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.
Campgrounds Near Billings, Montana
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.
State Parks Near Billings, Montana
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.
National Sites Near Billings, Montana
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.
National Forests Near Billings, Montana
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!
