Another Yellowstone question

lfloom wrote:
Plan to stay at at least 3 different places - a couple of days near Jackson, to see the Tetons, a couple of days in the middle (Grizzly RV would be an excellent choice) and somewhere up near the top (my favorite part of the park). This day you will drive less and see more.

I agree with this. Add an extra day if you can, moving around takes time, but otherwise you will spend it driving. Yellowstone is huge.

When we visited The Tetons we stayed in Riverton WY at Wind River RV Park. Not fancy but adequate. Then we moved to Yellowstone Valley Inn between Cody and Yellowstone for Yellowstone visit. Again not fancy but adequate considering you aren't there all day. Both RV parks full hookups pull thrus and easy driving distance to the parks. If you had to pick one park, Yellowstone Valley Inn might be the one closest to both park entrances.

Two Hands said it: Fishing bridge and Coulter Bay RV Park. We literally just booked both for July 2015. 4 full days in FB and 2 full days in Coulter.

We are also going to stay in Cody and in Devils Tower in north eastern WY.

I think a lot of the problems come from the disconnect between expectations and realities of RV parks in the Yellowstone/Grand Teton area. The expectations are with millions of wide open acres the parks should reflect that abundance of acreage. The fact is there is very little in the way of private land available and what is available is priced astronomically. On top of that, many conveniences people have come to expect are only marginally available in the area. Things like Cellular service and wifi providers are very limited and not comparable to the service you get around cities.
Combine the high land costs with a short season and you get high site rental rates. A site that might be $30 most places run in the $50s around the parks. I would imagine the surly attitudes people feel they encounter is partially a response to the park's management hearing repeatedly that people have stayed in better parks for less money elsewhere. A factual response to those complaints may truly be: "Rates are what they are, the wifi is as good as it can be, and we really can't improve your cellular service." To many people those park employees responding truthfully is interpreted as those employees being rude and uncaring. Sometimes the truth really does hurt. The fact is there really isn't a park anywhere near Yellowstone or Grand Teton that would qualify as a great stand alone destination. Even the best parks are nothing more than good places to park your rig while visiting the national parks. The best approach is to realize you are going to Yellowstone and Grand Teton to enjoy the national parks, not the RV parks.

I agree with the recommendation of Fishing Bridge RV Campground in Yellowstone. It is pretty much centrally located for the upper and lower loops. Close access to Hayden Valley for wildlife although a bit of a drive to Lamar Valley another animal hotspot. We found the sights large enough and if you are towing they have an area to hook up and a parking spot for your tow vehicle along side. The only downside is you have to either walk or drive to the showers. You get two free showers per campsite per day. Any more than that you have to pay. We spent 4 nights there this summer. You are closer to the camper behind you than along side. Store and gas station are nearby for needed supplies. No need to leave the park for the duration of your stay.

Plan to stay at at least 3 different places - a couple of days near Jackson, to see the Tetons, a couple of days in the middle (Grizzly RV would be an excellent choice) and somewhere up near the top (my favorite part of the park). This day you will drive less and see more.

Yellowstone is big, big, big. Seven days would be good for Yellowstone. But if you only have seven days for both and want full hookups I suggest Fishing Bridge RV Campground in Yellowstone for four days and then three days in Colter Bay RV Campground in Grand Tetons National Park. One goes to Yellowstone for the scenery and wildlife viewing. Not necessarily for a great camping experience. Have a great trip.

So long as people keep paying to stay at these places, there is no incentive for any changes to be made.

While it's no where near Grand Teton, we've stayed at Grizzly RV in West Yellowstone, MT twice. That really is a 5 star RV park. Excellent reviews too.

You'd think with it being such a long standing destination for RV'ers there would be some big rig friendly 5 star RV resorts.

yep that's pretty much the way it is.