“We are so excited to be in Montana for 2026,” said Meg Allen of the River to Rails Jamboree.

Now in its 17th year, the Jamboree is not a race or a competition. It will have beautiful, organized rides for all widths of ATVs and side-by-sides with lots of activities. 

“First off, let me emphasize that we are a fun get-together,” Allen said. “We are people who come together to enjoy the great outdoors, have some fun and enjoy good food and entertainment.”

Most of those who attend are over the age of 50, and many participants are disabled. Organizers work to make the event welcoming and accessible to all. 

This year, attendees will travel from several states, including Florida. Nearly 350 people are expected to attend. Registration for 2026 is already full, as all participants must register in advance so organizers can provide exact numbers to the Forest Service, caterers, insurance providers and event locations. 

Registration for 2027 will open in December or January so those that are interested can join the mailing list at rivertorails.com. The event typically fills within one to six days. 

“Last year we sold out in two and a half hours, and this year it took five days,” Allen noted.

The 2026 Jamboree will be based at the Black Diamond Resort in DeBorgia, which will serve as the main hub. The resort’s lodge will host registration check-in, the Saturday night catered Western BBQ dinner featuring GarrenTeed BBQ brisket from Smelterville, Idaho with live entertainment provided by Blake Allen Music, featuring classic rock, country and blues and the ever-popular Jamboree Campfire Get-Together. The $50,000 Silver Dollar Complex in Haugan will be the site of the Friday night Western Costume Party, bingo and a catered prime rib dinner.

“The camping will be in the big field just west of us where we hold other events,” said Brogan Keenen, bar manager of the $50,000 Bar. “They’ll have access to everything and depending on which trail systems they use, many start right there or close by.”

Organized ATV and side-by-side rides will be offered over three days, in coordination with the Forest Service. Rides will accommodate various vehicle widths and will take participants to historic and scenic destinations throughout the area. A highlight of the event will be a Veterans Lunch and Ride. Veterans in attendance will be honored during a special gathering, with a fried chicken lunch provided by the team at The Hideout.

The Jamboree also supports charitable causes. This year, donations will go to the Veteran Entrepreneur Alliance and the Mineral County Community Food Bank. For the past nine years, organizers have donated food to local food banks in host communities, typically totaling around $2,000 in value. “The Veteran Entrepreneur Alliance helps veterans start their own small businesses with education and funding,” Allen said. 

She emphasized that the organization is entirely volunteer-run and makes a point of purchasing locally whenever possible. While alcohol is not provided by the event, individuals are free to enjoy a drink responsibly.

Although the 2026 event is full, local residents will still have opportunities to take part. Organizers are working on plans for a parade, tentatively scheduled for Friday, July 10 at 6 p.m. The parade will be open to everyone, whether as participants or spectators. Additional details will be announced as plans are finalized. Volunteers are also needed to assist during the three-day event. Volunteers will serve as ambassadors for Mineral County and will receive certain perks for their time and effort.

Allen has long been familiar with the area. Years ago, she was involved in the television production of Power Sports Adventures and visited Haugan to film a snowmobile event. More recently, members of the Jamboree team stopped for lunch at the $50,000 Bar and Restaurant while returning from Avery, Idaho, where the 2025 event was held. As organizers discussed future locations, Haugan and DeBorgia quickly rose to the top of the list.

“We then started pulling out maps and Michelle (Hahn) from The Hideout helped us with more maps of the trail systems,” Allen said. “Then we found out about the history of Savenac (Historic USFS Tree Nursery) and other places and said, ‘This is perfect.’ It was a unanimous vote.”

For Allen, the move to Montana is also personal. She grew up in Corvallis and her father worked as a conductor on the Milwaukee Railroad. As a child, she traveled by train through Haugan and DeBorgia and over the pass. The Jamboree typically stays in one location for about five years. The event began in Island Park, Idaho, and has since been held in MacKay, Salmon, Challis and Avery. 

The 2026 gathering will mark the first time River to Rails has been hosted in Big Sky Country. The event takes place July 9 through July 12.