Numerous groups of indigenous people originally called Montana home, including the Crow and the Cheyenne in the south and the Blackfeet in the north. Soon after Lewis and Clark explored the area in the early 1800s, the arrival of fur traders seeking their fortunes led to several conflicts with the native population. Montana experienced a gold rush following the discovery of an abundance of gold, silver, and copper in 1852 in the area near present-day Garrison. Tens of thousands of prospectors arrived, setting up mining operations across the state.
The arrival of the railroad in the 1880s and various Homesteading acts helped to further grow the population, and by the late 1880s, the incoming Americans, Canadians, and European settlers had all but destroyed the local bison population. This paved the way for cattle ranching, which remains an important activity in Montana to this day. President Grover Cleveland granted statehood to Montana in 1889, and today it's the fourth largest state in the union, with a population of just over 1 million people. Present-day Montana remains home to about 66,000 Native Americans from hundreds of different tribes.
Thanks to the Wilderness Act of 1964 and various other conservation efforts, roughly one-third of Montana’s land area is protected. Montana is home to 10 national forests, 12 designated wilderness areas, and a host of state and national parks and wildlife refuges. You can explore Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, and Nez Perce National Historical Park, among other great landmarks and destinations during your RV vacation in Montana.
Today, Montana is known for its rugged and beautiful landscapes and offers all kinds of family-friendly activities and adventures. Lumber and mineral extraction remain an important part of the economy, along with tourism, microbrewing, and cattle ranching. You can enjoy fantastic amusement parks in Montana, and relax on the shores of crystal-clear lakes.
Be sure to stop by Logan State Park during your RV travels in Montana. Explore the park's 17 acres, which include Middle Thompson Lake. This is an excellent fishing destination, but the park is also popular among hikers and trail runners.
Explore the cultural history of Montana with a visit to Bannack State Park. Bannack is a ghost town with a rich history, and it formerly served as the capital city of the Montana territory. Today, you can explore 60 historic buildings in the park, which is listed as a National Historic Landmark.
Salmon Lake State Park in western Montana should also be added to your must-visit list. The main attraction is Salmon Lake, which is full of numerous fish species, including largemouth bass and various types of trout. The park is also a great spot for bird-watching.
Montana State Fair - This nine-day exposition held near Great Falls offers fun, food, games, and more for the entire family. It is held annually in late July and early August and features a rodeo, live comedy, carnival rides, and more.
Headwaters Festival - Country music fans won’t want to miss the three-day Headwaters Festival held each year in August near Three Forks. Enjoy a variety of popular country music acts in the natural beauty of Montana’s great outdoors.
Under the Big Sky Fest - This annual three-day musical celebration offers a variety of acts, making it family-friendly with something for everyone. Each July, thousands of people gather to enjoy the live acts at this festival held on a ranch near Whitefish, Montana.
In Great Falls, Montana, you’ll find several excellent options for RV storage. Gore Hill Self Storage has a convenient location near the airport and offers both indoor and outdoor storage options.
Near Bozeman, Gallatin RV and Boat Storage offers indoor and outdoor options with 24/7 access for customers. Just call ahead to make an appointment.
Missoula has several RV storage options to choose from, including Eagle Self Storage which offers the peace of mind of 24-hour surveillance. Monthly rates start at $246, and long-term storage discounts are available.
On average expect to pay $227 per night in Montana.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Montana?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Montana from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Montana?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
Do you need a special license to drive an RV in Montana?No. You don’t need a special license or CDL to drive an RV in Montana.