7-day itinerary: Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks
Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks are iconic destinations with abundant wildlife, hiking trails, scenic drives, and majestic mountains.
In just seven days, you can fully explore these parks by RV and find the best things to see and do, without feeling rushed.
Yellowstone National Park is one of the largest in America, with historic lodges and geothermal features such as geysers and bubbling mud pots. Grand Teton National Park has stunning mountains, alpine lakes, and historic sites. Both parks offer wonderful activities such as wildlife viewing, photography, and hiking.
Our seven-day itinerary will guide you on a wonderful RV adventure to discover the best things to see and do in Yellowstone and Grand Teton.
Planning your trip from Bozeman
After picking up your Blacksford RV rental (near the Bozeman Airport), you’ll stock up on food and supplies in Bozeman, then head south to West Yellowstone, Montana.
The two to three hour drive down the dramatic and beautiful Gallatin Road (US-191) passes Big Sky, Montana, a great place to stop if you have extra time. You’ll travel along the Gallatin River most of the way, before reaching the bustling village of West Yellowstone, Yellowstone National Park’s most popular West Entrance.
From West Yellowstone, you can reach Grand Teton National Park two ways:
Continue south on US-20 to Jackson, Wyoming, or
Drive through Yellowstone itself to Grand Teton National Park via the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway.
Either route will take two to four hours.
Reserving campsites in Yellowstone and Grand Teton
Before you head out, it’s a good idea to make campground reservations for Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Campgrounds and RV parks in and around both parks fill up quickly during the warmer months.
Check out our favorite campgrounds and RV parks near Yellowstone.
The National Park Service’s online reservation system allows you to reserve in-park campground sites 13 months in advance. Of the 12 RV-friendly campgrounds in Yellowstone, only five accept reservations: Bridge Bay, Fishing Bridge, Canyon, Grant Village, and Madison Junction.
Several in-park Yellowstone campgrounds are on a first-come, first-served basis—check the park website for more information.
In Grand Teton, all RV campgrounds require advance reservations and can be reserved at Recreation.gov. The five campgrounds are: Gros Ventre, Signal Mountain, Colter Bay, Lizard Creek, and Headwaters.
If connectivity and amenities are a priority, then you may prefer to stay just outside Yellowstone’s West Entrance in West Yellowstone, Montana, and just outside Grand Teton National Park in nearby, upscale Jackson, Wyoming. Both towns offer plenty of shops, restaurants, grocery stores, bars, entertainment, tours, and other services.
For private campgrounds in West Yellowstone, we recommend:
Yellowstone Grizzly
Yellowstone Holiday RV Campground
Yellowstone Park - West Gate KO,
Yellowstone Park - Mountainside KOA Journey
Buffalo Crossing RV Park
Fox Den RV & Campground
For private campgrounds in and near Jackson, Wyoming, we recommend:
The Virginian
Teton Valley Resort
Moose Creek Ranch
The Park at Swan Valley
Swan Valley RV
Palisades RV Park
Ready to book your Yellowstone - Grand Teton Adventure?
Driving & parking your RV in Yellowstone & Grand Teton
Many first-time RVers are nervous about parking their RV at campgrounds and points of interest inside the park. Blacksford’s RVs are easy to drive (much like driving a large SUV or van) and campgrounds make it relatively easy to cautiously park your RV at your campsite.
Both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks have RV parking at various points of interest. Parking for RVs and cars inside the park can require patience during the busy season when parking lots are crowded.
Plan to wait a few minutes at popular sites to get a parking spot—it’s your only option since these parks are very popular.
What to bring on your trip
Layers (the temperature start out chilly and get warmer as the day progresses)
Binoculars or scope (to see animals)
Bear spray (probably won’t use it but just in case)
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Bathing suit (for rafting)
Food for meals
S’Mores ingredients
Patience
Your 7-day Yellowstone to Grand Teton itinerary
Day 1 – Bozeman to Big Sky and West Yellowstone
Day 2 – Old Faithful and geothermal features
Day 3 – Wildlife, Lamar Valley & the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Day 4 – Zip-lining, rafting, fishing, rodeos, & museums near West Yellowstone
Day 5 – Drive to Grand Teton National Park
Day 6 – Driving, hiking and rafting in Grand Teton National Park
Day 7 – Final morning in Jackson, Wyoming, and return to Bozeman
Day 1 – Bozeman to Big Sky and West Yellowstone
Fly into Bozeman and let Blacksford pick you up at the airport or local hotel. Our professional staff will explain how to operate your RV and answer all of your questions.
From here, head to your favorite Bozeman supermarket to stock up your rig. Don’t worry if you forget anything—the towns of West Yellowstone and Jackson have plenty of grocery and supply stores.
Allow two to three hours to drive to West Yellowstone along US-191. The drive is winding and gorgeous, following the Gallatin River. Don’t worry about driving an RV on this road—the speed limit and traffic keep things slow (and there are plenty of pull-off sites to allow faster vehicles to pass).
The town of Big Sky, Montana, is located along this route and is a fun stop and a great place to grab a meal. While it’s an upscale ski resort in the winter, it’s a fun playground in the summer. Activities in Big Sky include: mountain biking, hiking, dining, and shopping.
If you’re staying in West Yellowstone, head to one of our favorite campgrounds. If you are staying outside of town, plan to have meals at your campsite so you don’t need to take the RV into town.
If you’re staying at a campground in Yellowstone National Park, it will take 30–60 minutes to reach your site after entering the parks’ West Entrance.
Tonight, set up camp, get accustomed to your RV and campground, enjoy a good meal, and have a quiet night after a busy day of travel.
Day 2 – Old Faithful and Geothermal Features
If you don’t have one already, Blacksford will provide a complimentary America the Beautiful Pass to gain access to all U.S. National Parks.
Wake up early or leave late to avoid the lines entering Yellowstone’s West Entrance, which typically peak between 8-11 am. You will need to drive the RV through the park, unless you have arranged a private tour or have alternative transportation.
You can usually leave camp chairs and other outdoor equipment at your campsite, since you’ll be returning this evening.
Today, you’ll see some of Yellowstone’s many geothermal features. Here are some suggested stops:
Old Faithful, Visitor Center and Old Faithful Village - spend 1–3 hours here. This area has many shops, restaurants, helpful information, and some cell service (most of the park has none). Stop at the Visitor Center for souvenirs, maps and park information. Then walk the ~1-mile boardwalk around Old Faithful, which features a bubbling hot spring and colorful mineral formations. Old Faithful “erupts” every 60 minutes or so, shooting water 100+ feet into the air.
Grand Prismatic Spring - this is the largest hot spring in the park and the third largest in the world. Its vibrant colors are sure to please.
Upper Geyser Basin - besides Old Faithful, this area boasts the largest concentration of geysers in the world. Plan to spend several hours driving, parking and seeing several of the 150 geothermal spots in this area.
Hiking - You will get plenty of steps visiting the hot springs and geysers, but for a more rigorous hike try:
Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail
Observation Point Trail
Lone Star Gorge Trail
Fairy Falls Trail
Sentinel Meadows Trail
Howard Eaton Trail.
You will be tired after a long day touring and enjoying Yellowstone, so head back to your campground for a relaxing evening and dinner around the campfire.
Day 3 - Wildlife, the Lamar Valley & the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Having explored Yellowstone’s famous and dramatic geysers, mudpots and geothermal sites yesterday, you’re focus today will be on natural beauty and wildlife with the wildlife rich-Lamar Valley, the petrified rocks at Mammoth Hot Springs, the waterfalls and canyon along the Yellowstone River, and the sweeping beauty of Yellowstone Lake.
Hope you spot some bison! Remember, time your entrance into Yellowstone before or after the morning rush to avoid long lines.
Lamar Valley - Known as “America's Serengeti”, the Lamar Valley is the place to go to see world class wildlife. You are likely to find bison, elk, pronghorn, grizzly bears, moose and even wolves (which were reintroduced to Yellowstone in 1995).
Mammoth Hot Springs - This gorgeous area in the park’s northern region features colorful petrified terraces, petrified rock formations, and much more. Mammoth is divided into the Lower and Upper Terraces. Plan to spend a couple hours exploring the geological wonders, and grabbing a meal or some ice cream.
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone & Yellowstone Falls - This 24-mile canyon cut by the Yellowstone River just below the grand Yellowstone Falls may not be as large as THE Grand Canyon, but it packs a lot of punch and offers great scenic overlooks and short hikes.
Yellowstone Lake - this massive lake offers boat rentals, boat tours, fishing (with a permit), and hiking with lake views (Pelican Creek and Storm Point Trails). The Lake Yellowstone Hotel and Cabins is listed on the park's Register of Historic Places, offers fine dining, and even hour-long tours.
Day 4 – Zip-Lining, Rafting, Fishing, Rodeos and Museums near West Yellowstone
After two busy days inside the park, consider spending today doing things in and around West Yellowstone. Here are some of our favorite nearby activities and destinations:
Rafting on the Gallatin River – With varying levels of rapids, professional guides will take your group for a fun and relaxing adventure. Many rafting companies will even provide pick up and drop off at your campground if you arrange it, and some offer fly-fishing excursions as well. Blacksford can provide you with a list of recommended rafting and fishing tour companies for your adventure.
Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center – this wonderful center lets you see grizzly bears and wolves brought here to live after illness or injury. Sign up for the chance to put out food for the animals. Plan for at least a couple hours here – many guests enjoy it so much they spend half a day here. They also offer educational talks throughout the day.
Yellowstone Zipline Adventure Park – for the young or young-at-heart, this activity center offers ziplining, an aerial ropes course, horseback riding, and an option to hunt for fossils and gemstones.
Yellowstone Giant Screen – this West Yellowstone IMAX theater shows a captivating movie about the history and importance of Yellowstone National Park. Other interesting documentaries are also available. Not to be missed!
Yellowstone Historic Center Museum of the Yellowstone – Located in a former Union Pacific Railroad train depot, this small museum is focused on the history of Yellowstone National Park and the town of West Yellowstone. They offer a fun “I Spy” game for kids to keep them engaged as well as artifacts and an informative movie.
Weekly Rodeos – In warmer months, get a taste for the wild west by attending one of the weekly western rodeos in West Yellowstone.
Day 5 – Drive to Grand Teton National Park
While Grand Teton National Park is literally next door to Yellowstone, the parks are distinct – the Teton Range is made of dramatic and jagged granite peaks with mountain lakes, while Yellowstone offers hydro and geothermal features, dramatic canyons, and more varied terrain.
You have two options to get to Grand Teton National Park:
US-20 from West Yellowstone, Montana, to Jackson, Wyoming (three to four hours) - take this route if you’re staying at a private campground in Jackson
The longer (four to six hours total) and more scenic route through both parks on the John D. Rockefeller, Jr., Memorial Parkway (which connects Yellowstone’s South Entrance with Grand Teton’s North Entrance) - take this route if you’re staying at a campground inside Grand Teton National Park
For either route, allow a half-day for your drive to take in the sights, make stops, and wait in traffic.
Since the drive is fairly long, use the afternoon to spend time in Jackson (often referred to as Jackson Hole), which offers restaurants, ice cream shops, galleries and bars, and is very walkable.
Things to do in Jackson, Wyoming:
Granite Hot Springs Pool - a short drive from Jackson this natural hot springs offers a great place to unwind and restore tired muscles from a busy day hiking. They also have an RV campground.
National Museum of Wildlife Art - Enjoy pieces by renowned artists such as O’Keefe, Warhol and Audobon at this wonderful museum that showcases more than 500 artists all focused on wildlife.
National Elk Refuge - this 25,000 acre wildlife preserve protects more than just elk. You can also spot other protected species such as bison, wolves, trumpeter swans, bald eagles, bighorn sheep, and cutthroat trout.
Jackson Hole Rodeo - from Memorial Day to Labor Day, this historic rodeo offers authentic family-friendly entertainment several nights a week. Gates open at 6:30 pm and shows start at 8 pm.
Jackson Town Square - This charming picturesque square is in the heart of the dining and shopping area in Jackson and features a popular elk antler arch. Window shop or grab an ice cream cone around the square.
Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center - While John D. Rockefeller donated the initial 33,000 acres to the National Park Service in 1949, his son Laurance donated the remaining 1,106 acres of their private ranch. The Preserve Center offers rich and beautiful exhibits on conservation and Grand Teton National Park.
If you have extra time, stop at the Grand Teton National Park Visitor Center to plan your next two days and get oriented. Tonight, relax at your campground as you prepare for a full day in Grand Teton National Park.
Day 6 – Driving, hiking & rafting in Grand Teton National Park
Since Grand Teton is relatively small (310,000 acres vs. Yellowstone’s 2.2 million), the park can easily be explored in a day or two. Similar to Yellowstone, we recommend timing your entry into the park around peak “rush hour” (ideally before 8 am) to avoid delays.
Here are some options for your day in Grand Teton National Park:
Mormon Row Historic District – check out the preserved homes and buildings from Mormon Settlers. Photographers congregate here for sunrise and sunset shots given the dramatic mountain views from the valley.
Scenic Loop Road – drive the 47-mile scenic road to get a broader sense of the park’s many offerings and beauty.
Jenny Lake – this beautiful area has great hikes, boating, swimming. Stop by the Jenny Lake Visitor Center.
Inspiration Point & Hidden Falls - two very scenic and popular hikes in the Jenny Lake area.
Jackson Lake - this gorgeous lake is one of America’s highest altitude lakes. Its historic and grand Jackson Lake Lodge offers several dining options and wonderful views. The lake is popular for boating, fishing, watersports, and swimming.
Snake River - many local outfitters offer rafting trips, ranging from high-adrenaline to family-friendly float trips. The river runs through the park.
Hiking - there are dozens of great hikes in Grand Teton. Popular trails include:
Taggart Lake Trail
Schwabacher Landing Trail
Lakeshore Trail
Phelps Lake Overlook Trail
Jenny Lake Loop
Phelps Lake Loop
Enjoy your last night in the Jackson and Grand Teton area—you will return to Bozeman tomorrow morning.
Day 7 - Final morning in Jackson, Wyoming and return to Bozeman
Start your day with a relaxed breakfast and shopping for final souvenirs in Jackson before beginning your scenic journey back to Bozeman. The picturesque two to three-hour drive offers a chance stop in Big Sky, Montana, if you have time.
Once you reach Bozeman, allocate around 30–60 minutes for the vehicle return and inspection process. The friendly Blacksford staff can provide transportation back to the airport or a hotel in Bozeman. If time allows, explore the vibrant small city of Bozeman, known for its charming downtown area with trendy restaurants, bars, and shops.
Reserve your Blacksford RV in Bozeman today!
Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks offer so many amazing things to see and do—geysers, grizzlies, bison, hot springs, mountains, rivers and rich history.
Discover these national parks in a brand new, luxury Blacksford RV rental and get the best of both worlds—experience these bucket-list destinations in a high-end RV with the comforts of home, while still enjoying the Great Outdoors! Sleep well with comfortable beds, climate control, and your own bathroom!
Rent your Yellowstone RV today or contact us to learn more about our high-end RVs and itineraries that best fit your needs.
