I didn't see this discussion here on RV.net: I will be camped at Devils Tower KOA before entering the east entrance of Yellowstone. However, its just about 400 miles to Fishing Bridge, and I know there will be traffic.Do you guys camp outside yellowstone before going in first thing in the morning? Would that be a better approach?We also considered entering from the south (through Grand Tetons NP).We will be coming from Central IL.

Yes, I would stop somewhere in the Jackson/Teton area. Pretty drive going in and not real fast.

Just made this same trip last week, South entrance is way out of the way just take I90 to 16 and then 14 into the park. Great stop is Cody and the Buffalo Bill Museum. Fishing bridge was much better than I thought is would be. We stayed there 5 nights. The best idea for seeing Yellowstone in to stay two places to cut the daily driving distances. This time we saw the most Buffalo between Fishing Bridge and Canyon.

If you are at Devils Tower take the interstate to Buffalo then Highway 16 through the Big Horns. Beautiful drive, do not 14 or 14A, they are a lot worse to pull a rig through. When you get through the Big Horns go to Cody. There are a couple of nice campgrounds by the reservoir west of Cody. Spend the night and then go into Yellowstone. May be only 400 miles but they are not fast miles.

From Minnesota, yes, I can see the South Entrance being too far out of the way. But where I live in IL, I can drive straight west on 80 to the S. entrance or drive north a bit and take 90 west. Appreciate the info on 16 vs. 14. Anyone from IL out there that has went this way west? Do you drive it in 3 days, 4, ???

mleekamp wrote:From Minnesota, yes, I can see the South Entrance being too far out of the way. But where I live in IL, I can drive straight west on 80 to the S. entrance or drive north a bit and take 90 west. Appreciate the info on 16 vs. 14. Anyone from IL out there that has went this way west? Do you drive it in 3 days, 4, ???I believe the advice others have given you to take hwy 16 is based on your statement that you would be staying at the Devil’s Tower KOA.If you’re just wanting to drive to Yellowstone from IL then yes I would enter through the south entrance. I would even consider spending a couple of days at the Colter Bay campground before continuing on to Yellowstone.We live in MO and take I-70 to Kansas City and then a northern route to I-80. We continue on I-80 to Rawlins, WY and then connect with hwy 287 and head north to hwy 26 up to the Grand Teton NP entrance. Of course this route isn’t going to get you anywhere near Devil’s Tower.If you take the I-90 route you will be closer to Mount Rushmore and Devil’s Tower. You could always take the I-90 route going and then come home via the I-80 route.

Planning 1st Trip to Yellowstone: Getting there question

mleekamp
Explorer
Sep 24, 2014
From Minnesota, yes, I can see the South Entrance being too far out of the way. But where I live in IL, I can drive straight west on 80 to the S. entrance or drive north a bit and take 90 west.

Appreciate the info on 16 vs. 14.

Anyone from IL out there that has went this way west? Do you drive it in 3 days, 4, ???
John_Burke
Explorer
Sep 24, 2014
If you are at Devils Tower take the interstate to Buffalo then Highway 16 through the Big Horns. Beautiful drive, do not 14 or 14A, they are a lot worse to pull a rig through. When you get through the Big Horns go to Cody. There are a couple of nice campgrounds by the reservoir west of Cody. Spend the night and then go into Yellowstone.
May be only 400 miles but they are not fast miles.
rr2254545
Explorer
Sep 24, 2014
Just made this same trip last week, South entrance is way out of the way just take I90 to 16 and then 14 into the park. Great stop is Cody and the Buffalo Bill Museum. Fishing bridge was much better than I thought is would be. We stayed there 5 nights. The best idea for seeing Yellowstone in to stay two places to cut the daily driving distances. This time we saw the most Buffalo between Fishing Bridge and Canyon.
Mandalay_Parr
Explorer
Sep 24, 2014
Yes, I would stop somewhere in the Jackson/Teton area. Pretty drive going in and not real fast.

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