Yellowstone ... Big Rig access

[jbstack28]

We are a 40 Foot Fifth wheel towed with a Duelly. So we are not real good backers (LOL). Looking for something with good access if there is such a thing. Not necessary to be in the park but fairly close. Also continuing on to Grand Tetons. So looking there as well. Or can you physically see both from one location? With a long day trip?

Thanks so much.

jbstack28
charlie

[russkerri]

The weather varies a lot in Yellowstone. When we visited in June, the temp was predicted to be 65, but was 46 and drizzly part of the day. Take layers and be prepared. You'll be changing in elevation a lot as you go through the park, which affects the conditions.

From Colter Bay, you might not find it convenient to eat out anywhere other than in the park. You're a 40 minute drive from Jackson. That said, we did head down there one afternoon to explore, eat dinner, and buy groceries. There's a park restaurant near Colter Bay, but we never tried it.

While in Jackson, we enjoyed ate at MacPhail's Burgers. It's not a chain, and they serve huge, delicious burgers and hand cut fries.

I was recently on a podcast sharing our tips for Yellowstone trip planning. You can check it out here if interested: Yellowstone Tips and Highlights

[RAS43]

We were there in the same time frame and was nice until our last night. Then we got 4" of snow which was an experience to get off of the slide roofs.
As for fishing if you are into lake fishing then Colter Bay is on a very large lake. Westernparkowner covered stream/river fishing.

[westernrvparkow]

bigred1cav wrote:
Made reservations for Colter Sept 24 what kind of weather may we expect? How far is the trip to Yellowstone and is there easy access none guided fishing available near Colter?

Where do the local wage earners eat dinner and lunch? We're not interested in meeting or seeing greats or near greats would like to talk and meet local folks.


what should we not miss as tourists in both Grand Tetons and Yellowstone?

Thanks all you knowledgeable travelers

Everything will be very expensive. The locals mostly eat at home. The workers, in the employee cafeteria. The closest town will be Jackson. It is said Jackson is where the Rich go to get away from the common millionaire. The local folks are the Walton family (of Walmart fame), Harrison Ford, Sandra Bullock, remnants of the Rockefeller Family, who donated much of the land that is now Grand Teton. The Kennedy family also had large holdings. Every year there is a gathering of the elite of the financial world, the chairman of the Federal Reserve always speaks and many of the pre-eminent banks and financiers go home every night to their mountainside homes. Real Estate can get into the 9 figure range. The local folks in that area aren't your average local folks.
Weather will range from fantastic to well below freezing. There is a reason many of the parks in Yellowstone and Grand Teton close beginning in late August and it isn't because they have made too much money. By late September you will have to have a plan in place to deal with cold and snow. It may not happen, but it can. As for fishing, take your pick of any river. The browns run at that time of the year, so you may get into some big fish. On the flip side, the streams will be low and generally crystal clear, meaning you must use stealth in your approach or you will be fishing in empty holes. Watch the rules, they will vary from stream to stream. The same with access. In Montana, access is guaranteed by state law. In Wyoming access is limited by Smith and Wesson. In the parks, easy access usually means mediocre fishing to well trained trout. Got to hike to the best spots, which usually share the same territory as grizzly bears late in the season. Take bear spray.

[bigred1cav]

Made reservations for Colter Sept 24 what kind of weather may we expect? How far is the trip to Yellowstone and is there easy access none guided fishing available near Colter?

Where do the local wage earners eat dinner and lunch? We're not interested in meeting or seeing greats or near greats would like to talk and meet local folks.


what should we not miss as tourists in both Grand Tetons and Yellowstone?

Thanks all you knowledgeable travelers

[Veebyes]

Sometimes sacrifices have to be made having a large rig. Yes, size matters. The in NP CGs are really nice & convenient but they were built at a time when anything over 30' was rare.

At the time nobody thought we would be riding around in what we have today complete with slides galore.

[allen8106]

We stayed at Buffalo Crossing RV Park. Great place with everything you need within walking distance. we were in the park by 5:00 am each day and back at the camper by 2:00-3:00 pm each day to beat the crowds.

[2gypsies1]

In Yellowstone, Mammoth has some pull-thrus. In Grand Teton at Colter Bay campground (not the RV park), you would park parallel to the road - like a pull thru somewhat. In Gros Ventre there are a combination.

You always have more options if you don't need a pull-thru. Try it more and more and it will soon be comfortable for you. We think back-ins give you a lot more privacy in most instances. Also, you can sometimes get a site with no one behind you or in front of you if using a back-in. Big rigs don't equate to pull-thrus only. 🙂

[kohldad]

Another vote for Grizzly which will meet your rig size and inability to back up. When making your reservation, be sure to tell them of your concerns and request a pull thru site.

It is too far to see Tetons from West Yellowstone and have any appreciative time there. Especially if you will be there in July/August with all of the crowds. Would definitely recommend moving down to Cotler Bay area.

Good luck and have fun.

[goldsp8]

One section of Colter Bay has full hookups, the other section is for dry camping.

[Dance_Chick]

Ditto for Grizzly RV in West Yellowstone, MT. Really nice place and plenty of room. Take an honest look at what type of Rver you are. We realized we want TV and internet at all times. We're not interested in going without. We had reservations at Colter Bay until it dawned on me we'd be without, so canceled.
So, all I'm saying is if you're the outdoors type (which I'm not), aren't interested in TV and internet, and spend most of your time outside, then Colter Bay is a great option.

[kknowlton]

Ditto the Grizzly/Colter Bay options. Grizzly is very big-rig friendly, and Colter Bay is IMO by far the best CG with hookups for the Tetons. Reserve NOW for next year with Colter Bay.

P.S. Hi, GeoBoy!

[GeoBoy]

Grizzly RV Park for Yellowstone NP and Colter Bay RV Park for the Teton NP. Enjoy your trip.

[pinesman]

We just stayed 5 nights in Colter Bay RV park and 3 in Fishing Bridge with a 38' fifth wheel and crewcab dually. Colter Bay had plenty of long pull-throughs. Our site at Fishing Bridge was just long enough for the trailer and I had to park the truck at the bathroom across the way. I made reservations one year in advance and three nights in a row was the most I could get at Fishing Bridge but Colter Bay had more wriggle room. We drove up to Yellowstone from Colter Bay but if you make the Grand Loop from there, it does make for a long day

[JoeH]

We also stayed at Grizzly and had no problem -- we are about 65'. It's just outside the park entrance. Also an easy drive to the Tetons from there.