Billings, the largest city in Montana, is the ideal starting point for a campervan road trip to the natural wonders of the Northwestern United States. Close to Yellowstone, it offers wide roads suitable for campervans, equipped campgrounds, and quick access to breathtaking landscapes. These three iconic itineraries, ranging from 7 to 21 days, allow you to explore national parks and historical sites at your own pace, with stops designed for comfort in a van or motorhome.
7-10 days: In-depth Yellowstone
Depart from Billings for a compact itinerary of 7 to 10 days centered around Yellowstone, a must-see just a few hours' drive away. Settle into a campground near Red Lodge to take the Beartooth Highway, one of the most scenic drives in the United States, before entering the park through the East Entrance. In Billings, pick up your campervan from a local rental company like Cruise America, then explore the geysers of Old Faithful, the colorful canyons, and the hot springs of Mammoth. Paved roads make driving a motorhome easy, with campgrounds like Fishing Bridge for nights in the heart of nature. Return via Little Bighorn for a historical touch, justifying this perfect loop from Billings without going too far. Enjoy the vast spaces for easy hikes and bison watching, adjusting the stops to your pace in the campervan.
14 days: Majestic Mountains Loop
From Billings, embark on a 14-day loop combining Montana and Wyoming, with Yellowstone as the central pivot. Head south to Cody to honor Buffalo Bill, then dive into Yellowstone via its canyons and lakes. Campgrounds abound, equipped for campervans with water and electricity. Continue to Grand Teton for its snow-capped peaks, before a detour through Jackson Hole. Return via Sheridan and its western rodeos, passing through landscapes of endless prairies. Billings serves as an ideal base thanks to its rental infrastructure and wide roads. This loop justifies an incursion into Wyoming for the adjacent parks but remains anchored in Montana. In a converted van, enjoy picnic breaks by the rivers and nights under the stars, with moderate distances to avoid fatigue.
21 days: Grand Cowboy Tour and Parks
Starting from Billings, this 21-day journey embraces the Wild West all the way to South Dakota, a must-see for its Badlands and Black Hills. Begin with Yellowstone and Beartooth, then head to Deadwood, the legendary western town of Wild Bill Hickok. Traverse Custer State Park with its buffalo and Wind Cave for its unique caves. Various campgrounds easily accommodate RVs or vans, with full services. Return via the southern Badlands and Rapid City, looping back to Billings after touching Little Bighorn. This extension is justified by the proximity and cultural richness of cowboy sites. In a campervan, enjoy straight roads, frequent gas stations, and stops in nature for a complete immersion in pioneer America, with Billings as the perfect logistical hub.