Ski Destinations Billings Locals Love

March 2026 | The Outskirts

Article by Morgan Williams | Photos by Jamie Blotske

If you’re an avid outdoorsperson, you’ve probably spent years imagining the family memories you'll make once you have kids - tiny boots by the tent door, sticky fingers clutching s’mores, bedtime stories told by headlamp. Even if the outdoors isn’t usually your thing, chances are you’ve still pictured a few of these iconic moments together. After all, what is a more iconic Montana moment than pitching a tent or roasting marshmallows under an open sky?

Once kids actually arrive, the reality of camping can feel like a lot more to manage. The gear multiplies, there are always scrapes and tears, and it generally feels like you’re throwing away an opportunity to sleep. Despite the chaos, camping with kids can be one of the most rewarding ways to slow down, unplug, and build lasting family memories.

START WITH A VERSION THAT WORKS

For families new to camping (or getting back into it after a few years), a KOA campground can be a smart first step. Cabins, flush toilets, and running water remove some of the biggest stress points while still offering campfires and space for kids to roam. They also have firewood, ice, and a few other supplies for purchase in the event you didn’t quite get everything on your list. It’s camping with a safety net.

DITCH THE ALL OR NOTHING MINDSET

If it’s your first outing, maybe don’t shoot for three full nights in the woods. Start with one night, or scale back further and camp during the day. Reserve a site and plan to arrive mid-morning. The kids can play while you set up a tent, and later you can cook dinner over a campfire. After you roast some s’mores, put the kids in their jammies and load everyone up for a quiet drive home looking at stars. It gives kids a taste of the outdoors while still helping everyone get a good night’s rest in their own beds, so you can enjoy the next day, too.

KID-FRIENDLY CAMPING NEAR BILLINGS

No one wants to spend all day in a car with young children. Lucky for us, we live in close proximity to some famed wilderness areas. Here are a few great camping options near Billings:

Red Lodge KOA - Cooler summer temperatures, a swimming pool, and creek for exploring nearby
12 miles south of Red Lodge is Greenough Lake campground. There are several great trailheads nearby, and you’re still close enough to pop into downtown Red Lodge if you need a moment in civilization – or at the candy store.
Slightly further, but still close to the 2-hour mark, is Wapiti Campground, about 30 miles west of Cody,

WY. Stunning views and great wildlife viewing.

RESERVATIONS: EARLIER IS BETTER

Popular campsites around Billings often book out months in advance for summer weekends. Locking in a reservation early removes one major hurdle and makes it easier to plan the rest of the trip. However, many sites are still first-come, first-served; this can be trickier with kids, but it gives you a great opportunity to model flexibility!

What to Pack (Without Overpacking)

If camping gear feels overwhelming, Scheels or The Base Camp can help narrow things down. Focus on comfort, safety, and simplicity. Outfitting a family for camping doesn’t require buying everything at once. Start with the basics and build over time.

Originally printed in the March 2026 issue of Simply Local Magazine

Check this article out in the digital issue of Simply Local here!

Morgan Williams

Morgan Williams is a lifelong Montanan. She is married to Nathan, and together they attempt to wrangle three young kids while running a small construction business, Montana Ground Screw. She loves a good workout, quality time with friends, and rarely turns down the opportunity for a new adventure.

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