Heading to America’s first national park in an RV? this guide covers camping, activities, route planning, and insider tips for your Yellowstone adventure.

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Yellowstone National Park draws millions of visitors each year for its geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, and unique wildlife like bison, wolves, and grizzly bears.

If you’re renting an RV to visit Yellowstone, read on for practical tips to make your trip smooth, fun, and stress-free.

Yellowstone RV Trip at a Glance

Best times to go: Summer (all roads are open, but it gets crowded); Spring/Fall (fewer people, some roads and amenities are closed).
RV length limits: Most park campgrounds fit rigs up to 40 ft. Fishing Bridge RV Park handles longer rigs with hookups.
Reservations: Book campgrounds up to 13 months ahead; summer sells out fast.
Entrances: North (open year-round), West (most RV-friendly), South (connects to Grand Teton), East (mountain grades), Northeast (scenic via Beartooth Highway, best for smaller rigs).
Must-see stops: Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Yellowstone Lake, Lamar Valley.

When to Visit Yellowstone

Yellowstone’s high elevation and northern climate mean temperatures and weather change quickly. The best time for your RV trip depends on what you want to see and how you feel about crowds, weather, and road access.

Summer in Yellowstone: Wildlife, Full Access, and Crowds

If you want warmer weather with full park amenities and ranger-led educational programs, visit in the summer (late May–Septemeber). Popular trails are typically dry and easily accessible, and wildlife are more active and visible this time of year. All roads, campgrounds, and services are open.

Summer also has the heaviest crowds and the most traffic. Park entrances and popular attractions like Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic can have crowded parking areas and viewpoints during peak midday hours.

RV Tips for Summer

Book campsites when reservations open 6 months before your trip (they sell out quickly)
Plan to arrive at popular stops early morning (before 9 AM) or late afternoon (after 4 PM) to find RV parking
Fill your fuel tank and propane before entering the park; in-park gas stations have limited hours and higher prices
Carry extra water and sunscreen—summer temps can reach the 90s and the higher elevation means faster sunburns

Spring and Fall: The Sweet Spot for RVers

Shoulder seasons bring cooler temps and fewer people, but they’re also the most variable for RV travel. Some park roads and campgrounds don’t open until late spring, and fall closures begin earlier than many first-timers expect. Overnight freezes, snow bursts, and temporary closures can pop up with little notice.

If you’re traveling in an RV in April–May or late September–October, build buffer time into your route, arrive before dark, and check the NPS road status page daily.

If you’re happy to trade some amenities for quieter boardwalks and overlooks, the shoulder seasons are ideal.

RV Tips for Shoulder Seasons

Prepare for freezing overnight temperatures by testing your RV’s heating system before the trip
Some campgrounds operate on first-come, first-served basis during shoulder seasons, giving you more flexibility

Winter in Yellowstone: Fewer Crowds, Limited Access

A winter visit is completely different, with all RV campgrounds and most amenities, buildings and roads closed due to the 150 inches of annual snowfall and sub-zero temperatures.

Plan to stay outside Yellowstone and day-trip in. Expect very cold temperatures, short days, and excellent chances to see wildlife life wolves, moose, and elk.

The only plowed route open to vehicles in winter is between Gardiner and Cooke City via Lamar Valley (when conditions allow). To visit other areas you’ll need a snowcoach or snowmobile tour.

For most RV travelers, winter works best as a lodge-based or guided snowcoach trip and staying in RV campgrounds in gateway towns like West Yellowstone (Pony Express RV Park).

Yellowstone’s Entrances

Yellowstone’s five entrances have different advantages for RV travelers. Understanding the differences between each will help you plan the best route.

North Entrance (Gardiner, Montana)

Open year-round and closest to Roosevelt Arch, this entrance now uses the temporary Old Gardiner Road after 2022 flood damage destroyed the original route.

Expect sharp curves, lower speed limits, and ongoing road work that may continue for several years. The road is safe for most RVs, but take curves slowly and watch for construction zones.

Best for: Year-round access, visiting Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley first

West Entrance (West Yellowstone, Montana)

The busiest entrance is also the most RV-friendly, putting you closest to Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, and other major thermal features.

The town of West Yellowstone has extensive services including RV repair shops, propane fills, and dump stations, which are helpful for last-minute needs or emergencies. It closes November through April.

Best for: First-time visitors, easy access to iconic attractions, last-minute RV needs

South Entrance (Jackson, Wyoming)

This entrance connects Grand Teton National Park with Yellowstone, letting you visit both parks in one trip. The well-maintained route handles larger RVs comfortably, though expect heavy summer traffic.

It closes November through April. Jackson has full commercial services including RV repair, propane, supplies, and luxury resorts.

Best for: Combining two parks in one trip, larger RVs needing full services

East Entrance (Cody, Wyoming)

This route winds through the Absaroka Mountains and has decent pull-outs.

It closes November through April and adds extra driving time to reach major attractions, but fuel and services in Cody make it convenient for topping off before entering the park. Suitable for most RV sizes.

Best for: Mid-size to large RVs, travelers combining a Cody visit with Yellowstone

Northeast Entrance (Silver Gate, Montana)

The scenic Beartooth Highway (US-212) approach from Red Lodge, Montana delivers unbelievable mountain views before you reach the small gateway towns of Cooke City and Silver Gate.

The highway has steep grades up to 10% and narrow switchbacks that make it challenging for larger rigs, so stick to RVs under 30 feet and avoid towing heavy trailers on this route.

The entrance itself closes from October–May.

Best for: Experienced drivers with smaller RVs who want dramatic scenery

Top Yellowstone Sights & Hidden Gems

Yellowstone’s famous attractions are worth seeing, but expect full parking lots and crowds at peak times. The list below pairs each major stop with a quieter nearby alternative and includes RV parking tips for smooth travel.

If you’d rather have an expert handle the logistics, Blacksford partners with Good Trip Adventures for private tours and trip planning in Yellowstone.

Old Faithful & Upper Geyser Basin

Watch the eruption and stroll the boardwalks. Predicted eruption times are posted at the Visitor Center.

Use the large RV/bus lot near the Visitor Center (separate from the main parking area). Go before 9 am or after 5 pm when turnover is better.

Black Sand Basin, just a couple minutes down the road, has colorful pools and shorter boardwalks with less congestion.

Grand Prismatic Spring (Midway Geyser Basin)

The spring’s striking colors make it a popular photography spot, but the lot is small and fills fast. Instead of circling the lot in your RV, park at the Fairy Falls trailhead and walk to the overlook for the best view (about 1 mile each way uphill).

Continue on the Fairy Falls Trail after your overlook stop for a 5-mile round trip walk to a 200-foot waterfall.

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Artist Point viewpoint has stunning perspectives of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Lower Falls. Park at Canyon Village first, then visit overlooks so you’re not looping back for parking.

The North Rim viewpoints like Lookout Point and Red Rock Point also have dramatic falls views, with fewer people.

Yellowstone Lake & West Thumb Geyser Basin

West Thumb combines colorful hot springs with sweeping views across Yellowstone Lake. Spaces near the boardwalks can be tight mid-day. Arrive early and use the lakefront pullouts if the main lot is full.

For a quieter lake stop, try the short Storm Point Trail near Fishing Bridge. It’s an easy loop with broad lake vistas and far fewer crowds.

Lamar Valley & Hayden Valley for Wildlife

Lamar Valley is called “America’s Serengeti,” with wide-open meadows where bison graze in huge herds and wolves are often seen at dawn or dusk. Limited pullouts line the road, making it somewhat easy to stop and watch.

RV parking: Always use signed pullouts, pull fully off the pavement, and never stop in the travel lane. The turnouts fill quickly during prime viewing hours, so move on to the next one if there isn’t space.

Slough Creek Road, just east of Lamar, has less-full pullouts with reliable wildlife viewing.

Hayden Valley, between Yellowstone Lake and Canyon Village, has the same sweeping landscapes with elk, bison, and frequent grizzly bear sightings. It’s a prime spot for scenic photography.

RV parking: Expect bison jams and slower traffic. If a pullout is crowded, keep moving and find a space down the road. Go in early morning or near dusk for lighter traffic and better wildlife activity.

Easy Picnic Stops with RV Parking

For lunch breaks, look for picnic areas at Madison, West Thumb, Bridge Bay, Mammoth, and near Canyon Village. They have larger pullouts, tables, and restrooms. Always store food promptly and never leave it unattended.

RV Camping Inside Yellowstone

After a full day of geysers and wildlife watching, you’ll want a comfortable place to park for the night.

Yellowstone has several RV-friendly campgrounds managed by the National Park Service and Xanterra Parks & Resorts which they book up fast during summer months.

Fishing Bridge RV Park

Hookups: Full (30/50 amp, water, sewer)
Max RV length: Up to 95 feet combined
Open: May–early October
Rates: $75–$85/night
Notes: Hard-sided RVs only; only in-park full-hookup option

Madison Campground

Hookups: None; dump station nearby
Max RV length: About 40 feet
Open: Late May–early October
Rates: $30–$40/night
Notes: Central location for geyser basins; family-friendly

Canyon Campground

Hookups: None; dump station nearby
Max RV length: About 40 feet
Open: June–early September
Rates: $35–$45/night
Notes: Closest to Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Grant Village Campground

Hookups: None; showers at camper services
Max RV length: About 40 feet
Open: Mid-June–mid-September
Rates: $35–$45/night
Notes: Good base for Yellowstone Lake and West Thumb

Bridge Bay Campground

Hookups: None
Max RV length: About 40 feet
Open: Late May–mid-September
Rates: $30–$40/night
Notes: Marina access; lake views; some tighter sites

Reserve these campgrounds up to 13 months in advance through Xanterra Parks & Resorts.

RV Camping Outside the Park

If in-park sites are booked or you prefer more amenities, gateway towns like West Yellowstone, Gardiner, and Cooke City have private RV parks with full hookups, wifi, laundry, and other services.

For a complete guide to options just outside Yellowstone’s borders, check out our post on RV camping near Yellowstone.

Off-Grid RV Camping Options

Rainbow Point Campground (National Forest)

Location: 10 miles from West Yellowstone on Hebgen Lake
Hookups: Some sites have electrical; vault toilets and drinking water available
Max RV length: 40+ feet depending on site
Open: Late spring–early fall (varies by snowpack)
Rates: $20–$35/night
Notes: 84 sites; reserve through Recreation.gov up to 6 months ahead

Soda Butte Campground (National Forest)

Location: Near the Northeast Entrance outside Cooke City
Hookups: None; vault toilets and hand-pump water only
Max RV length: 48 feet
Open: Late June–Labor Day, weather dependent
Rates: $20–$25/night
Notes: 27 sites; hard-sided RVs only, first-come, first-served; arrive by early afternoon in summer to secure a site

5-Day Sample RV Itinerary

This condensed itinerary covers Yellowstone’s highlights while allowing time for wildlife viewing and photography.

For a more detailed experience, see our comprehensive seven-day itinerary for Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.

Day 1: Arrival and Lower Loop

West Entrance → Madison Junction → Old Faithful → Midway Geyser Basin

Drive time: About 90 minutes (not including stops)

Start at the Old Faithful Vistor Center and check predicted eruption times. Walk the Upper Geyser Basin boardwalks before or after eruption.

In the afternoon, park at the Fairy Falls trailhead for the Grand Prismatic overlook. Evening is a good time for less-crowded boardwalk walks or a stop at Black Sand Basin.

Day 2: Grand Canyon and Wildlife

Canyon Village → Artist Point → North Rim Viewpoints (Lookout Point, Red Rock Point) → Lamar Valley

Drive time: About 2 hours (not including stops)

Park at Canyon Village, then visit Artist Point for the classic Lower Falls view before moving to the North Rim overlooks for different angles and fewer crowds. If the Tower Fall lot has space, make the quick walk to the viewpoint.

In late afternoon, continue toward Lamar Valley and plan your evening around wildlife viewing and golden-hour photos.

Day 3: Lake and Thermal Features

Canyon → Yellowstone Lake (Fishing Bridge or Bridge Bay) → West Thumb Geyser Basin → Grant Village → Norris Geyser Basin

Drive time: About 2.5 hours total (not including stops)

Spend the morning along Yellowstone Lake, then walk the West Thumb boardwalks where geothermal features meet the shoreline. Grant Village works well for lunch or supplies before you head to Norris.

Aim for Porcelain Basin in late afternoon for easier parking and cooler temps. If Norris feels busy, switch to Artists Paintpots for a shorter thermal walk nearby.

Day 4: Hidden Gems and Scenic Drives

Madison Junction → Firehole Lake Drive → Mammoth Hot Springs

Drive time: About 2.5 hours (not including stops)

Take the one-way Firehole Lake Drive for a relaxed loop past smaller thermal features and easy picnic pullouts.

In the afternoon, continue north to Mammoth Hot Springs to walk the upper and lower terraces. If the main area is crowded, add a brief stop at Wraith Falls or Undine Falls for a quieter walk before returning to camp

Day 5: Final Exploration and Departure

Hayden Valley or Lamar Valley → Visitor Center → Exit

Drive time: Varies by route

Use your last morning for one more wildlife run through Hayden Valley or Lamar Valley, whichever fits your exit route. Stop at the Canyon or Mammoth Visitor Center for souvenirs or a final ranger update, then make your way toward your chosen entrance.

If you are leaving via West Yellowstone, the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center is an easy final stop for families.

Yellowstone RV Trip FAQs

No, overnight parking or camping in RV parking lots is prohibited throughout Yellowstone National Park. You must stay in designated campgrounds or outside the park. Violations can result in fines and removal from the park.
As of 2025, Yellowstone does not require timed-entry permits like some other national parks. However, you need a valid park entrance pass. Check the current status before your visit as policies can change during peak seasons.
Most park roads accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in length and 102 inches in width. Some areas have tighter restrictions, particularly around thermal features and certain campgrounds. Check specific locations before traveling.
Yes, dump stations are available at several locations including Grant Village, Fishing Bridge RV Park, and Canyon Campground. Some stations require a small fee for non-camping visitors.
Cell coverage in Yellowstone is limited and varies by location and carrier. Verizon generally provides the best coverage, but expect dead zones throughout the park. Download offline maps and emergency information before entering.
Generator use is permitted during specific hours (typically 8 AM–8 PM) in designated campgrounds. Quiet hours are strictly enforced. Some campgrounds prohibit generators entirely, so check campground-specific rules.
Stay at least 25 yards away from bison and elk, and 100 yards away from bears and wolves. Never feed wildlife. If animals approach your campsite, stay inside your RV and wait for them to leave. Report aggressive wildlife behavior to rangers immediately.
In-park campgrounds with reservations open 5 months ahead and fill quickly, especially for summer dates. Book online at recreation.gov as early as possible. Some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Reserve Your RV for Yellowstone

Ready to start planning your RV trip to Yellowstone National Park? When you choose to travel in a brand new, spacious Blacksford RV, you get luxury and comfort wherever you go.

Enjoy all the beauty and natural wonders of America’s first national park, then relax in your RV with climate control, a private bathroom, and a comfortable bed.

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Yellowstone RV Trip Guide: Scenic Routes, Campgrounds & Pro Tips