Revenue Flats

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

Located less than 40 miles southwest of Bozeman, Revenue Flats is popular for its numerous climbing, camping, and hiking opportunities. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is the federal government agency that is responsible for preserving and maintaining this destination’s natural environment. You are pretty much free to explore and camp anywhere within Revenue Flats as long as you pay respect to certain rules. The grounds prohibit you from cutting down trees, and it is imperative that you clean up after yourself.

The grounds are also within an hour’s travel to a number of iconic national and state parks, such as Buffalo Bill State Park and the world-famous Yellowstone National Park. As the number-one rock climbing spot in southwestern Montana, it holds a lot of adventure for naturalists and first-timers alike.

What to See and Do

Hiking And Biking

South Fork Bozeman Creek Trail

Located in southwestern Montana’s Gallatin National Forest, the South Fork Bozeman Creek Trail is a 1.2-mile stretch that connects to Shootout Trail. It starts off easy as it breaks off from the Upper Wildhorse ATV trail. However, be prepared for it to get steeper as you draw closer to Shootout. Great views of Palisade Mountain and Bald Knob are a key highlight on this challenging but worthwhile path.

Length: 1.2 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Sourdough Canyon Trail

The five-mile Sourdough Canyon Trail is an accommodating doubletrack that is great for beginners. The beginning of the track can experience somewhat heavy traffic, but its versatility can be enjoyed by bikers, runners, hikers, and skiers in the winter.

Length: 5 miles

Intensity: Beginner

Fishing and Boating

A few minutes east of Revenue Flats delivers a number of fishing, canoeing, paddleboarding, and boating opportunities in the Fall Creek Day Use Area. The Lee Metcalf Wilderness area also offers extended access to kayaking, whitewater rafting, and swimming, giving you a wide variety of water activities to discover. If you’re looking to make the most out the nearby activities, make sure to come prepared with your own watercraft.

Climbing

Revenue Flats is characterized by its copious amount of climbing venues. The average height of the climbing routes in the area is between 30 and 40 feet, with most climbs concentrated in the Aquarium, Nuggets, and Wafers rock-climbing regions. You should have some experience with rock climbing before undertaking these peaks.

Wildlife Viewing

There are plenty of opportunities for you to survey a dynamic population of different species of all shapes and sizes. Majestic moose, elk, and deer call Revenue Flats home, along with a diverse assortment of turkey, rabbit, and reptile species. The nearby Lee Metcalf Wilderness also houses a considerable population of wolves, cougars, and grizzlies.

Picnicking

It's very easy to find a nice spot to set up a picnic throughout Revenue Flats. Campsites like the Tom Miner Campground offer picnic tables and fire rings that you can use to cook and enjoy meals with your family and friends.

Hunting

If you have the proper hunting license, Revenue Flats offers you a wide variety of game to seek out. Elk and antelope freely roam the surroundings, offering you a unique opportunity to experience large game. Populations of duck, turkey, rabbit, and grouse are also present, giving you plenty of options to hone your skills. Be mindful that hunting is strictly prohibited in any of Montana’s national parks.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

If you’d rather not camp in the natural environments that BLM has to offer, the nearby city of Bozeman offers RV camping options. Bozeman Hot Springs Campground supplies you with complimentary Wi-Fi and continental breakfast as well as on-site laundry, shower, fitness, and bathroom facilities. The famous hot springs are the highlight attraction that you’ll definitely want to experience with your loved ones.

An equally luxurious park is housed at the Livingston, Montana Campground with the Livingston/Paradise Valley KOA Holiday. Abounding with numerous outdoor and indoor lodging options, occupants have the privilege of enjoying fresh, hot, and made-to-order breakfast during their stay.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping opportunities are prevalent all throughout Revenue Flats. Surrounding areas in the Lee Metcalf Wilderness and Fall Creek Day Use also provide ample opportunity to set up tents and spend some intimate time living in the outdoors. You’ll want to be mindful of the various populations of apex predators in the area so that you can stay safe while boondocking.

RV Rentals Near Revenue Flats Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Revenue Flats BLM trip

When you are planning your trip to Revenue Flats, you want to carefully consider how your experience level matches with the outdoor activities that are available. If you are a beginner, you may want to gain some preliminary experience learning how to navigate difficult terrain. This is especially true with hiking and water activities, where conditions can present dangerous situations for new adventurists. If you want to find opportunities to practice your survival and outdoor skills nearby, search "BLM camping near me."

The BLM campsites that are closest to Revenue Flats operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are designed to help you plan a trip that is cost-effective and deeply connects you with nature. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Camping on BLM land requires that you pay great respect to the sanctity of the environment. First and foremost, you should steer clear of directly engaging with the surrounding wildlife. Doing so can invite unnecessary disturbances to the safety of the animals and those joining you on the trip. You should take care to always clean up after yourself by carefully packing up your trash and burying organic waste far away from any bodies of water. It’s even a common custom for BLM campers to go a step further and dispose of any lingering trash that could be present.

Revenue Flats Location

Reaching Revenue Flats from Bozeman, Montana is pretty simple. All you need to do is head west on Highway 191 until you reach Four Corners. From here, stay on Highway 84 west through Anceney and Red Bluff to Norris, MT. On Highway 84 from Norris, continue for three miles down Sterling Road. Then head south (left) and continue down the dirt road for approximately two miles, when you will arrive at Revenue Flats.

Ready to visit Revenue Flats? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night, where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.