Montana is bucket-list RV territory — Glacier National Park, the Beartooth Highway, Flathead Lake, and wide-open big sky country make it one of the most sought-after western RV destinations. The average rental runs about $175/night, with travel trailers starting around $120/night and Class A motorhomes typically running $240/night or more.
Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier has hard vehicle restrictions. Vehicles over 21 feet long (including tow) or over 8 feet wide are prohibited on Going-to-the-Sun Road between Avalanche Creek and the Sun Point parking area. This is strictly enforced. If Glacier's interior is central to your trip, a Class B campervan or small Class C is the only drive-in option — larger rigs stay at West Glacier or St. Mary and take the shuttle.
Self-contained is essential for Montana's backcountry. Montana has vast BLM and Forest Service dispersed camping, but services outside Missoula, Billings, Bozeman, and Glacier gateway towns are sparse. A unit with large tanks, solar, and generator capability gives you access to the most spectacular spots.
Bear country prep is non-negotiable. Montana is both black bear and grizzly territory. Food storage requirements are strictly enforced in and around Glacier and the Bob Marshall Wilderness periphery. Hard-sided storage, bear-resistant containers, and clean camp discipline are required, not optional.
Book Glacier campgrounds 6 months out — treat it like a flight. Apgar, Fish Creek, and St. Mary campgrounds on the Glacier periphery (accessible to larger rigs) open reservations 6 months in advance and sell out within minutes. Set a calendar alarm and book the moment the window opens.
Montana requires more logistics than most western states. Distance, bear country, and Glacier access restrictions all reward early planning.
Glacier National Park requires a vehicle reservation to enter during peak season. From late May through early September, the park requires a timed entry permit in addition to your campsite reservation. Both are through Recreation.gov. Handle them simultaneously — one does not substitute for the other.
Going-to-the-Sun Road restrictions apply both directions. The 21-foot vehicle limit applies eastbound and westbound between Avalanche Creek and Sun Point. There is no exception for slow travel or escort. Oversized vehicles must use the Going-to-the-Sun Road outside restricted hours (before 11am or after 4pm) for the eastern approach to Logan Pass.
Beartooth Highway is typically open late May through mid-October. One of the most dramatic paved roads in North America. Accessible to any vehicle size but subject to sudden weather closures. Check MDOT road conditions before heading up — snow is possible at the summit any month of the year.
Cell service is unreliable across much of rural Montana. Download offline maps, carry a paper backup, and let someone know your itinerary if you're heading into remote areas. Starlink or a satellite communicator is worth considering for extended backcountry stays.
Because so many RV travelers love to visit the area, there are many dump stations in Montana to choose from no matter where you are. In Billings, Cabela’s is an excellent option that you can use for free with a purchase. It’s open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
For a free option that’s open 24/7, you can’t go wrong with Hauser Lake State Park at Black Sandy Beach near Helena. For a year-round option in Bozeman, the Grantree Conoco is open 24/7 and charges just $3 for dumping, though you can also use their facility for free when you fill up your RV at this gas station.
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.
Glacier National Park is at the top of the list when it comes to exploring national parks in an RV in Montana. Home to over 130 lakes and more than 1,000 species of plants and animals, you can enjoy everything from rock climbing to fly-fishing during your visit to the park.
Yellowstone National Park is a must-see for visitors to Montana. On your RV vacation, you can enjoy fantastic mountain vistas, horseback riding, and the world-famous geysers and hot springs.
Glacier National Park is at the top of the list when it comes to exploring national parks in an RV in Montana. Home to over 130 lakes and more than 1,000 species of plants and animals, you can enjoy everything from rock climbing to fly-fishing during your visit to the park.
Yellowstone National Park is a must-see for visitors to Montana. On your RV vacation, you can enjoy fantastic mountain vistas, horseback riding, and the world-famous geysers and hot springs.
Although it's in the neighboring state of Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park is definitely worth crossing the border, especially if you're already visiting Yellowstone 30 minutes to the north. In Grand Teton, you can hike over 200 miles of trails while taking in beautiful scenic vistas and viewing wildlife. You may also want to make a visit to nearby Jackson Hole to explore the shops and museums and get a bite to eat at a great restaurant.
A landmark to add to your must-see list within Glacier National Park is the Great Northern Railway Buildings. Dating back to the early 20th century, these five historic structures each enjoy their own place on the National Register of Historic Places.
A cultural monument unique to Montana is the First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park located near the town of Ulm. Traditionally used by the native population for buffalo hunting, today this site is a National Historic Landmark that preserves more than 1,400 acres.
Montana has no shortage of excellent RV parks and campgrounds to choose from. If you're heading into Yellowstone from the town of West Yellowstone, check out Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park & Cabins, which has 220 RV sites with full hookups. Enjoy having internet access, a laundry room, and showers.
Located near the Bighorn River in Hardin, the Hardin KOA offers a playground and a hot tub for guests to use. Pets are welcome, and you'll also have internet access, free coffee, and a dump station to use.
Southside RV Park in Dillon features full hookups and on-site Wi-Fi. The park also has private showers, clean laundry facilities, and a DVD library. In addition, it's conveniently located just a few blocks from downtown Dillon, so it's easy to enjoy all the amenities in town.
On average expect to pay $257 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.