Billings camping locations span from riverside spots to high desert terrain with elevations ranging from 3,124 feet in the city to over 3,500 feet at surrounding campgrounds. Summer temperatures average 85-90°F while nighttime temperatures can drop below 50°F even in July. Winter camping is available at select locations with temperatures frequently falling below freezing from November through March.
What to do
Fishing the Yellowstone River: At Voyagers Rest, campers have direct river access for angling. "Place was easy to find and easy to get our truck camper in. Fire ring was fine," notes Gina G., though she warns "there were tons of mosquitoes so beware."
Hiking nearby trails: The Acton Recreation Area offers multiple hiking and biking trails approximately 25 miles north of Billings. One camper mentioned, "This is one of my favorite local riding spots. The trails are well used and vary from flat and easy to moderately difficult. Lots of bicyclers on the trails."
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings at camping sites near Billings, Montana provide opportunities to spot local wildlife. At Yellowstone River RV Park, one visitor reported, "Had two bucks stroll within 30 yards of the tent area" during their stay.
What campers like
Riverside locations: Itch-Kep-Pe Park in Columbus (approximately 40 miles west of Billings) offers free camping along the Yellowstone River. "Although near the road, we were also near the river (site 29), and could not hear road noise much above the river water's beautiful noise," reports Andrea B.
Budget-friendly options: Many campers appreciate the free camping at public parks. "It's free but they do have a donation box," notes Troy M. about Itch-Kep-Pe Park. Another visitor commented, "Each site has varying types of picnic tables and fire ring and grill on it."
Secluded spots: Some camping areas offer more private sites for those willing to explore. At Acton Recreation Area, Alyson M. shared, "About 6 spots, the first 4 are huddled in a circle but we drove further down the rough road and found a secluded spot far from the others."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Strong winds are common throughout the Billings area, particularly at exposed campsites. At Cooney State Park, approximately 60 miles southwest of Billings, one camper experienced "Windy, raining and dust flying everywhere."
Road conditions: Access roads to more remote camping areas may present challenges. Vincent B. noted about Acton Recreation Area: "I checked out the first couple groups of sites with my Subaru Crosstrek pulling a square drop trailer without issue." Another camper warned, "The road leading to it is very washboard but stick with it!"
Fees and permits: Camping costs vary significantly between sites. Cooney State Park charges "$36 for one night of tent camping ($8 vehicle fee and $26 tenters fee)," according to one visitor, while several other locations like Itch-Kep-Pe Park and Acton Recreation Area are free.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Billings KOA Holiday offers family-friendly water activities. "Beautiful setting among trees. On the backside of campground several spots around a small pond. There's a public swimming pool and a nice small general store with laundry," shares Kathi F.
Kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds include dedicated recreational facilities. One Billings KOA visitor mentioned, "There are lots of activities - from mini-golf to dog park to river access."
Site spacing considerations: When camping with children, site layout matters. At Mountain Range RV Park in Columbus, one visitor noted, "The tent lawn is incredibly well shaded, with many small trees covering almost every inch in shade," making it comfortable for families during hot summer days.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RVers should consider the terrain when choosing sites. At Mountain Range RV Park in Columbus, "RV sites were level and clean," according to one reviewer, though they mentioned the bathrooms needed attention.
Hookup availability: Full service sites are limited around Billings. Yellowstone River RV Park offers complete hookups, with one camper noting it has "Very quiet park. The staff were all friendly, gave us a late check out with no problem."
Off-season camping: For RVers camping outside summer months, Yellowstone River RV Park and Billings KOA remain open year-round. However, many other area campgrounds close between October and April, with limited winter facilities.
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