Bozeman RV Parks...

We volunteered at a state park in Three Forks, west of Bozeman, for 3 summers. There's a campground in Three Forks that used to be a KOA but is now private. It's just south of I 90 on Hwy 287 and about 30 miles from Bozeman. I think it's called Camp Three Forks, shady and full hookups. It's a nicer setting than either of those parks in Bozeman.

I was in Livingston for 13 years and worked where I probably met 99% of the people. Met many that did in fact last about a year. Between our fairly cold weather and the winds they didn't care for it...

westernrvparkowner wrote:
..... Unfortunately, the city of Bozeman and Gallatin County are probably the worst government entities to deal with this side of the California border. When I seriously looked into a possible tract to develop I learned it would likely cost upwards of a quarter of a million dollars to get thru the permitting process, funding the required environmental studies and paying the "impact" fees. At any time during the process, the controlling agencies could pull the rug out. There is a long history of certain council people and county legislators using the review process to put their personal preferences into the projects. Things like changing the colors, the materials, the elevations and the layouts of proposed buildings. Making wholesale changes to landscape plans, down to the choices of flowers and trees.
In my opinion, to purchase a piece of property, likely costing well over one million dollars and then face the daunting task of navigating the permitting process that would take well over a year, al the time not knowing if the project would get green lighted is a fool's folly. So Bozeman continues to be an RV Park backwater.

I take it you've never worked with Missoula County? ;)

But I can see your point, while I haven't dealt with Gallatin county since I moved, I doubt they have gotten easier. Back years (and years) ago my Aunt & Uncle couldn't sell part of their farm to their son, unless they donated 10 percent of their land as parks (and the county got to decide which part). Despite the fact they had already actually donated land to the school district.

We also stay at Bear Canyon. It is not great but it is acceptable. If your children are planning on using the pool; it is very crowed as they sell pool passes to the public in the summer. We got a spot away from the pool. Not sure if it is still there but The Colonel Bozeman Bistro downtown is a great place to eat. Enjoy.

westernrvparkowner wrote:
There isn't much to choose from in Bozeman. I think the nicest, by far, is the former KOA which is now the Bozeman Hot Springs RV Park. That being said, it is by no means great. The other two in the area, the Bear Canyon Campground and the Sunrise Campground, both are very lacking, in my opinion. Bear Canyon has a very active railroad track nearby and Sunrise is right on the highway in the middle of a swamp. But then again, you will going to a football game, not looking for a secluded getaway.
Bozeman has always been at the top of the my wish list for a place to build a quality park. Unfortunately, the city of Bozeman and Gallatin County are probably the worst government entities to deal with this side of the California border. When I seriously looked into a possible tract to develop I learned it would likely cost upwards of a quarter of a million dollars to get thru the permitting process, funding the required environmental studies and paying the "impact" fees. At any time during the process, the controlling agencies could pull the rug out. There is a long history of certain council people and county legislators using the review process to put their personal preferences into the projects. Things like changing the colors, the materials, the elevations and the layouts of proposed buildings. Making wholesale changes to landscape plans, down to the choices of flowers and trees.
In my opinion, to purchase a piece of property, likely costing well over one million dollars and then face the daunting task of navigating the permitting process that would take well over a year, al the time not knowing if the project would get green lighted is a fool's folly. So Bozeman continues to be an RV Park backwater.

I knew they were difficult but had no idea it was that bad. Some of the other californian's that have moved there long after Reno H Sales stadium, now Bobcat Stadium, was built are always complaining about the noise and the lights on those 6 days of games each fall. They will never be invited to my deck for a bbq.

TheSidwells wrote:
We stayed at Bear Canyon and Three Sisters, both are good but 3 Sisters is away from the interstate and up the interstate a bit.

Where is this "Three Sisters" park? I have never heard of it, and I am very familiar with the area.

There isn't much to choose from in Bozeman. I think the nicest, by far, is the former KOA which is now the Bozeman Hot Springs RV Park. That being said, it is by no means great. The other two in the area, the Bear Canyon Campground and the Sunrise Campground, both are very lacking, in my opinion. Bear Canyon has a very active railroad track nearby and Sunrise is right on the highway in the middle of a swamp. But then again, you will going to a football game, not looking for a secluded getaway.
Bozeman has always been at the top of the my wish list for a place to build a quality park. Unfortunately, the city of Bozeman and Gallatin County are probably the worst government entities to deal with this side of the California border. When I seriously looked into a possible tract to develop I learned it would likely cost upwards of a quarter of a million dollars to get thru the permitting process, funding the required environmental studies and paying the "impact" fees. At any time during the process, the controlling agencies could pull the rug out. There is a long history of certain council people and county legislators using the review process to put their personal preferences into the projects. Things like changing the colors, the materials, the elevations and the layouts of proposed buildings. Making wholesale changes to landscape plans, down to the choices of flowers and trees.
In my opinion, to purchase a piece of property, likely costing well over one million dollars and then face the daunting task of navigating the permitting process that would take well over a year, al the time not knowing if the project would get green lighted is a fool's folly. So Bozeman continues to be an RV Park backwater.

We stayed at Bear Canyon and Three Sisters, both are good but 3 Sisters is away from the interstate and up the interstate a bit.

We have stayed at Bear Canyon and the KOA. We prefer the Bear Canyon park because the views were better, but the sites are wider at the KOA. Honestly neither park would be a mistake in my opinion.

We usually stay at Bear Canyon
Sunrise is too close to i-90
Just don't like the KOA out at the hotsprings

Although I'd never bother going there for any game (MSU '77)