Advice on trip to Yellowstone July 2015

[timeforus]

Hello, looking for some advice on places to stay, either boondocking or campgrounds, in or near Yellowstone. We are planning to come in from the northeast corner of the state, then spend a week or two in Yelowstone, then motoring on down to Cheyenne. We have a 40' and towing. Should we make reservations somewhere or just wing it. If we can't get a site in the park is it possible to boondock? Campgrounds in the park don't take reservations apparently. Should could use some good advice from others that have been there.

[twogypsies]

http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisi...ellowstone.htm

These are the campgrounds in the park. Yes, some do take reservations, such as Fishing Bridge which has full hookups and some 40' sites.

We've been to Yellowstone quite often with our 40' motorhome but have never made reservations. We've stayed at Mammoth, our favorite, Madison and Bridge Bay. However, we've always gone in September.

You cannot boondock in Yellowstone. There are many national forest service campgrounds outside each gate area. Be sure to take in Grand Teton Nat'l Park while you're there. They are right next door. There we stay at either Colter Bay campground (not the RV park which is next door) or Gros Ventre, our favorite. Neither takes reservations but have 300 sites. We've never had a problem getting a site in the park.

[timeforus]

Thanks, for the help. The information is very helpful. Going in Sept. seems like the better time to travel, but we are trying to spend some time at Cheyenne's Frontier Days in July. Really questioning our July trip now. Thanks Again

[gio8856]

Sept. is really nice, just got back a couple of weeks ago. Changing color of the leafs is some thing to see. We came from Tx. and stayed at Grizzly rv park, nice but a little pricy. Came home through Idaho and it was as good as Yellowstone. Planning a return next year with more time in Idaho. Injoy....

[twogypsies]

You could still to Frontier Days in July and find other places to visit enroute to Yellowstone and Grand Teton in September.

[RVThere]

I'll be doing a backpack trip through Yellowstone with the Scouts in July 2015. If you see us along the road, throw us some food!!!

And we will technically be boondocking...

[oakcreekeric]

Where are you coming from to get to Yellowstone?

We stayed at Flagg Ranch (Grand Teton National Park).. Which is a couple miles south of the south entrance to Yellowstone.. It was nice.. nothing much to write home about.. we spent all our time in Yellowstone, so it really didn't matter to us...

I heard Colter Bay (Grand Teton National Park) is another possibility if you're looking for options... Again, not technically in Yellowstone.. but just a stones throw away and you'll be able to explore the Teton's as well...

[Craigls2]

We have stayed at Grizzly RV Park in West Yellowstone several times and like it. Very close to the West entrance.

[SeeTheUSA]

We just finished serving in Yellowstone (YNP) as campground hosts, were there from mid-June through mid-September. Great place, fun gig.

There are five larger campgrounds where you came make reservations ...
- Fishing Bridge (only one with any hookups, but really the least interesting IMHO and with no table or fire ring)
- Madison (near the West Entrance, nice campground)
- Bridge Bay (fairly central within YNP, some don't like the lack of trees)
- Canyon (central within YNP, not too many larger campsites)
- Grant (near South Entrance, central for Yellowstone and Grand Tetons activities).

Hookups aren't too important, don't really need A/C and the generator hours are liberal for battery charging. While many sites won't accomodate a 40-footer, there are some --- just don't try trimming trees if you don't fit, could get a costly citation, go back to registration and ask for resolution (another site or trimming by authorized folks).

Get your reservations made as soon as possible --- the campgrounds are mostly full from opening until after Labor Day.

Have fun! Might see you there next summer.

[Ray,IN]

Definitely make reservations when schools are out. Going in July is a busy time for the park system, but with reservations you'll have a great time. I assume you will leave the park via the East entrance (go slow, steep winding downgrade) enroute to Cheyenne WY. Make time to stop in Cody, the museum is fascinating, and exploring the town is very informative. Take in the nightly rodeo at Cody too.

[timeforus]

Hi Everyone, thank you for your comments and advice. We were unable to get a reservation at the Fishing Bridge CG, so we made reservations at the Grizzly Bear Rv Park. We are coming from the east coast (Massachusetts), on to Toronto, then to Sault St. Marie, to Lovell, Wy. Then on to Yellowstone (Grizzly Bear) to Cheyenne and Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse and,of course, Devils Tower.
Any advice you may have for us while we are in the area will be appreciated. Again, Thank you

[Steve Ownby]

Originally Posted by timeforus

Hi Everyone, thank you for your comments and advice. We were unable to get a reservation at the Fishing Bridge CG, so we made reservations at the Grizzly Bear Rv Park. We are coming from the east coast (Massachusetts), on to Toronto, then to Sault St. Marie, to Lovell, Wy. Then on to Yellowstone (Grizzly Bear) to Cheyenne and Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse and,of course, Devils Tower.

Any advice you may have for us while we are in the area will be appreciated. Again, Thank you

Hary Ranch in Rapid City is a great place.


Steve Ownby
Full time since '07

[twogypsies]

Don't forget Grand Teton Nat'l Park just south of Yellowstone. They are completely different in looks.

[Pds47]

best tip I can give is to be in your toad before daybreak in the park to see the animals beats the traffic. you will be wore out by 1:00 , nap, then walk the town of west yellowstone.