Yellowstone anyone?

[frankgibbons]

I think you should plan your trip a month before June or after June. Because the best times to visit Yellowstone National Park are from April to May and between September and October.

These shoulder months offer mild weather and fewer crowds. July and August are the most popular months to visit: The kids are out of school, and the weather is warm enough to sleep outside.

However, this park is very popular for it's cold environment. Temperatures drops into the 30s even in the summer. During the winter temperatures drops from subzero digits to the high 20s. Don't fear of that situation: There's nothing quite like seeing plumes of steam rise from beneath a thick blanket of snow and ice.

[micpib1354]

We have stayed at two different RV Parks in West Yellowstone, when we go back and stay at the Grizzly RV Park again. I loved hearing the wolves at the Wolf Rehab Center nearby, there were lots of food choices, riding our bikes was easy and the people that we met were fantastic. You might also consider visiting Glacier NP while you are in the area, we did not and I have regretted that decision... so next time we will take the time and go there. Most of the Campgrounds that we saw in the park were very crowded and difficult to navigate. We made it to the East Entrance and then we left out staying in Cody Wyoming and loved staying there. The Wild Bill Cody Museum was very worth the time spent there and we just happened to be there for the Plains Indian Pow Wow. While staying in West Yellowstone, we did a few side trips, the trip to Nevada City, WY was great, the side trip to a Bear Park in Idaho was a little disappointing. We really enjoyed our time in Yellowstone and look forward to our return there. JH

[Desert Flyer]

Ditto on Glacier NP...Going To The Sun Road is not to miss. Actually, you can’t miss it as it is basically the only road in the park. Loved Avalanche Campground, Avalanche Trail, and Hidden Lake. Beautiful country.

[PKI]

"1. Have you done it? (In a pop-up, travel trailer, fifth-wheel, motor coach, etc.)"

We have done it in a car and a travel trailer. Car was a day trip on a family visit round robin vacation. Travel trailer visit was the front end of a trip for a wedding. We spent a week in Yellowstone at the FHU campground at Fishing Bridge.

"2. Would you do it (or do it again)?"

We do not currently plan to do it again for quite a while. I have a dream of doing some fly fishing with my brother there, but that may never happen. The Yellowstone world is choked with people, often day trippers, wanting to see the wildlife and park attractions. Google bear jam.

We are front end of park visitors. Not the same as back packers and hikers. So having been there, we find little to tempt a return. There are some exceptions, Joshua Tree was kind of cool, and your experience can be a different one, but you will need to plan well to achieve that objective.

"And I would be happy to have any additional information that might help!"

A 1600 mile trip is two hard days or four relatively easy days. Boondocking in a popup is not usually done at Walmarts, rest areas, truck stops and such. However, public land and small parks should give you options as you head West. Suggest you plan well to smooth your adventure.

Yellowstone has restrictions on the use of tents due to bear activity. If your popup is hard sided, lots of issues melt away. If it's a tent, verify how you can make that work. Hauling gear in the trailer and sleeping in the vehicle might be an effective approach until you setup camp for multiple days. Store gear in plastic boxes that are easy to move from one space to the other. The clear ones make it easier to find stuff.

The reason you can't leave an ice chest out is because bears have learned that tasty stuff is often inside. They are expert at opening a chest. Even if that chest is in your locked vehicle. Do not leave them visible anywhere. The best story I have heard was that bears targeted a couple and kept wandering up to their camp. It was finally identified that the couple was using strawberry scented shampoo. A bear's sense of smell is a lot better than a human's. Not my story, but too good not to repeat.

The suggestion to visit Glacier NP is a good one if you have time. The Grand Canyon, North and South rims are a must see. And Mesa Verde is interesting as well. If you can't stop this year, you'll have lots to look forward to for future trips.

Good luck on your planning. Maybe we'll meet you down the road. Pat

[MrT61]

Originally Posted by PKI

"1. Have you done it? (In a pop-up, travel trailer, fifth-wheel, motor coach, etc.)"

We have done it in a car and a travel trailer. Car was a day trip on a family visit round robin vacation. Travel trailer visit was the front end of a trip for a wedding. We spent a week in Yellowstone at the FHU campground at Fishing Bridge.

"2. Would you do it (or do it again)?"

We do not currently plan to do it again for quite a while. I have a dream of doing some fly fishing with my brother there, but that may never happen. The Yellowstone world is choked with people, often day trippers, wanting to see the wildlife and park attractions. Google bear jam.

We are front end of park visitors. Not the same as back packers and hikers. So having been there, we find little to tempt a return. There are some exceptions, Joshua Tree was kind of cool, and your experience can be a different one, but you will need to plan well to achieve that objective.

"And I would be happy to have any additional information that might help!"

A 1600 mile trip is two hard days or four relatively easy days. Boondocking in a popup is not usually done at Walmarts, rest areas, truck stops and such. However, public land and small parks should give you options as you head West. Suggest you plan well to smooth your adventure.

Yellowstone has restrictions on the use of tents due to bear activity. If your popup is hard sided, lots of issues melt away. If it's a tent, verify how you can make that work. Hauling gear in the trailer and sleeping in the vehicle might be an effective approach until you setup camp for multiple days. Store gear in plastic boxes that are easy to move from one space to the other. The clear ones make it easier to find stuff.

The reason you can't leave an ice chest out is because bears have learned that tasty stuff is often inside. They are expert at opening a chest. Even if that chest is in your locked vehicle. Do not leave them visible anywhere. The best story I have heard was that bears targeted a couple and kept wandering up to their camp. It was finally identified that the couple was using strawberry scented shampoo. A bear's sense of smell is a lot better than a human's. Not my story, but too good not to repeat.

The suggestion to visit Glacier NP is a good one if you have time. The Grand Canyon, North and South rims are a must see. And Mesa Verde is interesting as well. If you can't stop this year, you'll have lots to look forward to for future trips.

Good luck on your planning. Maybe we'll meet you down the road. Pat

WOW! Thanks so much for the awesome info Pat. We are still making plans to visit Yellowstone but there is one minor change - we now have TWO RV’s. 1. Our 2005 pop up that we purchased last summer and caused us to fall in love with camping! 2. Our new 2020 Jayco White Hawk 24MBH! We love BOTH of these campers for different reasons. Not sure if we can part with the pop up since it was our “first love!” But as we plan for Yellowstone (or any other long trip that would include boondocking and/or bear country) our go to will be “Aida” our new Jayco! It has the winter package that includes a heated underbelly so we’re watching for any opportunity we might have to do some winter camping even in cold regions! Thanks again for the Yellowstone info. Will definitely refer to it again when we get that trip scheduled! Tony

[richardcoxid]

Can’t help you much for camping inside the park as we are “dry” campers only and camp outside the park itself. We use Baker’s hole FSCG 3miles north of West Y’stone, East side of the Hwy or Rainbow Point FSCG on Lake Hebgen about 3 miles north and 6 miles West of Bakers Hole. For Jackson and the Tetons we use Gros Ventre FSCG about 8-9 miles North/West of Jackson. As we are retired and not on a time schedule we time our arrival to the CG by 12-1 PM Sunday just before checkout time that way we avoid the weekenders that are checking out to get back to work Monday AM.

If you want to camp inside YSNP get your reservations in EARLY! Fishing bridge CG will be closed for rebuilding for all of 2020.

For a interesting and scenic day trip go North of W’Ystone about 10 miles, turn left on hwy 287 along the North shore of Lake Hebgen to Quake Lake. In 1959? a earthquake caused the whole side of a mountain to slide across the Madisen River totally blocking it creating Earthquake (Quake) Lake. There are still 19? campers buried under thousands and thousands of tons of debris.

Google: Earthquake Like, MT
1959 earthquake on the Madisen River, MT etc

[Madwinger]

We still own a Jayco 1006. Raised our kids in it and traveled all over the west out longest was to Victoria Island. We loved it but its nice to have a little more luxury and security.



One of our favorite places just outside of the West Yellowstone is Island Park. it is in an ancient volcano caldera. There is a lake called Henry's Lake and our favorite campground there is Red Rocks Campground. We go there at least once or twice a year. Check it out. Red Rocks Campground, Island Park Idaho. It only 20 min from West Yellowstone. Great website.


Archie

[varmonter]

Adding this. If you plan to see the tetons
Or want to explore the wind river area.
The Flagg ranch is a popular campground
Located in the national forest between Yellowstone and teton np.from there its
An easy drive to either Yellowstone.
Wind river and tetons,Jackson hole..
There are griz in all these places.
Bring bear spray.

[mamaskees]

Long drive days are tough consecutive especially with how much set up you’d have to do.

[sparkyjaeck]

We are 65 and 67 - took 9 days, 2 to go out and 2 to come back. Have a Jayco aframe. Traveled with friends on the way out and alone on the way back.
Boondocked on the way back. Stopped at WallDrug on the way out and camped over night there,

Took a bus tour the first day to be sure not to miss anything and decide what we wanted to see more of up close and personal.

Really saw everything. Booked the tour and cookout ahead of time. Also took a day to drive down to the Grand Tetons. would definitely go again - had a great time.
SparkyJ

Originally Posted by MrT61

My wife and I are in the early stages of planning a 1600 mile (one way) trip to Yellowstone possibly as early as next June 2020...in our Pop-up Coachmen camper. Preliminary plans appear to include frequent boondocking. It would also include several long drive days (8 hrs or more), parking, setting up, eat, sleep, tear down, take off on another drive day.

We're approaching 60. Two questions (and I would REALLY appreciate your opinions):

1. Have you done it? (In a pop-up, travel trailer, fifth-wheel, motor coach, etc.)

2. Would you do it (or do it again)?

And I would be happy to have any additional information that might help!

Thanks

[Jimmo952]

I've done the trip many times in a Class B. It's a great park. Everyone should go at least ones. The Tetons next store is just as nice and maybe nicer.

All that being said, I'd be careful in a Popup there. There are spots there where they are not allowed for good reason. I've seen plenty of Bear,Moose and Wolves there.

If you go in the Popup, definitely study before you go where Popups are allowed and make sure you are up to stuff on how to more safely camp in Bear country.

The dang things roam. You.can decrease the odds of a Bear incident by avoiding locations where they are known to hang out but you cannot eliminate it. So even in a "safer" area, following safe Bear camping practices is recommended.

[ga traveler]

We are fairly close neighbors (Georgia). We did this trip three years in a row. 2007,2008,2009. I was 67/69. No age problems. (Unless you count sore butts.) We drove from Atlanta to Whittington Il. Next to Nebraska city. Then to Chamberlin, SD. Chamberlin SD to Cody WY. We stayed at Cody and drove to Yellowstone each day. We followed others advice and went in September. Just after labor day. Weather was perfect and summer crowds were gone. Summer traffic can back up for miles. We were held up only twice on the three trips. Both were only a few minutes while the Bison ambled across the road. (Totally worth it.) Make the trip, just not in June.

[ga traveler]

Originally Posted by ga traveler

We are fairly close neighbors (Georgia). We did this trip three years in a row. 2007,2008,2009. I was 67/69. No age problems. (Unless you count sore butts.) We drove from Atlanta to Whittington Il. Next to Nebraska city. Then to Chamberlin, SD. Chamberlin SD to Cody WY. We stayed at Cody and drove to Yellowstone each day. We followed others advice and went in September. Just after labor day. Weather was perfect and summer crowds were gone. Summer traffic can back up for miles. We were held up only twice on the three trips. Both were only a few minutes while the Bison ambled across the road. (Totally worth it.) Make the trip, just not in June.

That should read Chamberlain SD to Rapid City to Cody.

[Trapper2022]

Mrt61
Did it about ten times with kids over 15 years. Great times. Not only would I do it again but we have to the tune of 25+ times in every RV we have owned. Just downsized last year to 32’ rig and spent 3 weeks dry camping in Yellowstone last year during out 10 week shake down of rig. Be prepared for cool nights in park due to higher elevations. Bring good binoculars if you go looking for bear and wolfs. You will be plenty safe in campgrounds. Also think about second battery for furnace if rig has one. Take care

Enjoy the journey