Smith River State Park

Covering about 1,179 acres, Smith River State Park lies in Meagher County, about 22 miles northwest of White Sulphur Springs.

The park supports canoeing and kayaking, boating, swimming, fishing, and wildlife watching. For overnight stays there are campsites (tent sites).

To help preserve the unique quality of the Smith River canyon, overnight camping must take place at designated boat camps. Floaters must carry their own food, water, safety, camping equipment and a fishing license.

Visit Page Permit Lottery Quota • Permit Lottery Quotas – 2026 (PDF) Application Information • Application period opens: January 1, 2026 • Deadline: February 15, 2026 • Drawing: February 18, 2026 • FWP will notify successful applicants by email • FWP does not notify unsuccessful permit applicants • Lottery results will also be available at myfwp.mt.gov Those who receive a permit will be contacted by phone two days prior to their launch date to complete the registration process, which includes declaring boat camps and paying the appropriate floats fees. In addition to the regular private float trip permits, FWP issues one Super Permit each year through a separate lottery (see information below). The recipient of the permit will be allowed to launch on any date of their choosing for that year. Smith River Reservation Line Beginning on Monday, March 2, 2026 you may call the Smith River Reservation Line at 406-454-5861 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 12 noon Mountain Time to: • Request any remaining launch dates that may be available • Pick up a cancelled launch date • Cancel a launch date

Be a good steward and help protect Montana’s public lands by following these rules and regulations: Camp Baker • Day use only. No overnight camping, except for the period of Sept. 1 through Nov. 30. • Food, garbage and other attractants must be stored in a bear-resistant manner when unattended, day or night. • Fires permitted in designated fire grates only. • Fires must be completely contained within the fire grate and fully extinguished. • Motorized vehicles restricted to roads and parking areas. • Preserve natural and cultural resources – do not remove or damage. • Discharge of firearms, weapons or fireworks prohibited. • Pack In - Pack Out. Do not litter. River Corridor • River floating requires a permit year-round. • Floater fees required year round. • Commercial outfitting restricted to authorized Smith River outfitters. • Camping allowed in designated sites only. • Camping limited to 4 nights while on the river (May 15–July 15). • Human waste must be packed out using an agency approved, portable, hard-sided toilet(s). • Food, garbage and other attractants must be stored in a bear-resistant manner when unattended, day or night. • Fires permitted in designated fire grates only. • Fires must be completely contained within the fire grate and fully extinguished. • Pets are prohibited; exceptions include legitimate service dogs and hunting dogs used for lawful purposes during legal hunting seasons. • Preserve natural and cultural resources – do not remove or damage. • Feeding and harassing wildlife is prohibited and unsafe. • Discharge of firearms and weapons prohibited in boat camps. Fireworks prohibited on all public land within river corridor. • Pack In – Pack Out. Do not litter. For a complete list of regulations governing use in Montana State Parks: PUBLIC USE REGULATIONS REPORT VIOLATIONS AND VANDALISM TO STATE PARK PERSONNEL or 1-800-TIP-MONT