Montana is an absolutely amazing state, especially if you happen to be traveling in an RV. The wide open roads, enormous blue sky, and gorgeous natural areas found around every state are just perfect for RVers. On top of that, there are tons of amazing Montana bucket list destinations that can be visited during your time there.
- Big Hole National Battlefield
- Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
- Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
- Glacier National Park
- Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site
- Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
- Nez Perce National Historical Park
- Yellowstone National Park
- Beartooth Highway
- Museum of the Rockies
- Taste Huckleberries
- Conrad Mansion
- Bannack State Park
- ZooMontana
- Carousel for Missoula
- Try a Montana-Style Sub Sandwich
- Big Sky Resort
- Moss Mansion
- Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center
- Missoula Farmers Market
- Munch on Flathead Cherries
- City Beach
- Ousel Falls
- Yellowstone’s Hot Springs
- World Museum of Mining
- Dine on Rocky Mountain Oysters
- Garden of One Thousand Buddhas
- Western Heritage Center
- Ringing Rocks
- Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
- Enjoy a Cinnamon Roll from Wheat Montana Farms and Bakery
Montana Bucket List Vacations: Montana’s National Parks
Let’s start with Montana’s national parks. Our National Park Service does an excellent job of running some fantastic parks and historic sites, and the ones in the Treasure State are no exception. Be sure to add a few of these to your Montana bucket list.
#1. Big Hole National Battlefield
In August of 1877, a camp of Nez Perce tribespeople awoke to the sound of gunshots — they were under attack. Learn more about this battle and how it played a pivotal role in history at the Big Hole National Battlefield, an NPS site created to honor all who were involved in this fateful battle.
RV parking is available onsite at this national battlefield, so bringing your home-on-wheels shouldn’t be an issue.
#2. Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Montana has some seriously awe-inspiring natural beauty. Immerse yourself in this incredible beauty at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. Check out the diverse ecosystems, wildlife, and plants, and learn about over 10,000 years of human history.
We recommend staying in one of the Bighorn National Recreation Area campgrounds during your visit. This will allow you to immerse yourself in this beautiful place.
#3. Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
For many years in the mid-1800s, Fort Union Trading Post was the most important trading post in the area. Here, tribes exchanged robes and furs for various items from all around the world. This place was a bastion of peaceful coexistence and is now a historic site sharing the stories of this important piece of history.
This park does not allow overnight RV camping, nor does it have dedicated RV parking spots, so it might be best to park the RV in a campground before visiting.
#4. Glacier National Park
Easily the most beautiful place in Montana, and quite likely one of the most beautiful places in the world, Glacier National Park is a must-visit while in the state. Go on hikes through dense forests, look out over spectacular lakes, and enjoy the sounds of rushing streams and waterfalls as you explore this amazing place.
There are several campgrounds in and around Glacier National Park. Prefer dry camping? You’ll find free boondocking nearby as well.
#5. Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site
Cowboys are a huge and often romanticized part of American history. Visit the Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site to learn more about the role of cattlemen in American history, in the spot that was once home to the headquarters of a 10-million-cattle empire.
The visitor center lot at this NPS site is big enough for most RVs.
#6. Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
In June of 1876, a battle was fought between the US Army and both the Lakota and Cheyenne Native American tribes. This was one of the last armed efforts the tribes made to protect their way of life, and they fought hard. A huge number of individuals died during this battle, and they deserve to be learned about, which is why the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument was established.
This site does have dedicated RV parking. That said, the lot does fill up during the summer months, so be prepared to kill some time as you wait for a spot to open up.
#7. Nez Perce National Historical Park
The NimÃipuu (or Nez Perce) people have called this area home for thousands of years. Learn more about the culture and heritage of these people at the Nez Perce National Historical Park, which includes 38 spots to explore.
This NPS site does not offer overnight camping, but some small rigs may fit in some of the onsite parking lots for the day.
#8. Yellowstone National Park
One of the most visited national parks in the country, most people think Yellowstone is purely a Wyoming park. While the majority of the park is located in Wyoming, parts of it are also in Idaho and Montana, and we think the Montana part is pretty fantastic. Make sure to go to south Montana to check it out.
There are tons of campgrounds in and around Yellowstone. Additionally, you’ll find plenty of free boondocking in the areas surrounding the park. You could take an RV to tour the national park, but because parking can be hard to find, we don’t recommend this.
More Montana Bucket List Experiences
Of course, you’re going to want to see more than just the NPS sites. Fortunately, you have lots of awesome options. We recommend the sites and attractions below, and promise any combination of these experiences will leave you with a smile on your face.
#9. Drive the Beartooth Highway
Often referred to as the most beautiful drive in America, Beartooth Highway is an absolutely gorgeous way to see the state of Montana. You’ll pass lakes, forested valleys, waterfalls, and more. Be sure to pack hiking boots and a picnic for any impromptu stops you might make along the way.
Unless you drive a very large rig, your RV should do just fine on the Beartooth Highway.
#10. Explore the Museum of the Rockies
Home to the largest collection of dinosaur remains in the country, the Museum of the Rockies is a super interesting place to visit. We highly recommend this place if you have a history or dinosaur fanatic in your group. That said, almost anyone would have a great time wandering this place and taking in all it has to offer.
This museum offers free dedicated RV and bus parking. Feel free to bring your home on wheels along.
#11. Taste Huckleberries
Huckleberries are an incredibly popular fruit in Montana. These tart, round berries grow all over the state during the summer season and can be found in everything from ice cream to pancakes. Be sure to try something with huckleberry in it during your visit.
#12. Learn at the Conrad Mansion
Costumed tour guides are happy to answer questions and give little tidbits as you wander the 26 rooms of the enormous Conrad Mansion. This beautiful Victorian home is surrounded by enchanting gardens and offers a scenic view of the valley. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to really enjoy it all.
Don’t expect to find RV parking at the mansion. Instead, park in one of the many RV parks in Kalispell.
#13. Visit Bannack State Park
Bannack was founded in 1862 and abandoned in the 1970s, leaving it a ghost town. Now the town is a unique state park that allows people from all over the country to explore a Wild West mining town that is perfectly preserved. Be sure to read about the town while exploring in order to understand the history behind it.
RV camping is available at Bannack State Park!
#14. Wander ZooMontana
Everyone loves a zoo day, and zoo day at ZooMontana is especially fun. This fun Billings attraction features a huge number of species, including our favorite: red pandas. In addition to animals, this zoo also features a botanical garden, giving you the opportunity to wander through lovely plants as you view the animals.
This attraction is located in Billings. We recommend parking your RV at one of the RV parks in town before heading to the zoo.
#15. Ride the Carousel for Missoula
The Carousel for Missoula is an amazing, hand-carved carousel that was created by volunteers in 1991. It is absolutely stunning and takes kids on exciting rides every chance it gets. Once your ride is over, be sure to take your little ones to the Dragon Hollow play area next door, where children of all abilities can play together.
There is no RV parking at Caras Park where this carousel is located. Instead, it is best to park the RV at a nearby campground before you visit.
#16. Try a Montana-Style Sub Sandwich
We’ve all had a sub sandwich, but have you ever had a Montana-style version? These enormous sandwiches are a full 17.5 inches long and come served with an entire dill pickle. You can pick one of these big boys up at the Pickle Barrel, a local chain that can be found in Bozeman, Livingston, and Billings.
#17. Hit the Slopes at Big Sky Resort
Looking at taking a winter trip to the Big Sky State? Be sure to pay Big Sky Resort a visit. The world-class slopes at this resort make it the perfect place for skiing and snowboarding, and dog sledding is also popular here. Additionally, there are sleigh rides, snow coach tours, and snowmobile tours available.
While parking an RV onsite during your daytime visit is allowed, overnight camping is not allowed on Big Sky property.
#18. Tour the Moss Mansion
Another historic mansion that earns a spot on our Montana bucket list, Moss Mansion was the home of entrepreneur Preston Boyd Moss. It was built in 1903 and features all of the ornate decor you’d expect from such a home. Why not go for a self-guided tour of the house to see it all for yourself?
Billings is not exactly a bad place to drive an RV, but you likely won’t find parking near the mansion. Instead, use a nearby RV park and drive your tow vehicle to the mansion.
#19. See Animals at the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center
Those who want to get wild during their Montana getaway will love the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center. Here, you can get up close and personal with both bears and wolves and learn more about these beautiful animals.
Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park is a short walk away from this popular attraction and is a great place to stay.
#20. Shop the Missoula Farmers Market
When visiting a new place, it is important to check out local businesses. What better way to do that than by visiting a farmers market? We particularly love the Missoula Farmers Market, which has been around since the 1970s and plays host to a wide variety of booths.
Park at one of the many Missoula RV parks before you head to the market!
#21. Munch on Flathead Cherries
Nothing says summer in Montana quite like flathead cherries. These delicious cherries are specific to the area surrounding Flathead Lake, and are a must-try if you happen to be in the state when they are in season. Just pick some up from a roadside stand!
#22. Relax at City Beach
Whitefish Lake is an enormous glacial lake with crystal clear water that is perfect for cooling you off on a hot day. We highly recommend planning a day at Whitefish Lake’s City Beach in order to take full advantage of this beautiful lake and the sandy beach it offers.
You may not be able to find parking for an RV at Whitefish Lake’s City Beach. That said, Whitefish Lake State Park can accommodate you!
#23. Hike to Ousel Falls
You pretty much have to go on at least one hike while in Montana. Obviously, hiking in the national parks is a good idea. That said, we also suggest you go on a hike to Ousel Falls. This waterfall is absolutely gorgeous, and the trail to get there is almost as spectacular.
The Ousel Falls Trail is located in the Gallatin National Forest, which can be explored by RV. That said, we recommend sticking with a smaller rig. It’s also important to note that there is no overnight camping allowed at the trailhead.
#24. Soak in Yellowstone’s Hot Springs
We already mentioned Yellowstone National Park, but there are actually a lot of attractions that are connected to the park in some way, but located outside of the park. Yellowstone Hot Springs is one of these. Relax in the mineral-rich water of the park’s hot springs in this wonderful place.
This attraction now offers onsite RV camping!
#25. Discover the World Museum of Mining
Montana was once a booming mining state. Learn more about this part of the state’s history when you immerse yourself in the world of a miner at the World Museum of Mining. This museum sits atop an actual mine yard and is packed to the gills with information, making it worth adding to your Montana bucket list.
This museum is located in Butte, which is home to several RV parks. Get set up in a campsite and then head out to learn about mining!
#26. Dine on Rocky Mountain Oysters
Have you ever had Rocky Mountain oysters? Don’t worry if you don’t like oysters, as these aren’t actually oysters at all. Instead, they are the testicles of a bull, breaded and deep fried and served with various dipping sauces. Yum!
#27. Stroll the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas
Step into the world of Buddhist culture and experience the serenity offered by the beautiful Garden of One Thousand Buddhas. This is the perfect place for meditation and reflection, and a step we absolutely recommend making if you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of life.
The closest place to stay in your RV is the Jocko Hollow Campground in Arlee.
#28. Gather Information at the Western Heritage Center
Looking to learn more about the American West? The Western Heritage Center is the ideal place to do just that. This lovely museum boasts 40,000 artifacts that document the stories of days gone by in the Yellowstone River Valley. The museum perfectly encapsulates the history of the Wild West and allows guests to know Montana from a well-rounded perspective.
Since there are so many great RV parks in Billings, it’s easy to park there and drive your tow vehicle to the museum.
#29. Hear the Ringing Rocks
When you hear the Ringing Rocks, you’re sure to be just as astounded as those who visited this place over 2,000 years ago. These rocks literally ring when they are tapped lightly with a tool, and it’s absolutely bizarre. This experience is well worth the short climb required to get there.
There are lots of free BLM boondocking sites near Ringing Rocks. That said, a high clearance vehicle is recommended to drive to the rocks, so you may want to leave the RV behind for the journey to the rocks themselves.
#30. Go Underground at Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
Caves are always fun to see and explore, and Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park is no different. Go on a cave tour to see the fantastic features of this beautiful cave. When you finish, be sure to check out some of the park’s hiking trails as well!
Onsite campsites mean you can park your RV in the state park and stay a while.
#31. Enjoy a Cinnamon Roll from Wheat Montana Farms and Bakery
Finally, we must mention the cinnamon rolls from Wheat Montana Farms and Bakery. The cinnamon roll from this bakery is not your average cinnamon roll and simply must be tasted to be believed. Don’t miss it!
Ready to go RVing and check out some of these Montana bucket list destinations? Why not check out our amazing selection of Montana rental RVs to find one that suits your needs? The sooner you do, the sooner you can begin your adventure!
