From Peaks to Presidents: An RV Road Trip from Billings to Denver
There’s something magical about the open road in the American West. It begins with the smell of pine in the air, the rhythm of the highway under your wheels, and the anticipation of wild country waiting ahead. Our 13-day campervan road trip from Billings to Denver was exactly that kind of journey — a blend of natural grandeur, frontier history, and family-friendly adventure.
We planned our route with care, using a camper route planner to string together Montana’s majestic highlands, the wild heart of Wyoming, the sacred sites of South Dakota, and Colorado’s mile-high charm. For anyone wondering how to plan a motorhome trip in the USA through these iconic states, this loop is a showstopper.
We started in Billings, where we picked up our RV rental — a comfortable, fully-equipped motorhome that would be both our vehicle and our home for the next two weeks. The Yellowstone Art Museum was a perfect cultural warm-up, with local works that reflect the spirit of the land we were about to explore.
From there, we climbed the legendary Beartooth Highway, a route often called “the most beautiful drive in America” — and with good reason. Snow-frosted peaks, alpine lakes, and switchbacks that make your heart race. It’s a motorhome drive best tackled slowly, both for safety and for soaking in the views.
Our campervan led us into the crown jewel of the trip: Yellowstone National Park. Here, we hiked the Storm Point Trail, watched Old Faithful erupt, and marveled at the surreal beauty of Mammoth Hot Springs. We joined a guided horseback ride at the Roosevelt Corrals, an unforgettable way to experience the park’s wildlife and wide-open spaces.
Heading east, we made a cultural stop in Cody, Wyoming — home of Buffalo Bill’s Irma Hotel, Old Trail Town, and the superb Buffalo Bill Center of the West. It’s more than a museum; it’s a deep dive into the American frontier spirit. Don’t miss the Cody Night Rodeo — family-friendly fun and a taste of Western tradition.
We continued our road trip planning into the high country of Ten Sleep, where we hiked around the West Tensleep Lake Trailhead. The serenity of this alpine lake, ringed by silent forests, was a beautiful contrast to the buzzing geysers of Yellowstone. We made a cozy stop at the Mountain Meadow Wool Mill, where the kids learned about sheep, spinning, and small-town industry.
Next, our camper route planner steered us into South Dakota, and the landscape shifted — rugged, red-toned, and dotted with sacred stone. Devils Tower loomed in the distance, an eerie and awe-inspiring sight. We toured the Broken Boot Gold Mine, panned for gold, and explored the underground wonders of Black Hills Caverns.
The highlight of our South Dakota stretch was undoubtedly Mount Rushmore. Seeing those colossal faces carved into the granite was a moment of genuine reverence. Nearby, the Rushmore Tramway Adventures offered a thrilling gondola ride and alpine slide — a hit with the kids — while Custer State Park’s Wildlife Loop gave us up-close views of bison, burros, and pronghorns.
For a dose of prehistoric wonder, The Mammoth Site in Hot Springs offered an active excavation site where you can see real mammoth bones being uncovered. Educational and awe-inspiring, it’s a must-stop for families.
Turning south toward Colorado, we visited Fort Laramie, a historic site that felt like stepping into a living museum of the Old West. We paused for a picnic and a breath of prairie air at the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, a calm green space perfect for a travel break.
Our final stretch led us into Denver, where the Denver Premium Outlets marked a fun, modern end to our journey — a bit of retail therapy after weeks in nature.
🛠 Tips for Planning a Campervan Trip from Billings to Denver
-
Use a route planner specifically for RVs or motorhomes. Mountain passes, fuel stops, and campground availability are all factors that differ from car travel.
-
If you’re new to RVing, choose a rental that includes bedding, kitchenware, and GPS. Many companies offer orientation videos — watch them!
-
Reserve national park campgrounds well in advance — they fill up quickly, especially near Yellowstone.
-
Mix rustic and comfort: plan a few nights at full-hookup RV resorts near cities (Bozeman, Rapid City, or Cheyenne) to recharge your gear (and your crew).
-
Try local food along the way — buffalo burgers in Wyoming, fry bread tacos in South Dakota, and huckleberry treats in Montana.
This journey wasn’t just about checking places off a list — it was about stories, silence, stargazing, and the freedom to stop where the heart says “wow.” That’s the magic of a motorhome road trip: the plan is yours, the pace is yours, and the memories are unforgettable.
Whether you're in a sleek campervan or a cozy family RV, the route from Billings to Denver offers a perfectly balanced blend of culture, nature, and the open road — a journey for the soul as much as the senses.
