RV Parks In Virginia City, Montana
45.2938° N, 111.9461° W
Quick Overview
Virginia City sits in the Alder Gulch of southwestern Montana with several RV parks and campgrounds serving travelers to this remarkably preserved gold rush town, including some free camping options. The town was the territorial capital of Montana from 1865 to 1875, and the preserved and restored 19th-century buildings along the boardwalk-lined main street create one of the most authentic gold rush experiences in the American West. The 1863 gold strike at Alder Gulch was one of the richest placer deposits ever discovered, and the surrounding landscape still bears the marks of the hydraulic mining that reshaped the valley. Virginia City and its sister town Nevada City about a mile and a half west together form a living history complex with operating businesses, museum buildings, a working steam train connecting the two towns, and summer theater performances at the Virginia City Players that have been running since 1949. RV camping near Virginia City puts you in the heart of Montana's gold rush country, with the Ruby River providing excellent fly fishing in a valley that's less famous and less crowded than the Madison or Gallatin but every bit as productive. The surrounding Gravelly Range and Tobacco Root Mountains add mountain recreation options including hiking, hunting, and scenic driving that complement the historical attractions.
Top Rated Dump Stations in Virginia City
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All Dump Stations Near Virginia City
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rambling Moose Campground | 0.9 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Rambling Moose Campground | 0.9 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Ruby Valley Campground & RV Park | 7.7 mi | \u2014 | RV Park | Varies |
| Madison Valley Campground | 11.0 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Ennis RV Village | 11.7 mi | \u2014 | RV Park | Free |
| Dillon Motorcoach & RV Park | 34.2 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Southside RV Park | 34.5 mi | \u2014 | RV Park | Varies |
| Southside RV Park | 34.5 mi | \u2014 | RV Park | Varies |
| Beaverhead River RV Park & Campground | 34.6 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Beaverhead River RV Park & Campground | 34.7 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
Rambling Moose Campground
0.9 miRambling Moose Campground
0.9 miRuby Valley Campground & RV Park
7.7 miMadison Valley Campground
11.0 miEnnis RV Village
11.7 miDillon Motorcoach & RV Park
34.2 miSouthside RV Park
34.5 miSouthside RV Park
34.5 miBeaverhead River RV Park & Campground
34.6 miBeaverhead River RV Park & Campground
34.7 miTraveling to Virginia City by RV
Highway 287 runs through Virginia City connecting to Ennis and the Madison Valley about 14 miles west and to Twin Bridges about 30 miles southeast. From Bozeman, Virginia City is about 75 miles southwest via Highway 287 through the Madison Valley. From I-90 at Whitehall, it's about 50 miles south. The two-lane highways handle RVs well through valley and mountain terrain, though the final approach to Virginia City includes some curves and grades. Fuel is available in Virginia City and Ennis, with more extensive services in Bozeman or Dillon. The main street through Virginia City is narrow and historic, so larger rigs should plan parking carefully.
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Dump Station Costs in Virginia City
Camping near Virginia City is affordable for this unique historical setting. Of the available options, a portion% are free while a portion% charge fees, with paid parks running $25 to $40 per night. Virginia City and Nevada City attraction admission varies by package, with individual building tours available or all-inclusive passes for about $15 to $20. The steam train ride is about $10 per person. Dining options in town are limited but characterful, and the summer theater tickets run about $20 for a memorable evening's entertainment.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Virginia City
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Best Time to Visit Virginia City by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
0-28°F
Crowds: Low
Cold mountain winters close most businesses and attractions, with the town entering a quiet dormancy until spring.
Spring
Mar - May
22-55°F
Crowds: Low
Spring brings snowmelt and warming temps, with businesses and attractions opening gradually through May.
Summer
Jun - Aug
45-82°F
Crowds: Medium
Peak season with all attractions, the steam train, and summer theater operational. The gold rush town is fully alive.
Fall
Sep - Oct
22-58°F
Crowds: Low
Fall colors in the surrounding mountains, quieter streets, and the last weeks of seasonal attractions before closing.
Explore the Virginia City Area
Walking the boardwalk-lined main street is the essential Virginia City experience, with operating businesses, museum buildings, and interpretive displays that bring the gold rush era to life. The Alder Gulch Short Line steam train runs between Virginia City and Nevada City and provides a fun ride through the historic mining landscape. The Virginia City Players summer theater in the historic opera house has been performing melodramas and variety shows since 1949, making it one of the oldest continuously operating summer stock theaters in the country. The Ruby River south of Virginia City provides excellent fishing for brown and rainbow trout with far fewer anglers than the nearby Madison River.
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Read more →Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Virginia City
How many RV parks are near Virginia City, Montana?
Virginia City has {{stationCount}} RV parks and campgrounds in the area, offering gold rush history camping in the Alder Gulch with fishing access to the Ruby River and mountain recreation nearby.
Are there free camping options near Virginia City?
Yes, {{freeCount}} free options exist near Virginia City. BLM land and forest service areas in the surrounding mountains and valleys provide free dispersed camping for self-contained rigs.
What is Virginia City's history?
Virginia City was Montana's territorial capital from 1865 to 1875, founded after a major gold strike in Alder Gulch in 1863. Today it preserves over 100 historic structures along boardwalk-lined streets with museums, shops, and summer theater.
How much do RV parks cost in Virginia City?
Paid RV parks near Virginia City typically charge $25 to $40 per night. Attraction admission runs about $15 to $20 for all-inclusive passes, and the steam train ride is about $10 per person.
How many RV parks are near Virginia City, Montana?
Virginia City has {{stationCount}} RV parks and campgrounds in the area, offering gold rush history camping in the Alder Gulch with fishing access to the Ruby River and mountain recreation nearby.
Are there free camping options near Virginia City?
Yes, {{freeCount}} free options exist near Virginia City. BLM land and forest service areas in the surrounding mountains and valleys provide free dispersed camping for self-contained rigs.
What is Virginia City's history?
Virginia City was Montana's territorial capital from 1865 to 1875, founded after a major gold strike in Alder Gulch in 1863. Today it preserves over 100 historic structures along boardwalk-lined streets with museums, shops, and summer theater.
How much do RV parks cost in Virginia City?
Paid RV parks near Virginia City typically charge $25 to $40 per night. Attraction admission runs about $15 to $20 for all-inclusive passes, and the steam train ride is about $10 per person.
Are there free dump stations in Virginia City?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Virginia City.
All Dump Stations Near Virginia City (41)
RV ParkRambling Moose Campground
RV ParkRambling Moose Campground
RV Park with Dump StationsRuby Valley Campground & RV Park
RV ParkMadison Valley Campground
RV Park with Dump StationsEnnis RV Village
RV ParkCardwell General Store And Campground
RV ParkLewis And Clark Expedition Campsite Historical Marker
RV ParkWhitetail Creek Motel & RV Park
RV ParkDillon Motorcoach & RV Park
RV Park