Forum Discussion

GreenSalsa's avatar
GreenSalsa
Explorer
Dec 26, 2015

Big Rig (43 ft) in Yellowstone

Forgive me all, for I am thinking of "sinning"...

For years we had a 40ft 5th wheel and spent several vacations in Fishing Bridge. I know it was tight, I know it isn't pretty, but it suited us because we liked the central location and easy access to Lamar and Hayden valleys for wildlife encounters.

Two years ago we sold the rig and truck and upgraded to a 43 ft. motorcoach (I work 3-4 months on the road and take the family with me). This summer I am finishing up a project in Colorado Springs, CO and want to take some time off to revisit Yellowstone NP.

Now comes my dilemma....

Do I "fudge" my rig length and stay in the park? I have seen numerous sites (without hookups) that I know we could get into. I even know of several sites in Fishing Bridge I could get into with the extra length.

We really hesitate to stay outside the park because of the dramatic increase in driving times--but should I just "bite the bullet" and stay outside?

Recommendations? Thoughts? Locations?
  • 4huskers's avatar
    4huskers
    Explorer
    Dec 26, 2015
    In regard to Fishing Bridge I'd call Xanterra and give them your honest measurements and see what happens. The worst thing will be to fudge on your length, drive across the country, and be turned away. Trying to find a spot in or close to the park during summer is almost impossible.
  • bgum's avatar
    bgum
    Explorer
    Dec 26, 2015
    If you fudge on your length you will be infringing on your neighbors space. Tell them what you have and let them give you a yes or no.
  • kedanie's avatar
    kedanie
    Explorer II
    Dec 26, 2015
    Our last trip there was in August 2014. Near the end of our stay I saw 2 43 foot tag axle coaches in Fishing Bridge parked next to each other. Granted, it was near the end of the season and the campground was clearing out, but they were there and fit. Call them and see what they say.

    Keith
  • GreenSalsa's avatar
    GreenSalsa
    Explorer
    Dec 26, 2015
    I just called Xantara parks, we will stick to the rules...

    Sorry I thought about falling off the wagon!{drat}
  • Ray___June's avatar
    Ray___June
    Explorer
    Dec 26, 2015
    I found Xantara to be very conservative in their length estimations. When we had our 21 ft class C towing a toad, they tried to tell me I wouldn't fit in Madison CG, even though we had stayed there a number of times. Sometimes some gentle persuasion and a smile in your voice helps.

    By the way, I was over 6 years in a Army SF Guard unit. Airborne!
  • Veebyes's avatar
    Veebyes
    Explorer II
    Dec 26, 2015
    Most CGs seem to have at least a couple sits suitable for larger rigs. The problem is do they try to hold those sites for the larger rig or give it to the first person with a B or C who says they want it?

    We have stayed in Bridge Bay too & at 55' LOA managed to cram ourselves into a pullthrough. Saw some backins that rigs our size could get into but more often than not they were occupied by small rigs, even tents leaving small rig sites empty.
  • ReneeG's avatar
    ReneeG
    Explorer
    Dec 26, 2015
    I know you mention Fishing Bridge, but I've seen some pretty long Class A's at Bridge Bay.
  • Jim_Shoe's avatar
    Jim_Shoe
    Explorer
    Dec 27, 2015
    I admit to not driving through Fishing Bridge, but I've seen the pictures on the official YNP web site. It looks like the slots are double wide, but not real long. Most pics show a MH, TT or 5er in a site with the toad or TV parked next to it. Maybe some sites are long enough for your rig, but it would be a shame to make the drive and be shut out because of your length. By all means, give them a call before you make final plans. Certainly there are other CGs with longer sites inside the park, but they don't have full hookups.
    Heres. the link.

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