RV Rental Gallatin National Forest, MT

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Gallatin National Forest is situated in the southwest portion of the very large state of Montana. It is bordered by the larger town of Bozeman on the north and runs to the state border of Idaho to the south. On its south end, the forest also meets up with the northern border of Yellowstone National Park, which is in northwest Wyoming. The popular skiing town of Big Sky, MT, is located within the forest borders as well.

There is so much to do in this part of the country when you are on an outdoor adventure. Recreational opportunities are available year-round, from camping, hiking, and scenic drives during the summer to winter sports and ski resorts that are available during the lengthy winter months. You won't have time to be bored when you visit this region!

Discover Gallatin National Forest


Getting Outdoors

Renting an RV in Gallatin National Forest will make it easy to enjoy all the activities that are available here. There is so much to do in the forest. Scenic drives through the surrounding Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains offer prime photo opportunities and picnic spots. This is also a great place to see unique wildlife. Visitors should be "bear aware," as this is grizzly country. The winter season is lengthy and extreme in this part of the West, so expect winter conditions to last well into May. Winter driving may be necessary at any time during the year in the higher mountains.

The Montana Grizzly Encounter is a fun place to visit in Bozeman. This is a bear rescue for animals that are unable to return to the wild. Here, the bears can be observed interacting within their natural environment. There is also education information available on the species.

The Ousel Falls Trail is located near Big Sky. This is a short hike of moderate difficulty that takes visitors to views at both the bottom and the top of the falls. The cascades are known to be quite the sight in the winter when they can freeze solid. Hikers should be prepared for potentially icy and slippery conditions throughout much of the year, as the trail traverses a canyon that doesn't receive a lot of sunlight. Also, the hike to the waterfalls is all downhill, so be prepared for a hefty hike back up the hill on the return trip!

Camping at Gallatin National Forest

It isn't hard to enjoy camping with an RV in this forest. There is a combination of privately-owned and Forest Service campgrounds spread around the local region.

The National Forest campgrounds are usually quite rustic, often offering no hookups. Usually, they only provide potable water and vault toilets for campers. On the other hand, these spots are usually in more rural, scenic locations within the local forests, and sometimes near picturesque waterways. Wildlife is often easier to spot in these areas as they tend to be farther from busy towns.

When you're looking for a park that offers more amenities, Bozeman Hot Springs Campground is in Bozeman. The campground offers pool access when the water is warm, bathrooms, showers, a laundry room. There are also many yard games, including an outdoor chessboard! Bozeman Hot Springs Campground also provides a hot breakfast and access to the nearby hot springs. The campground is closed during the winter. There are so many fun things to do locally, many people enjoy RV camping at the Gallatin National Forest, so it shouldn't be hard to access any services you may need.

Exploring the Area

When you book an RV in Gallatin County, you will find no shortage of family-friendly activities to enjoy. The Soldiers Chapel is found near Big Sky and was constructed as a memorial to local soldiers who were lost in World War II. It is open for public tours, and its stained-glass windows are one of its prime features. National Forest RV camping will give you easy access to many unique locations around the nearby area.

Drivers should be aware that they may be required to drive a bit farther in this region to reach their destinations, as there are not a lot of main roads. Many also have to navigate large mountains. There's a unique attraction that's fairly common in the Western US, and that is ghost towns. Nevada City and Virginia City are two that are found near the national forest. These are only two miles distant from each other, so you could see them both on the same day. Road quality in this area can change quickly based on weather, so please check locally for current conditions.

The Museum of the Rockies is located at Montana State University in Bozeman. It features the fossils of dinosaurs, as well as a planetarium. Exhibits highlight the geological history of the local region since the Paleolithic Era, including the animals and plants that have come and gone.

When you've been looking for a beautiful mountain location to visit, that gives you the chance to enjoy a wide variety of activities, consider camping at Gallatin National Forest. Take a hike through the nearby forest, visit some grizzly bears or tour a ghost town. Camp in an RV near Big Sky or Bozeman and enjoy your time in southwestern Montana.

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