planning my first trip to Yellowstone

[Wings]

I'm planning a trip to Yellowstone. I have never been there before so I thought it is about time for me to go. I will be going with my youngest daughter who is 19 and my camp dog. I was wondering if it would be easier to rent a car when we get there so we don't have to drive the rig around. I don't know what shape the roads are in or how large (or small) the parking lots are for the areas I want to see. Wings is a 25 ft motorhome. I'm undecided where I will set up as of yet. Either inside the park or in an RV park that is close. Can someone who has attempted this or knows of anyone who has give me some insight as to what I will experience there if I drive my rig around the park during the day and go back to the camp site in evening? I would appreciate the input.
Claudia

[chalet05]

My truck and camper are 24', and I had no problem. Pulling over at the side of the road when 'special' wildlife is spotted is doable but with care. By 'special' I mean bull elk, bears, and moose. You will likely see bison at easy pullovers. Parking lots at attractions are large given that Class A s and buses frequent the park. Even the pullovers are large - I have never had a problem except for one that filled up quickly when a black bear was spotted! You will no doubt see many rental RVs.

I like the Madison Campground in the park for seeing the west side - or could use it the whole time making loops. Some find West Yellowstone more convenient and there are several campgrounds there.

Depending on when you are going, I highly recommend campground reservations. Roads can be hit or miss and you will be given information on construction upon entering the park. Some years the winter damage is worse than others. The National Park website gives good info.

I have been to or through Yellowstone many times and never tire of it! Enjoy!!

[Wings]

Yippee!, I'm so glad I can drive around instead of renting a car. I can hardly wait! Thanks so much for the info. I'll try for Madison campground reservations. I'm not sure when I am leaving yet. Maybe around June 12th or so. On Wednesday I will go to Tallahassee FL to visit my oldest daughter and the grandkids. I will be gone from home about a week. This will be my first trip in Wings that I did not just camp for a few days and then go home.
Claudia

[Acadianmom]

If you happen to camp near Lafayette, LA going to or coming back from Florida send me a PM and I'll come visit with you. I live South of I-10 and Lafayette.

Martha

[mitch5252]

..

Don't forget the pictures!!!
Have a GREAT trip, Claudia!

..

[Redwahine]

We are headed to Yellowstone as well for my first time. Dh has been before, but 1st for me. We're headed up from Houston and will be on the road for most of July. I look forward to reading the responses to this question too. However, we probably will rent a car because we are in a 35' class A and we do not have a TOAD.

[BirdbyBird]

You didn't mention it but do you have plans on heading into the Tetons after your Yellowstone adventures. Jackson Hole and the Tetons need to be added to you plans....they are so close, you are there already and they are so beautiful!

[Lopo]

Claudia, I don't know whether you're thinking of staying in your rig while you're in Tallahassee or not, but. my son found me a wonderful little campground about 30 minutes south of Tally, down Woodville Hwy. it's the Newport Campground. It's just a little county park, right on US 98,but they have a few full hookup sites that are even pull-thru, and I have to say that it was as nice or nicer than the state parks I stayed in between there and SE Ohio where I am now.
The "kids" found it because it's next to their favorite oyster joint.
And btw, I'm headed to Yellowstone for the first time, too.

Lois

[Pamela]

I visited Yellowstone in 2001 and still have some of the most fondest memories of that trip. What a beautiful park! Someone on another post mentioned Jackson Hole and the Tetons. That is a MUST! Another breathtaking place! Have fun. I would so love to revisit the area and maybe once I get on the road will be able to do so.

Pamela

[Bethers]

I also traveled in Yellowstone without a car without any problem. While I rarely make reservations, that is one place that I recommend you make them if you want to stay within the park.

[Wings]

I do plan on going to the Tetons and Crater Moon also. I think I am going to take a month and go up through Colorado and home by Utah, AZ and NM and visit a lot of Parks along the way. Yellowstone is my most northern place to visit this trip. I think I will just take my time and maybe drive 4-5 hours each day until I get back home again. When I get my dates right I will post them and maybe some of you who are going this year also may be there at the same time.

Claudia

[snowball]

My summer home is on the west side of the Teton Range in Idaho..I'm about an hour + from Jackson and lets say 3 hours from Yellowstone perhaps not that long but regardless if I know ahead of time would love to meet those going to Yellowstone/Teton as a native born person from Jackson can show you the area something to consider
Chris hope we can met up again
sheila

[rvgrammy1953]

You didn't mention it but do you have plans on heading into the Tetons after your Yellowstone adventures. Jackson Hole and the Tetons need to be added to you plans....they are so close, you are there already and they are so beautiful!

My sister, who lives in WY, found Tina and Nan a campground in the Grand Tetons.....it's Colter Bay CG, about 6 miles from Jackson Lake where we stayed at the Jackson Lake Lodge. looked like a nice CG......we did the Yellowstone/Grand Tetons last August....( note posts in GTG Section) where we met up with them...

[Redwahine]

We have decided to spend a couple days for the 4th of July near Mt Rushmore. Does anyone have good suggestions for CGs??

[JudyJB]

I am going to be in Yellowstone for the first three weeks of August if anyone else is going to be around that area during that time. Staying in three of the campgrounds: Fishing Bridge, Grant, and Madison. Hope it is not horribly hot as the last two do not have electric for AC.

Also, going to be at Custer State Park, not too far from the Badlands, in July for a few days. It was highly recommended to me, and the Game Lodge campground has electric and is close to stuff.