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October 27, 2021by
RVnGO
As a city, Billings is at a wonderful crossroads in the geography and culture of Montana. A day trip’s drive from Yellowstone National Park, Billings is an outdoorsy city with a community atmosphere that gives it a poignantly “small town” vibe. Whether it’s horseback riding on its rolling, grassy hills or rappelling through ancient sandstone formations, Billings is a treat for outdoor enthusiasts that still want a homebase that’s bustling with life.
Campgrounds and RV Parks near Billings
Billings is unique among cities in that the layout allows for RV campgrounds very centrally located in comparison to many other popular spots. In this way, you don’t have to choose between proximity and tranquility.
To the south of the city center, Yellowstone River Campgrounds is situated along the landmark of its namesake and offers all the basic amenities and then some. In addition to showers and restrooms, the campgrounds all feature a swimming pool, hot tub, spa facilities, arcade and game room, basketball court, general store, and even more. The park supports electric 30/20/15 and 50 amp, and is pet friendly.
Nearby Yellowstone River Campground just further south is KOA Billings, competitively offering many of the same amenities as Yellowstone but with the traditional KOA spin. As the brand is known for, KOA Billings is incredibly family-oriented with a number of kid-friendly activities hosted on the grounds. The grounds support full electric hookups, and come with basic amenities (showers/restrooms/laundry) plus: a swimming pool, convenience store, kitchen for guest use, snack bar, and mini-golf site. KOA Billings is pet friendly.
Billings Village RV Park is located within the city of Billings itself, and so its location can’t be beat if proximity to the downtown area is what’s most desirable. Billings Village is muched loved in the Billings RV community because of its simplicity. The park is consistently rated highly for being peaceful despite its central location and having well maintained grounds and amenities (showers/restrooms/laundry). The park is pet friendly and 100% no-frills RV camping.
National Parks and State Parks near Billings
Montana’s windswept, grassy plains and peaceful mountains are just a couple hours from Billings center.
Overlooking Billings from a distance is Pictograph Cave State Park. This former archaeological site once recovered 30,000 artifacts dating back to the prehistoric time period in which hunters lived or roamed in the series of cave dwellings. A collection of the artifacts is available for viewing at the park’s museum, while visitors can also see the park’s prehistoric cave paintings up close in its trail loop.
A day trip from Billings to Custer Gallatin National Forest is well worth the trek for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers. Also referred to as a Gateway to Yellowstone National Park, Custer Gallatin refers to the vast nature reserve in the southern border of Montana that spans over 10 mountain peaks. Thus, hiking in Custer Gallatin includes extraordinary alpine views over these soaring ranges and into the valleys and turquoise lakes of its meadows.
Billings Attractions
Billings is all about outdoors exploration. With many of its to-do attractions, the common thread is a desire to learn and play in the gorgeous Montana landscape.
ZooMontana is an awe-inspiring institution that’s home to 56 species of animals, including tigers, bears, and wolverines! The zoo is AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) accredited, making it one of the top zoos in the world, and its dedication to its animals and guests makes it easy to see why. In addition to its botanical gardens and arboretum,, ZooMontana provides a number of educational outreach activities for children of all ages, and frequently received
Elk River Outfitters is a fifth-generation family owned horseback riding outfit located an hour’s drive south of Billings. Elk River offers different length tours (from 1 ½ hours up to a whole day) of the gorgeous mountains and plains of Red Lodge, Montana. For the most adventurous, there’s even a four day, overnight tour of the Pryor Mountain region that includes home-cooked meals and cabin/tent lodging!
Along the northern edge of the Billings is a vast stretch of towering, jagged sandstone known as the Rimrocks. This geological formation can be traversed by hiking, biking, bouldering, and rock climbing with rappel in certain areas. For best viewing opportunities, try one of the hundreds of trails that intersect through the formation (pick up from: Swords Park, Four Dances Natural Area).
Events in Billings
Despite having a population of over 100,000 people, Billings has a distinct “small town in the big city” feel due to its sense of community. Its annual events are a reflection of the tight knit and inviting atmosphere cultivated since the 1950s.
Billings celebrates the vibrant era of the 50s and 60s on the block between 2nd and 3rd Avenue, where cars used to stream back and forth so constantly, they called it “burning the point.” Each year, the Burn the Point celebration brings together the people of Billings once again in the name of community and old time nostalgia with parades on the block and a classic car show of over 300 vintage vehicles.
It wouldn’t be summer in the US without an annual state fair, and Billings is host to Montana’s party. At MontanaFair, dozens of carnival rides and game stalls light up the grounds all day and night. And, of course, there’s fair food, live concerts, livestock competitions, and a rodeo to keep everyone busy.
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