Renting an RV in Montana

If you are looking for a road trip with unparalleled natural beauty, exploring the great state of Montana in an RV is hard to beat. The country’s fourth-largest state is primarily wilderness, with a population density of only seven people per square mile. All of this pristine land houses 55 state parks and nine national park areas with endless outdoor activity opportunities.

Exploring Montana in an RV is the best way to enjoy your road trip in ultimate comfort. Pack up the family, hit the road, and explore everything ‘Big Sky Country’ has to offer.

Why Renting an RV in Montana Is the Way to Go

Montana is massive, with only a handful of major towns. What this means for your trip is that you will be doing quite a bit of driving. If you were just stuck in your car, things can get cramped and uncomfortable. An RV provides all the comforts of home, with plenty of space for everyone to spread out.
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10 Memorable Places to See in Montana in A Rental RV

Montana is also a top-tier camping destination, so you won’t want to be staying in hotels.The state offers many RV-friendly campgrounds so you can enjoy its beauty from your RV.

Montana’s significant breadth spans multiple geographic regions, from the Great Plains in the east, to the Rocky Mountains in the west. The heavily forested mountains of the west offer some of the most scenic hiking in the country and are a perfect backdrop as you drive around the state and explore. We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 must-see attractions in Big Sky Country to help you make the most out of your RV road trip through Montana.

Glacier National Park

Named for its origins, the lands of Glacier National Park were shaped by the movement of massive, ancient glaciers. You can see and explore (to some extent) the remaining 25 glaciers via the parks’ winding roads and over 700 miles of trails. Due to the tremendous size and natural resources of this park, there are many ranger-led activities and programs if you want to dive deep into the natural and anthropological history of the park.

Glacier has 13 campsites within the park, but only eight are suitable for RV camping. Be aware that these campsites do not offer full hookup access. However, most RV-friendly sites offer restroom facilities with running water and flushing toilets as well as a potable water station.
RVs near Glacier National Park

Learn more about Glacier National Park.

Going to the Sun Road

Within Glacier National Park, you will find one of the most scenic and iconic drives in the country. Going to the Sun Road is a nearly 50-mile stretch of road that winds its way through the incredible snow-capped peaks of the park’s mountains. For a portion of the road (from Avalanche Campground to the Rising Sun picnic area), vehicle length is capped at 21 feet, so make sure you know the size of your RV. Since the road is way up in the mountains, you’ll also want to check with the park to see if the road is accessible during the time of year during your visit. Since this is a feature of Glacier National Park, it would be best to stay at one of the campsites you are able to find within the park, mentioned above.

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Learn more about Going to the Sun Road.

Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park

Although named after famed explorers Lewis and Clark, these men never actually entered these expansive caverns that are protected by the state of Montana. If you visit between May-September, you can access one of the largest limestone caverns in the northwestern U.S. The rugged land surrounding the caverns also provides access to 10 miles of trails ranging in difficulty from easy to strenuous. Ample space for RV camping is available onsite at the park. If available, 18 sites offer electric hookups. Otherwise, there are 21 primitive sites for dry camping. If you wish to use the dumping station for waste, a $5 fee is required.
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Learn more about Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park.

Flathead Lake

Occupying nearly 200 square miles in the northwestern region of the state, Flathead Lake is a vacation destination all on its own. Its 185 miles of shoreline have earned it the title of “largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi” and the area has endless activities available for any traveler. Hike around the Jewel Basin, rent a boat and fish for lake trout and whitefish, or venture out to Wild Horse Island and observe the free beasts gallop around.

Campgrounds are of high-quality and plentiful around the lake. Five RV-accessible state parks (Big Arm, Finley Point, Wayfarers, West Shore, Yellow Bay) offer numerous campsites. There are also several private campgrounds around the lake if you prefer. Amenities vary significantly among campgrounds so it’s a good idea to decide what you and your traveling companions are looking for before you reserve a spot.
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Learn more about Flathead Lake.

Custer Gallatin National Forest

The Custer Gallatin National Forest spans three million acres across south-central and southeastern Montana, bordering nationally renowned Yellowstone National Park. Visitors can enjoy dozens of forested mountain hiking trails, challenging mountain biking trails, fly fishing for trout in mountain streams, and picturesque picnic spots. A drive along the Beartooth Scenic Highway offers amazing mountain views and is also a must.

Five campgrounds within the Gallatin Canyon Recreation Area offer RV campsites, but only the Red Cliff Campground has electrical hookups. Maximum RV lengths for these sites vary between 30-50 feet. Learn more about Custer Gallatin National Forest.

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Pompey’s Pillar National Monument

Only designated a national monument in 2001, Pompey’s Pillar is a striking, 200-foot-tall rock formation with an incredible history. Hundreds of years of human history have been carved into or painted onto the rock. Native Americans, fur trappers, U.S. Cavalry, and even famed explorer Captain William Clark have all left their marks at this fascinating geological travel hub. Visit the interpretative center and walk along the boardwalk to take in this amazing piece of history.

Pompey’s Pillar is a day access only site, so no camping is allowed on the grounds. The good news is that it’s only 30 minutes from Montana’s largest city, Billings, where you can find any RV park to fit your needs. If you are looking to shake up your trip a bit, head into downtown Billings for a great steak and a local craft beer.
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Learn more about Pompey’s Pillar.

Garden of 1,000 Buddhas

Not far from Glacier National Park, you’ll find a fascinating place that sticks out a little bit in Montana. The Garden of 1,000 Buddhas is a gorgeous public park and botanical garden at the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism. The main purpose of this garden is to “bring about positive transformation within those who visit”. Guided tours are recommended to get the most out of your visit and are available April-October.

There is no camping allowed at the site, but the picturesque mountain town of Missoula is just 30 minutes south and you can find tons of options there. This unassuming town features a great museum, gourmet restaurants, and a thriving local music scene for your entertainment.
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Learn more about Garden of 1,000 Buddhas.

West Yellowstone

The small town of West Yellowstone (pop. 1,382) is considered ‘the gateway’ to famous Yellowstone National Park and is a favorite home base for park visitors. From here, you quickly be on your way to observe an Old Faithful eruption, a stroll through Mammoth Hot Springs, or a boat ride on Lake Yellowstone. As you return to camp in West Yellowstone one evening, consider taking the family for a ‘chuckwagon dinner’ at the Eagle Ridge Ranch where an Old-West-style meal is served around the campfire.

Eight RV parks can be found around West Yellowstone and since tourism for the park is the primary business in town, you’ll easily be able to find a place that suits your group; everything from quaint, no-frills sites, to lodges with full hookups, Wi-Fi, and a business center.
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Learn more about West Yellowstone.

Whitefish Lake State Park

Great beaches and lots of lake fun can be found at Whitefish Lake State Park. Apart from the great fishing and swimming, the lake is a popular destination for water-skiing due to its natural shelter from the wind. The park is also a great hub for the many surrounding hiking and biking trails around the lake.

RV camping is available, although somewhat limited (about 20 sites, total), and the maximum length for rigs is 40 feet. Potable water, public restrooms, and a shower facility are available. To make water fun convenient, boat rental is also available on site. Learn more about Whitefish Lake State Park.

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Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument

The battle at Little Bighorn is a major part of the country’s history and a sobering reminder of the consequences of U.S. western expansion. Visit the historical battlefield off of I-90 in the town of Crow Agency to learn about the clash of cultures that lead to this momentous battle and its aftermath. The Tour Road drive allows you to drive around the site and dial into audio tour stops with your cell phone to learn more about specific locations on the battlefield.

Camping on site is strictly prohibited and no dogs are allowed on the grounds of the monument, even if they are leashed. Three private RV campgrounds are within 10 minutes of the monument, though, and offer great options for spending the night. The 7th Ranch RV Park is closest and offers 48 pull-through sites with full hookup access and complimentary Wi-Fi. 
RVs near Little Bighorn Battlefield Monument

Learn more about Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument.

Campgrounds and RV Parks in Montana

Outdoor tourism is one of Montana’s largest economic drivers, so the state caters to your RV needs. Most national and state parks offer RV parking on-site. If you’d like to stay nearer to one of Montana’s quaint mountain towns, take a look at these Good Sam campgrounds. At forest-based campgrounds, also be sure to understand the current fire risk noted by the DNR or park officials. Dry seasons in the summer put Montana’s beautiful forests at high risk and campers must do everything they can to prevent a devastating fire from breaking out. 

Things to Know About Renting an RV in Montana

Things to Note About Camping in Montana

Montana winters can be brutal. The wind whips through the eastern plains and can create blizzard conditions in the blink of an eye. For this reason, RV travel through Montana is not recommended from November-March (especially if you’re a novice driver). Depending on how far into the mountains you venture, dangerous winter-like weather can still hang around outside of this window, so be sure to check in with park officials about road conditions. Good Sam has compiled a list of campgrounds in the area for while you are there.

The western parks and forests in Montana are also home to large predators. Grizzly bears and mountain lions can be encountered on more remote trails and campsites so be aware of campground/park regulations relating to trash disposal or animal sightings. Park officials will be able to recommend trails that are at low risk for encounters if you are concerned. 

If you plan to hike the more remote trails, consider attaching bells to your backpack to alert wildlife to your presence (they’ll scurry away) or even carry some bear spray should you find yourself face-to-face with a large bear (take time to learn how to use this stuff safely).

Dry Camping or Boondocking in Montana

If you are looking to get away from it all, dry camping, or boondocking is your best RV option to isolate yourself. Boondocking means that there are no hookups available (e.g. sewer, electrical, water), and your RV unit is operating independently. Typically, this is not recommended for novice RVers, so we encourage you to do more research if you are interested in giving dry camping a try.

A great place to do this is on public land identified by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Montana currently has dozens of BLM sites suitable for dry camping in your RV, many in or near the state’s beloved parks. You can check out the list of available sites here.

Also, many campgrounds (of which there are plenty throughout the state) will let you dry camp if all of their hookup spots are taken and they have additional space.