Montana Trip 2014 - Planning Stage

[fkent1]

I'm looking for directions, routes, places as I plan for trip this coming summer to Montana. I'm mostly concern pulling my 5th wheel (36'-0 Sandpiper) through the mountains. In saying that I'd like suggestion on routes and places to go to avoid big pulls through the mountains. Thanks in advantance.

[Mtelkman]

I wouldn't go over the Beartooth Highway (MT/WY border) pulling a 5th wheel. Also you can't take a 5er over Going To The Sun pass in Glacier Park. Both of these are beautiful areas worth seeing, but not while pulling IMO. Can't think of any other highways or roads right now that would be bad. All the main passes in and around MT are easily drivable pulling a 5er as long as your truck is up to it. Montana is a HUGE state (3rd largest) and there is loads to see and do. Where are you planning to spend time?

[fkent1]

Well we are starting out from Chicago area coming across 90 into Bozeman for starters. From there not sure that's why I'm asking. Thanks for any suggestions.

[Mtelkman]

I could try to give suggestions on things to do/see, but it is sort of dependent on what your interests are. Are you looking for rugged backcountry hiking or more art gallery and espresso drinking sort of stuff?

I do think a trip to Montana without some time spent in Glacier Park would be a mistake. Same goes for Yellowstone since you will be near the entrance in Bozeman.

[fkent1]

We have already been to Yellowstone a couple times. Glacier park is surly on our list of places too see. Anything along the way from Bozeman? Any campgrounds too suggest?

[coupevillefish]

Don't miss Deer Lodge. It is the site of the old Montana State Prison Museum, several museums including a great car collection for a single entry fee. Also there is a historic ranch that is NPS. We like the KOA. Not fancy but great location along the river and friendly.

2004 Georgetown 326DS

[Chuckinca]

Wall Drug.

Mt Rushmore

Little Big Horn Battle Site

Field of Dreams Movie Site, Dyersville, IW

Buddy Holly Crash Site

Devils Tower National Monument

Mall of America in Minneapolis

.

[TTNewbees]

Fkent, live about 20 miles north of you. Went for 2-weeks summer of 2012 to Yellowstone and grand Tetons. Planning to go to Glacier national park 2 weeks this summer. Preliminary search has me liking the KOA west glacier. Reviews and pictures looks like a great place. Looking for another spot to get close to the road to sun. Also, probably stop by the black hills again for a few more days.

[fkent1]

TTNewbees
Wow, that looks like the new KOA app. I'll have to download. When you going? I'm headed there starting July 4th weekend for 17 days.

[Gottawonder]

Originally Posted by Chuckinca

Wall Drug.

Mt Rushmore

Little Big Horn Battle Site

Field of Dreams Movie Site, Dyersville, IW

Buddy Holly Crash Site

Devils Tower National Monument

Mall of America in Minneapolis

.

+1 on Little Big Horn Battle Site. Right off the interstate between Billings and Sheridan WY. Cody Wyoming is the east entrance to Yellowstone, and is the home of the Buffalo Bill Center of the West museum. Cody is worth an overnight or two. Museum can take 4-5 hours, gun fanatics add 4 more.

[TTNewbees]

Originally Posted by fkent1

TTNewbees Wow, that looks like the new KOA app. I'll have to download. When you going? I'm headed there starting July 4th weekend for 17 days.

My stay at KOA west glacier is booked from June 30th to July 7th. The app is the all stays app, I use it to plan every trip for last few years.

[Scott Colegrove]

Are you set up to do backcountry camping? There are many beautiful places that you can stop if you are open to backcountry camping. Do you have a generator? The road that runs between swan lake and the mountains on the other side is fantastic. I would take it into Kalispel on the way to Glacier and you should have nice places to stay.

[TTNewbees]

Originally Posted by Scott Colegrove

Are you set up to do backcountry camping? There are many beautiful places that you can stop if you are open to backcountry camping. Do you have a generator? The road that runs between swan lake and the mountains on the other side is fantastic. I would take it into Kalispel on the way to Glacier and you should have nice places to stay.

I would say no today. We are hitting the RV camp show in Chicago this weekend. I did reserve a large spot at KOA. My current unit is 34' I can't confirm whether I will have a larger camper/truck in July this year. I have f 250 now....

[SaskCampers]

Should also try and get to Hardin for the Custers last Stand Reinactment. We went in 2011 and it was very good. Also went to the Battlefield and did the tour. We got a real weird feeling when we were on the battlefield.