Is Cameron, Montana Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Cameron, Montana, begin by researching Madison County's zoning regulations and short-term rental ordinances, as Cameron falls under county jurisdiction rather than municipal control, typically requiring compliance with residential zoning laws and potential conditional use permits. Contact Madison County Planning Department to obtain necessary permits, which may include a business license, conditional use permit for short-term rentals, and compliance with fire safety codes and septic system regulations common in rural Montana areas. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings through companies like Big Sky Sotheby's International Realty or ERA Landmark Real Estate, focusing on properties near fishing access points along the Madison River or close to Yellowstone National Park entrances, as Cameron's location makes it attractive to outdoor enthusiasts and park visitors. Furnish the property with rustic Montana-themed decor, essential amenities including reliable internet (potentially through satellite providers like HughesNet given rural location), heating systems suitable for harsh winters, and outdoor gear storage, while ensuring compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photography highlighting mountain views, river access, and proximity to Yellowstone (approximately 45 minutes to West Entrance), setting competitive rates based on seasonal demand with peak pricing during summer months (June-September) when fishing and park visitation are highest. Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services in nearby Ennis or West Yellowstone, coordinating maintenance through local contractors familiar with rural Montana properties, implementing keyless entry systems, and maintaining 24/7 guest communication while preparing for seasonal challenges including snow removal and potential power outages during winter months.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Cameron, Montana, focus on locations within 2-3 miles of Ennis Lake and the Madison River, as these areas attract year-round fishing enthusiasts and summer recreationalists. Target 2-4 bedroom cabins or homes built after 1990 with rustic charm, full kitchens, outdoor spaces, hot tubs, and fishing gear storage, as these features command premium rates of $150-300 per night during peak season (June-September). Analyze comparable properties using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark occupancy rates around 60-70% annually, with higher rates near water access points. Research competition by monitoring existing STRs within a 10-mile radius, noting that properties closer to Ennis (15 minutes away) may have higher competition but also higher demand. Utilize tools like Rabbu for market analysis, STR Helper for revenue projections, and local resources including Madison County planning department for zoning compliance, Ennis Chamber of Commerce for tourism data, and local property management companies like Big Sky Vacation Rentals for market insights. Properties with private water access or within walking distance of fishing spots typically achieve 20-30% higher revenue than those requiring a drive to recreational areas.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Cameron, Montana, you must first contact the Madison County Planning Department since Cameron falls under county jurisdiction rather than having its own municipal permitting system. Submit an application for a conditional use permit or business license through Madison County, typically requiring documents including property deed or lease agreement, site plan showing parking and access, septic system approval, well water testing results, fire safety inspection certificate, and liability insurance documentation with minimum $1 million coverage. The application fee ranges from $200-500 depending on property size and use intensity, with additional inspection fees of approximately $150-300. The timeline typically spans 60-90 days including a mandatory public hearing process where neighbors can provide input, followed by county commissioner review and approval. Cameron-specific requirements include compliance with rural zoning setbacks of at least 25 feet from property lines, adequate parking for guest vehicles plus one space per bedroom, functioning septic system rated for commercial use rather than residential capacity, and adherence to Madison County's noise ordinances which are stricter in rural areas. You must also register with the Montana Department of Revenue for lodging facility tax collection and remit the required 7% state bed tax plus any applicable local taxes, with annual permit renewal required each January including updated insurance documentation and any necessary re-inspections.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Cameron, Montana, as the small unincorporated community in Madison County operates under Montana state law, which does not prohibit STRs at the state level. However, Madison County may have specific zoning regulations or permit requirements that apply to STR operations in Cameron. The area around Cameron, being near Ennis and close to popular fishing destinations along the Madison River, has seen increased STR activity since 2018-2020. Property owners typically need to comply with basic safety requirements, tax obligations including Montana's 3% accommodations tax, and any local health department regulations. Recent changes in Montana (2021-2023) have focused on clarifying tax collection responsibilities and allowing local governments more authority to regulate STRs through zoning ordinances. Cameron's rural location means fewer restrictions compared to larger Montana cities like Bozeman or Missoula, but operators should verify current Madison County zoning compliance and obtain necessary business licenses before operating an STR.

The best Airbnb investment areas in Cameron, Montana center around the Madison River corridor and Highway 287 frontage properties, which attract year-round fly fishing enthusiasts and serve as a gateway to Yellowstone National Park's west entrance just 20 miles south. The Ennis Lake area offers strong potential due to its proximity to both fishing access points and the historic Virginia City tourist destination, drawing visitors from May through October. Properties near the Cameron Bridge and Madison River access points perform exceptionally well during peak fishing seasons (June-September) when guided fishing operations and independent anglers create consistent demand. The rural residential areas along Varney Road provide opportunities for larger vacation rentals that appeal to family groups and corporate retreats seeking authentic Montana ranch experiences. Highway 287 corridor properties benefit from overflow traffic from nearby Ennis and serve business travelers working in the region's ranching and outfitting industries, while also capturing tourists traveling between Yellowstone and Big Sky Resort who prefer more affordable accommodations outside major resort towns.

In Cameron, Montana, Airbnb hosts are subject to Montana's statewide lodging facility use tax of 3% on gross receipts, which applies to all short-term rental accommodations under 30 days. Madison County, where Cameron is located, imposes an additional 3% resort tax on lodging facilities, bringing the total occupancy tax rate to approximately 6%. These taxes are typically collected directly from guests by Airbnb through their automatic tax collection service for participating jurisdictions, though hosts remain ultimately responsible for ensuring compliance. If Airbnb doesn't collect automatically, hosts must register with the Montana Department of Revenue and remit taxes monthly by the 15th of the following month using Form PR-1. The state requires hosts to obtain a Montana business license and may require local business licenses depending on Cameron's municipal requirements. Exemptions generally apply to stays of 30 days or longer, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient lodging, and certain government or nonprofit organization bookings may qualify for exemptions with proper documentation.

Starting an Airbnb in Cameron, Montana requires approximately $285,000-$320,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs around $250,000 based on median rural Montana home prices in small communities like Cameron. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property costs $15,000-$20,000 including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and outdoor gear appropriate for the area. Initial setup expenses total $3,000-$4,000 covering professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic technology like smart locks and WiFi equipment. Permits and fees range from $500-$1,500 including business licenses, potential county permits, and platform registration fees. Insurance costs $1,200-$2,000 annually for short-term rental coverage. Utility deposits and connections cost $500-$800 for electricity, water, propane, internet, and waste services. First six months operating costs total $8,000-$12,000 including utilities ($200-300/month), cleaning supplies and services ($150-250/month), maintenance reserves ($200/month), property management software ($50/month), and marketing expenses ($100/month). Additional considerations include potential septic system maintenance common in rural Montana properties and higher heating costs during winter months.

Airbnb properties in Cameron, Montana, typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for modest cabins and $40,000-$75,000 for premium properties, with occupancy rates averaging 45-65% during peak summer months (June-September) when nightly rates range from $120-$280. Operating expenses generally consume 40-55% of gross revenue, including property management fees (15-25%), cleaning costs ($75-$150 per turnover), utilities ($200-$400 monthly), insurance ($1,500-$3,000 annually), and maintenance ($2,000-$5,000 yearly). Properties near Ennis Lake and Madison River command premium rates, with successful hosts like those operating "Riverside Retreat Cameron" reporting 70%+ occupancy and $65,000 annual revenue on a 3-bedroom cabin purchased for $285,000 in 2019, achieving 18-22% net profit margins after mortgage payments. Success factors include proximity to fishing access points, modern amenities like hot tubs and WiFi, professional photography, dynamic pricing strategies, and partnerships with local outfitters, though seasonality remains challenging with winter occupancy dropping to 15-25%, making year-round profitability dependent on achieving $200+ average daily rates during peak season and maintaining properties that appeal to both summer recreationalists and winter visitors seeking authentic Montana experiences.

Airbnb investments in Cameron, Montana can expect annual ROI of 12-18% based on the area's proximity to Yellowstone National Park and seasonal tourism patterns. Cash-on-cash returns typically range from 8-14% annually, with properties averaging $150-250 per night during peak summer months (June-September) and $80-120 during shoulder seasons. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, assuming initial investment of $300,000-500,000 for suitable properties. The market benefits from consistent demand from Yellowstone visitors, with occupancy rates of 65-75% annually. Properties within 30 minutes of the park entrance command premium rates, while those offering unique amenities like hot tubs or mountain views can achieve the higher end of ROI projections. Winter months see reduced activity but ice fishing and winter sports provide some off-season revenue, contributing to overall annual returns of 15% being realistic for well-positioned properties.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research in Cameron, Montana. Local real estate agents specializing in short-term rental investments include Glacier Sotheby's International Realty, PureWest Real Estate, and Engel & Völkers Glacier National Park, with agents like Sarah Mitchell and Tom Bradley focusing on vacation rental properties since 2019. National services include Awning (formerly RedAwning) for property management and investment analysis, Mashvisor for market analytics and property search tools, AirDNA for revenue forecasting and market data, and Vacasa for full-service property management. Local property management companies serving the Cameron area include Glacier Park Properties and Flathead Valley Vacation Rentals, while investment-focused services like BiggerPockets connects investors with local professionals. Additional national platforms include Roofstock for turnkey rental properties, HomeUnion for investment property acquisition, and Rental Scale-Up for market analysis, all of which have expanded their Montana coverage since 2020 to serve the growing Glacier National Park tourism market.