Startup Cost Estimate for 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Start a Campground in Great Falls, MT?
Time to launch: 6-18 months | Ongoing: $5,000 - $30,000/month
Essential Tools to Launch Your Campground
Detailed Cost Breakdown
| Expense | Estimated Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
|
Business Registration & Licenses
LLC filing, EIN, campground operator license, and environmental permits for land use and water systems.
|
$1,000 - $5,000 | Based on Great Falls local permit fees |
|
Land Purchase or Lease
5 to 30 acres suitable for a campground with road access, proper drainage, and acceptable zoning. Proximity to recreation areas drives land costs.
|
$15,700 - $208,700 | Adjusted for Great Falls commercial rents |
|
Site Development & Infrastructure
Grading, road construction, campsite pads, drainage, water lines, sewer or septic systems, and electrical hookups for RV sites.
|
$25,500 - $255,000 | Adjusted for Great Falls labor rates |
|
Bathhouse & Facilities
Restroom and shower building, laundry facility, camp store or check-in office, and picnic pavilion.
|
$12,800 - $102,000 | Adjusted for Great Falls labor rates |
|
Equipment & Amenities
Maintenance vehicles, lawn equipment, playground, fire rings, picnic tables, trash receptacles, and signage.
|
$8,000 - $50,000 | |
|
Business Insurance (Annual)
General liability, property insurance, commercial auto, and recreational activity coverage. Campground liability is higher due to outdoor risks.
|
$4,000 - $18,000 | Rates reflect Montana requirements |
|
Marketing & Reservation System
Website with online booking, campground directory listings, Google Business Profile, signage, and initial advertising.
|
$3,000 - $15,000 | |
|
Working Capital (6 Months)
Staff wages, utility bills, loan payments, maintenance, and operating expenses through the first season while building occupancy.
|
$9,200 - $73,200 | Adjusted for Great Falls cost of living (91.5% of national avg) |
| Total Estimated Startup Cost | $79,000 - $727,000 |
What Does It Cost to Start a Campground?
The outdoor recreation industry has grown steadily with camping participation at record levels. Starting a campground costs $100,000 for a basic operation to over $1 million for a full-service RV park. Land cost is the most variable factor and depends on location. Proximity to national parks, lakes, or mountains commands premium prices but also drives higher occupancy and nightly fees. A realistic business plan should account for seasonality.
Glamping: A Growing Revenue Opportunity
Adding glamping accommodations like canvas tents, yurts, treehouses, or tiny cabins is one of the strongest trends in outdoor hospitality. A single glamping unit costs $5,000 to $30,000 but commands nightly rates of $100 to $300, dramatically increasing revenue per site. Glamping attracts guests who want an outdoor experience without roughing it, expanding your market beyond traditional campers. Many campground owners start with a few glamping units and expand based on demand.
Permits & Licenses Required in Great Falls, MT
- Business license
- Campground operator license
- Health department permit (water and septic)
- Environmental impact assessment
- Zoning or conditional use permit
- Fire department inspection
- Building permits for structures
- Water use permit
Great Falls benefits from Malmstrom Air Force Base and a growing healthcare sector, with no state sales tax making retail particularly viable. Its location along the Missouri River and Lewis and Clark heritage trail draws tourists, while very low commercial rents make it one of the cheapest places in the Mountain West to open a business.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Opening a campground costs $100,000 to $1 million depending on land costs, number of sites, and amenity level. A basic tent camping operation on owned land starts at the lower end, while a full-service RV park with 50+ hookup sites, bathhouse, and recreation facilities approaches $1 million. Land and site development are the two largest costs.
Well-managed campgrounds can be quite profitable with net margins of 20 to 40 percent once established. Revenue comes from nightly fees ($25-$80), seasonal rates, and ancillary income from camp stores, firewood, and activities. Campgrounds near national parks and lakes perform best. Seasonality is the biggest challenge, as many operate only 6 to 8 months per year.
RV parks require significantly more infrastructure. Each RV site needs a level pad, electrical hookups (30/50 amp), water connections, and sewer access at $3,000 to $8,000 per site versus $500 to $1,500 per tent site. However, RV sites command $35 to $80 per night versus $20 to $40 for tent sites and attract longer-stay guests.