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Bannack State Park RV & Campground Guide

Montana

Located in Beaverhead County, Montana, Bannack is a ghost town with a rich and interesting history. The town is managed by the state and open to the public as Bannack State Park. It is also a National Historic Landmark. 

The town of Bannack was founded in 1862 and operated as a mining town for many years. It briefly served as the capital city of Montana territory and saw a peak population of ten thousand residents. Now, only sixty of the original buildings remain. Many of these are open to visitors, offering a unique and fascinating peek into the past.

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Weather
Spring 19°F–60°F
Summer 39°F–82°F
Fall 14°F–70°F
Winter 4°F–31°F
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RV Resorts & Campsites in Bannack State Park

You will need somewhere to stay during your time in Bannack State Park. One of the most affordable (and most fun) options is camping. A rental unit from RVshare will keep your family quite comfortable during their visit, and camping gives you and your loved ones a chance to reconnect with nature as you learn about the past. 

Wondering where to park your rental rig? Why not at the state park itself? There are two campgrounds located inside of Bannack State Park, making camping a super convenient option for those who want to explore the park in depth. 

The Vigilante Campground is the larger of the two options and is the most suitable for RVs. This camping area offers picnic tables, fire rings, water access. Restrooms are available, but electricity and showers are not.

Prefer to camp with hookups and showers? No problem! There are plenty of other options in the area. 

Dillon KOA

Just like most KOA campgrounds, Dillon KOA is an ideal place for families looking to have fun camping together. This campground offers a variety of wonderful amenities, as well as friendly staff that is always happy to help. Best of all, the campground is within walking distance of downtown Dillon—an ideal location if you ask us!

  • Water hookup: Yes

  • Electrical hookup: Yes

  • Sewer hookup: Yes

  • Wi-Fi: Yes

  • Pet-friendly: Yes 

Other amenities: Clean bathhouses; swimming pool; laundry facilities; play area for kids; recreational activities; pet area

Southside RV Park

Another great option in the town of Dillon is Southside RV Park. This park also has plenty of friendly staff available to help, and is within walking distance of some Dillon businesses. Pull-through sites make parking a breeze, and the fact that the campground is so clean and quiet makes for a very relaxing ambiance. 

  • Water hookup: Yes

  • Electrical hookup: Yes

  • Sewer hookup: Yes

  • Wi-Fi: Yes

  • Pet-friendly: Yes

  • Other amenities: Clean bathhouses; recreational opportunities; pet area; laundry facilities

Countryside RV Park

Finally, we must mention Countryside RV Park. People love how roomy and quiet this park is. The mountain views add to the beauty of the place, and the fact that it is so close to I-15 makes it convenient as well. The park is about 3 miles from downtown Dillon, so you may not want to walk it, but it is an easy drive. 

  • Water hookup: Yes

  • Electrical hookup: Yes

  • Sewer hookup: Yes

  • Wi-Fi: Yes

  • Pet-friendly: Yes

Other amenities: Bathhouses; recreation opportunities; pet area; laundry facilities

RV Rentals Near Bannack State Park

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Restaurants

What to Do at
Bannack State Park

Inside Bannack State Park

What will you do during your time spent in Bannack State Park? As far as we can tell, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding things to do. The more difficult thing will be choosing from the long list of options:

Living History — The main draw at Bannack State Park is the incredible history lessons that can be found here. Walking through original 19th-century buildings really gives you a taste of what things must’ve been like. Of course, visiting during one of the park’s many living history events helps bring the whole town to life, making your trip back in time even more vivid. 

Ghost Walks — Like to be a bit frightened? You’ll love the ghost walks in Bannack State Park. You see, there are said to be ghosts in this old ghost town, and the guided ghost walks offered by the park’s rangers might just get you up close and personal with one. 

Gold Panning — As mentioned earlier, Bannack was once a mining town. Therefore, it only makes sense that visitors to the town are given the opportunity to pan for gold. This is a wonderful family activity that the kids are sure to love!

Earn a Badge — Another great kids activity in this park is the Junior Ranger Program. Kids can complete a set of activities within the park to earn a badge. This is a great way to get kids excited about their visit and help keep them engaged throughout. 

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How to Get to
Bannack State Park

Bannack State Park is located on Bannack Rd, a few miles east of Bannack Bench Rd. 

The address of the park is:

721 Bannack Rd 

Dillon, MT 59725

Entering Bannack State Park

This park is open year-round. In the summer, you can visit from 8am until sunset, but in the winter you can expect the park to close at 5pm. It should be noted however that the visitor center does close during the winter months, so plan accordingly. 

Entrance to the park is free for residents of Montana. However, out-of-state visitors should expect to pay a $6-per-vehicle entrance fee.

Bannack State Park Montana Residents : $0.0

Free

Bannack State Park Out-of-state : $6.0

per vehicle

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Frequently Asked Questions About Bannack State Park

What kind of wildlife can be found in Bannack State Park?

Vibrant birds such as the American robin and the mountain bluebird can be found throughout Bannack State Park. You may also come across elk, turkey, white-tailed deer, bears, and more. Make sure to follow park safety tips regarding dangerous animals.

Do you have to reserve a camping spot at Bannack State Park and what is the cost?

You don’t have to reserve a camping spot. Eight out of the 24 total spots operate on a first-come, first-served basis. You can rent a space for between $18 to $28 per night.

Are pets allowed at Bannack State Park?

Pets are allowed at Bannack State Park as long as they stay out of community buildings, are attached to a leash no longer than 8 feet, are picked up after, and don’t attack or bother wild animals.

Is Bannack State Park accessible for disabled visitors?

The park can accommodate disabled visitors with the help of ADA lodging and community facilities. To ensure that spots remain open for disabled guests, you'll need to provide proof of disability upon checking in.

What is the best time of year to visit Bannack State Park?

While each season makes for a scenic trip, Bannack State Park officials recommend visiting during the winter since Montana gets chilly enough to enjoy ice skating atop their dredge pond. Ice skates, food, and hot drinks are available for purchase.