The best camping near Anaconda Smoke Stack State Park

When it comes to a unique outdoor experience, camping near Anaconda Smoke Stack State Park will have you feeling grateful for the greenery you see there today. This historical landmark, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, is the result of the town's industrious past, making it a compelling destination for history buffs and camping enthusiasts alike.

Following the closure of the smelter in 1980, cleanup efforts on the Superfund site commenced in the 1980s and are still ongoing. Due to public safety concerns and liability issues, the Atlantic Richfield Company limited public access to the vicinity around the stack, only granting entrance during officially sanctioned tours or events.

Despite the anticipated demolition of the smelter and surrounding buildings on Smelter Hill as part of the Superfund cleanup, local Anaconda residents refused to let the smokestack share a similar fate. A dedicated group known as "Anacondans To Preserve The Stack" was instrumental in the stack's preservation, continuing their tireless efforts to safeguard this monumental structure and make it accessible to the public.

While visitors today can only view and photograph the towering smokestack from a distance, its imposing presence remains a testament to Anaconda's rich historical and industrial heritage. An Anaconda Smoke Stack camping expedition offers a chance to connect with the region's past, providing an unmatched backdrop that combines natural beauty with historical intrigue.

The best time to visit Anaconda Smoke Stack State Park is during the milder seasons of spring and fall, when Montana's weather is most pleasant. Summer offers longer daylight hours for exploration, but be prepared for hotter conditions. Winter visits can be starkly beautiful, though chillier, with limited access due to snow.

• Check for any restrictions or closures due to maintenance or weather conditions before planning your visit.
• Remember that the park is open daily all year from daylight hours, but some amenities may be seasonal.
• Montana residents can enjoy free daily entrance with the state parks fee included in their vehicle registration.
• Nonresidents should be prepared to pay a day use entrance fee of $8 with a vehicle or $4 as a walk-in.
• For a deeper dive into the park's history, look out for the interpretive signs near Goodman Park.