Budget-Friendly Bozeman: 11 Tips to Save While Enjoying Your Trip

By Montana standards, Bozeman can be a pricey vacation spot. As a key entry point to Yellowstone National Park, accommodation costs—particularly during summer—are on the higher side.

However, food and drink prices remain fairly reasonable, making it feasible to enjoy a budget-conscious getaway, especially if you're traveling by car and prefer camping over hotels. Maximize your budget with these helpful tips.

Daily Expenses

• Standard hotel room for two in March/July: starting at $80/200

• Bison burger: $18

• Craft beer: $5-6 per pint

• National Forest campsite: $20 for two vehicles, accommodating up to eight people

• Mountain bike rental: $40-50 per day

• Tax: No sales tax (yay!), but an 8% local accommodation tax and a 3% Big Sky resort tax apply

• Museum of the Rockies admission child/adult: $12/20

• Whitewater rafting adventure: $80

Bring a camp chair and enjoy car camping

Hotel prices in Bozeman peak during summer, but it’s also the ideal time for camping. Save significantly by visiting a Forest Service campground in the mountains just outside of town. There are plenty of sites in Hyalite Canyon and Gallatin Valley, with Langohr being the closest at 12 miles (19km) from the city. Campgrounds within the city have more amenities but come at a higher price, catering mostly to RVs rather than tent campers. One great option is Bear Canyon Campground, located conveniently near downtown.

Travel during the off-season

Visiting Bozeman outside the summer peak (June to August) can save you money on both flights and accommodations. The spring months of April and May, along with the fall months of October and November, provide excellent weather and some of the best hotel rates, plus you'll encounter fewer tourists.

Stay flexible to find affordable flights

If you're flying into Bozeman, consider checking fares with budget carriers like JetBlue, Southwest, and Allegiant Air, particularly if you can avoid checked baggage fees. Also, look into flights to the larger airport in Billings, just a two-hour drive away—both flights and car rentals may be more economical there.

Explore the backcountry

In contrast to nearby Yellowstone National Park, there are no fees for backpackers camping in the backcountry of Custer Gallatin National Forest. Make sure to have a map, bear spray, and some freeze-dried meals, and you're set. Remember, camping must be at least half a mile from any road, and always adhere to Leave No Trace principles.

Cut costs on bear spray

Bear spray is a crucial purchase if you're venturing into Montana's wilderness, but a can from a high-end outdoor store can cost up to $50. Costco in Bozeman frequently offers the best price, with two cans available for about $45 during the summer months.

Alternatively, you can rent bear spray daily at Big Boys Toys, but be aware that you'll need to cover the full price of the canister if you use it. Also, keep in mind that bear spray is not allowed on airplanes when flying home.

Reconnect with your inner mountain man in a forest cabin

The wilderness cabins managed by Custer Gallatin National Forest are still a fantastic value, even with recent price increases. These basic shelters offer little more than a stove and bunk beds with mattresses for your sleeping bag. You'll need to hike or ski in, but a group of four can enjoy one of these rustic gems for around $15 each, all set in a stunning natural environment.

Enjoy a gourmet takeaway lunch

The Bozeman Co-op is a beloved local institution. It's the ideal spot to find fresh local produce, bulk organic non-GMO items, and pre-prepared meals. While it's not the cheapest grocery option in town, it's more affordable than dining out, and the quality is exceptional.

With a variety of take-out meals, deli sandwiches, rice bowls, and an in-house bakery, there's plenty to choose from. There are two locations—a downtown store and a larger main store on West Main. The community notice board also serves as a great resource for wellness activities.

Drink from the source

Bozeman boasts a handful of microbrewery taprooms that serve the best-value beer in town. Many breweries offer specials, including discounted growler fills on Thursdays and weekly Pints With a Purpose, where $1 from each beer goes to support a local community organization. Just keep in mind that, unlike bars, Montana breweries must close by 8pm.

Reduce your skiing expenses near Bozeman

Skiing in Montana can be pricey, but there are ways to lower costs. For instance, the community-operated Bridger Bowl ski area offers a more affordable skiing experience compared to the upscale Big Sky; lift tickets can be as much as one-third the price of those at Big Sky. To find the best rates, consider skiing mid-week and purchasing your tickets online ahead of time.

If you're set on skiing at Big Sky, you can score significant discounts on lift passes at the start and end of the season, particularly in December and April. Further savings can be achieved by renting your gear in town rather than near the slopes.

Hunt for the best happy hour specials

Taking advantage of happy hour promotions at bars, taprooms, and restaurants can save you a few dollars on drinks, typically available from 2pm to 6pm, and sometimes after 10pm. Even upscale venues like Plonk and Copper Whiskey Bar offer drink and food deals during these times. For current specials, visit the Montana Happy Hour website.

Enjoy dinner from a gourmet food truck

From April to September, you'll discover a fantastic selection of food trucks stationed outside Bozeman's breweries, along Main St, and at various local events. While their locations may vary, you can usually find a few parked outside Outlaw Brewery, serving gourmet crepes, tacos, burgers, and loaded fries. The best part? Food trucks offer more delicious, creative, and affordable options than most restaurants in town.