RV Rental Nez Perce National Historical Park, MT

Your first stop on the way into the wilderness should be Custer Gallatin National Forest near Red Lodge. This massive nature preserve extends across several Montana counties and even into South Dakota; it is the northeastern gateway into Yellowstone National Park and contains an ecologically diverse landscape. This diversity means wildlife viewing will be spectacular, and there will be many activities you can enjoy here, such as hiking, bicycling, and picnicking.

Lake Mason National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1941 by an executive order from then-President Franklin D. Roosevelt for the expressed purpose of creating a refuge for migratory birds. The park is primarily dedicated to mountain plovers, a species of bird that is native to Montana but on the endangered species list. The landscape is a blend of mixed-grass prairie and wetlands, which host waterfowl and shorebirds. The refuge is a natural destination for bird watchers, and it also provides opportunities for hikers. RV camping near Nez Perce NHP puts all of this and so much more right at your doorstep.

Acton Recreation Area has a distinct and interesting landscape that includes upland sandstone bluffs, weathered shale, badlands, and stands of ponderosa pine. The area is a popular year-round recreational area, and it is also an important archeological area, containing the remains of wooden Native American dwellings. You can come here to hike and observe the plant and wildlife; mountain biking is allowed, as is RV camping and horseback riding. Hunting is permitted in season.

There are several RV parks in Billings, and you'll find more options further out. One possibility is the Yellowstone River Campground. It's a short distance from many local attractions such as Little Big Horn National Park. There are exhibits of old farming machinery around the campground as a makeshift museum demonstrating the area's past. For your relaxation, there are a swimming pool and hot tub on-site, as well as a general store and gift shop.

Billings KOA is a family-friendly RV campground that is open seasonally from early April until late October. It's a cultivated campground with a swimming pool and hot tub, miniature golf, bicycle rentals, a snack bar and restaurant, and more. It's close to many local attractions, but you are welcome to join in the campground's social activities while you're here. You'll also have access to an on-site laundromat, a camp store, and a fenced area for dogs.

When you're ready to begin experiencing the culture of Montana, begin by heading to Roundup, a small town that started as a center for cattle herds. Today the town is still the destination for cattle drives, but it has evolved beyond that as well. The city has a museum tracing its history and an Old West souvenir shop with vintage signs in the backroom. Roundup has a long list of cafes and family diners serving up simple but delicious food; there is a drive-in restaurant if you're in the mood for some nostalgia.

Hardin is a mid-size town with a county historical museum, an urban park, and a reservoir. The reservoir is quite scenic, and you can go there if you're hoping to swim or do some fishing. The museum consists of approximately two dozen historic buildings, two of which are used to store antique tractors and farm equipment, and vintage cars and trucks. The museum complex has a gift shop, galleries, and a visitor center. Hardin's restaurant scene is a balance of chain-style restaurants and locally-owned venues; most of the establishments offer traditional American-style food, including pizza and burgers.