National parks trip

DW & I just made a 8000 mile loop from SE Texas this past Sept 1st, our first major stop at Mt Rushmore & Crazy Horse. We stopped at Y-stone next, stopped next at crater lake oregon (unbelievable natural beauty)then went into NW Calif to see the redwoods, then down to Yosemite.
We saved Tetons (& more of Y-stone)along with Glacier for next trip! We were hesitant about going out of the way to Rushmore, but very glad we did. We enjoyed crazy horse just as much. I know for us, it was time to take a more than brief stop when we reached Mt Rushmore.
We left Sept 1st, was gone 6 full weeks. We had no issues getting spots, we would just call ahead early in the day to check availability. Very nice weather with lot less people going in Sept! The "grand canyon of Y-stone" & "bear tooth pass" is 2 places you must see. We stayed the whole time at Y-stone at "Yellowstone's Edge RV". It is a 30 mi drive to the north entrance, but my what a beautiful place to park your RV with superior camp hosts!

I have noticed that all campgrounds but 1 in Yellowstone have a combined length limit of 40'. My truck and trailer will exceed this by a couple feet. Are the spaces that small, or are they just trying to deter larger coaches?

We went in June several years ago to Yellowstone and Mt. Rushmore. Did not have any problems with roads and everything was open in park. It will depend on the winter there looks like there will be a lot of snow this year so may have a impact.

We just planned our first ever trip out west from Wisconsin. We are going the last part of July for 18 days. Our plan is to spend 3 days at Custer State Park and tour the Mt Rushmore area, then spend 4 days at Bridge Bay campground in Yellowstone. Then head to Glacier for 3 days and stay at St Marys campground. We already have camping reservations at Custer and Bridge Bay. Total trip is 3000 miles. Scary to think that is $1000.00 just in fuel costs! Might need a vacation after the vacation!

When is the best time to go?

I agree with Tucson Jim. We've been to Y'stone a number of times and always find something new.

Welcome to the forum. I would highly recommend that you visit Yellowstone National Park and Grand Tetons National Park because they are so close together. Spend the majority of your time in Yellowstone because it is so big, there are so many critters to see, and there are so many different sights to see and visit. Then it is a short trek to the Tetons for the scenery. Glacier is beautiful, but save it for another trip. Have a great trip.

Don't forget Custer state park

If you really can't hit all three, I'd do Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Grand Teton is a nice drive from Yellowstone. You can even do lunch in Jackson Hole.

You can easily spend 3-5 days seeing Yellowstone. It takes about 6-8 hours to see each of the loops, but don't forget to get out of your vehicle and walk. Some of the hiking trails are wonderful. Many are difficult but lots of them are pretty easy. Be aware the altitude is high, so take your time and enjoy the scenery and animals.