Is Cameron, Montana Good for Airbnb Investment?

Potentially—Cameron, Montana combines visitor demand with long-term real estate upside.

• Presents a unique opportunity in a small, rural market with distinct characteristics.
• Cameron's appeal lies in its proximity to outdoor recreation opportunities, including fishing along the Madison River, hunting, and access to Yellowstone National Park.
• The town's remote location and limited lodging options create potential for short-term rentals to fill a market gap, particularly during peak outdoor recreation seasons.
• However, property values remain relatively affordable compared to major metropolitan areas, offering lower barriers to entry.
• Investors should carefully consider the seasonal nature of demand, limited year-round tourism, sparse population density.
• The investment potential largely depends on capturing the niche market of outdoor recreation visitors and seasonal travelers seeking authentic rural Montana experiences.

$800–$2,200, based on location, season, and property quality.

• Based on available market data and regional analysis, Airbnb properties in Cameron, Montana typically generate average monthly revenues ranging from $800 to $2,200, with most hosts earning between $1,200 to $1,800 per month during peak seasons.
• Properties experience significant seasonal variation, with summer months (June through August) commanding premium rates due to proximity to Yellowstone National Park.
• Earnings are primarily influenced by property size and amenities, with larger cabins and homes accommodating 6-8 guests significantly outperforming smaller units, proximity to park entrances and fishing access points.
• Winter months typically see reduced demand except during holiday periods, with average occupancy dropping to 30-45% compared to summer peaks of 70-85%.

Potentially strong—typical annual ROI is 8–12%.

• Typically generate ROI between 8-12% annually, with payback periods ranging from 8-12 years due to the area's proximity to Yellowstone National Park driving seasonal tourism demand.
• Properties in Cameron benefit from higher nightly rates of $150-250 during peak summer months (June-September) when park visitation peaks.
• The average annual gross rental income for a typical 2-3 bedroom property ranges from $35,000-55,000, while comparable long-term rentals in the area generate only $18,000-24,000 annually.
• The seasonal nature of Cameron's tourism market creates higher revenue potential than traditional rentals but requires more active management and carries greater income volatility.

Cameron, Montana averages 45–55% annual occupancy, with seasonal variation.

• Cameron, Montana experiences average Airbnb occupancy rates of approximately 45-55% annually, with significant seasonal variation driven by its proximity to Yellowstone National Park and outdoor recreation opportunities.
• Peak season occurs from June through September when occupancy rates surge to 75-85%, coinciding with summer tourism, fishing season on the Madison River.
• Winter months see occupancy drop to 25-35% due to harsh weather conditions and limited accessibility.
• Cameron's occupancy rates generally exceed Montana's statewide average of 40-45% due to its strategic location near Yellowstone's west entrance.
• The area's dependence on seasonal tourism creates more pronounced fluctuations than typical vacation rental markets.

The strongest opportunities balance visitor demand, nightly rates, and acquisition cost.

• Cameron, Montana offers limited but strategic Airbnb investment opportunities primarily centered around its location along the Madison River corridor and proximity to Yellowstone National Park.
• The Madison River Valley area near Highway 287 represents the prime investment zone due to its world-class fly fishing access.
• The historic Cameron townsite itself, though small, attracts visitors interested in authentic Western experiences and serves as a convenient stopover for Yellowstone tourists.
• Properties near Ennis Lake provide water recreation opportunities and attract families during summer months, supporting steady occupancy rates and competitive nightly rates.
• The Cliff Lake vicinity appeals to more secluded vacation seekers and offers potential for higher-end cabin rentals with premium pricing due to its pristine mountain setting.
• The Virginia City Road corridor provides access to the historic mining town while maintaining Cameron's natural appeal.
• Properties near Hebgen Lake access points capture overflow demand from West Yellowstone while offering more affordable alternatives.

Yes, but only where zoning permits short-term rentals and every required license is current.

• Madison County does not currently require specific permits or registration for short-term rentals, though operators must comply with standard Montana lodging tax requirements and collect the 3% state accommodations tax.
• Occupancy limits typically follow building and fire codes based on square footage and bedroom count, generally allowing 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional guests.
• There are no owner-occupancy requirements mandating hosts to live on-site.
• Zoning restrictions are limited since much of the area is rural residential or agricultural, though some properties near Ennis Lake may have additional environmental considerations.
• The registration process primarily involves obtaining a Montana business license and registering with the Department of Revenue for tax collection purposes.
• Recent regulatory changes have been minimal at the county level, though Montana passed legislation in 2021 (HB 259) preventing local governments from completely banning short-term rentals.

Tax rates vary by jurisdiction; licensing, inspection, and insurance costs are additional.

• Short-term rentals in Cameron, Montana are subject to Montana's statewide lodging facility use tax of 3% on gross receipts.
• Additionally, operators must pay Montana's general sales tax where applicable, though Montana has no statewide sales tax.
• Registration with the Montana Department of Revenue is required for tax collection purposes, with no specific registration fee but operators must obtain a business license which typically costs $15-70 depending on business structure.
• Annual permit costs vary by local jurisdiction but generally range from $50-200 for short-term rental permits in rural Montana counties like Madison County where Cameron is located.
• Property owners may also be subject to increased property tax assessments if the property is classified as commercial rather than residential use.
• Some counties require annual inspections costing $75-150, and operators must maintain liability insurance which, while not a tax or fee.