Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge park
Community Reviews
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Reviews, ratings & photos are added in the free Snoflo iOS app — rate a spot, tag the conditions, and your visit is verified by location. Add or manage your reviews from the app.
Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge
One of the main attractions of the refuge is the Benton Lake, which is a natural shallow lake that covers an area of approximately 4,000 acres. The lake is a popular spot for fishing and boating, and it provides habitat for a variety of waterfowl and other wildlife. The Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge is also home to several hiking trails, including the 2.5-mile Benton Lake Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
The refuge was established in 1929 as a breeding ground for migratory birds, and since then, it has become an important habitat for a wide range of wildlife. The area is also significant for its cultural history, as it was once home to several Native American tribes.
The best time to visit Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge is during the spring and fall when the area is teeming with a variety of migratory birds, and the colors of the landscape are at their most vibrant. However, the refuge can be visited throughout the year, and each season offers its unique attractions and experiences.
In conclusion, Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge is an ideal destination for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to experience the breathtaking beauty of Montana's natural landscape.
Park & land designation reference
A quick legend for the federal and state land categories Snoflo tracks. Each designation comes with different rules around access, recreation, and resource extraction.
- National Park
- Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
- State Park
- Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
- Local Park
- Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
- Wilderness Area
- The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized motorized access permitted.
- National Recreation Area
- Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing, often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes); may allow more development.
- National Conservation Area (BLM)
- BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
- State Forest
- State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
- Vast federal lands managed for mixed use -- recreation, grazing, mining, conservation -- with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Plan your visit down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area campgrounds
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within reach of Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gateway Military - Malmstrom Afb | ✓ | ✓ | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, fishing spots, and POIs so a park visit can grow into a full weekend.
Responsible recreation & Leave No Trace
- Know before you go
- Check the operator's site for hours, permit requirements, seasonal closures, and fire restrictions before heading out.
- Stay on trail
- Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation, prevent erosion, and avoid disturbing wildlife habitat.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe from a distance, never feed wildlife, and store food securely if camping is permitted on-site.
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Carry out all trash, food scraps, and gear. Many parks have limited or no trash service.
- Leave what you find
- Don't take rocks, plants, or artifacts. They make the park what it is for the next visitor.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures, fire-restriction days), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge
What can I do at Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
Most Snoflo-tracked parks support hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Check the operator's site for activity-specific rules (camping, fishing, paddling, hunting).
How fresh is the weather data?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from NOAA / yr.no. Streamflow comes live from USGS streamgauges.
When is the best time to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation.
How do I get to Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the park.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this park, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other parks near here
Snoflo-tracked parks within driving distance of Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge.