Facility · Montana ·
Managed by the Bureau of Land Management
Billings Field Office (Bureau of Land Management MT) · Open Access
This day-use-only area is at the confluence of the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone and Yellowstone rivers on the Lewis and Clark and Nez Perce National Historic Trails. Its cottonwood groves, meadows, and riparian areas are popular for hiking, viewing wildlife, horseback riding and picnicking.
Sundance Lodge was a working ranch before the BLM acquired it in 1997. The Nature Conservancy, the Yellowstone Chapter of Pheasants Forever, and the BLM combined efforts to acquire the land. It is now designated a Special Recreation Management Area and its purpose is to provide a dispersed recreation experience near the communities of Laurel and Billings, ensure public access to the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone, and protect wildlife habitat.
An agreement with The Montana Department of Fish Wildlife and Parks and the Yellowstone Chapter of Pheasants Forever enables them to assist BLM with the intensive management of the property.
Based on historical research, Laurel High School students recommended the name of this site. According to the research, the historical Crow name for the Clarks Fork River is Ashkisshipouoo, translated as "Where the Sun Dance Lodge was run over.” This refers to an incident in which an abandoned sun dance lodge was run over by a herd of buffalo.
Activities: Wildlife watching, environmental education, photography, hiking, biking, and horseback riding on designated roads and trails. Archery hunting and limited shotgun hunting is available through a Block Management Program with The Montana Department of Fish Wildlife and Parks.
Day use only is allowed. Overnight camping is only allowed for special events approved by the BLM. Motorized vehicle use is not allowed.
The area is located near the confluence of the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone and the Yellowstone River. There are about 380 acres of river bottom intermingled with the irrigated hay lands. From Laurel, Montana,, take Highway 212 (the road to Red Lodge) over the Yellowstone River. About ј mile past the bridge, turn east (left) onto Thiel Road. Drive down Thiel Road 1.3 miles to the parking area.
45.64972, -108.72983 · 45°38'59.0"N 108°43'47.4"W
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1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 9.3 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
No Fee.
From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-04-09.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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