The northern entrance to Yellowstone National Park is only three hours southeast of Helena, so you'll probably want to visit this stunning park on your trip. Nowhere on earth contains more geysers and hot springs than Yellowstone’s nearly 3,500 square miles of gorgeous terrain. Old Faithful, the Queen's Laundry, Grand Prismatic Spring, and more await at the world's first national park. Nearly 1,000 miles of trails will take you everywhere from the most popular sights of Yellowstone to some of its remotest backcountry areas. If you visit during the winter, you'll have the opportunity to snowshoe, ski, snowmobile, and more.
In order to get to Grand Teton National Park from Yellowstone, all you have to do is get on John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway and drive 10 minutes south. Grand Teton is less famous than its northern counterpart, but it still contains its fair share of gorgeous wonders. This 310,000-acre stretch of the Teton Range and its valleys is home to Jackson Hole, part of the Snake River, and Grand Teton itself, which is 13,755 feet high. Hiking, biking, and driving are all popular here. Other common pastimes at this Wyoming national park include fishing, mountaineering, boating, and mountain climbing.
If you travel about three and a half hours northwest of Helena almost to the Canadian border, then you'll reach Glacier National Park. This wild, rugged park is, of course, home to plenty of glaciers. Some of the easier glaciers to view are Jackson Glacier, Salamander Glacier, and Sperry Glacier. Glaciers requiring more challenging treks include Grinnell Glacier, Sexton Glacier, and Piegan Glacier. This park contains more than glaciers, however. It is also home to plenty of excellent places to boat, fish, camp, and hike. Be sure to check out the fantastic Going-to-the-Sun Road, which is a two-hour drive through some of Glacier's stunning alpine terrain.
Missouri Headwaters State Park is just an hour and 15 minutes southeast of Helena. This park is situated near the merging of the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin rivers into the Missouri River, so there are numerous locations that are perfect for fishing, boating, kayaking, and canoeing. Four miles of trails provide ample places to hike, bike, and ride. One section of this Montana state park also provides an area to hunt deer, waterfowl, moose, and more. If you visit during the summer, you might be able to take in a program led by rangers or special guests.
Salmon Lake State Park is approximately an hour and a half northwest of Helena. People come to this park to spend time at Salmon Lake, which is full of trout, bass, pike, and other types of tasty freshwater fish. Swimming, canoeing, water skiing, and boating are also popular lake activities. The camping here is outstanding thanks to the park's gorgeous scenery and its ability to accommodate RVs as long as 45 feet. Bird watching and wildlife photography are also common here due to the diverse array of fauna that calls this park home. Hiking opportunities are limited here, but multiple paths provide convenient access to park amenities as well as nice places to stroll.
The small but fascinating ghost town of Bannack lives on in the form of Bannack State Park, which is two and a half hours southwest of Helena. In 1862, gold was discovered in the area, causing thousands of people to flock to the town in hopes of striking it rich. Panning and dredging in Grasshopper Creek were popular until World War II, which led to the closure of the mine and the eventual abandonment of the town. The modern result is a well-preserved ghost town featuring 60 buildings from days gone by. If you visit at the right time, you’ll be able to pan for gold, take a ghost walk, or experience a historical reenactment of life in a Wild West mining town.
How does RVshare classify an affordable RV rental?
RVshare defines an affordable RV rental as any rental that is priced between $100-$250 per night. These rentals are perfect for travelers looking for an affordable way to see the country.
Can I rent an affordable RV in Helena, MT that still offers the amenities and features I desire for my trips, such as a kitchen, bathroom, or air conditioning?
Yes! RVshare has a wide variety of affordable RV rentals available in cities across the United States. These rentals often come equipped with amenities like a full kitchen, bathroom, and air conditioning, providing travelers with all the comforts of home while on the road.
Are there any additional fees or charges for renting an affordable RV in Helena, MT, such as cleaning or mileage fees?
The owner of the RV determines any additional fees or charges associated with the rental, such as cleaning or mileage fees. Any fees or charges will be clearly stated in the RV listing description on the RVshare website.
How do I properly maintain and care for an affordable RV rental during my trip, and are there any special considerations I should be aware of?
It is important to follow the guidelines provided by the RV’s owner for proper care of the rental during the trip. This includes keeping the RV clean and free of damage, and using the appropriate cleaning products for the materials in the RV. The RV owner is responsible for the regular maintenance of the RV.
Can I rent an affordable RV in Helena, MT for an extended period, and are any discounts or promotions available for longer rentals?
Yes! Many RV owners on RVshare offer affordable rental options for extended periods of time. Though RVshare does not offer discounts, owners may offer discounted rentals for extended time periods.
What fuel efficiency can I expect from an affordable RV rental, and how can I minimize fuel costs during my trip?
RVs are not known for their fuel efficiency, but renters can take steps to minimize fuel costs during their trip. This includes avoiding speeding and rapid acceleration, maintaining a consistent speed, and avoiding excessive idling. Also remember that the larger and heavier the vehicle, the lower the fuel efficiency.
Do I bring my bedding and linens to use in an affordable RV rental, and what kind of storage options are available for these items?
The RV owner determines what is included with the rental, such as bedding and linens. Renters should review the RV listing description or ask the owner for more information. Many RVs have storage options for personal items, including bedding and linens.
How do I properly level and stabilize my RV rental at my campsite or RV park, and what equipment or tools do I need?
Leveling and stabilizing an RV rental is important for both safety and comfort. RV owners typically provide leveling blocks and stabilizing jacks to renters, along with instructions for proper use.
Do I bring my entertainment equipment or appliances for an affordable RV rental, such as a portable grill or music player?
Renters should review the RV listing description or ask the owner for more information on what is included with the rental, such as entertainment equipment or appliances. Some RVs come equipped with a portable grill or music player, while others do not.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform in the RV during my rental period?
Renters are responsible for keeping the RV clean and free of damage during the rental period. Any other maintenance or upkeep is the responsibility of the RV’s owner. Renters should follow the guidelines provided by the owner for proper care and maintenance of the rental during the trip.