Yellowstone - when to go?

[Doggievet]

We want to visit Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons and Glacier NP. When is the best time to go? We would like to avoid snow and as many school children as possible. We'll be driving from NC, taking our time. What should we visit on our return home?
Annie K. and Sparky the long-haired chihuahua
03 Journey DL 36LD
04 Saturn LW 300
Blue Ox and Brake Buddy

[Doggievet]

We want to visit Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons and Glacier NP. When is the best time to go? We would like to avoid snow and as many school children as possible. We'll be driving from NC, taking our time. What should we visit on our return home?
Annie K. and Sparky the long-haired chihuahua
03 Journey DL 36LD
04 Saturn LW 300
Blue Ox and Brake Buddy

[Sundevil]

We spent two weeks in Yellowstone last June. We arrived the 17th. The roads were clear and the crowds were managable. I would go back again at the same time. The busy time is from the 4th of July through August. You need to make reservations early especially if you plan on camping in the park. Fishing Bridge is the only campground in the park with full hookups. It was too crowded for us...no campfires, or picnic tables... We ended up staying in West Yellowstone and had a great time! Keep in mind the weather can turn cold real fast...they have reported snow in July so just be prepared!

[mis3s]

We were there in August. We all had a ball. We stayed at Fishing Birdge for the 5 day duration we were at Yellowstone. With the 6 of us, full hook-up is the only way to go. Although, we dry camped at Grand Teton for one night before entering Yellowstone. In retrospect, we could have also dry camped at the west gate camp ground on the last night. Before our kids became school age, we usually traveled during September, less crowd, and kids are back in school, and weather is is still great. Our kids are now school age so we go by their vacation schedule. Plus, know I teach (career change). You can also go to Mount Rushmoore in South Dakota. It's a beautiful country we have. We have a lot to be thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Relax, drive safely, and enjoy God's creation.

[chasfm11]

We were just there the first of September. By traveling Labor Day weekend and arriving afterwards, we missed the crowds. This is always a slight possibility of snow in Sept but mostly it happens after the middle of the month. From NC, you probably need to leave sooner to accomplish the same result.

We stayed 5 days at Fishing Bridge. From there, we were able to take our toad on day trips to all the parts of the park. Don't miss the two Cascades.

We stayed in Coulter Bay RV park for two nights and Grand Teton KOA for another to cover the Grand Tetons and Jackson in 4 days. The Jenny Lake boat tour to at least Hidden Falls (we went to Inspiration Point) is great but you need to have the week in Yellowstone first to acclimate to the altitude.

[Ray,IN]

Hopefully this tip is useful. If you don't know your exact arrival time at Yellowstone and wish to stay at fishing bridge CG, phone the reservation line a few days prior and take anything your rig will fit into, even if just for 1-2 days. The first morning you are there be at the CG office at opening and ask about cancellations (they have many due to their liberal policy). I've done this many times, often I must move to another site but can stay a few more days. I suggest visiting Yellowstone as soon as school is dismissed. It may be cool there, but the summer crunch hasn't hit yet.

[Ecker]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Doggievet:
We want to visit Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons and Glacier NP. When is the best time to go? We would like to avoid snow and as many school children as possible. We'll be driving from NC, taking our time. What should we visit on our return home?
Annie K. and Sparky the long-haired chihuahua
03 Journey DL 36LD
04 Saturn LW 300
Blue Ox and Brake Buddy </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
____________________________________________
We camp just north of the north entrance at a place called Yellowstone Edge RV park. Really very nice CG along the edge of Yellowstone River, good fly fishing from bank or go with other campers to good spots and friendly staff and campers. Community fire ring every night. We stay for several months each summer. We drive the 35 miles to Yellowstone each day and go to where-ever in the park the urge takes us. In early August the Bison will calve out in Lamar Valley. It's a wonderful site and picture opportunity. Later in late August- early September as the temperature drops the Bison will start moving closer in and walk along the roads all over park - many times right beside your car but at all times close to roads and thus can get close up views and pictures (do not get physically close out of car with any of these animals). At the same time the Elk are in rut season and maybe a hundred or so move into Mammoth Hot Springs and lay around on the greens - again providing both a wonderful close up view and picture activities. The Roosevelt area closes on Labor Day. Snow does come to higher elevations in late August or early September but does not cause any problems. Need to be prepared for emergencies and temperature changes especially if your going to do the trails.

[Doggievet]

Thanks for all the good information. I am especially interested in photographing wildlife as well as scenery so the info on bison and elk was especially informative.
Annie K