Yellowstone RV Trip Guide: Scenic Routes, Campgrounds & Pro Tips
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.
When to See Yellowstone in an RV
Your preferred activities and seasonal priorities will guide your decision on when to visit Yellowstone National Park.
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. Popular trails are typically dry and easily accessible, and wildlife are more active and visible this time of year. If spotting a grizzly bear is on your bucket list, plan your RV trip to Yellowstone after they emerge from their winter hibernation in springtime.
Summer also sees the heaviest crowds and highest costs. Popular attractions like Old Faithful can have crowded parking areas and limited viewing spaces during peak hours
Winter in Yellowstone: Fewer Crowds, Limited Access
A winter visit is completely different, with most amenities, buildings and roads closed due to the 150 inches of annual snowfall and sub-zero temperatures. But Yellowstone dazzles in winter, with gorgeous snowy peaks against brilliant (but freezing!) blue skies.
Animals like bison, elk, moose, and wolves staying at lower elevations (often near roads) to search for food.
The road from the North Entrance in Gardiner, Montana through Lamar Valley to Cooke City, Montana is the only road open year-round to wheeled-vehicles (barring closures for weather conditions). Snowcoaches and snowmobile tours are the only ways to access other areas of park in the winter.
Driving can be challenging in wintery conditions and snow is frequent: the average park-wide snowfall is about 150 inches.
If you prefer little to no crowds, consider visiting in mid-April or late September. Amenities may be limited, but you’ll be around fewer people.
Getting to Yellowstone by RV
Yellowstone has five entrances, each offering different advantages for RV travelers. Understanding the pros and cons of each entrance helps you plan the most suitable route.
North Entrance (Gardiner, Montana)
Pros: Open year-round, steepest grades are manageable (6-7%), closest to Roosevelt Arch
Cons: Narrow canyon sections, limited turning radius in some areas
RV Considerations: Safe for most RVs under 40 feet, several pull-outs available
Northeast Entrance (Cooke City, Montana)
Pros: Scenic Beartooth Highway approach, excellent wildlife viewing
Cons: Closes October-May, steep grades up to 10%, narrow mountain roads
RV Considerations: Not recommended for RVs over 30 feet or towing large trailers
East Entrance (Cody, Wyoming)
Pros: Beautiful Absaroka Mountains scenery, moderate grades (5-6%)
Cons: Seasonal closure (November-April), longer drive to major attractions
RV Considerations: Suitable for most RV sizes, adequate pull-outs and fuel stops
South Entrance (Jackson, Wyoming)
Pros: Combined access to Grand Teton and Yellowstone, well-maintained roads
Cons: Heavy summer traffic, higher fuel and accommodation costs
RV Considerations: Good for larger RVs, multiple commercial services available
West Entrance (West Yellowstone, Montana)
Pros: Closest to major attractions, extensive RV services in town, gentle grades (3-4%)
Cons: Busiest entrance, seasonal closure (November-April)
RV Considerations: Most RV-friendly entrance, recommended for first-time visitors
Before traveling, check current road conditions and restrictions at the National Park Service road status page. Weather conditions can change rapidly, especially at higher elevations.
Must-See Yellowstone Attractions
From scenic drives to moderate hikes, Yellowstone offers activities for every type of national park visitor. As you plan your RV trip to Yellowstone, prioritize these attractions:
Visit the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River: This natural wonder features breathtaking views and multiple hiking trails. The Grand Canyon area offers several viewpoints accessible by short walks from parking areas.
See Old Faithful erupt: The famous geyser erupts approximately every 90 minutes. Predicted eruption times are posted at the visitor center and on the NPS geyser app.
Stroll the boardwalks at Grand Prismatic Spring: Experience the vibrant colors of one of Yellowstone's most photographed hot springs. The elevated boardwalk provides excellent viewing angles and photo opportunities.
Watch for wildlife in Lamar Valley: Often called "America's Serengeti," Lamar Valley offers prime wildlife viewing opportunities. Scan the hillsides for bison, antelope, wolves, elk, moose, and bears.
Fish at Yellowstone Lake: Enjoy the natural beauty of Yellowstone Lake while trying to catch native cutthroat trout. A Wyoming fishing license is required.
Explore West Thumb Geyser Basin: Located on Yellowstone Lake's shore, this geyser basin provides beautiful sunrise and sunset viewing opportunities.
Take photos at Artist Point: This popular viewpoint offers stunning perspectives of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Lower Falls.
Hike to Tower Fall: Experience this impressive waterfall on a 1-mile round trip hike with moderate elevation gain.
Drive through Hayden Valley: Known for beautiful landscapes and abundant wildlife including elk, bison, and grizzly bears, Hayden Valley provides excellent scenic driving.
Tip: During summer months, arrive at popular attractions early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds.
The Secret Side of Yellowstone
Beyond famous sites like Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, these lesser-known attractions offer more solitude and peaceful experiences:
Lamar Valley and Trout Lake: While Lamar Valley itself is well-known for wildlife, nearby Trout Lake is a hidden gem perfect for peaceful hiking. Both locations are excellent for spotting bison, antelope, wolves, elk, moose, and bears with fewer crowds than Hayden Valley.
Shoshone Lake: Accessible only by boat or on foot, this backcountry lake offers solitude and beautiful views of Yellowstone's southwest section. The shortest hiking route is 3 miles each way.
Fairy Falls: This 4.8-mile out-and-back trail leads to a stunning 200-foot waterfall and provides a lesser-known view of Grand Prismatic Spring from an elevated perspective.
Norris Geyser Basin: While Yellowstone has many thermal features, Norris Geyser Basin is typically less crowded than other major geyser areas while being equally impressive. It's also the hottest thermal area in the park.
Firehole River and Firehole Lake Drive: This scenic drive offers relaxation and family picnic opportunities along the river. The drive connects several smaller thermal features and provides good wildlife viewing.
Beaver Ponds Loop Trail and Osprey Falls Trail: The 5.5-mile Beaver Ponds Loop Trail and 9.9-mile out-and-back Osprey Falls Trail both offer beautiful views and wildlife opportunities near the north entrance in Gardiner, Montana.
Roosevelt Arch: Located at the north entrance in Gardiner, Montana, this historic arch is a popular photo spot and common area for elk grazing.
Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center: Located in West Yellowstone just outside the park's west entrance, this educational sanctuary houses bears, wolves, and river otters that cannot survive in the wild.
RV Camping in Yellowstone
After exploring geysers and wildlife watching, you'll need a place to set up camp. The National Park Service manages several RV-friendly campgrounds within Yellowstone's boundaries, while additional options exist on surrounding national forest lands.
In-Park Campground Options
Campground Hookups Max RV Length Booking Window 2025 Nightly Fee Fishing Bridge RV Park Full (30/50 amp) 40 feet 5 months ahead $75-85 Grant Village None 40 feet 5 months ahead $35-45 Madison None 40 feet 5 months ahead $30-40 Canyon None 40 feet 5 months ahead $35-45 Bridge Bay None 40 feet 5 months ahead $30-40
Fees vary by season. Reserve through Xanterra Parks & Resorts up to 5 months in advance.
Off-Grid USFS Options
Hebgen Lake Campground (Gallatin National Forest): Located 20 miles from West Yellowstone, this campground offers dispersed camping with vault toilets and no hookups. Sites accommodate RVs up to 32 feet. First-come, first-served basis.
Soda Butte Campground (Shoshone National Forest): Situated near the Northeast Entrance, this primitive campground provides 27 sites with vault toilets and hand-pump water. Maximum RV length is 30 feet. Open seasonally June-September.
Site reservations can be secured many months in advance, and booking as early as possible is recommended. Remember to respect all camping regulations and practice Leave No Trace principles to help preserve the park's natural beauty.
For additional options outside the park, check out our guide to top RV campgrounds near Yellowstone.
5-Day Sample 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
Morning: Enter through West Entrance, check into campground
Afternoon: Visit Old Faithful and Upper Geyser Basin
Evening: Explore Grand Prismatic Spring boardwalk
Day 2: Grand Canyon and Wildlife
Morning: Drive to Canyon Village, visit Artist Point
Afternoon: Hike to Tower Fall, explore Roosevelt area
Evening: Wildlife watching in Lamar Valley
Day 3: Lake and Thermal Features
Morning: Explore Yellowstone Lake area and West Thumb Geyser Basin
Afternoon: Visit Norris Geyser Basin
Evening: Relax at campground, plan next day's activities
Day 4: Hidden Gems and Scenic Drives
Morning: Hike to Fairy Falls for Grand Prismatic overlook
Afternoon: Drive Firehole Lake Drive, visit lesser-known thermal features
Evening: Sunset viewing at chosen scenic location
Day 5: Final Exploration and Departure
Morning: Return to favorite locations for photos
Afternoon: Visit park visitor center, purchase souvenirs
Evening: Prepare for departure, secure RV for travel
Maximizing Your Yellowstone Experience
To get the most from your time in Yellowstone, research and plan your visit before arrival. This preparation helps you identify priority stops and must-see attractions.
Once you arrive, stop at one of 10 Yellowstone visitor centers to review your plans with park rangers. Park staff provide current road, trail, and wildlife reports that can significantly impact your itinerary.
Starting your day early helps you avoid crowds at popular entrances and landmarks like Old Faithful. Consider booking a guided tour with an experienced outfitter to see prime locations with expert commentary. Blacksford partners with Good Trip Adventures, which offers private tours and trip planning services in and around national parks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sleep in an RV in Yellowstone parking lots?
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.
Do I need a timed-entry permit for Yellowstone in 2025?
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.
What's the maximum RV length allowed in Yellowstone?
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.
Can I dump my RV tanks in Yellowstone?
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.
What cell phone coverage can I expect?
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.
Are generators allowed in Yellowstone campgrounds?
Generator use is permitted during specific hours (typically 8 AM to 8 PM) in designated campgrounds. Quiet hours are strictly enforced. Some campgrounds prohibit generators entirely, so check campground-specific rules.
What should I do if I encounter wildlife near my RV?
Maintain at least 25 yards from bison and elk, and 100 yards 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.
How far in advance should I book campgrounds?
In-park campgrounds with reservations open 5 months ahead and fill quickly, especially for summer dates. Book 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 America's first national park offers, then relax after a day of exploring in your RV with climate control, a private bathroom, and a comfortable bed.