Yellowstone, '16

We too found that 3 days was a good plan and including Glacier NP, if possible, also is a grand plan. We have lots of maps and reading stuff about the areas we visit to keep our Grandkids busy and interested. Also Cody, WY with the Buffalo Bill Museum was a great spot for an overnight.

One tip about Old Faithful geyser, stand up wind, if you are down wind all you will see is the steam. We grew up in MT and have been to the park many times. We made the mistake of being down wind one time, was very disappointing. And as Bedlam said, if you can, go through Glacier National Park either on the way out or the way back, granted it may be out of you way, but even just driving through on the Going to the Sun Highway is worthwhile. And I think 9 days it is very doable. Neither park should take more than 3 days to see. Just do not be in a hurry and stop often.

One final note, bears are very populated in both areas so be wise and keep track of your surroundings. Bears will normally run away, but get between a sow and her cubs or accidentally corner a bear and you will have a fight on your hands.

Yellowstone is a huge park. If you stay at a single campground you will really limit how much you can see because you will constantly be backtracking. I recommend mapping a route through the park, staying at a different campground inside the park each night. Make sure you visit the Grand Tetons and spend a night in Jackson hole. Have a good time and enjoy.

Yellowstone was a blast for us. We stayed at Canyon Village. Everything to the south of us was bubbling hot water. Gotta see Old Faithful though. North was all the animals. Favorite spot was the Lamar Valley. Whatever you do, get out of your rig. Read somewhere that 90% of people never go more than 100 yards off the road. Lots of stuff to see with short 1/2 mile walks. Above Old Faithful is a ton of stuff to see. Geyser goes off and everyone leaves. Maybe 50 people walk around. Pm me and I will give you my number and we can talk

I know there is gathering in Glacier National Park next August. Maybe you could visit both if you have the time.

http://forms.natcoa.net/MTRally2016.php

I'll be making a trip farther east...

There's two KOA campgrounds near West Yellowstone. I stayed at the one closer to the town of West Yellowstone, which is a much nicer of the two. http://yellowstonekoa.com/

Warning though, the KOA isn't cheap during prime tourist season.

Reservations are surely required there, or any of the in-park campgrounds that offer reservations. I've heard that the non reservation campgrounds in the park fill up by 9am.

There's a few other campgrounds in the town of West Yellowstone, but I didn't investigate them when I was there in September.

West Yellowstone makes a nice base camp because when it comes time to restock on groceries, there's a few stores in town.

We spent 3 nights in the park (hotel) and saw most everything. Then headed south for more. Stop everywhere, take your time, and don't look over the edge of the.......road. Oh yeah, and make sure your brakes are up to the trip, pads and new fluid.

Planning something very similar, albeit with a bit less kid weight (6 & 3). May see you folks on the road. Subscribed for info!

BBF