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15 campgrounds and RV Parks near Shepherd, MT. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
15 campgrounds
728 campsites
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From $15/night
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Best campgrounds near Shepherd, MT
Yellowstone River Campgrounds
Billings, MT (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(136 sites)
+9
Billings KOA Holiday
Billings, MT (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(147 sites)
+14
Billings Village RV Park
Billings, MT (16 miles away)
$$$$$
(69 sites)
+4
Ideal Motel and RV Park
Roundup, MT (36 miles away)
$$$$$
(12 sites)
Hardin KOA Journey
Hardin, MT (37 miles away)
$$$$$
(68 sites)
+9
Grandview Campground and RV Park
Hardin, MT (38 miles away)
$$$$$
(80 sites)
+6
The Fort at 49
Montana (42 miles away)
$$$$$
(12 sites)
Afterbay - Bighorn Canyon National Recreational Area
Montana (48 miles away)
$$$$$
(27 sites)
Mountain Range RV Park
Columbus, MT (48 miles away)
$$$$$
(42 sites)
+4
Cottonwood Camp
Montana (48 miles away)
+3
Firemans Point FWP
Montana (50 miles away)
Free
Cooney Reservoir
Montana (55 miles away)
$$$$$
(4 sites)
+3
Most common amenities
Tables Toilets Pet friendly Grills Showers Internet Laundry Cable TV Dump station Playground
Campgrounds near Shepherd, Montana
Shepherd sits on the high plains northeast of Billings in Yellowstone County, Montana. The unincorporated community functions as a bedroom area for Billings and makes a practical base for RV travelers heading to south-central Montana attractions, with easy access to Interstate 90, the Yellowstone River corridor, and public lands to the north and south.
Most developed RV parks near Shepherd cluster around Billings, about 15 to 20 minutes south. Options within short driving distance include Yellowstone River Campgrounds, Billings KOA Holiday, and Billings Village RV Park, all offering full-hookup sites suited to larger rigs. Ideal Motel and RV Park sits farther north in Roundup for travelers routing toward central Montana.
For a more remote stay, Afterbay Campground in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area sits near Fort Smith, Montana, and is popular with anglers and boaters. The Shepherd Ah Nei recreation area adds nearby BLM land with OHV trails plus additional acreage for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and birdwatching.
Things to do near Shepherd
The Yellowstone River anchors most outdoor activity in the area, with fishing access, floating, and riverside walks close to several Billings-area campgrounds. Pictograph Cave State Park, Pompeys Pillar National Monument, and ZooMontana are all within easy driving range for a day out with kids.
The Shepherd Ah Nei recreation area splits into an OHV zone and a larger nonmotorized section for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and birdwatching. Riders should check with the BLM Billings Field Office before heading out for any closures or restrictions.
Farther afield, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area offers boating, kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing, fishing, and even scuba diving on Bighorn Lake, plus canyon-rim hikes accessible from Fort Smith or Lovell, Wyoming.
Camping spots and RV parks near Shepherd, MT
When to visit Shepherd
- spring
March - May
55° / 34°F 40 mmWettest season; May peaks for rain and mud.
- summer
June - August
82° / 57°F 40 mmPeak season; afternoon thunderstorms and mosquitoes.
- fall
September - November
57° / 34°F 25 mmCool and dry; many parks close by late October.
- winter
December - February
34° / 18°F 15 mmCold and snowy; most seasonal parks closed.
Peak RV season around Shepherd runs from late May through early September, when daytime highs are warm and area attractions, marinas, and boat tours are fully staffed. Many campgrounds operate seasonally, typically from April through October, and summer brings mosquitoes and occasional severe weather, so campers should pack insect repellent. Afternoon thunderstorms with hail and gusty winds are common on the plains from June into August.
Shoulder-season travel in May and September usually rewards visitors with lighter crowds and cooler nights, though weather can swing quickly. Precipitation is strongly seasonal, with May alone averaging about 2.5 inches while January barely receives half an inch, so spring travelers should be ready for mud and wet sites. Nighttime temperatures can drop below 50°F even in mid-summer, and winter camping is limited with temperatures frequently falling below freezing from November through March.
For off-season travelers, several Billings-area parks stay open year-round, while many other area campgrounds close between October and April with limited winter facilities. Fire restrictions are common in late summer and worth checking with land managers before arrival.
Booking and reservations
Private RV parks near Shepherd, including Yellowstone River Campgrounds, Billings KOA Holiday, Billings Village RV Park, and Ideal Motel and RV Park, take reservations directly through their own websites or by phone. Summer weekends and stops timed around fair or rodeo events in Billings can fill early, so booking several weeks out is wise for full-hookup pull-throughs.
All camping in Bighorn Canyon NRA is on a first-come, first-served basis, with no reservations. That includes Afterbay, so arriving early on weekends and in peak season is recommended to secure a spot. The National Park Service posts current conditions and campground status for the recreation area on nps.gov.
What to expect
Expect open prairie, cottonwood-lined river bottoms, and wide sky rather than forested mountain camping. Elevations sit around 3,100 to 3,500 feet, so nights cool off even in mid-summer and layers are useful year-round. Cell service varies considerably, with some areas having no coverage while others maintain strong signals.
Billings-area parks generally offer full hookups, laundry, and dump stations, while federal sites at Bighorn Canyon are more basic. Afterbay Campground has 22 sites available first-come, first-served, with restrooms and potable water but no RV hookups. Bring extra water, insect repellent, and a plan for shade during hot afternoons.
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Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Shepherd, MT
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Shepherd, MT?
RV rental in Shepherd, MT is affordable compared to coastal markets, which is great news for your Montana adventure. Travel trailers typically run $90 to $160 per night, Class C motorhomes range from $175 to $275, and larger Class A rigs land around $250 to $400. Because Shepherd sits just 15 miles northeast of Billings, you have a deep selection of nearby hosts and competitive pricing year-round. For a cheap RV rental Shepherd shoppers love, book midweek pickups in May or September, filter by trailers, and watch for hosts offering unlimited mileage. Pro tip: bundling delivery into your booking often costs less than driving back and forth to pick up the rig yourself.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Shepherd%2C%20MontanaWhat license do I need to rent an RV in Shepherd?
Good news: your regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Shepherd, MT. Montana does not require a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or any special endorsement for personal RV use, even for big Class A motorhomes. You need to be 25 or older as an approved driver on RVezy, and your identification is verified right inside the platform during checkout, so there is no paperwork to drop off. Visiting from outside the U.S.? Bring your home license plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your local auto association. Most first-time renters are surprised how simple the requirements are, leaving you free to focus on planning the route.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsWhat protection is included when I book an RV in Shepherd?
Every RV rental in Shepherd, MT through RVezy comes with a renter protection plan and 24/7 roadside assistance built right into your booking, so you are covered from the moment you pull out of the driveway. The protection plan helps cover damage to the vehicle during your trip, giving you real financial peace of mind without arranging separate coverage. During checkout, you choose the protection level that fits your comfort zone (you select it, not the host). Whether you are heading to the Beartooth Mountains or up to Glacier, you can hit the road knowing help is one phone call away, day or night.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat happens if I need to cancel my Shepherd RV rental?
Booking is low-risk: RVezy sets a clear cancellation policy on every reservation, including a money-back grace period right after you book so you can lock in your dates with confidence. Cancellation outcomes depend on how far out from your trip you cancel and circumstances like severe weather or natural disasters (worth keeping in mind for Montana winter storms or wildfire season). Because RVezy, not individual hosts, manages cancellations, the process is consistent across every listing you browse. If plans shift, just log in and our support team can walk you through your options. That flexibility is one reason first-timers feel comfortable booking a Montana RV trip months in advance.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on an RV trip from Shepherd?
Absolutely, Montana is one of the most dog-friendly states in the country, and pet-friendly RV rental Shepherd options are easy to find. Just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter on RVezy and you'll see hosts who welcome dogs (and sometimes cats) right in the listing. Once you're on the road, your pup will love Lake Elmo State Park just 10 minutes away, Riverfront Park in Billings, and the dog-friendly trails at Pictograph Cave State Park. Many area campgrounds, including Yellowstone River RV Park, allow leashed pets. Pro tip: message the host before booking to confirm any breed or size notes, and pack a tie-out plus extra water bowls for those hot July afternoons.
stateparks.mt.gov/lake-elmoCan the RV be delivered to my campsite near Shepherd?
Yes, and it is the easiest way to start your trip. RV delivery Shepherd hosts often bring the rig straight to your campsite at Yellowstone River RV Park, a nearby state park, or even a private driveway, then set up the awning, hook up power and water, and walk you through every system. This is a game-changer if it is your first time renting an RV or you would rather skip towing on I-90. Use the Delivery filter on RVezy and enter your destination address to see hosts who serve Shepherd and the greater Billings area. Delivery fees typically range from $2 to $5 per mile, and many hosts waive the fee for stays of a week or more.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Shepherd%2C%20MontanaHow far can I drive on an RV trip from Shepherd?
Shepherd is one of the best launchpads in Montana for a big road trip because you're central to so much. From here, Yellowstone National Park's north entrance at Gardiner is about 175 miles (3 hours), Red Lodge and the Beartooth Highway sit around 75 miles south, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is 90 miles southeast, Glacier National Park is roughly 360 miles northwest, and Mount Rushmore in South Dakota is 365 miles east. Hosts set their own mileage policies, and many offer RV rental with unlimited mileage, which is the smart pick for a Yellowstone or Glacier loop. Pro tip: filter by unlimited mileage upfront so you can roam the Beartooth Pass without watching the odometer.
nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/directions.htmWhere should I stay with my RV near Shepherd, MT?
You're spoiled for choice. Some of the best campgrounds near Shepherd include Yellowstone River RV Park and Campground in Billings (full hookups and river access, 15 minutes away), Billings Village RV Park (pull-throughs and 50-amp service), Lake Elmo State Park day-use area for swimming and fishing, and Itch-Kep-Pe Park in Columbus (free riverside camping about 50 minutes west). For a bucket-list stop, Pelican's Landing RV Park in Gardiner puts you right at Yellowstone's north gate. Reservations for state parks and Yellowstone-area sites fill up fast, so plan ahead. Local insider tip: Itch-Kep-Pe Park has no reservations and goes first-come-first-served, so roll in by Thursday for a prime Friday night spot.
stateparks.mt.gov/When is the best time to visit Shepherd for an RV trip?
The sweet spot for an RV trip from Shepherd is mid-June through mid-September, when daytime highs sit in the warm 75 to 86 degree range and Beartooth Pass is fully open (it typically opens late May and closes mid-October). Late September brings golden cottonwoods along the Yellowstone River and far fewer crowds in the national parks, which many seasoned travelers consider the absolute best time. Summers are dry and sunny; winters are genuinely cold with lows that can dip below zero, so most renters travel May through October. Pro tip: book your rig for the first two weeks of September. The weather is still gorgeous, Yellowstone is quieter, and rental rates often drop 15 to 20 percent.
nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/seasons.htmI've never rented an RV before. Will I be okay driving one out of Shepherd?
You're going to do great, and Shepherd is honestly one of the easier places in the country to learn. Roads here are wide and uncrowded, I-90 has long flat stretches, and you can get to the open countryside within minutes. Every host gives you a full walkthrough at pickup covering driving, hookups, dump procedures, and onboard systems, and you can text them any time during your trip. If you're nervous about towing, pick a Class C motorhome or campervan rental Shepherd hosts list, since both drive much like a large van. First time renting an RV? Start with two nights at Lake Elmo State Park (just 12 miles away) to practice setup before heading into Yellowstone country.
mdt.mt.gov/travinfo/What if something goes wrong on the road?
Take a deep breath, you are covered. Every RV rental in Shepherd, MT booked through RVezy includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the protection plan, so a flat tire on the Beartooth Highway or a dead battery at a Yellowstone pullout is just a phone call away from being solved. You also have your host's direct contact for quick questions about the RV's quirks, plus RVezy customer support. Cell service can be spotty in Yellowstone and the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, so screenshot your booking details and roadside number before you leave Shepherd. Knowing help is on the way takes the stress right out of the adventure.
rvezy.com/insurance-and-protectionCan I take my Shepherd RV rental across state lines or into Canada?
Yes, interstate travel is welcome and popular from Shepherd, with Wyoming (Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Cody) just a couple hours south and South Dakota's Black Hills an easy day's drive east. Cross-border travel into Canada depends on the host's preference and insurance coverage, so message the host directly before booking to confirm, especially if you are eyeing a Glacier-to-Waterton trip. Travel into Mexico is not permitted on any RVezy rental due to insurance coverage limits. Pro tip: a classic RV road trip from Shepherd is the Yellowstone-Grand Teton loop down through Cody, Wyoming and back via Red Lodge, about 500 miles total over five to seven days.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityWhat should I budget for fuel on a Montana RV trip?
Fuel is one of Montana's friendlier budget items, with gas prices in the Billings-Shepherd area typically running below the national average. Plan on 8 to 10 miles per gallon (MPG) for a Class A, 10 to 14 MPG for a Class C, and 15 to 20 MPG for a campervan or small trailer setup. A round-trip Shepherd to Yellowstone loop of around 400 miles will cost roughly $130 to $200 in gas for most motorhomes. Fill up in Billings or Laurel before heading into the mountains, where prices climb. Pro tip: GasBuddy and the Pilot/Flying J app both flag the cheapest stations along I-90, and many local Town Pump stations have RV-friendly pumps with high clearance.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far ahead should I book a campground near Shepherd?
For peak summer (June through August), book your campground as soon as you book your RV, ideally 4 to 6 months ahead for Yellowstone-area sites and Montana State Parks like Lake Elmo and Cooney. Yellowstone campgrounds inside the park open reservations on Recreation.gov and sell out within minutes when windows release. Montana State Parks use their own reservation portal and open bookings 6 months in advance. For private parks in Billings and Laurel, 2 to 3 months out usually does the trick. Pro tip: if you missed the window, target Sunday-through-Thursday arrivals at private RV parks near Shepherd, which often have last-minute openings that weekend-warrior travelers overlook.
recreation.gov/What are the driving conditions like around Shepherd?
Driving around Shepherd is refreshingly easy: flat ranch roads, light traffic, and a quick 15-minute hop to I-90. The big things to plan around are summer thunderstorms (which can bring sudden hail), strong crosswinds on open stretches of I-90 and US-87, and mountain passes like Beartooth (US-212) that close from mid-October through late May. Wildlife on the road, especially deer at dawn and dusk, is the most common hazard, so ease off the speed at sunrise and sunset. Check 511 Montana before you roll for live road and weather updates. Locals know that the smoothest scenic route out of Shepherd toward Red Lodge is Highway 3 south to Highway 78, far quieter than the interstate.
mdt.mt.gov/travinfo/roadreport.aspxWhat amenities can I expect at campgrounds near Shepherd?
Most campgrounds within an hour of Shepherd are well-equipped for RV camping Shepherd travelers, with 30/50-amp electric, water, and sewer hookups standard at private parks like Yellowstone River RV Park and Billings Village RV Park. Montana State Parks (Lake Elmo, Cooney, Pictograph Cave) generally offer electric and water but limited sewer, with central dump stations available. You'll find a dump station and potable water fill at the Cenex in Laurel and at most Town Pump truck stops along I-90. Showers, laundry, and Wi-Fi are common at private parks but spotty at state parks. Pro tip: top off fresh water in Billings before heading into Yellowstone, where in-park fill stations can have long lines in July.
stateparks.mt.gov/What's included inside the RV itself?
You'll be impressed by how well-equipped RVs on RVezy are. A typical motorhome rental Shepherd listing includes a full kitchen (fridge, stove, microwave, sink), a bathroom with toilet and shower, sleeping for 4 to 8 people, climate control with furnace and air conditioning, plus seatbelts for travel. Most have a TV, many have onboard Wi-Fi or cell signal boosters, and generators are common in Class A and Class C rigs for off-grid power. Bedding, kitchenware, and outdoor chairs are often included or offered as add-ons. Check the Amenities section of each listing to see exactly what comes with the rental, and message the host if you need something specific, like a coffee maker or a porta-potty for the kids.
fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/title49/section/393.93What add-ons and pickup options should I know about?
RVezy hosts in Shepherd offer flexible options that make your trip smoother. Popular add-ons include bedding and linen packages ($25 to $75), kitchen kits, generators, bike racks, camping chairs and tables, and even kayaks or paddleboards, often $10 to $30 per day each. Pickup is typically at the host's home in Shepherd or Billings, but delivery to your campsite is widely available. Mileage policies vary by listing: many hosts offer 100 to 150 free miles per night, while others provide unlimited mileage, ideal for a longer RV road trip from Shepherd through Yellowstone. Pro tip: check the host's generator policy if you're planning to boondock in the Custer Gallatin National Forest, where there are no hookups but stunning free dispersed sites.
fs.usda.gov/custergallatinHow does the security deposit and payment work?
Payment is straightforward and secure: you pay through the RVezy platform with a credit or debit card, never directly to the host, which keeps everything documented and protected. A refundable security deposit (typically $500 to $1,500 depending on the RV) is pre-authorized on your card before the trip and released after the rig is returned in good condition. To avoid any deposit issues, do a thorough pre-trip walkthrough with photos, return the RV with the same fuel level, empty the tanks if required by the host, and clean up the interior. That is it, you are set for a stress-free Shepherd RV rental experience.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksCan I rent an RV in Shepherd during the winter?
Yes, and winter RV rentals from Shepherd can be magical if you're up for an adventure. Some hosts keep their rigs available November through March, especially four-season trailers and Class C motorhomes with heated holding tanks, enclosed underbellies, and reliable furnaces. You'll want to stick to shore-power sites (Yellowstone River RV Park stays open year-round) since boondocking gets risky with overnight lows that can hit -10°F. Filter by season availability on RVezy and message the host to confirm cold-weather readiness like skirting, heat tape, and antifreeze in the lines. Pro tip: pair a winter rental with a day trip to Red Lodge Mountain for skiing, or chase the steaming geysers at Mammoth Hot Springs, magnificent under fresh snow.
nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/winteruseplan.htmNearby cities with campgrounds
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