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Embracing the Kamp Green Program at Butte KOA Journey

Across Starry Night Lodging properties, regenerative practices are always top of mind. In Southwest Montana’s community of Butte, a Kampgrounds of America (KOA) certification helps guide that mission.

The Butte KOA Journey – a Starry Night Lodging Property – has been certified as a Kamp Green Campground since 2022. This internal KOA certification encourages owners and guests to adopt environmentally-friendly practices across KOA properties.

Kamp Green Criteria

A Kamp Green Certification ensures the property has met standards in four different areas:

“We met most of the criteria in some measure and continue to build our sustainable, ecotourism concept and activities,” said campground manager Kyle Fitzgerald.

How the Butte KOA Journey Meets Kamp Green Standards

Saving Energy, Today and Tomorrow

The campground makes an active effort to save energy with the use of LED lights and Energy-Star appliances. The site was awarded a USDA Solar Energy Grant that will be implemented in 2025 to install solar shade shelters at sites. In the meantime, staff are preparing the campground for this implementation.

Creative Ways to Divert Waste

Since Silver Bow County/Butte doesn’t have a recycling program, the Starry Night Lodging gets creative when it comes to reducing, reusing, and recycling at the Butte KOA Journey. This includes:

Working with a local Scout troop to recycle cans and bottles redeemable for a deposit to contribute to their funding program and environmental patch program.
Bringing metals to a local scrap yard.
Using old towels and linens around the property for cleaning.
Eliminating plastic shopping bags and plastic water bottles at the facility, using recycled paper and refillable options instead.

Water Conservation

Some measures for water conservation at the Butte KOA are relatively simple, like installing low flow-appliances in updated bathhouses and providing a water bottle refill station for campers to use rather than single-use water bottles.

It also involves changing the landscape of the campground. With the help of a Kamground of the Future grant and partnerships with local environmental organizations, including the Montana Native Plant Society, the Butte KOA has incorporated native species throughout the property. This landscaping requires less water to maintain.

The campground has also committed to not using sprinklers for irrigation on site. “This causes some consternation with guests at times who think everything should be green,” said Fitzgerald. But even that type of interaction can provide opportunities for education.

“If a guest asks why we don't water our lawns, we tell them! We engage in open and informative discussions on how important it is for us to conserve and be mindful of our environment.”

Starry Night Lodging and the Butte KOA continue to look for alternative ways to provide attractive and comfortable sites without wasting water with non-native grass. Alternatives we’re exploring include artificial turf, native plant species, or even attractive use of decorative rock.

A Community of Learning

Education is a major part of our work at the Butte KOA. From partnering with local environmental groups to plant trees in the community, to presenting at conventions, organizations and local schools, outreach is an important part of making sustainability a priority.

The campground has also been working with Montana Tech faculty, students, and researchers studying water quality in Black Tail Creek, adjacent to the property.

The educational initiative also includes:

Conversations with campers and community members about the property’s goals and activities.
Hosting events throughout the season.
Providing fun and educational programs for guests, including Project Wet activities.
Supporting the Pick Up America program with local Scout partners.

Get Involved

It’s easy to get involved in sustainability measures like these, even as a camper. Whether it’s attending an educational program during your stay at the Butte KOA, attending a volunteer river cleanup day, or even smaller changes, anyone can make a big impact.

“Staff also promotes conservation efforts by turning off lights and technology when not in use, using power conserving strips or smart thermostats in our office/store areas,” said Fitzgerald. That’s something that anyone can do at home (or on the road), too.

“Folks are happy to hear of conservation efforts and enjoy our sustainability programs when offered!” said Fitzgerald.

Come see the programs in action and get involved in regenerative tourism when you book your stay at the Butte KOA Journey.