Montana is in the northwestern United States and is known for its wide-open expanses of land and massive mountain ranges. It shares its northern border with Canada and is bordered by Idaho to the west, Wyoming to the south, and the Dakotas to the east. Montana's sparsely populated, and most of its economy revolves around agriculture.
The capital of Montana is Helena, a small town that was originally founded during the Gold Rush. The state's mountains attract thousands of tourists every year, and a Montana RV rental is a great way to explore the state.
RV Camping in Montana
The national parks in Montana are some of the most iconic in the US. One of the most well known is Glacier National Park, which is located in the mountains of northwestern Montana. The park has over 700 miles of trails to explore, making it a popular destination for both backpackers and day hikers.
Some of the most notable hiking areas in Glacier National Park include Logan Pass, which is home to the Continental Divide, and Grinnell Glacier. While you're here, buckle into the Montana camper rental for a scenic cruise along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which winds through some of the area's most dramatic mountain passes. There are also several lakes in the park for boating and fishing, including Lake McDonald and Iceberg Lake.
RV camping in Glacier National Park is an option. The campsites at Fish Creek Campground are rustic and surrounded by lush forests. The on-site restrooms are modern, with flush toilets and running water. In the park's eastern region, St. Mary's Campground makes an excellent base for scenic drives along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Restaurants and other conveniences are nearby, and restrooms are modern.
South of Lake McDonald, campers can enjoy modern amenities at West Glacier RV Park and Cabins in West Glacier. Campsites come with full hookups, and big rigs are welcome. Laundry facilities and WiFi are offered on-site, and there's a dog park too. The West Glacier KOA is another option nearby. This well-manicured West Glacier campground features spacious sites, WiFi, and a swimming pool.
Expand your Montana explorations and drive a couple of hours south to Missoula. Cultural sights to see here include the Missoula Art Museum and Fort Missoula. Camp close to all the fun when you stay at the Missoula KOA, just north of the city center. Enjoy a premium patio site, spend time lounging by the swimming pool, or tour the grounds on a banana bike.
Several natural areas surround the city too. Lolo National Forest is 30 miles northwest of Missoula and offers lots of opportunities for outdoor recreation. An extensive trail network runs through the mountains, which is open for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Small lakes and streams flow through the forest and are great for trout fishing. In the winter, trails can be used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Blue Mountain Recreation Area also has trails for snowmobiling, and Lolo Pass is a popular spot for downhill skiing. Lolo National Forest RV camping is available at the rustic Fishtrap Lake Campground, the peaceful Monture Creek Campground, and the well-positioned Quartz Flat Campground.
Head east of Missoula for a scenic, five-hour drive through southern Montana, and you'll arrive in Billings, the state's largest city. Historical and cultural sites abound in this bustling city; set aside a day to explore some of its best spots. The city's Moss Mansion Museum was built in the early 1900s and features period furnishings and elaborate architecture. ZooMontana houses wildlife native to the region and also features the Yellowstone Arboretum, a beautiful botanical garden packed with dozens on plant species. RV campgrounds near Billings are plentiful, including the Billings KOA and the Yellowstone River Campground, both within walking distance of the beautiful Yellowstone River.
For some more magnificent Montana wilderness, head three hours' drive southwest to Gallatin National Forest, which is located near Bozeman. This mountainous national forest has plenty to do in both the summer and winter months. Several lakes are open for fishing here, including Mystic Lake and East Rosebud Lake. Some of the tallest mountains in Montana are located here, including Granite Peak, and there is an extensive network of hiking trails to explore. Within the park, the RV campsites in Picnic Spring Campground can accommodate small rigs. For modern amenities like full hookups and WiFi, pull into one of the campsites at Yellowstone RV Park in Gardiner.
Bozeman is a two hours' drive north of Gallatin National Forest. The city's home to Montana State University, which features some excellent attractions, including the Museum of the Rockies. Other interesting spots to check out while camping near Bozeman are the American Computer and Robotics Museum and the historic downtown area. There are several campgrounds and RV parks near Bozeman, a few within a ten-mile radius of the city. Bear Canyon Campground is just east of Bozeman and offers back-in or pull-through sites with full hookups. Also nearby is the Bozeman Trail Campground and RV Park, with full-hookup sites, WiFi, and laundry facilities.
Montana's stunning, rugged scenery makes it a unique and compelling place to visit. With so many places to hike, ski, and fish, you'll never run out of fun things to do when you rent an RV in Big Sky Country.
