Dillon, Montana: Your Ultimate RV Camping Guide
Dillon, Montana. Nestled in the heart of the Beaverhead Valley, Dillon is a charming town of approximately 4,000 people, renowned for its scenic beauty, rich history, and easy access to outdoor adventures. Whether you’re passing through on I-15 or making Dillon your basecamp, this episode will cover why it’s a must-visit for RVers, the best RV parks, and the conveniences that make your stay smooth and enjoyable. Let’s hit the road!
Why Dillon, Montana?
Dillon is a gateway to Southwest Montana’s stunning landscapes, surrounded by the Ruby, Tobacco Root, and Gravelly mountain ranges.
It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with world-class fly fishing on the Beaverhead River, hiking trails, and the historic Bannack State Park ghost town just a short drive away. Awarded one of America’s Prettiest Towns by Forbes in 2010,
Dillon’s main street offers quaint shops, restaurants like Sparky’s Garage for burgers and brews, and a welcoming vibe perfect for RVers seeking both adventure and relaxation. Plus, its location off I-15 makes it an easy stop for travelers heading to Yellowstone or beyond.
Top RV Parks in Dillon
When boondocking isn’t your style, Dillon’s RV parks offer full hookups, clean facilities, and family-friendly amenities to make your stay comfortable. Here are three top picks based on reviews from fellow RVers:
Southside RV Park
- Location: 735 W. Park St., Dillon, MT
- Southside RV Park is a favorite for its meticulous upkeep, spacious 30/50-amp full-hookup sites, and big-rig-friendly layout. Blacktail Creek runs through the park, creating a serene setting where your dogs can splash after a walk. It’s just nine blocks from downtown, so you can stroll to restaurants or the Beaverhead County Museum. RVers love the clean restrooms, coin-operated laundry with plenty of machines, and the owner’s personal touch—think maps and tips for local adventures. Security cameras and motion lights add peace of mind.
- Amenities: Free WiFi, full hookups, clean showers, laundry, pet-friendly with creek access, and a quiet, tourist-focused atmosphere (no monthly renters).
- Tips: Book early for summer; sites are spacious but fill up fast. Perfect for exploring Dillon’s charm on foot.
Countryside RV Park
- Location: 30 Sawmill Rd., Dillon, MT
- Countryside RV Park: Located just off I-15 at Exit 59, this park boasts 44 full-hookup sites with 30/50-amp options, ideal for big rigs. Surrounded by 360 degrees of snow-capped mountains, it’s a scenic retreat with level, grassy sites and easy access to fishing on the Beaverhead River or nearby Elkhorn Hot Springs. Reviewers praise the friendly owners, who’ve helped with last-minute fixes like electrical adapters. While WiFi can be spotty further from the office, Verizon signals are strong for hotspot use.
- Amenities: Full hookups, restrooms and showers (open year-round), summer laundry, pet-friendly with free parking for tow vehicles. Self-registration is available in winter.
- Tips: Monthly spaces book quickly, so reserve early for extended stays. Check out the community gas fire pits near the pond for a cozy evening.
Beaverhead River RV Park & Campground
- Location: Dillon, MT (exact address available on their website)
- Beaverhead River RV Park: This park is a family-friendly haven with 800 feet of Beaverhead River access for fishing and a heated outdoor pool (open June to Labor Day). It offers full-hookup sites, rustic cabins, and tent sites, plus a large fenced dog park for your furry friends. The on-site store provides free morning coffee, propane, ice, and firewood. RVers appreciate the clean showers, laundry, and activities like mini-golf and horseshoes. However, some reviews note maintenance issues, like inconsistent restroom conditions, so call ahead to confirm site quality.
- Amenities: Full hookups, free WiFi, heated pool, dog park, bike rentals, mini-golf, laundry, and river access for fishing.
- Tips: Great for families, but double-check your site’s power pedestal and water hookup on arrival.
Conveniences for RVers
Dillon’s RV parks and surrounding area are packed with conveniences to keep your trip hassle-free:
- Full Hookups: Most parks, like Southside and Countryside, offer 30/50-amp electric, water, and sewer, with Beaverhead adding a dump station (for a fee). This makes managing gray and black tanks easy, though if your black tank fills faster, consider consolidating gray water into it to extend your stay—always check your RV’s plumbing for compatibility.
- Laundry and Showers: Clean, well-maintained facilities are standard at Southside and Beaverhead, with Countryside offering summer laundry. Dillon Motorcoach & RV Park, a newer option, provides access to YMCA showers across the street for a small fee.
- Pet-Friendly Features: South of town, Countryside and Beaverhead have dog parks or open areas, and Southside’s creek is a hit with pets. Always leash your dogs outside designated areas and clean up after them.
- Connectivity: Free WiFi is available at most parks, though signals vary. Countryside and Southside users report strong Verizon signals for hotspots, but Beaverhead’s WiFi is more reliable near the office.
- Proximity to Town: Dillon’s compact size means you’re never far from essentials. Stock up at Safeway or Family Dollar, grab a meal at Sparky’s Garage (two blocks from Southside), or explore local history at the Beaverhead County Museum. The YMCA, just seven blocks from Southside, offers day passes for workouts or showers.
- Outdoor Activities: Fish the Beaverhead River, visit Bann splash pad for kids, or take a short drive to Crystal State Park for crystal digging. Bannack’s ghost town, with over 60 structures, is a must-see for history buffs.
- Propane Fittings and Parts: Need RV parts? Highway 93 RV in Victor, Montana (a bit of a drive but worth it for quality) offers top-notch propane pigtail hoses and accessories. Call ahead for stock, or check local Dillon shops for basics.
Smart RVer Tips
- Book Early: Summer is peak season, and Dillon’s RV parks fill up fast, especially for monthly stays at Countryside. Use online booking where available (e.g., Southside via Good Sam for a 10% discount).
- Check Hookups: Some parks, like Beaverhead, have had reports of maintenance issues. Inspect power pedestals and water connections on arrival to avoid surprises.
- Plan for Spotty Cell Service: While Verizon works well in town, rural areas near Dillon may have weak signals. Download offline maps for Bannack or hiking trails.
- Save on Costs: Join an RV club like Good Sam for discounts at Southside or Beaverhead. Also, audit your RV insurance annually to snag discounts for storage or bundling—check out our recent episode on insurance tips!
- Extend Your Stay: Dillon’s proximity to hot springs, fishing, and ghost towns makes it tempting to linger. Consolidate gray water into your black tank if you’re boondocking nearby to stretch your tank capacity—just ensure proper disposal at a park’s dump station.
Wrap-Up
Dillon, Montana, blends small-town charm with big-time outdoor adventure, making it a perfect stop for RVers.
From the well-kept sites at Southside RV Park to the family-friendly amenities at Beaverhead, you’ll find everything you need for a comfortable stay. Explore the Beaverhead River, soak in Elkhorn Hot Springs, or step back in time at Bannack State Park. Wherever your RV takes you, Dillon delivers.
Thanks for tuning in to The Smart RVer Podcast! Visit our website, thesmartrver.com, for this episode’s full guide, including links to these RV parks and more tips. Follow us on X for updates, and stop by Highway 93 RV in Victor for top-quality parts like our custom propane pigtail hoses. Safe travels, and we’ll see you down the road!