Community Forums

rfg9585 · 06-20-2022, 07:55 AM

Looking for opinions as to which location to choose from for a week around YNP. The park is opening the south loop this week with entry requirements. During the week of 7/4 which location would be best? Give me your thoughts given the entry requirements likely to be in place.

Bigceasar · 06-20-2022, 08:31 AM

Staying in the park means you will not be subject to the odd/even license plate entry system temporarily in place. Services such dining,, ranger programs and convenience items are likely to be curtailed or unavailable inside the park. So if you need those items Grizzly might be a better option. Also there is a lot of interesting things to do outside the park that are much more easily accessed from West Yellowstone.

rfg9585 · 06-20-2022, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigceasar

Staying in the park means you will not be subject to the odd/even license plate entry system temporarily in place. Services such dining,, ranger programs and convenience items are likely to be curtailed or unavailable inside the park. So if you need those items Grizzly might be a better option. Also there is a lot of interesting things to do outside the park that are much more easily accessed from West Yellowstone.

I was wondering about activities outside park. Would it be a feasible alternative to travel to outside the park from Fishing Bridge to West Yellowstone to access these activities?

Bigceasar · 06-20-2022, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rfg9585

I was wondering about activities outside park. Would it be a feasible alternative to travel to outside the park from Fishing Bridge to West Yellowstone to access these activities?

My guess, based on nothing but my experience with the public, is the lines to enter the park are going to be incredibly long and slow moving. People don’t like to be told “no” and some will fight it till their dying breath.
If you plan several activities outside the park, that is where you should stay. Two non consecutive days inside Yellowstone when only the southern loop is accessible is likely enough for the non trail hiking public (98% of the visitors). It might serve your fellow RVers to keep Fishing Bridge open for others if you plan to spend a lot of time outside the park. West Yellowstone and the surrounding area has plenty to offer in terms of activities such as hiking, fishing, horseback riding, biking, ATV riding, restaurants, souvenirs, the Grizzly Discovery Center, an IMAX theater etc.

twogypsies · 06-20-2022, 10:26 AM

Staying in either place is feasible. Just allow time for getting through the entry station and the added miles. I feel if you're going to a national park then stay in it for the best overall experience. I don't think they'll curtail ranger programs or restaurants. Why would they? Those people won't be working on cleanup of roads.

HighDesert · 06-20-2022, 01:29 PM

Just my opinion, but getting a spot at either Fishing Bridge or Grizzly July 4th without a prior reservation? Probably have better luck buying a Powerball ticket. West Yellowstone has several campgrounds around in the $80+ a night range fr FHU. If most of your activities are in the West Yellowstone area, may make more sense to stay in that area rather than fight the crowds and lines getting back into the park.

zmotorsports · 06-20-2022, 01:40 PM

From our recent couple of visits to Grizzly RV Park I can honestly say that it is evident they are under new management. The park is NOWHERE near as nice or as well looked after as it was a few years ago.

Grizzly RV Park in West Yellowstone has been our "go-to" park for the past 15 or so years now, most years twice a year but based on our past couple of visits I think we are going to look elsewhere for the next trip to YNP.

We stayed at Grant's Village many years ago and quite enjoyed it but never have stayed at Fishing Bridge. It may be time to try there for us.

Bigceasar · 06-20-2022, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twogypsies

Staying in either place is feasible. Just allow time for getting through the entry station and the added miles. I feel if you're going to a national park then stay in it for the best overall experience. I don't think they'll curtail ranger programs or restaurants. Why would they? Those people won't be working on cleanup of roads.

Restaurants were supplied thru the north entrance, which is now gone. The park may very well attempt to limit traffic, and the traffic from in park services is not insignificant when you factor in not only supplying, but trash removal, staffing, servicing utilities etc.
Rangers are likely to be assigned to areas under repair or in need of security. The park may also cut staffing due to access and housing issues. I wouldn’t count on anything that was available prior to the flood being available now.

rfg9585 · 06-20-2022, 02:27 PM

Thanks all! I see that only if I have planned activities in W.Y. should I stay there. Honestly I don't as my focus was to be on the park itself. So I may soon just cancel my Grizzly plans and stay with Fishing Bridge. If by chance we work our way out of the park, I can deal with the wait to get back in.

Keep a lookout for 4th week opening up soon at Grizzly, if you been looking. Just need to be 100% sure this will pan out.

Again, THANKS all!

rfg9585 · 06-20-2022, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HighDesert

Just my opinion, but getting a spot at either Fishing Bridge or Grizzly July 4th without a prior reservation? Probably have better luck buying a Powerball ticket. West Yellowstone has several campgrounds around in the $80+ a night range fr FHU. If most of your activities are in the West Yellowstone area, may make more sense to stay in that area rather than fight the crowds and lines getting back into the park.

Believe it or not there were quite a few open spots this past saturday night at Fishing Bridge, not sure about now that they have announced reopening.