RV, camper and motorhome trip planning toolbox – The best ever created
| Duration | 12 Days |
| Distance | 1,357 mi |
| Start / End | Portland, OR to Billings, MT |
| States Crossed | Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming |
| Best For | Families, History Buffs, Nature Enthusiasts |
| Best Season | Summer to Early Fall |
Embarking on a 12-day journey from the vibrant Pacific Northwest to the rugged charm of Montana offers the ultimate cross-country experience. Covering 1,357 mi, this route perfectly balances driving time with immersive exploration, making it ideal for slow travel. Instead of rushing from point to point, traveling by RV allows you to wake up near cascading waterfalls, rest in the shadows of historic silver mines, and comfortably navigate the expansive valleys leading into Yellowstone. This path effortlessly weaves together the lush landscapes of Oregon and Washington with the towering peaks and geothermal wonders of the Rocky Mountain states.
To truly appreciate the transition from the coast to the frontier, breaking the 1,357 mi drive into distinct regional stages is key. The full day-by-day itinerary is available inside RV PLAN, but here is how the journey flows:
This route is packed with diverse experiences that cater to every type of traveler. By grouping these highlights, you can better plan your daily excursions:
Step back into the days of pioneers and explorers. The journey begins with the End of the Oregon Trail, where you can walk in the footsteps of early settlers. Later, the Sierra Silver Mine Tour offers a hands-on look at the region's legendary mining history. As you approach the end of the trip, the Buffalo Bill Center dives deep into the legends and tales that shaped the American West.
The geological diversity on this route is staggering. You will witness the raw power of Palouse Falls, a perfect family picnic spot. Underground, the Lewis and Clark Caverns reveal fascinating limestone formations. Above ground, the geothermal spectacle of Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park provides an unforgettable display of nature's precision.
With ample opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and canoeing, this route is an outdoor playground. The expansive landscapes of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming are perfect for wildlife watching, ensuring that every glance out of your RV window holds the potential for a memorable animal sighting.
We recommend 12 days to comfortably cover the 1,357 mi. This allows for driving manageable distances each day while leaving plenty of time for guided tours, hiking, and exploring Yellowstone.
Absolutely. It is a masterclass in American geography and history, offering a seamless transition from the lush Pacific Northwest to the iconic Wild West. The inclusion of Yellowstone makes it a bucket-list adventure.
This journey is tailor-made for families, educational trips, and nature lovers. With a mix of museums, extreme activities, and accessible natural features, it bridges the gap between active exploration and relaxed sightseeing.
Summer through early fall is the optimal window. Many of the higher-elevation roads, particularly in and around Yellowstone, are subject to seasonal closures in the winter and spring.
Planning a one-way trip from Portland to Billings requires attention to a few specific rental details. Because you are dropping the RV off in a different city, suppliers typically charge a one-way drop fee. Additionally, you will want to ensure your rental package includes enough mileage to cover the 1,357 mi base distance, plus an extra 15-20% for detours, campground runs, and national park exploration.
When selecting your vehicle, consider a Class C or a nimble campervan if you plan to navigate the winding roads of Yellowstone frequently, though larger Class A motorhomes are perfectly fine if you plan to park at a central campground and take day tours. For exact pricing, seasonal rates, and availability, use the live search tools provided below.
From the cascading waters of the Pacific Northwest to the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone, this 12-day adventure is ready to be explored. For the complete, detailed day-by-day itinerary, campground recommendations, and to secure your vehicle, visit RV PLANET and start building your ultimate Wild West road trip 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 | Indie Campers USA - 26 E (Portland), Cruise America- 26-E (Portland) |
|---|---|
| Sample RV cost — 4 travelers (Class A / B / C) | {{BANDANA_PRICING_TABLE}} |
| Estimated fuel cost (total) | $450–$650 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $450–$750 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $250–$400 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $400–$600 |
| Live availability & pricing | Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome → |
Estimate assumptions: Estimates assume 10 mpg fuel efficiency, an average of $55/night for mixed campground styles, and summer travel rates. 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.
Transition from the vibrant city of Portland toward the majestic cascades and open plains of eastern Washington.
Delve into the rich mining history and deep forested landscapes of Idaho before crossing the border into Montana.
Explore underground wonders and prepare for the grand entrance into America's first and most famous national park.
Witness geothermal marvels and immerse yourself in frontier history as the journey winds down toward Billings.
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 1,357 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Portland → 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 Portland 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 |
| C-30 Cruise America- 26-E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 29.9 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Comfort Family Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 30.0 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Comfort Standard Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 24.1 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Comfort Family Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 30.0 ft | Auto Transmission |
Pick your dates below and we'll open the live RV PLANET booking flow for the Portland → Billings route.
Picking up in Portland but want a shorter loop or a different destination? Compare these RV PLANET itineraries that depart from the same depot: