Riverside campsites near Billings, Montana range from RV parks with full hookups to rustic tent areas along the Yellowstone River. Located at 3,123 feet elevation in south-central Montana, this region experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F in July and August. Winter camping remains available at several year-round facilities, though seasonal amenities may be limited.
What to do
River access hiking: Yellowstone River RV Park & Campground offers a nature trail leading to the river. "Very quiet park. The staff were all friendly, gave us a late check out with no problem. Pretty nature walk down to the river," notes one visitor to Yellowstone River RV Park & Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The riverside location attracts local wildlife. "Had two bucks stroll within 30 yards of the tent area," reports a camper who stayed at Yellowstone River RV Park & Campground in September.
Historical site visits: Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument sits just 15 minutes from Hardin KOA. "It was perfect to visit Little Big Horn, only 15 minutes away," states a camper. The site commemorates the 1876 battle between U.S. Army forces and Lakota and Cheyenne warriors.
Local climbing: Sandstone formations around Billings provide climbing opportunities. "There is also gritty sandstone climbing on the rims that surround Billings," mentions a visitor who used the campground as a base for exploration.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms and showers. "This park is very clean. Shower house is very clean. Staff was friendly," reports a visitor to Billings KOA Holiday. Another adds, "We took advantage of the amazing showers."
Riverside location: Proximity to the Yellowstone River ranks high for many campers. "Our pull through spot had a great view of the mountains behind the Yellowstone River which runs behind the campground," notes one camper at Billings KOA Holiday.
Yurt camping options: While traditional cabins are common, several Billings, Montana yurt camping opportunities exist at private campgrounds. Yurt accommodations provide a glamping experience with more space than standard cabins while maintaining the camping atmosphere.
Convenient location: Campers appreciate the accessibility to urban amenities. "The park is in a quiet area with easy access on and off the interstate Highway in southeast Billings. The exit is the same one that leads to the road to downtown, the ball park, and the airport," explains a visitor to Yellowstone River RV Park & Campground.
What you should know
Tent camping limitations: Traditional tent sites can be limited at RV-focused campgrounds. "Tent camping here is not very private. You basically pitch a tent in the middle of a bunch of RVs with very little tree cover," reports a camper at Riverside City Park.
Site spacing varies: Some campgrounds offer more privacy than others. "Sites are what you would expect for a KOA," notes one camper, while another mentions, "We were the only ones in the last loop. With the way our teardrop faced we couldn't see anyone else. This gave us a small campground feel."
Seasonal bugs: Insect protection is essential during warmer months. "Bring bug spray during the spring and summer as bugs can be horrific!" warns one camper about riverside locations.
Price considerations: Rates vary significantly between public and private campgrounds. "This is the most expensive campground we had in our year of full time RVing," notes one visitor about Yellowstone River RV Park & Campground, while Riverside City Park offers more affordable rates at around $20 per night.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with recreational facilities. "A lovely campground. We camped in a 36 foot 5th wheel. It has a small fishing pond, swimming pool and adventure golf," reports a visitor to Billings KOA Holiday.
Playground options: Some campgrounds feature upgraded play areas. "Very nice playground with a mix of old and new equipment," notes a camper at Hardin KOA, though they caution about the dirt surface.
Off-site attractions: Consider nearby state parks for day trips. "It is worth mentioning that just a few miles away is Pictograph State Park - and that was pretty cool, and a beautiful walk after a day of driving!" suggests one camper who stayed at a Billings area campground.
Yurt accommodations for families: Yurt camping near Billings provides an excellent middle ground between tent camping and cabin rentals for families, offering more space while maintaining the camping atmosphere.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Check specific amenities when booking. "We had 50amp for our trailer and water and sewer hookups," notes an RVer at Hardin KOA, while other campgrounds might offer only partial hookups.
Dump station accessibility: Some sites have unusual configurations. "My only issue was the dump hook up at our FHU site. It was about 1ft above ground level and almost made it impossible to dump with an accordion hose," cautions an RVer who stayed at Hardin KOA.
Pull-through availability: Larger rigs should confirm site specifications. "There are several very long pull throughs," mentions an RVer about Riverside City Park, making it suitable for larger motorhomes despite being a simpler facility.
Wi-Fi quality: Connectivity varies between campgrounds. "Very good WiFi," notes a camper at Hardin KOA, which can be important for those needing to stay connected while traveling.
