Your Trip At a Glance
- Trip Length: Two to eight days
- Mileage: 2,300 miles
-
Fun fact: Over half of the world’s hydrothermal features, which include geysers, hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles, are found in Yellowstone National Park.
A Helena to Lewistown road trip is going to take you through nine states, so you will want to travel in an RV so that you have the freedom to explore. Along the way, there are several national and state parks, as well as national monuments that make stunning pictures. The best route to take for this trip is to head south until you hit I-90 and then start driving west. In Ohio, you will want to change to I-80 for most of the remainder of the trip.
Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route
Billings, MO
Since Billings is a great place for adventures like hiking and rock climbing, you will want to find a Billings campground or RV park to stay at for a few days during your trip. You can explore the Yellowstone Art Museum, the Pictograph cave, and more while you are here. Fishing enthusiasts will love Yellowstone River Campground, and the Billings Village RV is ideal for kids who enjoy spending time on a playground. You will also find several dump stations in the area.
Sioux Falls, SD
Sioux Falls, which is the largest city in South Dakota, is diverse and has several attractions that you will want to visit. Good Earth State Park and the Butterfly House and Aquarium are great options for a family to enjoy. If you decide to stay longer than a day, there are several Sioux Falls campgrounds that you can check out. Tower Campground has a dog park for those who bring their furry friends camping with them. Yogi Bear Jellystone Park is an option that the kids will love, especially with all of the theme weekends that they hold at the campground. Many locations also offer dump stations.
Chicago, IL
Known as The Windy City, Chicago is one of the major cities that you will pass during your road trip that you will not want to miss. While in the city, you will want to stop at Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Lincoln Park Zoo. Since you are traveling in an RV, you will need to find Chicago campgrounds that have amenities that you will enjoy and dump stations so that you can keep your rig clean. If your kids loved Yogi Bear Jellystone Park in Sioux Falls, there is another one here that they are sure to enjoy just as much. Enchanted Shores is a campground that fishing and bird enthusiasts will also enjoy.
Cleveland, OH
Anglers will definitely want to stop in Cleveland to explore some fishing opportunities in the greater Cleveland area. Lake Erie is a location that many love to visit, and the city has plenty of museums and theaters that you can explore if you are in town for a few days. Cleveland campground options are plentiful, so you should not have an issue finding one that suits your needs. Willow Lake RV Park is optimal for parents who like to fish or are traveling with children who like to swim. Cherokee Park Family Campground is an excellent option for those who will want to enjoy some hiking while staying in Cleveland.
Top RV Rentals Near Helena, Montana
National Parks
Yellowstone National Park
Since you will be in the area, make sure to start your trip out by traveling south so that you can visit Yellowstone National Park. The park covers nearly 3,500 miles, and it touches three states. There is a supervolcano that you can take in as well as about 290 waterfalls. The park has about 1,000 miles of hiking trails that you can explore as well.
Wind Cave National Park
Wind Cave National Park is one of the oldest national parks in the country. It has over 28,000 acres that have become an animal sanctuary, so you can see elk, bison, and more during your visit. The park also has cave passages that you can explore that take up more than 140 miles. The limestone cliffs are home to several bird species, which makes this a great stop for birdwatchers.
Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park is another national park along this path that is unique and worth visiting. The park is approximately 244,000 acres, and it’s made up of rock formations that are unlike those you'll find anywhere else. The park is a great stop for stargazers to visit at night because the area is pretty far away from any major city. Fossil remains are also commonly found in the park. Removing the fossils from the premises is illegal, but they're fun to look at. In addition, bison can be seen throughout the park.
Indiana Sand Dunes National Park
Indiana Sand Dunes National Park received national park status in 2019. The park has 15 miles of beach positioned along the shores of Lake Michigan, which makes it an ideal place to fish, swim, and enjoy water sports. The park covers 15,000 acres with about 50 miles of trails. In addition to hiking, biking, horseback riding, and bird watching are popular activities to enjoy here.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
If you like waterfalls, make sure to make a stop at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. There are over 100 waterfalls in the park. The tallest, Brandywine Falls, is about 65 feet. The park covers over 32,000 miles, and it has 125 miles of hiking trails to explore on foot. There is also a scenic railroad in the park that is ideal for photos.
Nearby State Parks
Great River Bluffs State Park
Great River Bluffs State Park is one of the amazing Minnesota state parks that is right along your route from Helena to Lewistown. The park is positioned on high bluffs that look over the Mississippi River. It’s great for hiking, bird watching, or enjoying the scenery.
Devil's Lake State Park
Devil's Lake State Park, which is a Wisconsin state park, is the third oldest in the country. There are plenty of scenic trails in the park as well as beaches for swimming and areas to fish. Kayak and canoe rentals are also options, and for those who want to explore the depth of the lake, there is scuba diving.
Rock Cut State Park
Rock Cut State Park is more than 3,000 acres of land to explore. In the park, there are two lakes. One is used as a beach where swimming and wading are allowed while the other is used for boating and fishing. Hiking and horseback riding are also activities that you can enjoy in the park.
Along the Way
Museum of the Rockies
If you enjoy science and history, this is a stop that you will want to make during this Helena to Lewistown RV road trip. You will find an extensive collection of fossils from dinosaurs in the museum, including those of the T. Rex. Exhibits tend to change from time to time, so before you start this trip, make sure to check and see what’s available for you to explore.
Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
This is a monument that is designed to memorialize the battle that was fought along these ridges between the 7th Regiment of the U.S. Cavalry and the Northern Plains tribes in 1876. Custer's death occurred here, and there are several guided tours that allow you to explore the battlefields. There is also a museum with additional history that may be of interest to you.
Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore is an iconic national monument that you must stop and see during your road trip from Helena to Lewistown. The stone faces that you will see on the monument include those of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, four presidents who were essential for making America what it is today. They also hold a ceremony at the outdoor amphitheater to highlight the monument and salute veterans at night.
Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park
If you are taking this trip with your family, the Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park is an ideal stop. Here, you will be able to feed the animals and take a safari. Kids will love the animals in the petting zoo.
Start in Helena, End in Lewistown, No Return Drive
Book a one‑way RV rental from Helena to Lewistown. Explore the open road, avoid the return drive. Comfortable, well‑equipped motorhomes and camper vans ready now
When you follow this road trip itinerary from Helena to Lewiston, you will enjoy historic locations and beautiful scenery along the way. If you want to travel in comfort and style, consider an RV rental from RVshare. From large motorhomes to compact campervans, there is a rig that will meet your travel and budget needs. Once you hit the road, you are protected by our renter guarantee and 24/7 roadside assistance. Find the perfect vehicle for your travel needs in Helena or Lewistown.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I plan an RV road trip from Helena to Lewistown?
To plan an RV road trip from Helena to Lewistown, start by mapping your route using Google Maps or a trip planner that supports RV navigation. Consider road types, fuel stops, campgrounds, and attractions along the way. Our RV rental specialists can help you choose the best vehicle and route based on your travel dates and preferences.
What type of RV should I rent for my trip?
The ideal RV depends on your travel style, group size, and destination. For couples, a camper van or Class B RV offers flexibility and easy driving. Families often prefer Class C motorhomes for more space and amenities. If you’re staying longer or need extra comfort, a Class A RV might be your best choice. Learn more about the different RV classes.
How much does it cost to rent an RV for a road trip?
RV rental prices vary based on vehicle size, rental duration, season, and mileage. On average, RV rentals range from $100–$300 per night, with discounts for weekly or monthly bookings. We also offer one-way rentals if you’re traveling from Helena to Lewistown without returning to the starting point.
Can I pick up my RV in one city and drop it off in another?
Yes! Many travelers love our one-way RV rental option. If the inventory is available for your route, you can pick up your RV in one location and drop it off in another, which is perfect for cross-country adventures or long-distance road trips.
What should I pack for an RV trip?
Pack essentials like bedding, toiletries, cooking supplies, and outdoor gear. Most of our RVs come equipped with kitchenware and basic amenities. Don’t forget to bring a first-aid kit, maps, and camping chairs for your outdoor setup. Keep this packing list handy to ensure you don’t leave anything behind!
Do I need a special license to drive an RV?
A standard driver’s license is all you need to rent and drive an RV. Keep in mind that you must be 25 to rent an RV.
Where can I park or stay overnight during my road trip?
You can stay at RV parks, national park campgrounds, or designated boondocking areas. Our team can recommend safe and scenic stops along your route from Helena to Lewistown. Be sure to reserve campgrounds in advance during peak travel seasons.
How do I handle fuel and hookups during my trip?
Most RVshare RVs are equipped for electric, water, and sewer hookups at most campgrounds. Keep track of your fuel stops and learn how to connect utilities before you hit the road. We provide a full orientation before departure to make setup easy.
Is insurance included in my RV rental?
Yes, basic insurance coverage is included with every rental. You can also purchase additional protection plans for peace of mind during your journey. We’ll explain all coverage options when you book your RV.
Can I travel with pets in my RV rental?
Absolutely! Many of our RVs are pet-friendly, so your furry friends can enjoy the adventure too. Use the filters to search for RVs that welcome pets on board.
What are the best road trip routes for RV travelers?
Popular RV routes include scenic coastal drives, national park loops, and cross-country highways. For beginners, you may want to try a long weekend trip where you don’t have to drive quite as far. Just remember to follow the 3-3-3 rule of RVing!