I did find the creek close to my campsite. The bugs were not too bad. Perhaps they are not used to campers. In the morning there was chipmunk, who did seem quite used to people, busily searching for food around my campsite. I deliberately picked a site close to a restroom. Pit toilets, but ADA-accessible and quite clean and free of bugs."

eustace pennywaithe

"You won’t regret it! Such a nice little waterfalls. Great pristine place to have a day hike or camping."

razon hoque

What People Like

Beautiful waterfall
Peaceful camping
Scenic fall foliage

What People Dislike

Camping fees
Primitive facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Lost Creek State Park is located about seven miles off the nearest cross highway, making it a bit remote. The drive itself is scenic, especially through the aspen groves. Reddit

It can serve as a good overnight stop on the way to Yellowstone National Park, but it's not directly adjacent. Plan your route accordingly. Reddit

The park is accessible via a well-maintained road, though it is off the main highway. Check local conditions before your visit, especially outside of summer months.

Expect limited to no cell service within the park due to its remote location. Download any necessary maps or information beforehand.

Yes, RVs can access the park and campgrounds. However, due to its rustic nature, be prepared for potentially tighter turns in some areas.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While specific entry fees aren't always highlighted, camping fees are noted as being around $36 per night. Reddit It's always best to check the official Montana State Parks website for the most current pricing.

Campsites are on a first-come, first-served basis. Arriving early, especially on weekends or during peak season, is highly recommended. Reddit

State parks are generally open from dawn to dusk for day use. Campground access is typically 24/7 for registered campers. Confirm specific hours with Montana State Parks.

Montana State Parks may offer annual passes that cover camping or day-use fees. Inquire with Montana State Parks for details on their pass programs.

Yes, as it's first-come, first-served, payment is typically made upon arrival at the campground. Be prepared with cash or check if an attendant isn't present.

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Enjoy hiking on various trails, picnicking in designated areas, and admiring the beautiful waterfall. The park is also popular for horseback riding. Reddit+1

Yes, there are several hiking options, including a paved ADA-accessible trail to the waterfall and longer distance hiking trails for more adventurous visitors. Reddit

The park offers primitive camping sites. Restrooms are pit toilets, noted as ADA-accessible, clean, and bug-free. Reddit

Yes, the accessible waterfall trail and picnic areas make it a pleasant spot for families. The natural beauty provides a great outdoor experience for children. Reddit

While not explicitly mentioned in reviews, the presence of a creek suggests potential for fishing. Check Montana fishing regulations and licenses.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no food services or restaurants within the park itself. Visitors should plan to bring all their own food and drinks for camping or day use. Reddit

The nearest significant dining options would be in Anaconda, which is a drive away. It's best to pack meals and snacks for your visit. Reddit

Campfires are typically allowed in designated fire rings, but always check for current fire restrictions with Montana State Parks before your visit. Reddit

Potable water availability can vary at primitive campgrounds. It's advisable to bring your own water supply or a water filter for peace of mind.

Simple, easy-to-prepare meals are best. Think campfire cooking, sandwiches, and pre-made snacks. Don't forget s'mores ingredients!

📸 📸 Photography

The waterfall is a prime subject, especially with good lighting. The fall foliage in the aspen groves offers stunning colors, and the general valley scenery is picturesque. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon (golden hours) will provide the best light for landscape photography, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing colors. Reddit

The paved trail to the waterfall offers excellent vantage points. The campground itself and the drive through the aspen grove also present beautiful photographic moments. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes and the waterfall. A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing wildlife if you're lucky. Don't forget a tripod for low-light conditions. Reddit

Drone usage is subject to federal and state regulations. Check with Montana State Parks for specific rules regarding drone operation within the park.

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