Trailer Courts and Campgrounds

Trailer courts, campgrounds, work camps (including dormitories), and youth camps that meet any of the definitions below all require licensure.

"Campground" — means a parcel of land available to and principally used by the public for camping, where persons can camp, secure tents or cabins, or park trailers for camping and sleeping purposes.

"Trailer Court" — means a parcel of land upon which two or more spaces are available to the public and designated for occupancy by trailers or mobile homes for use as residences.

"Work Camp" — means a parcel of land on which housing is provided by a person for two or more families or individuals living separately, for the exclusive use of the employees of the person and families, if any, of the employees. For purposes of this subsection, "housing" includes but is not limited to camping spaces; trailers spaces; mobile, modular, or permanent barracks or structures; and any appurtenant water supply and distribution system, solid waste collection and disposal system, or food service and dining facilities. Housing does not include shelter provided by an employer for persons who are employed to perform agricultural duties on a ranch or farm.

"Youth Camp" — means a parcel of land on which permanent buildings, tents, or other structures are maintained as living quarters for 10 or more people and that is used primarily for educational or recreational use by minors. The term includes any appurtenant water supply and distribution system, sewage collection and disposal system, solid waste collection and disposal system, or food service and dining facilities.

A temporary campground or special event campground occurs in conjunction with a single event that takes place at a single venue for 14 days or less. A plan review application must be submitted by the operator of the special event campground at least 30 days prior to opening, and must receive approval from Environmental Health before opening. Submit the Special Events Campground Application (PDF) (opens in a new tab).

"Special Event Campground" — means a temporary or occasional use campground, work camp, or youth camp operated by a single operator at one location for individual events such as a fair, rally, or project involving the gathering of camping units for a maximum period of 14 consecutive days.

Yes — approval is required to add spaces to your campground or trailer court. Whether you are adding tent sites, RV sites, trailer spaces, cabins, yurts, and so on, prior approval is needed. The first step is to submit a land research request on our website to determine wastewater/water and COSA needs. A plan review for trailer courts/campgrounds must then be submitted to DPHHS to add the sites. Once the state gives approval, our office will conduct an inspection and add the sites to the license.

Yes. Glamping tents are considered a campground and require a campground license. A plan review must be submitted to DPHHS for approval and licensure.

Having more than one spot available to rent for a camper, RV, or tent is considered a campground and requires a campground/trailer court license.

The addition of an RV site or a tiny home can be considered a second dwelling, which may violate the Certificate of Subdivision Approval (COSA) for the parcel. Most properties have a COSA, which often restricts the parcel to a single-family dwelling. Adding a dwelling or living unit to a parcel with such a COSA restriction requires a rewrite of the COSA with Montana DEQ.

Additionally, structures that produce wastewater must have approved wastewater disposal facilities, which may include a permitted onsite wastewater treatment system.

Yes. If you provide housing for employees, including seasonal employees, a work camp license is required.