One could define a state as being RV-friendly by looking at its RV zoning laws. Also, one could take into consideration access to camping locations to include boondocking options, National and State Parks/Forests, and even private campgrounds.
On a scale of friendly to not friendly, Montana could fall more on the friendly side. There are 8.1 million acres, barring any land sectioned for mining or oil drilling of BLM land to park your RV on; there are 4 National Parks that allow camping.
Montana has a whopping 55 state parks, 20 of which have campgrounds that total 500 campgrounds; and there are a plethora of private campgrounds.
Where Can You Take Your RV in Montana?
Essentially, you have a free range if you can drive your RV to your destination, and it’s a legal camping/RV location. Montana’s terrain varies drastically. For example, you’ll find the city of Troy at 1,800 feet above sea level.
In contrast, along the Beartooth Highway heading towards the Beartooth Mountains, Cook City sits at 7,580 feet above sea level. Devil Creek Campground will be the highest elevation at 4,360 feet above sea level.
These elevation differences will work for your tow vehicle, but if you can manage them, you’ll be able to get just about anywhere.
Road conditions in some of the more remote backcountry destinations can change quickly. Make sure that if you can get into a place, you have the plan to get back out.
Can You Live in an RV Year Round in Montana?
Montana’s temperature in the winter months can range anywhere from negative 10°F all the way down to negative 50°F and even lower sometimes. An important question to ask yourself would be, are you equipped to handle those cold temperatures?
If your RV is insulated, winterized, and you have sufficient heat, year-round RV living could be doable in Montana. You’ll also want to plan for the warmer months as well. Another important aspect of year-round RV living in Montana would be the legality of the matter.
If the nomad life is for you, touring the state’s many camping options and maximizing their stay limits through the year might be just the thing.
However, if you are looking for a more permanent situation, you may have to do a little more research. Each city, county, and municipality will have its own zoning rules regarding permanent RV living.
Do RVs Have to Stop at Weigh Stations in Montana?
Highway weigh stations are crucial in ensuring that each commercial vehicle traveling through is within the state’s rules and safety regulations for maximum weight. Ensure that the truck’s weight does not exceed the capacity of the road or highway.
This is done mostly for safety reasons. So, do RVs have to stop at these? No, not necessarily. If you think your vehicle might exceed the weight limit of the road, then it may behoove you to stop and check your weight.
Some states do have laws that say RVs over 10,000 pounds must stop at weigh stations. Happy news, though, Montana is not one of them.
Does Montana Require RV Insurance?
Does it ever really hurt to have insurance? Setting opinions aside, the law does require insurance when traversing US roads.
However, the type of insurance and what needs to be insured can vary by state, which is also something to keep in mind when traveling to different destinations across the country.
For example, in Montana, in order to operate a motorized recreational vehicle (RV), Class A, Class B, or Class C motorhome, you must have RV insurance.
On the other hand, travel trailers such as teardrop campers, fifth wheels, and pop-up campers are not required to have their own insurance policy.
Are there any Locations in Montana that are not RV Friendly?
There are parks in Montana that don’t offer camping. That’s not to say that you could utilize the parks or National Monuments while traveling with your RV, only that no overnight stays would be allowed.
When getting into more densely populated areas such as cities and towns, the laws and codes define where you can and can’t stay with an RV. Generally, you’re not going to be welcome to park your RV to camp on city streets or in neighborhoods.
Even rural areas will have their own zoning codes saying what is and isn’t allowed camping. However, there is an abundance of BLM, National, and State Parks to choose from that welcome campers with open arms.
Final Thoughts on Is Montana RV Friendly?
If you’ve never been to Montana and you’re wondering if you should, take this as your sign to go. Unquestionably one of the most beautiful states in America, Montana is a place of large open grasslands, majestic mountains, charming ranch communities, and deep blue skies.
There is a reason why so many affectionately refer to it as “Big Sky Country.” The moment you cross into Montana’s territory, its sky envelops you like an ocean.