Let me tell you, when you’re out on the northern plains, with nothing but big sky stretching for miles in every direction, finding a good, reliable place to take care of business is a top priority. There’s a certain kind of anxiety that builds when you’ve been on the road for days, maybe boondocking or staying in rustic spots, and you know your tanks are getting full. That’s why the Billings KOA Holiday has become one of my marked spots on the map, a place I know I can count on when I’m crossing Montana on I-90. It’s not just any dump station; it’s a moment of exhale, a place to reset before tackling the next leg of the journey, whether you’re pointing your rig west toward Glacier National Park or making that beautiful turn south towards the wonders of Yellowstone.
This isn’t just any KOA, either. This is the granddaddy of them all, the original campground that started the whole Kampgrounds of America movement way back in 1962. You can feel that history here. It’s not some hastily thrown together gravel lot. There’s a sense of permanence, of decades spent perfecting the art of hosting RVers. The sites are grassy, the trees are mature and offer real shade, which is a blessing in the summer sun, and everything just… works. It’s situated right there on the banks of the Yellowstone River, so you get a dose of natural beauty while you’re handling the less-than-beautiful chore of emptying the tanks. That proximity to the interstate is everything. You don’t have to navigate a dozen confusing city streets or tight turns to get here. It’s a straight shot, easy off, easy on, which is exactly what you want after a long day of driving.
Billings itself carries the nickname “Montana’s Trailhead,” and it’s a fitting one. It’s the biggest city in the state, but it doesn’t feel overwhelming. It has this rugged, outdoorsy vibe that’s infectious. The Rimrocks, these incredible sandstone cliffs that rise dramatically above the city, are laced with trails for hiking and biking. You can see them from all over town, a constant reminder of the wild landscape you’re in. For those who love to fish, the Yellowstone River is right there, a legendary waterway known for fantastic float trips chasing brown trout. If you have a bit of extra time built into your travel schedule, I can’t recommend the drive to Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument enough. It’s about an hour southeast, and it’s one of the most moving and powerful historic sites in the entire country. Standing on that quiet prairie, it’s impossible not to feel the weight of the history under your feet.
Using the dump station at a campground like this KOA is a world away from the often-hectic experience at a truck stop. These facilities are designed by people who understand RVs. The dump station is usually tucked away, either just inside the main entrance loop or near the bathhouse, so you’re not blocking traffic. The lanes are wide enough for a big rig to get in and out without a 15 point turn, the hoses are mounted at a comfortable height, and most importantly, the potable water is clearly marked and separated from the non-potable rinse water spigot. Having staff on site is another huge plus. If you run into an issue or just have a question, there’s a friendly face at the front desk who can help. You’re also dealing with paved approaches, not a congested fuel island where you’re dodging eighteen wheelers and cars full of impatient people.
The amenities here are what really make it a strategic stop. Of course, there’s the dump station itself, but right alongside it, you’ll find freshwater fill spigots. This is so important. It means you can do the whole process in one spot: empty the black and gray, give the tanks a good rinse, and then top off your fresh water tank for the next stretch of boondocking. It streamlines the whole process. For those of us traveling with a four legged co pilot, the fenced dog park is a lifesaver. While you’re managing the sewer hoses, your pup can be safely off leash, stretching its legs and getting some energy out. After a few days on the road, that’s as much a relief for the dog as it is for you.
And then there are the human comforts. Hot showers and a clean laundry room. There’s nothing quite like a long, hot shower after a few days of conserving water in the rig. Being able to do a load or two of laundry at the same time feels like hitting the reset button on your whole trip. You’ll also find convenient dumpsters for trash disposal, which sounds like a small thing, but anyone who’s had to hang onto a growing bag of trash in their rig knows the headache of finding a place to get rid of it. If you decide to stay the night, the full hookup sites with 30 and 50 amp service mean you can give your tanks a rest until you’re ready to leave. The only thing to note is the lack of on site fuel or propane, but there are plenty of stations just a few blocks away on 1st Avenue. A quick call ahead to one of them can ensure they’re ready for an RV propane refill.
When it comes to cost, the fee for non guests wasn’t listed, but based on my experience, KOA dump fees in this part of the country usually run between ten and twenty dollars. It’s always, and I mean always, a good idea to ring the front desk to confirm the current price and what kind of payment they take. If you’re planning on camping overnight, the dump fee is often included in your site fee, which makes it a great value.
A few pieces of hard won advice for a smooth visit. First, call ahead, especially if you’re traveling during the shoulder seasons in spring or fall. Montana weather can be unpredictable, and staffing hours might be reduced outside of the peak summer months. Second, try to time your arrival for mid morning on a weekday. The late afternoons and weekend evenings can get busy with campers checking in, and that can create a line at the single lane dump station. And finally, be prepared. Have your gloves, your preferred enzyme tank treatment, and your own dedicated rinse hose ready to go. While the KOA provides basic hoses, most seasoned RVers I know, myself included, prefer to use our own gear for peace of mind. It’s just good practice. When you’re leaving, pay attention to the signage. It will likely direct you to exit via Garden Avenue to avoid a tricky, tight turnaround. Following the signs will save you a lot of stress.
So here’s the bottom line. The Billings KOA Holiday is more than just a place to dump your tanks. It’s a full fledged, strategically located basecamp. With its riverside views, comprehensive amenities, and easy access to some of Montana’s most iconic sights, it’s a stop that adds value to your journey. Just remember to bring your own rinse hose, call ahead to confirm the fee, and confidently pencil this reliable haven into any east-west itinerary you’re planning across Big Sky Country. It turns a necessary chore into a genuinely pleasant and refreshing part of the adventure.
547 Garden Ave, Billings, MT 59101
(406) 252-3104
Cost: Price not available
Category: Campground
Has Water
koa.com/campgrounds/billings/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gbp