Planning this region

Montana is known as "Big Sky Country". Hardly any other state conveys a similar sense of freedom. Powerful mountain ranges, endless prairies, crystal clear lakes and historic western cities characterize a landscape that inspires even experienced North American travelers time and again.

With an area of more than 380,000 km2, Montana is the fourth largest state in the United States. At the same time there are only about 1.1 million people living here. This low population density ensures that even well-known sights rarely seem crowded and you can often travel for hours without experiencing much traffic.

Many visitors consider Montana merely as a transit point on the way to Yellowstone National Park. However, this does not do justice to this exceptional state. Glacier National Park is one of North America's most spectacular national parks, Flathead Lake is one of the country's most beautiful lakes, and numerous historic gold mining cities still tell about the Wild West.

Especially for campers and Fifth Wheel travelers Montana offers ideal conditions. The roads are usually excellently developed, the campsites generously laid out and the landscape invites you to stop spontaneously and enjoy nature.

For us, a very special adventure begins here. After taking over our Fifth Wheels we don't want to travel as many kilometres as possible, but instead take time to get to know our new home, do some shopping and start your trip relaxedly. Montana could hardly be better suited for this.

Category | Information

Capital | Helena

Largest city | Billings

Nickname | Big Sky Country

Area | 380-832 km2

Inhabitants | Approximately 1.1 million

Best time to visit | June to September

Ideal stay | 10–14 days

Time zone | Mountain Time

Fifth-wheel access | Check your vehicle, specific campsite and approach road.

Landscape | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

For this guide, we have chosen a route that combines the most famous sights with less well-known highlights and is particularly suitable for campers and Fifth Wheel travelers.

Our recommended route:

Missoula → Flathead Lake → Bigfork → Kalispell → Whitefish → Glacier National Park → Polebridge → Helena → Virginia City → Bozeman → Paradise Valley → Livingston → Red Lodge → Beartooth Highway → Gardiner → Yellowstone National Park

This route combines spectacular nature, historical places and relaxed travel. At the same time, there is plenty of time to experience the landscape consciously and not just check out sights for sightseeing.

Plan days with no fixed program. Especially in Montana, the most beautiful memories often arise spontaneously – at a lonely lake, a small western city or an unexpected animal observation stop.

Montana can generally be visited all year round. However, the summer and early autumn months are particularly suitable for a round trip with motorhome or Fifth Wheel.

The nature comes to life completely. Mountain meadows bloom, waterfalls lead a lot of water and most mountain roads open again after winter. At the same time, the number of visitors is still comparatively moderate.

These are the warmest months of the year and at the same time the peak travel time. The long days offer ideal conditions for hiking tours, panoramic roads and camping. Popular national parks and campsites should be reserved early.

Many experienced North American travelers consider September to be the most beautiful time to travel. Temperatures remain pleasant, forests slowly turn golden yellow and animal observation becomes much easier. At the same time, visitors' crowd decreases noticeably.

In higher locations snow falls early. Numerous pass roads and hiking trails are then restricted or no longer accessible. For classic RV tours this period is only partially suitable.

The distances in Montana are often underestimated by European travellers.

Between two sights can easily be several hours driving time. At the same time, the roads are usually excellently developed and pleasant to drive.

Many highways run through impressive landscapes and are already among the highlights of a journey.

Better plan shorter stages and spend more nights. Montana lives from its vastness – not from travelling as many kilometers as possible in one day.

Montana is one of the most mobile states in the United States.

You can choose from:

National Park Campuss

State Parks

National Forest Campgrounds

Private RV Resorts

small family campsites

Many places have spacious spaces and are easily suitable for large Fifth Wheels.

An early reservation is recommended, especially around the Glacier National Park.

For many campers Montana is one of the best states to spend the night.

Boondocking is permitted in many places, especially on areas of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and in numerous National Forests.

Typical are:

spectacular views

absolute calm

Lots of space

Starry sky without light pollution

Before entering, always check whether the access road is suitable for your vehicle. Some gravel roads can be difficult to drive after rain.

Montana is one of the most species-rich states in the Rocky Mountains.

With a little luck you can observe:

Grizzly bears

Black bears

Moose

Wapitis

Bighorn sheep

Mountain goats

Coyotes

Wolves

Whitehead sea eagle

Osprey

The best chances are early in the morning and shortly before sunset.

Always keep enough distance to wildlife.

Never feed animals.

Keep food safe on campgrounds – especially in bear areas.

Always carry bear spray on hiking tours in bear areas and inform yourself about its correct application.

Many visitors focus exclusively on Glacier and Yellowstone. Plan time for places like Bigfork, Polebridge or Virginia City – they often convey the original character of Montana better than the big national parks.

Tanks early. In remote regions, between two filling stations can easily lie more than 150 kilometres.

The most beautiful light conditions usually prevail shortly after sunrise and in the last hour before sunset. Especially then the mountains, lakes and prairies seem particularly impressive.

Do not underestimate the great distances.

Reserve campsites in the Glacier National Park several months in advance.

Before driving, inform yourself about any restrictions on pass roads.

Even in midsummer, the mountains can be surprisingly cool in the morning.

Montana is far more than just the gateway to Yellowstone National Park. It's a state that you shouldn't be in a hurry to travel to, and its true beauty lies not only in its famous national parks but also in quiet highways, small western cities, crystal clear lakes and countless moments between them.