Yellowstone Eastside or Westside

As far as the dry camping at Colter Bay, they are working on the water lines and other stuff on the bigger sites, about half the campground and they have a length limit of 24' on the part that's open, with no generator usage. We were up there last week and couldn't get in so stayed at Gros Ventre. The work is supposed to be done by the 2nd of July and back in full operation. Hope so, because we plan on going up to Colter Bay around the 8th of July for a week.

We are staying right now at Henry's Lake State Park in Idaho, 15 miles from West entrance. For reference, it's 50 miles from Henry's Lake to Old Faithful Geyser. They have added a brand new loop here with new bath house that looks pretty well ready to open. Grass has just been planted, but everything else looks finished. If interested, ask them about the new loop with full hook ups.

the west yellowstone side is our favored choice if we can't get into one of the campgrounds inside the park.
we like staying about 15 miles south of the town of west yellowstone at Henry's Lake State park, water and elec and dump station. There is also a decent RV park just before you get to the state park turn off, with a very nice laundry.
west yellowstone has a museum or two and plenty of eateries and two little grocery stores and lots of shops for tourists.
east of yellowstone park is Cody. It is too far for commuting to and from the park, but has an outstanding museum of the West. There is also Buffalo Bill Cody's old hotel Irma with a great buffet and nightly shootout on the street.
But if you haven't been down into the Tetons Park, that's even better.
Lots to see out there.

Nothing east to speak off , suggest splitting time among the other three directions.

We are staying in Gardiner this next time for us.

Actually, I prefer the northern entrance (not to be confused with the northeast entrance). Second choice would be west.

tkoden wrote:
Unfortunately, I am too late to be able to stay in the park so I will have to stay outside at a KOA or similar RV campground.

The KOA and Grizzly RV in West Yellowstone are good places with Grizzly the tops. From Grizzly your next to town and can walk along with its just outside the gate.

Don't forget a stay in Teton Nat'l Park which is attached to Yellowstone. Both are huge so don't try to do both from one location. If coming from CA you might want to enter Teton from the south. If you need full hookups, stay at Colter Bay RV in the park itself. For no hookups, either Gros Ventre campground in the park - 300 sites - no reservations or Colter Bay campground which is right next door to Colter Bay RV. The campground also has 300 sites - no reservations. For both dry campgrounds I've never heard of anyone not getting a site. Gros Ventre is our favorite.

Then drive north through the Tetons and enter Yellowstone. If you've tried for Fishing Bridge without luck, that's the only place with hookups in the park. However, there are plenty of non-hookup places in the park - some no reservations; some accept reservations.

Here's a web site for the campgrounds:

Yellowstone's Campgrounds

If staying outside the park, West Yellowstone would be the most convenient.

Here's a campground location site in the park:

Yellowstone Campground Locations

Have a good trip!

tkoden,

I would suggest splitting your time by West/East. The roads and sights in the park are set-up in 4 sections, the grand loop.

West side - West Yellowstone @ Grizzly (just outside the gate). West Yellowstone is a good out west town with interesting amenities.

Day 1 Firehole River, Old Faithful travel,..
Day 2 Norris, Mammoth...

East Side - Fishing bridge for full hookups. Again,
Day 1 Yellowstone Lake, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone...
Day 2 Dunraven Pass (bears), Lamar Valley (Antelope and large herds of buffalo)..

Spend more time in the areas you like best. We spent 3 days through Dunraven Pass to Lamar Valley. If you have more time all the better. This was the most efficient use of our time. We limited out drive time by setting up camp in the central edge of the park.

Driving from California West Yellowstone is a good place to start the fun. The drive through the never ending Nevada (sorry Nevadan's) makes this a great starting place.

One last item, if you have kids stop by Yellowstone Bear World in Rexburg ID. You drive drove your vehicle through a wildlife area with bears everywhere.

Unfortunately, I am too late to be able to stay in the park so I will have to stay outside at a KOA or similar RV campground.

We always stay in West Yellowstone - Yellowstone Grizzley - with full hookups. It's spendy, but convenient. Soon as you know your dates, make reservations. With school out, Yellowstone just got really really busy.

al