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04-11-2015, 11:37 AM
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#1
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 43
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Yellowstone in mid May??
We're thinking about a trip to the Black Hills and Yellowstone in mid May in our 40' motor home with tow. I don't really know what to expect....any thoughts?
Thanks, Jim
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04-11-2015, 11:53 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Enjoying the Western States!
Posts: 19,790
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Expect a pleasant experience - lots of baby animals roaming around, cool weather and less crowds. When it gets closer to your take off time, check out the official national park web site for updated road conditions. Sometimes...but not always....some roads will still be closed for snow. Enjoy!
Park Roads - Yellowstone National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
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Full-timed for 16 Years . . .
Traveled 8 yr in a 2004 Newmar Dutch Star 40' Diesel
& 8 yr in a 33' Travel Supreme 5th wheel
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04-11-2015, 11:58 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,084
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we have been there in later part of may .
part of grand loop still closed by snow,yellowstone lake frozen solid,snow still on the sides of the road over the passes and one morning 6 inches of fresh snow.
this winter has been very mild but mother nature can still brew a snow storm or heavy freeze. bring your winter jacket just in case.
it is still our favorite time to visit as lots of baby animals and not many people.
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04-11-2015, 12:00 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Newmar Owners Club Nor'easters Club
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: upstate new york
Posts: 241
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Back in the day we used to visit Yellowstone in early June.
Tent camped at Soda Butte campground outside of Cooke City.
Every morning we'd wake up to frozen water bottles INSIDE our tents! 
Don't tent camp any more....
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Bob and Karen and Penny R.I.P. 3/4/2019(our faithful wonderdog)
2014 Ventana LE
2012 Ford FX4 twin turbo / Air Force One / Blue Ox LX 10K tow bar
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04-11-2015, 01:07 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Lake County, IL
Posts: 1,584
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Quote:
Originally Posted by the trainguy
Back in the day we used to visit Yellowstone in early June.
Tent camped at Soda Butte campground outside of Cooke City.
Every morning we'd wake up to frozen water bottles INSIDE our tents!
Don't tent camp any more.... |
A few years ago, a tent camper was killed by a grizzly at Soda Butte. For a while after that, it was posted as hard sided campers only. I am not sure if it has been reopened for tents.
Joel
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Retired electronics engineer. Avid paddler & birder.
2011 Silverado 2500HD, diesel, 4x4,crew cab, 8' bed
Palomino Puma 253FBS (27' 5er) & '94 19' Class B
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04-11-2015, 02:13 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Gulf Streamers Club
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Cincinnati
Posts: 19,925
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This winter had a shortage of snowfall and I'd expect roads to be open earlier than in the past couple of years. It will still be cold at night. The bears have just awakened in Mid-May, they will be hungry! (If you hike, carry Bear Spray, know how to use it, and don't bury it in a pack.
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Bob & Donna
'98 Gulf Stream Sun Voyager DP being pushed by a '00 Beetle TDI
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04-12-2015, 08:35 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Newmar Owners Club Nor'easters Club
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: upstate new york
Posts: 241
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They just reopened Beartooth Pass for the season yesterday.
It's an awesome road! 
__________________
Bob and Karen and Penny R.I.P. 3/4/2019(our faithful wonderdog)
2014 Ventana LE
2012 Ford FX4 twin turbo / Air Force One / Blue Ox LX 10K tow bar
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04-12-2015, 08:47 AM
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#8
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 43
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Regarding Beartooth Pass....is it recommended for cars only, or could we take our 40' diesel with tow?
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04-12-2015, 08:50 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Gulf Streamers Club
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Cincinnati
Posts: 19,925
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimbabs
Regarding Beartooth Pass....is it recommended for cars only, or could we take our 40' diesel with tow?
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I think it is much more relaxing and enjoyable with a car. The stress on the RV, driver, and passengers is pretty high. I've done it in a car and driving a bus. Much better in a car where you can easily pull off, look, take photos, than grinding along in 1st gear going down long grades!
__________________
Bob & Donna
'98 Gulf Stream Sun Voyager DP being pushed by a '00 Beetle TDI
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04-12-2015, 09:04 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 255
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I was there June of 2010 had snow but was still nice stayed at west entrance
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04-12-2015, 09:19 AM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,951
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While in the Back Hills check out Custer State Park. I work there as a volunteer from mid May to Oct. Your 40 footer will fit any of the many campgrounds in the park. You can drive the Wildlife Loop and see many Bison, and Pronghorn and newborn babies.
As far as the Beartooth Hwy. Take your car.
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04-12-2015, 05:15 PM
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#12
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 43
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Thanks to TXTiger regarding Custer State Park.....it really looks good. May I ask which campground you volunteer in? Any specific recommendations regarding campsites?.
Thanks, Jim
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04-12-2015, 05:58 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Gulf Streamers Club
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Cincinnati
Posts: 19,925
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimbabs
Thanks to TXTiger regarding Custer State Park.....it really looks good. May I ask which campground you volunteer in? Any specific recommendations regarding campsites?.
Thanks, Jim
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I've spent a lot of time exploring around the Black Hills. A word of caution: The roads can be confusing, US 16, 16A have parts that are great for RVs and parts that you won't be able to travel. Mt. Rushmore is free to visit, but you pay to park, go by auto to save parking fees. We actually enjoy Chief Crazy Horse for it's great Indian culture museum. Don't miss it!
The parts in Red are fine for RV travel. The roads in Green are best in a small truck or auto. The section of US 16A (Iron Mountain Rd.) is best seen traveling from south to north. This highway was designed to capture spectacular views of Mt. Rushmore framed as you go through tunnels but has switchbacks, 360º loops, and low clearances.
Go to Custer St. Park by traveling US 16 to Custer, SD. Just to the south is Wind Cave NP, a nice cave to tour.
__________________
Bob & Donna
'98 Gulf Stream Sun Voyager DP being pushed by a '00 Beetle TDI
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04-13-2015, 09:58 AM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,951
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimbabs
Thanks to TXTiger regarding Custer State Park.....it really looks good. May I ask which campground you volunteer in? Any specific recommendations regarding campsites?.
Thanks, Jim
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I work in the admin office on the weekend and can help make reservations for any of the campgrounds. As far as the roads. Do not take an RV on Iron Mountain Road or Needles Hwy. They both have small tunnels. If you go north on Iron Mountain you will see Mt Rushmore thru the last of the 3 tunnels and when you get to the end you will be just at down the road from Mt Rushmore.
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