The Story of The Base Camp Stores
Once upon a time, in the heart of Montana, a tale of adventure and entrepreneurship began. It all started when a young college student named Scott Brown, along with his adventurous friend Joe Kiely, attended a lecture by the renowned author Anthony Burgess, the genius behind “A Clockwork Orange” and “One Hand Clapping.” Inspired by Burgess’s words to “do their own thing,” the two friends decided to embark on a daring journey.
On the very first day of their last college quarter, Scott and Joe made a bold move. They marched into the registrar’s office, reclaimed half of their tuition, and with their pockets filled with newfound freedom, they hit the open road, bound for Mexico. Scott, cleverly, waited until they reached Salt Lake City to inform his parents of their audacious decision. And so, the adventure in Mexico began, filled with exploration and dreams, and the seeds of an idea that would change their lives forever – the idea of The Base Camp.
Back home, they sought guidance from Joe’s family friend, Clark Pyfer, who also happened to be the head accountant of Galusha, Higgins, and Galusha. Clark generously lent his expertise, helping the young men assemble a business plan and coaching them on securing a business loan. However, their first meeting with the banker resulted in disappointment as the loan application was turned down. Undeterred, Scott and Joe shared the news with Clark, who encouraged them to be persistent. The following day, to their astonishment, the bank approved their small business loan. Little did they know, Clark had quietly co-signed the loan, showing unwavering belief in their vision.
Now equipped with the necessary funds, Scott and Joe faced the task of naming their future store. A casual evening at Burt and Ernie’s, a local watering hole, found them debating names. Joe favored “The Switch Back,” while Scott playfully suggested “the Porcupine.” Fate intervened when a fellow diner, a free-spirited hippie, overheard their discussion and asked, “What do you call that place where you camp before a big climb?” In that serendipitous moment, “The Base Camp” was born.
The Base Camp found its modest home on the backside of Last Chance Gulch, occupying a 2,500 square foot space on Jackson Street from 1974 to 1981. It later expanded downstairs, with the main entrance on Last Chance Gulch, becoming a cherished establishment in Helena.
In 1980, Scott’s life took yet another transformative turn when he met and married Deb. Together, they started a family, welcoming daughters Lauren and Cody into their lives. Deb brought a feminine touch to Base Camp, enhancing the store’s appeal with beautiful florals, women’s clothing, and thoughtful gifts.
In 1990, the Brown family embarked on a new adventure, moving to Billings, Montana. They brought their love for the outdoors with them and opened the doors of The Base Camp to the Billings community. Since then, the store has passionately provided clothing, footwear, and outdoor equipment to outdoor enthusiasts in the region.
As demand for quality outdoor gear increased, the Helena location experienced growing pains. In 2007, Scott made a visionary move by purchasing the historic Gaslight Theater on Broadway. After a remarkable renovation, the space became the beautiful downtown keystone location known and loved today.
In 2023, Scott and Deb proudly passed The Base Camp on to their daughters, Lauren and Cody Brown, continuing the family legacy into its next generation. Having grown up immersed in the spirit of adventure, hard work, and community that defines the store, Lauren and Cody are honored to carry it forward. They love running The Base Camp and couldn’t be more proud of the incredible business their parents built from the ground up.
In October 2025, The Base Camp celebrated 50 years in business — a remarkable milestone rooted in passion, perseverance, and deep community connection. The Brown family looks forward to celebrating this achievement alongside the communities in Helena and Billings who have supported The Base Camp every step of the way.
And so, the story continues — grounded in Montana, built on bold beginnings, and fueled by a shared love for helping people step outside and explore.