well we made a perfect purchase of a used 2015 winnebago view and we LOVE it. as we had made plans to go to yellowstone, we couldn't make it this summer but plan on getting on the road, very late august early september and was hoping for some input from those that have gone. is it going to be too late in september to camp in yellowstone? i saw a few of the campgrounds close like the 2nd week in sept? also, thinking that since school would have started, is it going to be less crowded?we were planning on hitting montana area as well afterwards, we just wondering if the snow hits early or if we will be ok. plan on going to mount rushmore so any advice is helpful.we were thinking of buying a toad to bring along, but thought it may be easier if we just rent a car, has anyone done this and any suggestions?also, our MH is a diesel so how is the gas station situation in yellowstone in trying to find diesel?we are just trying to get everything in order before heading out and looking for some good helpful tips, plus if you can recommend the best scenic campgrounds to stay at.our trip can last anywhere from a month to 6 months so we are open on anything.thanks all for your help ahead of time.

jgkeeto wrote:.. we made a perfect purchase of a used 2015 winnebago view and we LOVE it. ... made plans to go to yellowstone, we couldn't make it this summer but plan on getting on the road, very late august early september and was hoping for some input from those that have gone...............**************.Best trip We ever took to YNP was late October early November - watch the Weather as it will be your friend, and dictate where and How Long you will go to the places you want to see is it going to be too late in september to camp in yellowstone? .................************.NO!i saw a few of the campgrounds close like the 2nd week in sept? ...................***********.Yes that is true - find the one that works for you - Madison is usually open late Remember that most of the supplies are sold out in YNP so you will need to bring most everything with you. Wal*Mart is your friend - stock up before you get in - might be good to have 5 Gallons of diesel just in case., is it going to be less crowded?................*************. Yes, but if the weather is good people will be there so you still need to be flexible. Click on the webcams to see what it's like..... planning on hitting montana area as well afterwards, ......................************.That works - Glacier is also Weather dependent, so just keep and Eye/Ear open.....wondering if the snow hits early or if we will be ok.......................**************.Generally speaking the early Snow melts quickly, so just be smart.... plan on going to mount rushmore so any advice is helpful.........................***************. More advice - where are you coming from? - Montana or South Dakota? Need a little more info to work the plan.we were thinking of buying a toad to bring along, but thought it may be easier if we just rent a car, has anyone done this and any suggestions?........................***************.Figure that out as you go - your are in a fairly small, all purpose vehicle, so after a little travel you will know what works for you, We've met many who just use rentals, not as easy but doable.also, our MH is a diesel so how is the gas station situation in yellowstone in trying to find diesel?......................***************.The only reason you think diesel is hard to find is because you have always used Gas - Cowboys and Farmer all have Diesel TRUCKS - so yes diesel is everywhere out west.we are just trying to get everything in order before heading out and looking for some good helpful tips, plus if you can recommend the best scenic campgrounds to stay at.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,****************,In so much as you have not really given us much info we need to know more of your Plan/Mission - otherwise we are just telling you what we would do.our trip can last anywhere from a month to 6 months so we are open on anything.......................*****************.Yes or if you really like it, it could last for YEARS!thanks all for your help ahead of time.Give us more REAL info and we can INPUT more to the solution you are seeking,Hope this is of some help will follow this thread and try to help fill in the Blanks.Best of Luck, sounds like the beginning of a GREAT ADVENTURE -You will need Good BOOTs - a GOOD CAMERA - not big just good - Fleece - Really Good Rain Gear.

thank you for the response.we live near philadelphia and will be heading west from there, route 80 or the turnpike, haven't decided. but leaving from pennsylvania and can be making stops along the way.last year we left from florida in november across country and went to california and up to oregon and then back to PA via 70, staying below the freezing, we got back in march.we have our own business and work remotely so we have no timeline that's why we can be gone from a month to 6 months, we don't know or care, just trying to get some good ideas of where to go before the freeze hits, cause we can head south then no problem.thanks again

jgkeeto wrote:........we live near philadelphia and will be heading west from there, route 80 or the turnpike, haven't decided. but leaving from pennsylvania and can be making stops along the way.last year we left from florida in november across country and went to california and up to oregon and then back to PA via 70, staying below the freezing, we got back in march.we have our own business and work remotely so we have no timeline that's why we can be gone from a month to 6 months, we don't know or care, just trying to get some good ideas of where to go before the freeze hits, cause we can head south then no problem.thanks againThat helps,IMHO, Your travel time is GREAT.Only thing I recommend is if at all Possible, try to be In Colorado in Late September - the Aspen are just Amazing. - But - if the weather is RIGHT - then Glacier might just be the place for YOU.One thing to Remember is Altitude is the Key to Early SNOW. So if things begin to look Bad just get out of the Mountains and ride it out for a few days - Another thing I'd recommend on this trip is to try to catch a few days/Nights in the Yellowstone Inn - or for that matter any of the Historic Hotels in the National Parks.Having done this RV thing for over 50 years - and going from a Modified 49' Packard to the Travel Supreme today you might feel the need for a little Space - the Hotel Lobby's provide a great spot to just stretch out. We have done it with all sizes and used the Lobbies to our Advantage - plus always fun to just watch the People after a long Hike in the Woods;-)INHO weather will be the determining factor in your trip - you are able to Boondock? You have a generator? If you are running a Home Based Business likely you need to Have Internet?OK. Logic would say get to Custer First - then check out Devils Tower on the Way to Cody - They have a Wal*Mart in Cody so stock Up before going into YNP - Chief Joseph Highway and Beartooth are booth early drives - so maybe up to Red Lodge and check them out before getting into YNP - There are places to stay if you can self support - just ask the rangers - YNP again time will be dictated by the Weather - don't let a little snow scare you off - it snows in every month of the year there, but it also melts - when you do YNP be sure to do GTNP - again the Inn/Lodge/Hotel will be your friend - Check the weather to see if Glacier is still good - if yes go - if No - head to Colorado - out through Jackson/Alpine to Flaming Gorge RNA - to Dinosaur NM - then to the Bells in/outside Aspen for the Color.If you need more I'll chime in later or just search my posts on Colorado/Second home.Hope this is of some help,

Sept. is a good time to visit Yellowstone. Elk are bugling, less people(normally) great fall colors.Campgrounds should have vacancies,but make reservations if trying for Fishing bridge or Madison.Long trip not to have your own toad. Weather can be anything, come prepared. Don't forget your tire chains! Never used mine, but required to have them.Fuel is available, however try to get it before getting into park as price goes up. Some park stations will be starting to close.Construction in some parts of the park will be continueing. Traffic delays are possible not counting animals traffic delays.

We live west of Reading,Pa and were there in May 2016. May and September are the best months.Nice weather and fewer people.Yes, you will have fewer choices for campsites,but that's ok. We stayed at Madison. No hookups but you can run your generator during certain hours. If you don;t have 2 batteries,I would add another one. Madison is centrally located. We were there 4 days,but should have had 2 more. Some highlights were the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone,seeing a grizzly mom with 3 cubs and eating in the Inn at Old Faithful. The lobby is beautiful.If you want more info on routes and campgrounds along the way,message me.

yellowstone we are a coming | Good Sam Community

bikendan
Explorer
Jul 21, 2017
We went to Colter Bay campground in September. Way better than the RV park and way cheaper.
Big sites with decent privacy.
At that time of the year, lots of available campsites.

I seem to also remember that the only sites with electric were ADA-handicapped campsites.
ReneeG
Explorer
Jul 21, 2017
Thanks for the feedback jalichty and bikendan - Since we'll be going in September, we should be able to get a good site. Gee the website says something like $52 for hookup sites in the campground and just electricity? That's pretty high, IMO. I think it's pretty costly, even dry, so it will be for the experience. I'm one year away from the senior pass, so still the regular price for us this year.
Parrothead_Mike
Explorer
Jul 22, 2017
While Yellowstone is nice be sure to spend a good amount of time just south in the Grand Tetons. We actually enjoyed the Tetons more because it was less crowded. The hiking trails were practically deserted on the three hikes we went on and we were there in mid-July a few years ago.

You won't have any problems getting diesel around the parks. The prices might be a bit higher, but getting filled up isn't a problem. Just in case, be sure to fill up or top off your tanks when you have the opportunity.

Enjoy your trip.
bikendan
Explorer
Jul 22, 2017
ReneeG wrote:
Thanks for the feedback jalichty and bikendan - Since we'll be going in September, we should be able to get a good site. Gee the website says something like $52 for hookup sites in the campground and just electricity? That's pretty high, IMO. I think it's pretty costly, even dry, so it will be for the experience. I'm one year away from the senior pass, so still the regular price for us this year.

We're setup for dry camping, so the $30 sites were fine with us.
Plus we weren't old enough then for the Golden Age pass.

We are now but I still wouldn't pay $22 more for just electricity.
ReneeG
Explorer
Jul 22, 2017
bikendan wrote:
ReneeG wrote:
Thanks for the feedback jalichty and bikendan - Since we'll be going in September, we should be able to get a good site. Gee the website says something like $52 for hookup sites in the campground and just electricity? That's pretty high, IMO. I think it's pretty costly, even dry, so it will be for the experience. I'm one year away from the senior pass, so still the regular price for us this year.

We're setup for dry camping, so the $30 sites were fine with us.
Plus we weren't old enough then for the Golden Age pass.

We are now but I still wouldn't pay $22 more for just electricity.

Agree! Due to limited time there, looks like we'll be passing up Colter Bay, but we're using Campendium to locate FS CG's outside the boundaries for a more isolated feel and looking to stay at just a couple of campgrounds for more relaxation.
ReneeG
Explorer
Jul 23, 2017
Not meaning to hijack this thread, but has anyone arrived at Colter Bay Campground (the dry side, first come, first served) over the Labor Day weekend? We were planning on staying at Wolf Creek CG near Alpine over the Labor Day weekend since we are arriving on Saturday, then heading in on Tuesday to other campgrounds, but Wolf Creek is 85 miles from a location we want to check out and were thinking Colter Bay is closer, but the timing is my concern. Thanks!
jalichty
Explorer
Jul 24, 2017
ReneeG, I would think that, if you arrive at Colter Bay Campground after 9:00 am and before 11:00 am, which is check-out time, you'll find a camp spot that you will like. We went there, for the second time this year, after the 4th of July and ran into the longest entry line we have ever encountered, however, we got a very nice spot and after all those people checking in, the campground was not full. I would think the traffic would settle down a bit after the Eclipse broohaha and you should have a great chance to score a nice camp site.
ReneeG
Explorer
Jul 24, 2017
Thanks for the feedback, jalichty!

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