Mt Rushmore to Yellowstone mid Sept

I recall a rather large paved gas station on the eastern entrance to Yellowstone which any large RV could access ( Hiway 14). It would be on the right side as you are driving in the enter direction ... kinda out in the middle of nowhere on a curve ... possibly India Reservation owned. There is a gas station in the heart of the park at Fishing Bridge, and another north of there in the park at Canyon Village. You did not specify if you are pulling a tow vehicled, nor how long your Class C is, but I considered I could probably get my 35 foot class A and small tow into them OK so no problem. Also gas stations at the West Entrance ... depending on your length and with no tow you should be able to pick and chose there. Otherwise back up on I-90 certainly no problem.

jjrbus wrote:
My summer trip has morphed into a early fall trip! I will be heading north from FL with my first actual destination Mt Rushmore then west to Yellowstone Then likely on to Seattle.

I notice that most campgrounds in park close early and that the gas stations are "seasonal" With no mention of what seasonal is? Dates would be very helpful.

My first concern is gasoline, I have a Toyota class C with a 15 gallon tank and feel comfortable refueling every 150 miles. Can go a farther but prefer a safety margin. Will I have any issues on the way to, leaving or in the park?

Next would be over night parking, Are there places in the park where overnight parking is possible if the RV spots are closed or full?

Then of course travel tips would be greatly appreciated. Jim

Since you're western terminus is Seattle you're probably coming I-90 much of the way from Rushmore. Fuel will be no problem on 90, but with your 150 mile safety net keep your eye on the gas gauge if you get off the Interstate. Montana and Wyoming are the "wide open spaces." Fuel up when it is available.

In your shoes, I would carry an extra gas can. Get a good metal can like these:

http://www.lexingtoncontainercompany.com/Nato-Jerry-Cans.html

In the meantime search this Forum for either `Rushmore' or `Yellowstone' and read all about it.
It might be a good idea to get a Campground Directory to carry along.

We are doing a similar trip at the same time. We'll be at Custer State park, then migrate north to Devils Tower, then to Little Big Horn. From there we will swing north on I-90 going around the north end of the Bighorn Mountains,then 212 to 310 to 72 to 120 into Cody and over to Buffalo Bill State Park. From there we will move west through the east entrance to the park, across the park and land at West yellowstone mid September. (If the fires will allow us to pass and get there???)

I plan on fueling along I90 at Spearfish, then likely up around Sheridan, then again at Cody (maybe one more spot in between.) Cody will get me into West Yellowstone for refuel. I've never had problems refueling in towns this time of year along this route.


I don't anticipate any problems on that route. I'm staying out of the Bighorns with my rig as I've done them before- and while the sights are beautiful the grades are just way too intense for me.

Safe Travels

Joe