Missoula KOA

Missoula, MT – Updated 7/1/17. We’ve stayed twice at this huge RV park that is located right in town. Both times we ended up in a “non-satellite dish friendly” site (per the office). The first time (2015) we were in a pull through near the entrance, but had zero problems locking in to all sats. Our more recent trip (2017) we were in a premium site, which was the only one available for a 45′ motorhome when we booked about 4 weeks in advance, and were unable to get satellite due to a large tree. The tree did provide ample shade for our site. The facilties are clean (in 2015 we used the laundromat and it worked fine) and the sites are big enough for our purposes. I noticed if you upgrade to the premium sites you also get more room, including a separate parking space for your toad or pick-up (if towing). We walked to shopping and food a number of times (Fuddruckers, Chipotle, Famous Daves, yah!), and downtown Missoula is a short drive away. This campground can get very busy in the summer, so you may want to make advance reservations.

Our site had plenty of space and lots of shade (but no satellite connection)

Our “premium” site had a separate parking space (to the right of the RV) for our toad

One of the best places to visit in Missoula is the Smokejumpers Visitor Center, which we visited in 2017. We come here for the excellent hiking. Missoula is surrounded by mountains: the Bitterroots, Mission, Garnet, Sapphire, and Swan Ranges. Within an hours drive you can hike in the Bitterroot National Forest, Lolo National Forest, Rattlesnake Wilderness and National Recreation Area, Welcome Creek Wilderness, Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, Bob Marshall Wilderness, and Mission Mountains Wilderness. There are numerous paved multi-use/ biking trails including one that travels 50 miles from Missoula to Hamilton! We also checked out the Blackfoot River made famous by Norman Maclean’s “A River Runs Through It.” Check out our Day Hiking Missoula post.

Missoula KOA’s pool offers a way to beat the heat

In 2015 we stayed here 6 nights and in 2017 – 12 nights and easily could have stayed longer. We particularly enjoyed all the public events held at Caras Park, right next to the Clark Fork River. On Wednesdays there are numerous food vendors (Thai, Indian, Mexican, Vietnamese, Burgers & Dogs, Ice Cream, Pizza, etc) and live music in a series called “Out to Lunch”, and Thursdays, “Downtown ToNight” are the same thing but at night. The KOA has breakfasts, a pool, mini golf and hayrides. The park is very family friendly. They also rent cabins.