Lake Mary Ronan State Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Lake Mary Ronan State Park is a popular outdoor destination located in the state of Montana.
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Summary
The park is situated on the shores of Lake Mary Ronan, a pristine body of water surrounded by scenic mountain views. Visitors to the park can enjoy a variety of activities, including camping, fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife watching.
One of the main attractions of Lake Mary Ronan State Park is the lake itself, which is known for its clear waters and excellent fishing opportunities. Anglers can catch a variety of fish species, including rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and yellow perch. There are also several hiking trails in the park, offering visitors the chance to explore the surrounding wilderness and enjoy the stunning scenery.
Another interesting feature of Lake Mary Ronan State Park is its history. The park was once home to the Kootenai tribe of Native Americans, who used the area for hunting, fishing, and gathering. Later, the land was used for logging, mining, and agriculture before being purchased by the state of Montana in the 1950s and turned into a park.
The best time of year to visit Lake Mary Ronan State Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny and the lake is at its most inviting. However, visitors should be aware that the park can get crowded during peak season, so it's a good idea to plan ahead and make reservations early.
Overall, Lake Mary Ronan State Park is a great destination for anyone looking to explore the natural beauty of Montana and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. Whether you're camping, hiking, fishing, or simply relaxing by the lake, there's something for everyone to enjoy at this scenic park.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
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 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.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
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.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
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Lake Mary Ronan State Park
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Big Arm State Park
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