Billings, Montana, is the state's largest city with a population of 117,445 and is located in the state's southern region along the Yellowstone River. It began as a railroad town in the 1880s and was nicknamed the "Magic City" because of its rapid growth during this time. Gas and natural coal reserves were two reasons for the community's boosted economy, and by the early 20th century, Billings had earned the reputation of being a trading and energy hub.
Another fun fact about Billings is that it is home to the Pictograph Cave. These three caves are thought to be over 2,000 years old and inside them are 100s of rock paintings. Today, the caves are protected and preserved by the National Park Service. Visitors to Pictograph Cave State Park can view the caves and learn more about the rock paintings.
Visitors come to Billings to visit its Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument and to drive the Beartooth Highway. Other attractions near Billings include the Yellowstone Art Museum, Pompey's Pillar, and ZooMontana. But one of the main reasons people plan a trip to Billings is its a gateway city to the northeast entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Every day, people take the Beartooth Highway out of Billings and enjoy a scenic road trip through the Custer Gallatin National Forest, winding magnificent scenery as they make their way 172 miles southwest of Billings to Yellowstone. If you're planning this trip during the winter, pay attention to the forecast because heavy snowfall can cause road closures.
Yellowstone River Campground is an RV park with many green spaces and sites. It's located east of downtown Billings and is a preferred campground among fishing enthusiasts because the Yellowstone River is within walking distance. The RV park has back-in and pull-through sites, totaling 117 sites. Each site has 30/50 amp service and full hookups. The park also offers a pool, hot tub, two dog parks, WiFi, and strong cell reception. Daily rates start at $71.
In Hardin, you'll find the Grandview Campground & RV Park. This popular RV park has a small creek that guests can access, live entertainment during the summer, and a fully-stocked camp store for when you forget the essentials. Reserve a back-in or pull-through site with full hookups and 30/50 amp electrical service. The RV park doesn't offer WiFi but has a strong cell signal.
If you're looking for a small, quiet RV park, check out the Old West RV Park in Reed Point. The Yellowstone River is less than a mile from the RV park and very accessible to guests. People love this park because it has spacious sites that are nicely shaded and include picnic tables. If you want to stay here, make sure to reserve a spot because there are only 15 back-in and pull-through sites. The sites have full hookups and 30/50 amp electricity, are pet friendly, and RVers usually have good luck using their cell phones.
One hundred seventy-two miles from Billings is the Missouri Headwaters State Park. At this park, you'll experience where the Missouri River begins. The starting point might be low or high depending on how much snowmelt there is from the surrounding mountains. This state park is a quiet park that has many picnicking areas and a campground. There are four miles of trails for hiking or biking, and kayaks and canoes are welcome on the river.
Boysen State Park is located in Wyoming, 172 miles south of Billings. It's the largest state park in Wyoming and is parallel to Yellowstone's east side. If you want to get your line wet, you must visit Boysen because it's considered the best place in the state to fish for walleye and trout. With 76 miles of shoreline, this state park is a water lover's paradise.
Another state park within driving distance of Billings and near the Yellowstone National Park entrance is Buffalo Bill State Park. The Absaroka Mountains are the stars of this park. Spend your days exploring the mountains and the park, hiking or biking its trails. Named after the famous "Buffalo Bill," the park does an excellent job of educating visitors on the area's Wild West history. Make sure to stop into the visitor's center for more information.
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is 114 miles southeast of Billings and is nestled conveniently between Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore. This national site often goes unexplored by travelers focused on other sites and parks. However, this awe-inspiring site should be on your must-see list, if not for its historic ranches and gorgeous overlooks but definitely for its 55-mile canyon lake. One of the most popular things to do in this area is hiking. The recreation area has 27 miles of hiking, and because most travelers often skip the site, you'll have much of it to yourself.
Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument is 61 miles southeast of Billings. It is where the Cheyenne and Lakota warriors defended their ancestral lands against the United State Army's 7th Calvary and the last significant victory for Native Americans defending their homelands in the Northern Plains. When you visit this monument, you'll learn more about the battle, how it played out in relation to the modern landscape, and about Lieutenant Colonel Custer's famous last stand. On the monument grounds, you'll find historical markers and interpretive signage. There's also the opportunity to take an audio tour and even hike across the historic battlefield grounds.
The John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway is the road that connects Yellowstone National Park to Grand Teton National Park, beginning at the West Thumb Geyser Basin in Yellowstone and ending in the northern section of Grand Teton. The parkway is one of the most scenic drives through the two parks and is 27 miles. You'll see soaring, rugged mountain tops and clear blue alpine lakes and probably have to stop a time or two to let bison herds cross the road.
Bighorn National Forest consists of 1.1 million acres with 1,500 miles of hiking and biking trails. The national forest is located in Wyoming, 129 miles southeast of Billings. The forest is multi-layered with grasslands, thick evergreen forests, and stunning rocky peaks. The forest's limestone cliffs of Tensleep Canyon are a rock climber's paradise. During the winter, when thick snow covers the forest, visitors enjoy winter sports such as snowmobiling and snowboarding.
Shoshone National Forest is in northern Wyoming and holds the distinction of being the first United States national forest. The forest is named for the Shoshone tribe that once inhabited the region. Take a few days to explore the 2.4 million acres that make up the Shoshone National Forest. There are campgrounds nearby in Cody, Wyoming, so you can set up your RV and spend as much time as you want fishing, hunting, or hiking. If you're up for it, check out the 25-mile Glacier Trail that takes you to Gannett Mountain. You'll need some rock climbing skills if you want to end your hike summiting the mountain.
Coconino National Forest is quite a distance from Billings, but if you're on a Billings to Phoenix road trip, you'll pass through this forest. One of the most interesting things about this forest is its diverse landscapes. The forest is home to the famous Humphrey's Peak and world-class skiing, as well as red-rock plateaus that rise from the forest's desert floor. Whatever climate you're in the mood for, you can find it in this forest. If you want to stay cool in the shady forest areas, head to the Flagstaff region. Visitors who prefer a desert climate need to go no further than Sedona, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Coconino National Forest. You'll find plenty of campgrounds wherever you decide to stay!
Situated in southern Montana, Billings is a bustling city and the main trade and distribution center for much of the region. One of the most popular spots to visit near Billings is The Rimrocks, a stunning wall of sandstone cliffs only 3 miles away that's surrounded by scenic hiking trails and breathtaking views of the city. If the sun is shining, you may also want to take a stroll through the beautiful DanWalt Gardens or check out the many awesome creatures at ZooMontana.
Billings is also home to plenty of great indoor attractions, including a variety of unique museums. If you're looking to learn something new, consider visiting spots like the Yellowstone Art Museum, the Yellowstone County Museum, or the Western Heritage Center.
Most visitors make a point to spend some time in Billings' charming downtown district, which boasts numerous tourist attractions. This thriving section of Billings is home to entertainment venues, cafés and restaurants, and locally-owned shops. Downtown Billings also hosts lots of fun events throughout the year, including the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade and HarvestFest near the end of summer.
While exploring the Billings, MT area, you can choose from a wide variety of RV rentals via RVshare. Having a recreational vehicle can make exploring new areas far more convenient and rewarding, allowing you to camp in remote, peaceful places and get up close and personal with natural landmarks and other attractions. In the Billings area, an RV rental will give you the option to camp at lovely spots like the Old West RV Park or the Billings Village RV Park. At these campgrounds and others around Billings, you'll have access to RV hookups, spacious campsites, and various amenities.
With an RV rental from RVshare, you can check out all the best destinations around Billings. For example, you could explore nearby Custer Gallatin National Forest, camp along the Yellowstone River, or go hiking through Buffalo Bill State Park.
RVshare offers many different sizes, types, and shapes of RVs available for rental in and around Billings. If your primary need is extra storage space for your trip, you could rent one of the many travel trailers available in the Billings area. These towable RVs vary greatly in size and shape, and some can sleep up to 10 people. If you prefer a drivable RV, you could go with a Class A motorhome. These motorhomes, which sleep between four and 10 people, come with many luxuries and amenities, including comfortable beds, televisions, and full kitchens. Class C motorhomes are similar, but they tend to be more affordable and compact. Alternatively, you could rent a Class B camping van, which will be easier to drive than a larger motorhome. These vans sleep two to four people and may be equipped with amenities like portable toilets, refrigerators, and a fair amount of storage space.
In most areas, the price to rent a motorhome is around $200 a night and the price to rent a towable trailer is around $120 a night.
What does RVshare Protection cover with my Billings, MT RV rental?RVshare's protection plan standard package covers up to $300,000 in comprehensive and collision coverage based on the value of the RV. It also includes free 24/7 roadside assistance and free towing and tire service. For more information on RVshare insurance, click here.
What is included in my Billings, MT RV rental?You should find any amenities that are included with your rental in the listing details. But it never hurts to check in with the owner before you arrive at the RV or have it delivered to ensure you have everything that is needed to have a fun and enjoyable trip!
Can I have my Billings, MT RV rental delivered to a specified location?Many owners on RVshare.com offer delivery, and will even set it up for you at the campsite. Choose the 'Delivery' filter to narrow down your search results to RVs that can be brought to your home or destination. Check the listing details for any information regarding extra fees for delivery, or ask the owner if you are unsure.