RV, camper and motorhome trip planning toolbox – The best ever created
| Total Days | 12 Days |
|---|---|
| Total Distance | 1,334 mi |
| Start / End | Denver, Colorado to Billings, Montana |
| States Crossed | Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota, Montana |
| Best For | Families, Wildlife Enthusiasts, History Buffs |
There is no better way to experience the vast, sweeping landscapes of the American West than from the panoramic window of a motorhome. This 12-day journey from Denver to Billings covers 1,334 mi of incredibly diverse terrain, transitioning from the bustling high plains of Colorado through the monumental Black Hills of South Dakota, across the sweeping plains of Wyoming, and into the geothermal heart of the Yellowstone region before concluding in Montana. Traveling by RV allows you to embrace slow travel, giving you the freedom to wake up near towering rock formations, prepare meals with a view of roaming bison, and set your own pace through some of the most iconic natural and historic sites in the country.
To truly appreciate this journey, we recommend breaking the 1,334 mi drive into manageable regional stages rather than rushing from point to point. The detailed, day-by-day itinerary is available exclusively on RV PLANET, but here is how the rhythm of the road unfolds:
This route is packed with diverse attractions. While the exact routing and daily stops are detailed in your RV PLANET itinerary, here are the core themes you will encounter:
History comes alive on this route. You will have the opportunity to step back in time at the Fort Laramie Visitor Center, a crucial outpost on the historic western trails. The monumental scale of human achievement is on full display at the Crazy Horse Memorial and the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Later in the trip, you can soak in the frontier atmosphere at Buffalo Bill's Irma Hotel & Restaurant, offering a traditional taste of the Old West.
The geological diversity of this trip is staggering. You will marvel at the striking monolith of the Devils Tower Visitor Center rising from the Wyoming landscape. Below ground, the intricate formations of the Black Hills Caverns await exploration. Further along, the Norris Geyser Basin Museum provides incredible insight into the bubbling, steaming geothermal forces that shape the Yellowstone region.
This route is ideal for families looking to balance education with excitement. Start with a visit to the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum. When it is time to relax, the warm waters of Evans Plunge Mineral Springs offer perfect family swimming. For wildlife enthusiasts, driving the Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Road is an unforgettable opportunity to view majestic animals in their natural habitat.
For those seeking a thrill, this route delivers unexpected adventures. Take to the skies for breathtaking views at Rushmore Tramway Adventures. Depending on the season, you might even experience high-altitude summer skiing at the Beartooth Basin Summer Ski Area. Finally, cap off your outdoor excursions with exhilarating canoeing, kayaking, or rafting at Adventure Whitewater.
We highly recommend dedicating a full 12 days to this trip. Covering 1,334 mi requires a steady pace, and 12 days provides the perfect balance of driving time and exploration time, especially when navigating winding mountain roads or waiting for wildlife to cross the highway.
Absolutely. This specific path connects some of the most famous national monuments, state parks, and geothermal basins in North America. It offers a layered experience of history, geology, and wildlife that simply cannot be replicated on any other route.
This journey is a fantastic fit for families, history buffs, and outdoor enthusiasts. The mix of interactive museums, easy wildlife viewing from the RV, and thrilling outdoor activities ensures that travelers of all ages remain engaged.
Late spring through early fall is the optimal window. Summer is particularly essential if you plan to traverse high-altitude routes or visit seasonal attractions like the Beartooth Basin Summer Ski Area. Always check RV PLANET for seasonal road closure alerts before departing.
When preparing to book your motorhome for this journey, there are a few logistical factors to keep in mind. Because this is a point-to-point trip starting in Denver and ending in Billings, you will need to account for a one-way drop fee in your overall planning. Additionally, the base distance is 1,334 mi; ensure your rental agreement includes a mileage package that covers this distance plus an allowance for scenic detours and local exploration.
Campground styles along this route vary widely, from rustic state park sites in South Dakota and Wyoming to full-service private RV resorts offering modern amenities. Booking these sites well in advance is highly recommended, particularly during the peak summer months. For specific, real-time pricing on RV rentals that fit this exact route, use the live availability tools provided below.
Ready to hit the road and experience the majesty of the West? Head over to rvplan.net to unlock the full day-by-day itinerary, secure your ideal motorhome, and start building your unforgettable adventure today.
See the full polyline, drag stops to customize, and get live pricing in one click.
Open this route in RV PLAN →| Nearby RV rental stations | Cruise America- 26-E (Denver (DEN area)), Native Campervans-24 E (Denver (DEN area)), Indie Campers USA - 26 E (Denver (DEN area)), Britz USA-25/26-E (Denver (DEN area)), El Monte-2026-E (Denver (DEN area)) |
|---|---|
| Sample RV cost — 4 travelers (Class A / B / C) | {{BANDANA_PRICING_TABLE}} |
| Estimated fuel cost (total) | $450–$550 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $550–$800 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $300–$500 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $600–$850 |
| Live availability & pricing | Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome → |
Estimate assumptions: Estimates assume a Class C motorhome averaging 10 mpg, a mix of public and private campgrounds at summer rates, and standard family grocery habits. All figures are estimates — verify on Rent Motorhome and RV PLAN for your travel dates.
A high-level look at how the route flows in stages. The exact daily stops, overnight picks, and detour options are built for you inside RV PLAN — open the route to see the full plan.
Transitioning from the bustling city through open plains, this leg eases you into the rhythm of the road with historic outposts.
A dense concentration of monuments, caves, and winding scenic loops where slow, deliberate driving is rewarded.
Long stretches of scenic highway lead into dramatic geothermal landscapes and dense wildlife habitats.
Navigating high-altitude mountain passes before descending into the sweeping valleys of Montana.
Total cost for this 12-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 1,334 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Denver → Billings pickup window on Rent Motorhome.
Live availability & pricing for this exact route
Prices update daily. See the full breakdown — nightly rate, taxes, one-way fee, mileage package — for your travel dates.
These are real vehicles in our Denver pickup fleet that fit a multi-week western U.S. itinerary. Configure dates on rvplan.net to see live availability and the total trip cost for the exact rig you want.
| Motorhome | Class | Sleeps | Length | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort Space Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class A - Integrated | 8 | 29.2 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Family Sleeper (FS) El Monte-2026-E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 31.8 ft | Auto Transmission |
| R 29-31 Road Bear RV-26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 30.8 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Comfort Standard Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 24.1 ft | Auto Transmission |
| C-30 Cruise America- 26-E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 29.9 ft | Auto Transmission |
Pick your dates below and we'll open the live RV PLANET booking flow for the Denver → Billings route.
Picking up in Denver but want a shorter loop or a different destination? Compare these RV PLANET itineraries that depart from the same depot: