I was hoping to get some help on a couple of questions regarding yellowstone in a hybrid. I saw and have read the bear topic but did not see specifically how everyone handled their food storage / cooking while there. How do you handle the food situation? We are driving up from Texas to Yellowstone and are wondering if it is OK to use the refrigerator on the way up? I assume we would have to empty it out when arriving to yellowstone campground? What about showers? Any opinion on taking showers in the camper while there as long as supplies were put away in TV after? Thanks, Ryan

Fishing Bridge is the only campground at Yellowstone that requires a full hard sided camper. Unless you're going way in the back country (via hiking), I wouldn't worry about the food storage (well, a bit of common sense is needed).BTW, if you want bear spray, buy it from Amazon. It's a lot cheaper than at the park!

At Yellowstone, they'll inform you about bear activity upon your arrival.You probably won't have to empty your fridge. There will be bear lockers available if you need them. Showers are fine.Don't worry about bear spray.WoodGlue

I like to base camp at Canyon Village. Centrally located on the east side of the figure 8 road system. Campsites in wooded area. Shower tickets come with the campsite. There are 4 different eating facilities in the amenities area.

there are people who tent camp in yellowstone, so don't worry overmuch about using a hybrid. don't leave fresh food sitting out. keeping it in a sealed cooler or icebox should be fine. the ranger or camp host will come around and warn you if there is a bear in the area. they're pretty good about that.

DW and I went to Yellowstone a few years ago. We were told to empty fridge at night, put food into cooler inside vehicle. Put all other food and anything that smells, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, etc. into bear boxes. Some campsites had their own bear box and others had community bear boxes. Shower house was clean and cheap so we used it. We tried to make our meal menus to be cooked on the grill to avoid odors in the camper. The Rangers patrol campgrounds very regularly and they will stop and say something if you leave a cooler out unattended. We spent 7 days there and never saw one bear, in the campground or out in the park. Had a great time. Just follow the rules they tell you and you will have a great time. Enjoy. By the way, we had a pop up at the time.

Yellowstone and food/showers in hybrid | Good Sam Community

Mr_Beebo
Explorer
Feb 20, 2014
Having been an experienced tent camper before owning a travel trailer, I can tell you I would rather have a bear scratching at my door than stepping on and over my tent while I'm beneath it.
Ray___June
Explorer
Feb 12, 2014
We've camped in Yellowstone since 1976 and never emptied the refrigerator. There are many tent campers in the campgrounds that never have a problem if they use their heads.

All of the campgrounds have food lockers and bear-proof garbage containers. Pay attention to the rules (posted on campsite tables and check-in billboards) and ask the campground hosts if there are bear problems. Most if not all of them will advise your before you set up. We have probably seen 100-200 bears, many near or in the campgrounds, followed the rules to the letter, and never had bear problems.

Being in and seeing Yellowstone will be one of the most fantastic experiences you can ever have.
H2oSprt
Explorer
Feb 12, 2014
bikendan wrote:
MRTjr wrote:
We stayed at Madison Campground for 6 nights this summer in our hybrid. The rangers told us that as long as the food was in the fridge or in the cabinets it was fine. They did inspect campsites and issue tickets if they found food sitting out on tables or anywhere else they deemed inappropriate.

This is what we were also told by YNP rangers, for hybrid.

Our experience as well.

Our truck camper is a hybrid (tent pops out of the rear). We cooked outside but used the fridge and cabinets full of food. We had no problems, you just can't leave things in the open.
matt7591
Explorer
Feb 02, 2014
YS is a lifetime trip and while your concerns are valid you will find that the instructions provided at entry will address your needs and are not going to limit your use of your facilities so you will be able to enjoy. Get there safely and give yourself plenty of time to enjoy everything. Strategizing on what to see and when to see it, as well as getting to and from there safely will be more important, all told. Have fun as it is a world class destination.
WoodGlue
Explorer
Feb 02, 2014
ryanb-72 wrote:
Thank you for all the replies. we are looking forward to our trip and are busy planning all of the adventures. any other special concerns related to Yellowstone we should know about?

Yeah, when touring the mudpots and springs, etc, stay on the middle of those walkways!!!

WoodGlue
Uppercrust
Explorer
Feb 02, 2014
Plan on sudden stops while driving, for animal sightings. Have fun and enjoy your stay, it is a beautiful park with lots to see.
ryanb-72
Explorer
Feb 02, 2014
Thank you for all the replies. we are looking forward to our trip and are busy planning all of the adventures. any other special concerns related to Yellowstone we should know about?
bikendan
Explorer
Jan 21, 2014
MRTjr wrote:
We stayed at Madison Campground for 6 nights this summer in our hybrid. The rangers told us that as long as the food was in the fridge or in the cabinets it was fine. They did inspect campsites and issue tickets if they found food sitting out on tables or anywhere else they deemed inappropriate.

This is what we were also told by YNP rangers, for hybrid.
MRTjr
Explorer
Jan 21, 2014
We stayed at Madison Campground for 6 nights this summer in our hybrid. The rangers told us that as long as the food was in the fridge or in the cabinets it was fine. They did inspect campsites and issue tickets if they found food sitting out on tables or anywhere else they deemed inappropriate.
galexander
Explorer
Jan 20, 2014
DW and I went to Yellowstone a few years ago. We were told to empty fridge at night, put food into cooler inside vehicle. Put all other food and anything that smells, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, etc. into bear boxes. Some campsites had their own bear box and others had community bear boxes. Shower house was clean and cheap so we used it. We tried to make our meal menus to be cooked on the grill to avoid odors in the camper. The Rangers patrol campgrounds very regularly and they will stop and say something if you leave a cooler out unattended. We spent 7 days there and never saw one bear, in the campground or out in the park. Had a great time. Just follow the rules they tell you and you will have a great time. Enjoy. By the way, we had a pop up at the time.