Missoula Montana RV Life: Clark Fork River Float + Travel Guide
RV life in Missoula, Montana. Paddleboarding the Clark Fork River, local food spots, breweries, and a real travel mishap that did not go as planned.
TRAVEL GUIDES
Anna Sharp
3/25/20264 min read
Back in the US: Our Missoula Montana RV Reset (and the River Float That Didn’t Go as Planned)
Returning to the U.S. After 3 Months in Canada
After three months exploring Canada, crossing back into the United States felt different. We had spent most of the summer a little removed from the day-to-day noise back home, so stepping back into it came with a bit of hesitation. Still...we made our way into Missoula, Montana, knowing we needed a few days to catch up on real life. Laundry, groceries, cleaning the rig, and reconnecting with friends. It was exactly what we needed.
Floating the Clark Fork River in Missoula
One of those days was supposed to be simple.
We met up with our friends Ashland and Diego from Wannabe Travelers and headed out to float the Clark Fork River, one of the most popular things to do in Missoula during the summer.
Cloudy skies, cooler temps, and a slow-moving river made it feel like the perfect day...until it wasn’t.
We Lost the Truck Keys Mid-Float
About halfway through the float, we realized something important was missing...The truck keys.
Not lost somewhere random, but sitting in the backseat of our truck while we floated further and further away from it.
And if you have ever done a river float, you know it is point-to-point. There is no turning around.
When a River Float Doesn’t Go as Planned
Instead of panicking, we made a simple decision. We would deal with it later.
We finished the float, made it to the takeout, and figured out a plan from there. Ben grabbed an Uber back to the truck, drove it to us, and Diego finally got his keys back.
Problem solved.
Where to Stay in Missoula (RV Friendly)
On this visit, we stayed at Jim & Mary’s RV Park, just outside of Missoula.
It is one of the most well-kept parks we have stayed at. Landscaped, quiet, and a really comfortable place to slow down for a few days and reset.
If you are looking for other options in the area, there are a couple of spots we have stayed at on past trips that offer a different but good experience.
Where to Eat in Missoula
Super chill, backyard BBQ vibe.
After months in Canada, tacos were high on the priority list, and this place delivered. Exactly what we were craving.
Old-school bar vibe with a slightly older crowd.
A cash-only local dive that has been around since 1937. Simple, classic burgers and a great no-frills atmosphere.
Missoula Breweries and Local Spots
Missoula breweries and local spots
A Missoula staple since 2011, with rotating food trucks and a large outdoor patio that makes it easy to hang out for hours.
A tucked-away spot just outside town that regularly hosts live music.
We caught a show from our friends Chuck and Michelle, better known as The Status Crowes, and it turned into one of those nights that reminds you why this lifestyle works.
What RV Life Actually Looks Like
This was not a highlight reel episode.
It was a reset.
A reminder that life on the road is not always epic views and perfect plans. Sometimes it is laundry, logistics, and figuring things out as you go.
That is part of what makes it worth it.
Watch the Full Episode 👉
Located right across the street from Jim & Mary’s in Wye, Granite Peak has more of an amenity-focused setup with a pool and putt putt course. While it markets itself as a resort, it feels a bit more worn-in than that description suggests, but it still works well for a convenient stay in the area.
The dog park is on the smaller side, but there are some open field areas where you can let a well-behaved dog stretch their legs.
Yellow Rock is about 20 minutes south in Lolo and has a completely different feel. It is much quieter and feels more like camping than staying in an RV park. There are huge trees throughout the property, a river you can walk down to, and an overall park-like setting that makes it easy to relax.
There are not a lot of full hookup sites available, but they offer a honey wagon service that works really well, which makes longer stays manageable. It is also a great spot if you are traveling with dogs, with plenty of space and a really nice dog park.
Missoula ended up being one of those places where we ate really well without trying too hard. There are a lot of solid options around town, and we barely scratched the surface.
Here are a few spots we would go back to without hesitation.
Chill spot that leans a bit more takeout, but still has a great space to hang and eat.
Some of the best BBQ we have had in Missoula. Pulled pork, brisket, house-made sauces, and a solid lineup of sides.
And whatever you do, try the fire and ice pickles. I still think about them.
Date-night vibes in a dark basement with cool, funky neon decor.
The ramen here is killer, but the cocktails are almost just as good. We are especially partial to their “Up in Smoke” cocktail with charred pineapple, Japanese whisky, fresh lemon, bitters, and a smoked finish. So good.
Great for a date night or even a business dinner.
Super nice space. Fresh, well-done sushi right in downtown Missoula. One thing to note, they do not take reservations.
We have only ever ordered takeout from here, but we've had it at least 10 times.
Good pizza, casual vibe, and a reliable option when you just want something easy.
Funky, cool donut shop where you grab your goods and go.
Vegan and honestly out of this world good. Who needs cake? This is what I would want for my birthday.