Yellowstone and Grand Canyon campgrounds.

westernrvparkowner wrote:

RGar974417 wrote:

kohldad wrote:
Do you realize that in early May, most of the roads won't even be open yet in Yellowstone? You need to wait until after Memorial day to be able to see the entire park. 2018 Yellowstone Road Openings


Unless you have real needs for hookups, you really need to learn how to dry camp a night or two to really enjoy the parks. Really opens up the quantity of sites and will make traveling without reservations easier so you can adjust your itenary as you see fit.

Congrats on the retirement and finally having the time to slow down taking your time to see things along the way.

We were in Yellowstone mid May of 2016. All the roads were open. The only entrance that was closed was the south entrance,but it was open when we left.Daytime temps were high 50's low 60's. Night time dropped into high 30's. We stayed in Madison Campground. No hookups but generators were allowed from 8am to 8pm.If you tie yourself to full hookups you will miss some great camping. Plus staying in the park means you don't have to drive 45 minutes to get to and from the attractions. We came across a mother grizzly and 3 cubs on the road from Norris to Canyon. They walked right towards our van and past my window. I would advise you to eat at the Inn at Old Faithful. The lobby is beautiful and the food was good and not too expensive ( $12 to $30 ). If you get near Minden,Nebraska,I would recommend the Harold Warp Pioneer Museum.If you like history,old cars,trucks ,tractors,motorcycles this place has it.

Mid May is different than early May as far as roads and facilities go. Also, what someone experienced weather wise in 2016 may be very different than what the conditions will be in 2018. The main concern I see is apparently the OP has a rather tight travel schedule. With minimal time allocated to Yellowstone under ideal conditions, it could very well be a wasted trip if the weather does not cooperate, as is often the case in early May. I would hate to see someone dedicate the time and money needed for a trip to Yellowstone only to have that trip result in a couple of days of sitting in their RV trapped by inclement weather without the ability to adjust their travel schedule.

We went in on May 10th and left on the 15th. At that time of year,even if it snows,it will not last plus they do plow. In my opinion and that of others who have been there that time of year,it is one of the best times to go because the crowds will be light. I would not let the chance of snow change your plans.