Montana is a breathtakingly beautiful place that will likely leave an impression on you for the rest of your life. You can’t go wrong RV camping in Montana, and you can sleep right in the middle of the beauty and really take it all in.
You will need to go into your RV camping adventure prepared, especially if you’ve never been RVing before. Below, we have put together a guide to RV camping in Montana. Use these tips to plan the perfect trip.
Finding Campgrounds
There are tons of campgrounds available in Montana. You just need to decide whether you prefer rustic camping or luxury camping, and whether you prefer to be out in the boonies or camping in the city.
Exploring Public Campgrounds in Montana
In Montana, you will find state park campgrounds, national park campgrounds, national forest camping, and camping on BLM land. These camping spots are typically in beautiful places, and generally they are very affordable.
National Park Camping
Montana is home to two of the most incredible national parks in the country: Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park. Both of these gorgeous parks offer onsite camping, but only Glacier has NPS campgrounds that are located inside Montana.
In Glacier, we recommend parking your RV at Apgar Campground. This campground can accommodate larger RVs and it offers restrooms, potable water, and a dump station, but no electrical hookups.
National Forest Camping
You will find a huge number of national forests in Montana. This is awesome because it means tons of hiking, fishing, and camping opportunities, as well as some seriously beautiful scenery.
Montana’s national forests include:
- Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
- Bitterroot National Forest
- Custer Gallatin National Forest
- Flathead National Forest
- Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest
- Kootenai National Forest
- Lolo National Forest
Both Lake Como Campground in Bitterroot National Forest (which has some electric and water hookups) and Baker’s Hole in Custer Gallatin National Forest are excellent choices for camping.
State Park Camping
Wondering about state parks in Montana? Well, those are pretty amazing too! They are in absolutely beautiful areas and offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun, including lots of wonderful camping.
The best Montana state park for camping is probably Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park. This park features a spectacular cave that visitors can explore. You’ll also find plenty of hiking rails as well as campsites with RV hookups.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Camping
BLM land is everywhere you turn in Montana. One of the best things about BLM land is that it offers lots of primitive camping opportunities, including many totally free boondocking spots.
We love the Jame Kipp Campground in Winifred, which is run by the BLM. This is a super cheap camping option with tons of amazing wildlife viewing and access to a river. It is dry camping, so be sure to go in prepared!
Exploring Private Campgrounds and RV Parks
Private campgrounds are also plentiful in Montana. From glamping resorts to simple campgrounds with little more than hookups and dump stations, there is something for everyone when it comes to Montana’s private RV parks.
One of our favorite RV parks in the state is Yellowstone’s Edge RV Park. This campground is located right outside of Yellowstone National Park, making it an ideal home base for those looking to explore the park for a few days. Amenities include a laundry room, a game room, Wi-Fi, and much more!
Boondocking in Montana
Another wonderful camping option? Boondocking in Montana! One of our favorite Montana boondocking spots is Clover Meadows Dispersed Camping in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. Here you can go biking or hiking, or enjoy a morning of fishing. You’re likely to see bears and other critters as well!
Preparing for RV Camping
You’ll want to prepare for your trip by making sure you have an RV and everything you need to RV camp comfortably. This might mean pulling your own RV out of storage, but it could also mean finding a Montana RV rental.
Choosing the Right RV for Your Needs
Not sure how to pick out the perfect rental RV? It’s an overwhelming process for sure. We recommend asking yourself the following questions:
- Do I want to drive an RV, or would I rather have it delivered?
- If driving, do I want to tow a trailer or drive a motorhome?
- If towing, can my vehicle handle a trailer big enough for my family?
- How many people does the RV need to sleep?
- What size campsite does the RV need to fit into?
- What amenities do I need to have and which can I live without?
- What items would I like included with my RV rental?
If you know the answers to these questions, you should be able to find an RV that works for you pretty easily.
Packing Essentials for a Successful Trip
Once you have your RV rental booked, you’ll want to make sure you have everything packed that you’ll need for your trip. Fortunately, we have a packing list for every kind of camping trip you might be planning.
Considerations for Camping in Montana
What do you need to know before camping in Montana? Well, it’s helpful to know how to drive in the mountains. Beyond that, you just need to know the laws regarding RVing in Montana.
All rigs in the state must be 65 feet long or shorter. Motorhomes cannot exceed 55 feet in length, and all RVs should not be more than 8.5 feet wide and 14 feet tall. Triple towing is allowed in this state. If you do triple tow, the max length is extended to 70 feet.
No vehicles over 21 feet long are allowed to drive through Logan Pass at the summit of Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park. Overnight parking is allowed in some state rest areas.
Planning Your Itinerary
Now that you know where you’ll stay, the next step is to figure out what you’ll do while RV camping in Montana. Whether you’re heading to a city like Billings or Helena, a national park, or one of the other natural areas in the state, you’ll find something amazing to do.
Features and Attractions in Montana
Start your trip by driving one of Montana’s gorgeous scenic byways. The Going-to-the Sun Road in Glacier National Park is one excellent pick. We also love the Beartooth Front Scenic Drive.
Of course, some of Montana’s landmarks should also be on your list of things to see. These include spots like Pictograph Cave outside of Billings and Pompey’s Pillar in the same area.
We must also mention Montana’s national sites. Yes, there are the big, well-known parks we’ve already brought up, but the state is also home to several lesser-known sites. These include places like Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area and Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument.
Festivals, Fairs, and Events in Montana
Adding an event to your itinerary is the perfect way to make RV camping in Montana a memorable experience. Fortunately, the state hosts tons of annual events, so finding a good one to attend is a cinch.
Our favorite Montana events include Gallatin River Fly Fishing Festival in Big Sky during June, the Montana Dragon Boat Festival in Lakeside during September, and “Bikes, Brews, and Blues” in Helena during September.
Exploring Outdoor Activities
We’ve mentioned it a few times but we’ll say it again: Montana is beautiful. There’s a good chance you’ll want to get outside while RV camping in Montana.
Hiking, Biking and Nature Trails
The number of amazing trails in Montana is astounding. Be sure to bring your hiking boots or your bicycle so you can experience some of these amazing trails for yourself.
If you will be hiking, hit one of the trails below:
- Avalanche Lake in Glacier National Park — Moderate
- Grinnell Glacier Trail in Glacier National Park — Moderate
- Hidden Lake Overlook in Glacier National Park — Moderate
- Iceberg Lake in Glacier National Park — Moderate
- Lava Lake (Cascade Creek) Trail in Custer Gallatin National Forest — Moderate
Plan to bike? The trails below are good picks:
- Sypes Canyon in Custer Gallatin National Forest
- Triple Tree Trail in Bozeman
- Swan River Trail in Bigfork
- Mount Aeneas and Picnic Lakes via #717 and #392 Trails in Flathead National Forest
Fishing, Boating, and Water Activities
Prefer water activities over hiking? There’s something for you in Montana, too. Whether fishing is your thing or you’re an avid swimmer, you can enjoy Montana’s beautiful waters.
Anglers should head to one of Montana’s amazing fishing spots. These include the awesome Beaverhead River where you can find plenty of brown trout and mountain whitefish, and the Yellowstone River where you’ll catch rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout.
Want a beautiful beach? Montana has those as well! One of our favorite Montana beaches is the one at Brush Lake State Park. This remote park offers the ultimate escape into the wilderness, and its swimming beach is absolutely perfect during the summer months.
Want to find some amazing waterfalls while in Montana? Virginia Falls and St. Mary Falls in Glacier National Park are well worth checking out. We also recommend seeking out Kootenai Falls just outside of Libby. The swinging bridge here adds an element of excitement.
Wildlife Viewing and Photography
Considering how many natural areas are in the state, it should come as no surprise that tons of amazing animals make themselves at home in Montana. In fact, we’re betting you’ll see several critters when you visit state parks and national parks.
If you want to see as many animals as possible, head to Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge, and Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge.
Family-Friendly Activities and Attractions
Hoping to take the kids to Montana? They’re going to love all of the attractions mentioned so far. They will also love the museums, historical sites, and kid-friendly options listed below. Whether you’re visiting Kalispell, Missoula, or someplace else entirely, add one of these family-friendly attractions to your itinerary.
Historical Sites and Museums
Want to add a bit of roadschooling fun to your trip? Lucky for you, there are tons of places where you can take your family to learn and have a great time simultaneously.
For a memorable history lesson, we recommend Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site. Meanwhile, you can find all kinds of other learning opportunities at the following museums:
- C.M. Russell Museum in Great Falls
- American Computer and Robotics Museum in Bozeman
- Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman
- Hockaday Museum of Art in Kalispell
- Conrad Mansion Museum in Kalispell
- Montana Historical Society in Helena
- Old Montana Prison Complex in Deer Lodge
- Moss Mansion in Billings
Amusement Park, Zoos, and Wildlife Refuges
Non-stop family fun can be found at Montana’s amusement parks. Big Sky Waterpark in Columbia Falls is our top pick, but we also love Splash Montana in Missoula as well as Reef Indoor Water Park in Billings.
How about a zoo to fill your time and keep your family happy? ZooMontana in Billings is a wonderful pick. We also love the National Bison Range and the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center.
Safety and Preparedness when RV Camping in Montana
Obviously, you will want to stay safe while RV camping in Montana. Packing a first aid kit, driving safely, and using common sense will keep you safe in most situations, but it never hurts to go in prepared for other possibilities. Let’s talk about potential natural disasters and wildlife encounters in Montana.
Weather Conditions and Natural Disaster Preparedness
Wildfires are the biggest threat as far as natural disasters in Montana. To stay safe from wildfires, pay attention to the local news and get out of the way if a fire is nearby. If you receive orders to evacuate, do so quickly and do your part to prevent fires by putting out campfires completely.
Montana does also see some earthquakes. The good news? Because they’re made to move, RVs are actually pretty well equipped to handle earthquakes. If you’re in your RV when an earthquake occurs, move away from anything heavy that could fall—as well as away from windows—and wait it out.
Wildlife Encounters and Precautions
Animals are all over the place in wild Montana. The ones you have to be most aware of include bears, wolverines, and cougars. Make noise when hiking to scare these animals away, and always carry bear spray in case of an attack. If you see one of these animals in the wild, back away slowly and quietly, only using the bear spray if needed.
Other animals that could hurt a person include venomous snakes and spiders, deer, moose, and bison. Give these creatures a wide berth and never approach any wild animal.
