Fees, Permits, & Reservations

Free

No entrance pass required

An entrance pass is not required to access Big Hole National Battlefield.

Other National Park Service sites may require an entrance pass or fee. Depending on your trip plans, an interagency pass may save you money.

2025 Free Entrance Days in the National Parks

Come experience the national parks! All National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone (other fees, including timed entry or reservation fees, may apply). Mark your calendar for these entrance fee-free dates:

• Monday, January 20 — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• Saturday, April 19 — First Day of National Park Week
• Thursday, June 19 — Juneteenth National Independence Day
• Monday, August 4 — Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
• Saturday, September 27 — National Public Lands Day
• Tuesday, November 11 — Veterans Day

 

Recreational Activities

The general public does not need to pay entrance fees, make reservations, or obtain permits from the National Park Service for any recreational activities at Big Hole National Battlefield including hiking, picnicking, attending ranger programs, or enjoying the Big Hole visitor center. However, anglers must possess a valid Montana state fishing license and must comply with State of Montana sport fishing regulations. Visit the USGS Store for more information about all Federal Recreation Land Passes, or to purchase one online.

School and Tour Groups

Primary, secondary, and home-school teachers interested in Coyote Camp can visit our education page. Due to limited staffing, we are not able to offer private tours or programs to schools, Road Scholar, or other groups. However, all groups are welcome to watch the park film, hike the trails, puruse the visitor center, and participate in regularly scheduled battlefield tours and ranger programs.

First Amendment Activities

As in all units of the National Park Service, First Amendment Activities are welcome here. The Designated First Amendment Area is located south of the Visitor Center just past the tipi demonstration area next to the parking lot.

• Map Indicating Big Hole First Amendment Activities Area

First Amendment activities must not interfere with other permitted activities or regular park programing. Groups of less than 25 people are exempt from filing a permit request. Groups of 25 or more must contact the park superintendent to obtain a permit:
Phone: [phone] x 1024
e-mail us

Commercial Film Permits

Permits are required for commercial operations wishing to film within the boundaries of Big Hole National Battlefield. Please contact the park to discuss your film idea and obtain a permit.
Phone: [phone] x 1024
e-mail us

Research and Collection Permits

Big Hole is interested in working with researchers from a wide variety of organizations. Please contact the park to discuss your project and obtain a permit.
Phone: [phone] x 1024
e-mail us

Doing Business in the Park

Appropriate permits are required in order for individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to provide any goods, activities, services, agreements, or other functions for members, clients, or the public that take place at least in part at Big Hole National Battlefield, that use park resources, and that result in compensation, monetary gain, benefit, or profit. Please contact the park to discuss your venture and obtain a permit.
Phone: [phone] x 1024
e-mail us