Best route into Yellowstone from the east

While we have used both routes 14 and 16 over the Bighorns with our Class C (not towing), I'm going to second newk's advice to stay on I90 past Billings to route 212 at Laurel then south to Cody thus avoiding mountain driving across the Bighorns. There's still a climb from Cody but it's the shortest route through the heavy July traffic in the Park to get to Fishing Bridge.

When you leave Grand Teton, routes 26 and 20 to Casper then I25 to I80 will make a nice loop for your return trip.

As a flatlander, and new to Rving, I'd recommend staying on I-90 and coming in the north entrance on US 89 from Livingston, MT. Lots of places to see on the way. The Badlands is a drive thru with an east entrance and west exit. It only adds 20 miles. Also, you'll go right by Little Bighorn battlefield on I-90 at Garyowen, MT.
One other thing. As you're headed west on I-80 to get to I-29 N, when you get a choice of staying on I-80 or taking I-680, take I-680, Or you'll turn 17 miles into 47 miles plus traffic in Omaha.

Are you pulling that 32QB with the Ram 1500? If so, I might suggest the most moderate mountain driving to get to Fishing Bridge. If that's the case, you might want to avoid the Big Horns. I think I'd still go through Cody, but maybe by way of Billings. You'll still have a bit of mountain driving after entering YS, but there won't be any steep descents to speak of.

If I'm underestimating the braking abilities of the truck, or if you're using a bigger truck or smaller camper, U.S. 16 exits I-90 at Buffalo and is a fairly easy, scenic trip over the Big Horns -- wide, few steep stretches up or down, mostly gentle curves. It's the route I'd normally recommend, but it might be a bit much for a flatlander, a big trailer and a small truck. :)

We turned off I90 at Livingston, drove south on 89 & base-camped at Yellowstone's Edge Rv. This was a super great place to stay, quiet, breathtaking view, had great hosts, etc. I would never try coming across bear tooth pass with my 34ft 5w. We seen some that did, (same ones that nearbout pushed us off the 9ft wide lane that we were in).

I can tell you about our trips from Kentucky. The first time we followed I-90 by way of Billings, Mt. to Livingston, Mt. turning south onto Hwy 89 into the park from the north. It's longer (to some) but it's a beautiful drive. The next year we used the south entrance by following I-80 to its intersection with I-25, going north on 25 to Casper then west onto Hwy 26 to the south entrance. The last time we used the East entrance by way of I-90 again to intersection with I-25 then north on 25 just past Sheridan turning onto Hwy 14 which will bring you in through the East side. There are alternate routes and all have driving challenges to varying degrees. Good luck and I know you're going to have a great time. More photo ops that you could hope for in a lifetime. BTW, do NOT take the Bear Tooth Hwy with an RV unless you have millions in insurance. :B

If you're heading to Fishing Bridge, come in from Cody. Plan a couple nights in Cody, too - especially for the awesome museum.

The North East (Bear Tooth) is "do-able" (If you are willing to chage your drawers after the trip) . . . :R . . . with a TT, but NOT suggested. If I were you I would camp a day or so near Cody at a BLM FS or other Boondock site. There are also commercial campground in the area. Take a day trip (with out the TT) up to Red lodge, Cook City etc. and visit the NE corner of YS. YS is very large -- 50 miles between sites.


Then drive into YS from the east. US 14

Bear Tooth Highway and 269 to Cody