RVers can cover ground at Yellowstone at a decent pace by planning stops along the park's two loops. We outline highlights for RVers and recommended campgrounds nearby.
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This campground is only 5 minutes from the park's west entrance and has a swimming pool, dump facilities, playground, and a recreation area. If you have a larger rig, this campground can accommodate you; it also has full hookups and some pull-through sites.
Offers manicured sites and full hookups right in the charming little town of West Yellowstone. The location is within easy walking distance of shops, restaurants, and other attractions like the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center.
Located in West Yellowstone, this is a not-for-profit wildlife park where you can see grizzly bears and gray wolves in an outdoor habitat. Animal residents are unable to survive in the wild and provide an educational opportunity to visitors.
This campground is managed by USDA and is first-come, first-served. There are 33 sites with electric hookups and an additional 40 sites for dry camping. It's located near the west entrance along the Madison River.
Yellowstone Lake is the largest high-elevation lake in North America, with more than 140 miles of shoreline. Private boats are allowed, but the cold water temperatures and frequent, sudden winds make it suitable only for experienced boaters.
At West Thumb Geyser Basin, you can walk along the boardwalk and see the lake and geysers at the same time, including at least one geyser that’s actually in the lake.
It’s one of the more popular park attractions, so arrive early to beat the crowds. While in the area, make sure to explore the Upper Geyser Basin for even more geysers and other geothermal phenomena. For history buffs, the Old Faithful Inn offers free historic tours.
You’ll find Midway Geyser Basin just a few minutes away from Old Faithful. Here you’ll find the colorful Grand Prismatic Spring, the third largest hot spring in the world.
You'll recognize the 1,000-foot-deep canyon from Artist Point as you approach the gushing falls. Make sure you drive the North and South Rim roads for the best views.
Don’t miss the Canyon Visitor Education Center for exhibits on the supervolcano that’s responsible for Yellowstone’s one-of-a-kind landscape.
The Lamar Valley offers a glimpse of some lesser-seen wildlife, like the 100 or so wolves who live inside the park. Here, you’ll also find the Lamar River Trail, which is a 20-mile out-and-back trail.
Located less than a quarter of a mile from the North Entrance to the park, this campground offers full hookups, bathhouses, river views, and quietness.
For an in-park option without hookups, stay in the Mammoth Hot Springs area, which is close to the town of Gardiner, Montana. Note that sites here cannot accommodate RVs longer than 30 feet. This corner of the park is a long haul from most of the other popular attractions, so there will be fewer crowds. It’s also the only campground in the park that’s open year-round.
With some extra planning and a well-devised itinerary, a trip to Yellowstone in an RV can be simple, fun, and sure to wow the whole family.
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