Explore Montana on a budget with these 10 essential tips to keep your expenses in check.

Montana's vast open spaces are stunning but can lead to high travel costs—navigating this beautiful state to fully experience its offerings can quickly deplete your funds.

However, there are plenty of ways to maximize your budget while enjoying Montana. With the breathtaking scenery mostly free to explore and an emphasis on outdoor activities, you can save money by attending major free events in the summer, choosing self-catering options to cut accommodation and dining costs, and getting inventive with transportation.

Daily Expenses

• Camping: $0–34

• Hostel bed: $30–60 (dormitory)

• Standard double room: $130–180

• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): starting at $130

• Gas price: $46 per gallon (regular)

• Drip coffee: $2.50–0

• Breakfast sandwich: $7–8

• Quick lunch: $10–12

• Dinner for two: $60–90

• Craft beer at a brewery: $6–7

Typical daily expenses: $40–220

1. The most affordable airport is likely the one nearest to your final destination.

Montana is vast, requiring at least 11 hours to traverse the state. Since it's not a popular stop for many flights, reaching it isn't always economical or straightforward. However, if you discover reasonably priced flights, they will likely arrive at Bozeman Yellowstone International, the busiest airport in the state, or the growing Missoula Montana Airport.

However, if you plan to explore other regions of the state, the savings from flying into Bozeman or Missoula might be offset by additional travel expenses. For visits to Glacier, consider booking flights to Glacier International Airport in Kalispell. If your journey includes destinations like Fort Peck Lake or Makoshika State Park in eastern Montana, Billings Logan International Airport would be a more convenient choice.

2. Join free summer events

Each season brings its own beauty to Montana, but summer truly highlights the landscape. Cities and towns throughout the state celebrate the warm weather with family-friendly, free events nearly every day of the week.

Visit Caras Park along the Clark Fork River in Missoula to enjoy live music on Wednesday afternoons or Thursday evenings as part of the Out to Lunch or Downtown ToNight series. This vibrant community area also hosts the Saturday Farmers' Market and is the focal point for First Friday events each month.

3. Travel during Montana's 'off-peak' seasons

Montana's stunning landscapes remain vibrant throughout the year, but there is a quieter season when you can find more affordable hotel rates and lower flight costs. From March to early May, you can enjoy spring skiing and wildflower hikes, though be prepared for occasional daytime rain and chilly nights. A similar period occurs from mid-September to October, marked by overcast skies, the first signs of snow, beautiful autumn colors, and perfect weather for campfires.

4. Hit the trails

Most folks you encounter in Montana seem perpetually prepared for a hike, likely because they are. Trailheads are plentiful, and there’s a strong community focus on preserving the natural beauty. Whether you prefer a leisurely walk by the river or an all-day adventure to a mountain peak, hiking is a fundamental aspect of life in Montana, thanks to its accessibility and affordability.

Spend an entire summer hiking the beautiful public lands around Bozeman for free, thanks to Custer Gallatin National Forest. The College M Hiking Trail is a fantastic starting point, well-known in the area and part of the Main Street to the Mountains network. Just under 60 miles south lies Beehive Basin, nestled under the majestic Lone Peak—definitely a must-visit on any hiking list.

5. Stock up at grocery stores and farmers' markets

With no sales tax in Montana, budgeting for groceries becomes much easier. Shopping at places like Albertsons or WinCo Foods can help you save during your trip. Non-perishable snacks such as trail mix and canned soups are perfect for camping, while deli sections offer affordable ready-to-eat options for your adventures.

Farmers' markets pop up regularly throughout the extended summer months in nearly every city. Consider planning your vacation around one of these vibrant community events to enjoy fresh produce. Food trucks often line the edges of these markets and other summer festivities, providing budget-friendly meals compared to traditional restaurants.

6. You may not need a car for your entire trip (or possibly at all)

Avoid renting a car on days when you won't need one. Public transport and ride-sharing services are available from all airports, providing quick access to their respective cities, which are equipped with buses, shuttles, and rentals for bikes and scooters. Instead of paying for a car to remain parked most of the day, think about renting only for the days you have planned excursions outside the city.

7. Enjoy camping overnight

Camping under the stars is one of the most economical ways to enjoy a Montana vacation. Designated campgrounds are located throughout the national forests, national parks, and state parks, offering sites for tents and RVs at a fraction of hotel costs. Just remember to book well in advance for popular locations, especially in Glacier National Park.

Free primitive camping is available throughout the expansive national forests of Montana. These primitive sites generally consist of a pull-out along a Forest Service road, lacking amenities like running water or restrooms. It's best to camp at established pull-outs—areas where others have camped before—and to adhere to all principles of Leave No Trace while enjoying free camping in these forests.

8. Opt for a stay in a Forest Service cabin

If sleeping in a tent isn’t your style, there are numerous options to enjoy a cozy night with walls and a roof while still saving money. The US Forest Service manages around 100 cabins, lookouts, and guard stations across the state, including Crystal Lake Cabin and Thompson Guard Station in Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest.

Recreation cabin rates start at $45 per night for the one-room Moose Lake Cabin near Georgetown Lake and go up to $90 for the six-person Meyers Creek Cabin in Custer-Gallatin National Forest. Amenities differ significantly among these cabins, with some requiring a 4WD vehicle for access or necessitating a hike, bike ride, or even backcountry skiing to reach them.

9. Stay at a hostel

While hostels are somewhat rare in Montana, some of the major adventure basecamps offer budget-friendly options. Check out the Treasure State Hostel in Bozeman for bunk beds and private rooms, as well as the Shady Spruce Hostel in Missoula. Remember to pack earplugs and a sleep mask, and be ready to connect with fellow travelers, just like any hostel experience.

The North Fork Hostel & Square Peg Ranch has provided dormitory accommodations near Glacier National Park for over 40 years. This scenic venue near Polebridge also offers private rooms, satellite cabins, and camping options, along with cozy communal spaces like a living room filled with books and a self-serve kitchen. Reservations are a must.

10. Find a ski deal in the winter

Consider Montana for your next ski vacation. With vast terrains and abundant snowfall, it offers affordable lift tickets and fewer crowds. Most ski areas in Montana have daily lift tickets priced under $100, with the exception of one; however, Big Sky Resort justifies its higher price tag with exceptional experiences.

Many ski resorts in Montana, including Big Sky, provide discounts for early online purchases and special deals like hotel packages or promotional events. Notably, Lookout Pass, which straddles two time zones and the Montana/Idaho border, features unique offers like Birthday Passes, Toyota Days, and Bring-a-Friend Thursdays.