The Base Camp

50 Years of Celebrating a Montana Legacy of Adventure

If you’ve ever stepped into The Base Camp, you know it’s more than a store. It’s the smell of fresh gear that hints at journeys waiting to be taken. It’s the familiar face behind the counter offering tips on the best trail for wildflowers or where to cast a line on a summer evening. And it’s the shared love for Montana’s wild places that has kept this family-owned business thriving for nearly 50 years.

The story began in 1975, when Scott Brown opened The Base Camp just off Last Chance Gulch in downtown Helena. Back then, it was a pioneering shop for backpackers, a place to grab a reliable pack, a sturdy pair of boots, and expert advice before heading into the backcountry. Over time, the store grew alongside its loyal customers, expanding to include apparel, footwear, camping equipment, and even Montana-inspired gifts.

In 1990, Scott and his wife, Deb, brought that same passion east to Billings, where they opened a second location. With the Billings operation, which is now 35 years old, came a new community of hikers, anglers, campers, and everyday adventurers who found in The Base Camp not just quality gear, but also encouragement to get outside and explore.

“Everything’s been thoughtfully curated,” Lauren Brown, Scott and Deb’s daughter says. “We’re way more than just shorts and fleece.” Cody Brown, also a daughter of the couple, adds, “It’s not just outdoor gear. It’s everything for the outdoor lifestyle.

Every step of the way, the Browns have been keenly aware of how much of a family they’ve grown with each of their customers.

“It’s so touching,” Cody says. It is a passion for the outdoors that customers can sense.

“The Base Camp has soul, and we truly believe that’s what draws our customers back time and time again,” Lauren says. The family knows that with so many box stores competing for their customer base, keeping this locally owned spirit alive has been key.  

In the fall of 2023, Scott and Deb officially passed the ownership torch to Cody and Lauren. With enthusiasm and vision, the sisters have stepped in to carry forward the family legacy. They’re modernizing and updating the stores, but they are also fiercely committed to keeping The Base Camp community-driven, family-rooted, and deeply connected to Montana’s great outdoors.

“It’s been a really great and challenging journey,” Lauren says. “We have a lot of discoveries every day,” Cody adds.

Scott, Deb, Cody & Lauren

This year, in honor of their anniversary, The Base Camp is giving back in a way that feels true to its roots. The celebration has been transformed into a fundraiser for its beloved nonprofit partners in Wild Montana, Montana Trout Unlimited, Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Foundation, and Billings TrailNet.

“Since the outdoors are the reason and at the heart of what we do, we felt that turning this into a fundraising opportunity for nonprofits doing the hard work of protecting our public lands, wild spaces, and waterways was the perfect recipe,” Lauren says. Vendor partners like Patagonia, Mountain Hardwear, Rab, Crazy Creek Chairs, and Royal Robins are just a handful of the companies that have graciously donated tens of thousands of dollars in goods to be raffled off for these charities.

Nearly half a century after it first opened its doors and 35 years after it opened its Billings location, The Base Camp remains what it has always been. It’s a launching point for adventure, a hub for community, and a reminder that Montana’s wild places are worth exploring and worth protecting.

The Brown family is grateful.

“I used to joke when folks told me they shopped at The Base Camp and I’d say, ‘Thank you. You helped send me to college.’ But truly, every dollar you spend with us doesn’t just support our family, it supports every single one of our amazing employees who pour their hearts into this store every day,” Lauren says.

And the sisters are looking forward to defining what the next chapter of The Base Camp looks like. They’ve been busy behind the scenes expanding through online sales, launching more educational events, and as Lauren says, “keeping the heart and soul of the store we love alive.”

So, here’s to the next adventure, and to the generations of explorers who will continue to call The Base Camp their starting point.

Cheers to 50 Years

Help The Base Camp Celebrate!

In honor of The Base Camp’s 50th anniversary and 35th anniversary in Billings, the store will be holding a celebration on October 11th from 2 to 6 PM. Join them for live music courtesy of The Mandela Effect, hot cocoa around the campfire, food trucks, raffle prizes, giveaways, games, memorabilia, and more! 

More from the Experts at The Base Camp 

About The Base Camp 

The Base Camp is Montana's premier outdoor store, serving the Billings and Helena communities for nearly five decades, providing high-quality clothing, footwear, outdoor equipment, and Montana lifestyle gifts. 

As a locally owned, family-run business passionate about the outdoors and our communities, we are dedicated to fueling the spirit of outdoor adventure and delivering superior service. Our mission is to be your go-to destination for your outdoor pursuits, equipping adventurers with essential gear for any journey. 

Beyond retail, The Base Camp fosters a community of outdoor enthusiasts, inspiring and supporting your love for nature with knowledgeable and friendly staff. Visit The Base Camp – where the spirit of the great outdoors comes to life, and your adventures begin.