Summer In Montana: Will Bozeman See An Increase In Urban Camping?

For a couple of years, you couldn't get away from the topic of "Urban Camping". While it's been happening in several towns across Montana, it was a particularly hot topic in Bozeman.

Now, it should be noted that for many there are two Bozemans. There is the old Bozeman which several locals would like to see make a come back, and then there is the new Bozeman that is more tourist and fancy folk friendly.

Of course, either way, the whole people camping in rundown RVs doesn't seem to bode well with either camp. The old school crowd doesn't want to see their once beloved small town feel taken over by folks who are living on the side of the streets, and the new school crowd wants to make sure that all of that is as far away from Main Street and high traffic areas as possible.

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Of course, now that the weather is warmer and spring and summer are here, does that mean we will see an increase in questionable vehicles lining up around Bozeman?

That's a great question, and the answer is....well, it kind of depends.

There has certainly been a decrease in vehicles across the city. Not too far from our house is an apartment complex that for a year or so was scattered with broken down RVs and other vehicles that had seen better days. However, it seems that they've all left, or were towed away.

Of course, the city passed an ordinance that required a permit to camp in public right-of-ways for 30 days, and according to a report by NBC Montana, that seems to have helped a great deal.

The news source stated that as of late last year, 75 people had filed for a permit, where as recently it was as low as 30. So the question is, will the warmer weather bring out more people? Or are those who are still urban camping doing so legally?

Once again...the answer to that question is...well, it kind of depends.

There are several that will tell you that the problem is just as big as it was and people are not following the law. While others will tell you that the numbers are down dramatically, and that the program is indeed working.

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My suggestion? Take a drive around town and see for yourself. For me, it certainly looks like there is less.