Trip planning input / help request

[Ranger431]

We're looking at planning a big trip for this coming summer and I was hoping to solicit some feedback about campgrounds or other things to see or do. We've done some long trips before - from TN to Ft. Wilderness, or TN to Canada, but nothing like what we're considering here.

A couple of things about us - my wife and I have 6 kids, but our oldest is in college and likely won't be with us. The others are 4 daughters (16, 10, and 7 yo twins) and a 13 yo son. We have 2 dogs as well, so we'd like to limit the legs of the trip to 8-10 hours max, and will have 1.5 - 2 weeks, probably going to take 2, but it depends on work.

We're looking at starting on I-40 and heading west to start out at the Grand Canyon. This first leg is by far the longest, so I'd like to find somewhere nice \ convenient along the way. If there is something interesting, that'd be a plus. Any recommendations as to where to stay at the GC, or things out of the norm to see?

Next leg is to head north to Yellowstone. I was thinking of a stop for a night (or two) in the middle - maybe near Salt Lake?? Any recommendations as to camp grounds near Salt Lake or Yellowstone?

After Yellowstone we'd like to swing by Mt. Rushmore - would like to get recommendations where to camp therAnywaytoo.

Not real sure where to stop between Rushmore and home, maybe north of Kansas City?

Anyway, I know these are very broad questions, but we're very early in the process (obviously) but want to get advice from others who have "been there, done that". Also want to try and get sites reserved as soon as possible.

Thanks!

[Johno02]

A bit ambitous for less than two weeks to see and enjoy all that much. Mt Rushmore and Grand Canyon need at least a week to let the kids see and do. with all the travel, its gonna have to fast in and out. from here in W Tennessee, there are a lot of quick things between here and there. The jolly green giant in Blue Earth, the Spam museum, Devils tower, Wall Drugs (nice campground there) The badlands, Painted desert, petrified forest, Pipestone National Monument, (good campground close), and finally Yellowstone and the Tetons. Yellowstone is BIG, Lots to see, trails to hike, and animals to see(not pet!!) lots of time needed just to drive from place to place, not counting picnics and such.

[CarnationSailor]

For a stop between the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone, take a look at Flaming Gorge Nat. Recreation Area - an unknown gem. For the best views, stay at Canyon Rim forest service CG.

X2 on Grand Teton. Checkout Colter Bay Village which has an RV park and a campground.

For Mt. Rushmore, if you like state parks, then you can't beat Custer State Park which has 7 CG's. (Largest state park in the US and has facilities that rival our national parks.)

[Alabama_Jim]

When you head to Mt. Rushmore you can stay at Chris' Campground in Spearfish, SD. It is a fine campground and reasonable.

[Ranger431]

Great idea on Grand Teton - Thanks! Also appreciate the advice on the KOA in Salt Lake.

Thank you!

[Two_Hands]

Going from the Grand Canyon to Yellowstone can take you right through Grand Teton National Park. Spend a couple nights there then move on to Yellowstone. The KOA in Salt Lake City is very nice, lots of trees and grass. Have a great trip.