Budget-Friendly Tips for Visiting Bozeman, Montana

By Montana standards, Bozeman is an expensive location for a vacation. As one of the main gateways to Yellowstone National Park, hotel rooms and other forms of accommodation come at a premium, especially during the summer months. However, food and drink costs remain reasonable, making it still possible to enjoy a budget-friendly trip. If you’re road-tripping with your own vehicle and prefer camping to hotel stays, you can stretch your dollars even further with the following money-saving tips.

Daily Costs

Pack a Camp Chair and Go Car Camping

Rates at Bozeman hotels peak in summer, but this is also the optimum season for camping. Consider heading to a Forest Service campground in the nearby mountains to save some serious money. Numerous sites are available in the Hyalite Canyon and Gallatin Valley areas, with Langohr campground being just 12 miles from town. While in-town campgrounds provide more facilities, they tend to be pricier and cater to RVers more than tent campers. Bear Canyon Campground is a nearby option worth considering.

Visit in the Off-Season

If you visit Bozeman outside the summer peak season (June to August), you’ll save money on both airfare and accommodation. The spring months of April and May as well as the fall months of October and November offer pleasant weather and some of the best hotel deals while also presenting the advantage of fewer crowds.

Be Flexible and Score Cheap Flights

For those flying into Bozeman, it’s essential to check fares with budget airlines such as JetBlue, Southwest, and Allegiant Air, especially if you can avoid checking in any luggage. Additionally, consider flights to the larger airport in Billings, located two hours’ drive away, as both flights and car rentals can occasionally be more affordable there.

Head into the Backcountry

In contrast to neighboring Yellowstone National Park, there are no fees for backpackers camping in the backcountry of Custer Gallatin National Forest. A map, bear spray, and some freeze-dried camp food are all you need for an adventure. Just remember to camp at least half a mile from any road and adhere to Leave No Trace guidelines.

Save Money on Bear Spray

Bear spray is a must-have if you are venturing into the Montana wilderness; however, a can from an outdoor gear shop can cost up to $50. Instead, visit Costco in Bozeman, which frequently offers two cans for around $45 during the summer. Alternatively, you can rent bear spray by the day from local shops, but you will need to pay for the canister if used. Don’t forget that bear spray cannot be carried on a plane.

Connect with Your Inner Mountain Man in a Forest Cabin

The wilderness cabins maintained by Custer Gallatin National Forest authorities are still a budget-friendly option, despite recent price increases. These rustic cabins provide basic amenities, such as a stove and bunk beds, and require a hike or ski-in. A group of four can rent one of these cabins for around $15 per head, offering a unique natural setting.

Grab a Takeaway Gourmet Lunch

The Bozeman Co-op serves as a local institution, ideal for shopping local produce, bulk organic ingredients, and pre-cooked meals. While it’s not the cheapest grocery store in town, it offers better value than most restaurants without compromising quality. Take-out meals, deli sandwiches, rice bowls, and bakery items provide an array of choices across two branches—a downtown store and a larger location on West Main.

Drink at the Source

With several microbrewery taprooms, Bozeman offers some of the best-value beer in the area. Many breweries have specials, such as discounted fills for growlers on Thursdays and “Pints With a Purpose,” where $1 from each beer sold goes to a local charity. Do keep in mind that breweries in Montana are mandated to close at 8 pm.

Shave Off Some of the Cost of Skiing Near Bozeman

The cost of skiing in Montana can be quite high; however, there are ways to reduce your expenses. The community-operated Bridger Bowl ski area offers much cheaper pricing compared to Big Sky Resort, with lift tickets often costing a third of the price. If you ski mid-week and purchase tickets online in advance, you can enjoy even greater savings. If you prefer skiing at Big Sky, consider purchasing lift passes during early or late season, notably in December and April, to benefit from significant discounts. Additionally, renting your ski gear in town instead of near the slopes can also help you save money.

Sniff Out the Best Happy Hour Deals

Taking advantage of happy hour specials at bars, taprooms, and restaurants can save you a few dollars on drink prices. These special times usually occur between 2 PM and 6 PM, with some venues extending their hours after 10 PM. Even establishments like Plonk and Copper GoTravelDaily Bar provide drink and food specials during happy hours. For the latest deals, be sure to check local listings.

Have Dinner at a Gourmet Food Truck

From April to September, an impressive array of food trucks can be found near Bozeman’s breweries, along Main Street, and during special events. While trucks often change locations, you can typically find a couple stationed outside Outlaw Brewery, tantalizing patrons with gourmet crepes, tacos, burgers, and loaded fries. Food trucks often offer more creative and affordable options compared to most traditional restaurants.

This article was first published on December 13, 2021, and was last updated on July 11, 2024.