Campsite of the Week
If there is one campsite that I always visit at least once a year, every year, it has to be Revenue Flatts. Its a true Bozeman classic for so many reasons. And here's why……
All year access
First, it sits at a lower elevation in the Tobacco Root Mountain Range. So it gets far less snow than the surrounding areas. This makes it great for early and late-season camping. I’m not much of a cold-weather camper if I can avoid it, but if I get the mid-winter itch, this is where I would go. The area is a wide-open landscape as well. Thus it catches the sun all day long which helps melt the snow away. It can get windy though so hold on to your hats if it’s already cold and you get hit with a brisk breeze.
So Many Activities
You just can’t get bored here! Revenue is riddled with unique monolithic rock domes. These domes a great for several reasons. They are scenic, provide a wind block, shade, and CLIMBING! These rock features have both bolted and trad routes. Many have easy/ moderate routes that are barely as tall as your local climbing gym. So it’s a great place for beginners who need to keep clear communication. Clip your toenails though, these rocks are ‘pokey’ to say the least.
If you aren’t keen on spending time around guns this may not be the spot for you. This is however a draw for many local sharpshooters. This place used to be minded heavily and as a result, there are now trenches and built-up dirt barriers all over the place. There’s just nothing like sitting in your scope right from your campsite while cooking up some brats. Multitasking at its best. A few notes of caution for those looking to unload some rounds. Please shoot into visible side hills and not downhill, you never know who may be downrange from you. Please pick up shells and targets once you are done.
Offroad trails are all over the place. It’s a nice spot to test out some easy 4x4 action or romp the dirtbikes for an afternoon. There are connecting trails that go further into the mountains from Revenue. Be wary, the deeper you go the tougher it gets and you may be regretting not getting that lift kit.
Water
So, there isn’t any actual water at Revenue. But, there are plenty of water activities nearby no matter the time of year. On those cool Montana mornings, nothing beats a solid hot spring. Norris Hot Springs is only half a mile from where you get back to the paved road. This place is a gem. All of their food is locally sourced and amazing. Also, they have local beer, wine, and seltzers on tap! Check their website for live music too. This place has it all.
If it’s mid-summer and you are already too boiled to sit in a hot spring then no worries. Floating the Southern Madison River is a local favorite. It lies right between Bozeman and Revenue, how convenient. If you forgot your inner tubes or don’t have a friend to shuttle you after the float then be sure to call Montana Whitewater . They have everything you need.
Leave No Trace
As I’m writing this I have some concerns in the back of my mind. Our public lands are seeing more and more use. I love seeing people enjoying these lands just as I have for years. But, the last few times I’ve been to Revenue I’ve noticed a change. Shot-up beer cans and gun shells were left behind, fire pits were built beside the rock mounds charing climbing routes, and even graffiti on the unique rock mounds. What is already done is done, but we can make a difference now. I like to make a habit of bringing an extra trash bag with me to any campsite. I take just 20 minutes to pick up what’s been left behind, whether it was from my party or not. Part of the Leave No Trace code is to leave a site the same or BETTER than when I found it. I prefer the latter. I’m sending out information about this beautiful area in good faith that all my readers will help me in keeping Revenue cool and clean. Before you or your friends spend time on public lands please take a look at the Leave No Trace website. You won’t regret it. Thank you and see you at Revenue Flatts.