Forum Discussion

TriumphGuy's avatar
TriumphGuy
Explorer
Jul 02, 2018

Glacier / Yellowstone / Tetons 2019 - where to book first?

Hi all,
Feeling a little behind vs. the last time we booked a large trip. A year ahead I had a basic idea of where we'd go so I could reserve the hot spots (e.g. GC, Zion).
We are planning a month next summer where we're thinking about 5 nights each in Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Tetons (traveling from SC). July timeframe, and my first thought is that Yellowstone is where I need to book the most advance notice. So that would be approximately mid-July 2019.

So first question is how soon do I need to reserve? I see that Fishing Bridge is closed next year, but there are other campgrounds which are already available to reserve. My first thought is to choose two spots to split our visit. (Dry camping OK).

Am I wrong to think that I can wait a bit longer for Glacier and Grand Tetons area?

Thanks!

13 Replies

  • Wondering if you are thinking of private or public(government) campgrounds. You can do some camping without reservations within both Teton and Yellowstone because they both have some 1st come 1st serve campgrounds; really big ones. We have stayed at Gros Ventres, Coulter Bay and Mammoth by arriving mid to late morning. Mostly no hook-ups. If you are reserving I would do it as soon as allowed, 12 months in some cases, 6 months with reservation.gov.(only cost $10 to cancel).
  • Madison at Yellowstone would be the frist to make reservations.
    Gros Ventre at Teton may not need reservations as it is pretty large.
    Apgar at Glacier opens later and should not be hard to get into. Reservations maybe after leaving or about to leave Yellowstone.
    All national park campgrounds.
  • I would book Grizzly RV Park in West Yellowstone, Coulter Bay in the Tetons and West Glacier KOA in Glacier NP.