Tips for planning an RV trip to Yellowstone National Park
If you want the adventure of a lifetime, take an RV to Yellowstone and follow this insider advice on camping, activities, route planning, and more.
Yellowstone National Park—the first national park in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site—is an adventure destination for millions of visitors each year. Home to geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, and an abundance of wildlife (like bison and grizzly bears), this national treasure offers an unmatched experience to its visitors.
If you're planing to rent a Yellowstone RV from Blacksford, this guide is packed with insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.
The best time to plan an RV trip to Yellowstone
Your favorite activities and seasonal wishlist will act as a guide as you decide when to visit Yellowstone National Park.
Summertime in Yellowstone: SIGHTS GALORE
If you're looking for warmer weather with access to park amenities and ranger-led educational programs, summer is the perfect season for you.
During the summertime, popular trails are commonly dry and easily accessible. Grizzly and black bear are more active this time of year, too. If spotting a grizzly bear is on your bucket list plan your RV trip to Yellowstone after they emerge from their winter slumber.
WINTERTIME IN YELLOWSTONE: FEWER CROWDS
But maybe hiking with grizzlies isn’t for you. In that case, a winter visit could be a better fit. Although some bears make a wintertime appearance, you’re more likely to spot bison, elk, moose, and wolves from afar against a snowy backdrop.
Be prepared to swap your hiking boots in for a pair of cross country skis or strap into some snowshoes—the average park-wide snowfall is around 150 inches!
Access to amenities in the winter is limited as many park buildings and roads close in the winter. However, if you prefer fewer crowds and a more peaceful experience, consider visiting in mid-April or late September.
Take the First Step IN Planning an RV Trip to Yellowstone
Must-see Yellowstone attractions
From scenic drives to challenging hikes, Yellowstone has an adventure for every type of national park visitor. As you begin planning an RV trip to Yellowstone, keep these activities in mind:
Visit the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River: This natural wonder has breathtaking views and ample hiking trails.
See Old Faithful erupt: The iconic geyser is a spectacle not to be missed. Old Faithful erupts about 20 times a day and predicted eruption times are posted at the visitor center.
Stroll the boardwalks at Grand Prismatic Spring: Yellowstone is a geothermal wonderland. There are many geothermal areas to stop at as your travel around the park in your RV. During your visit, be sure to experience the vibrant colors in one of Yellowstone’s most famous hot springs.
Watch for wildlife in Lamar Valley: One of the best places to view wildlife in Yellowstone is the Lamar Valley. Scan the hillsides for bison, antelope, wolves, elk, moose, and bear.
Fish at Yellowstone Lake: Enjoy the serenity and natural beauty of Yellowstone Lake and try to catch a native cutthroat trout.
Explore West Thumb Geyser Basin: Located on the edge of Yellowstone Lake, the West Thumb Geyser Basin is a beautiful location to watch sunrise or sunset.
Take a photo at Artist Point: Stop at this commonly photographed location for stunning views of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Lower Falls.
Hike to Tower Fall: Check out this impressive waterfall and take in the surrounding scenery on a 1-mile round trip hike.
Drive through Hayden Valley: Known for its beautiful landscapes and abundant wildlife like elk, bison and grizzly bears, Hayden Valley is the perfect destination for a scenic drive.
Tip: During the summer months, skip the crowds, and arrive at popular attractions early or late in the day.
The secret side of Yellowstone
Yellowstone National Park, a natural marvel, is home to famous sites like Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. But if you're hoping to experience a little more solitude and take your national park adventure away from the popular highlights—these are some attractions you’ll enjoy:
Lamar Valley and Trout Lake: Known for its wildlife, Lamar Valley is a quieter alternative to the often-crowded Hayden Valley. Nearby, Trout Lake is a hidden gem perfect for a peaceful hike. These are popular places to spot bison, antelope, wolves, elk, moose, and bear.
Shoshone Lake: Accessible only by boat or on foot, this backcountry lake offers solitude and beautiful views of the southwest section of Yellowstone.
Fairy Falls: This 4.8-mile out-and-back trail leads to a stunning 200-foot waterfall and offers a lesser-known view of Grand Prismatic.
Norris Geyser Basin: There are many thermal features around Yellowstone. But if you’re looking to observe the geothermal magic of the park with fewer people, Norris Geyser Basin is less crowded and very impressive.
Firehole River and Firehole Lake Drive: Whether you’re looking for a relaxing scenic drive or a place for a family picnic, the Firehole River is the perfect destination.
Beaver Ponds Loop Trail and Osprey Falls Trail: The 5.5-mile Beaver Ponds Loop Trail and the 9.9-mile out-and-back Osprey Falls Trail both offer beautiful views and a chance to see wildlife near the north entrance to Yellowstone National Park in Gardiner, Montana.
Roosevelt Arch: Located at the north entrance of Yellowstone National Park in Gardiner, Montana, the Roosevelt Arch is a common place for elk to graze.
Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center: Located in the town of West Yellowstone— just outside the park’s west entrance—this educational sanctuary is home to bear, wolves, and river otters that cannot survive in the wild.
Traveling in an RV to Yellowstone
Yellowstone is vast, so having a route planned in advance is essential. The main roadway in Yellowstone is figure-eight, and the large outer loop in the system is known as the Grand Loop. This road hits most major attractions, making it an ideal route for RV travelers.
Before you hit the road, check your planned route for any vehicle size restrictions and monitor weather conditions.
Tip: After picking up your Bozeman RV rental from Blacksford, the two closest Yellowstone National Park entrances are the west entrance in West Yellowstone, Montana and the north entrance in Gardiner, Montana.
Maximizing fun in Yellowstone
To get the most out of your time in Yellowstone, research and plan your visit before arrival. This will give you a good idea of where to stop and what attractions you want to see.
As you start planning your RV trip to Yellowstone, check out our comprehensive seven-day itinerary for Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.
Once you arrive in the park, stop at one of 10 Yellowstone park visitor centers to review your plans with a park ranger. Park staff will be able to give you the latest road, trail, and wildlife reports.
Starting your day early can help you avoid crowds at popular entrances and landmarks like Old Faithful. Consider taking a guided trip with an experienced outfitter to see all the best sites. Blacksford partners with Good Trip Adventures, which offers great private tours and trip planning in and around national parks.
RV Camping in Yellowstone
After a long day exploring geysers and scouting for wildlife, it's time to set up camp. The National Parks Service manages several RV-friendly campgrounds within Yellowstone’s boundaries.
Site reservations can be secured many months in advance, and booking as early as possible is a good idea. Remember to respect all camping regulations and practice Leave No Trace principles to help preserve the park's natural beauty.
Staying outside the park? Check out our top RV campgrounds near Yellowstone.
Reserve your RV for Yellowstone
Ready to start planning an 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 adventure America’s first national park has to offer and reset after a day of exploring in your RV with climate control, a private bathroom, and a cozy bed.
