yellowstone park-i want to camp in one place, where should I

[Bocephus660]

i will be making a trip to yellowstone park later this month. i will be coming in from livingson and heading south down into the park. my plan is to unhook the 5th wheel at a campsite, leave it there for my 3-4 day visit at the park, sight see numerous places, and return to my site every evening. i am looking for advice as to which camp site i should chose. i will mostly be around the southern loop and will drive out to beartooth pass and cheif joseph highway one of the days as well.

1. i would prefer something i can call ahead and reserve
2. i dont need full hookups, but electricity would be nice (not a necessity though) (if no electricity, i would need to be able to run the generator to recharge)
3. i will have a dog with me (im not sure if some areas have a "no pet" policy or not...??

[katleman]

You'll have to call and see if you can reserve it, and it wouldn't hurt to mention your proposal

crow's nest at Old Faithful Inn

[kohldad]

Could it be Fairy Falls?

Found some reviews on Trip Advisor that made it sound rather boring but easy hike.

[jalichty]

Take a hike to Hidden Falls at Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park, or take a boat ride over there. Would be a perfect place to pop the question. And, if that is too public, go to Inspiration Point in the same area and pop the question.

[Bocephus660]

does anyone know where this is?

[ReneeG]

Bocephus660 wrote:
i reserved my whole stay at bridge bay. i would have like to travel a little more rather than set up one "base camp" for the whole trip, but i dont like the first come first serve idea. i have never camped out there, so it may not be as hectic as i am imagining.....but id rather have a spot reserved than chase around and look for one. we will just spend more time driving because we have to go back to bridge bay every night.


i am going to ask my girlfriend of 4 years to marry me while on this trip. i still have not pin pointed a location yet... i want to do it somewhere where there are not alot of people, yet memorable.

Jenny Lake in the Grand Tetons at dusk.

[2gypsies1]

Bocephus660: RE: the proposal...all you have to do is to get away from the parking lots for a 1/2 mile or so and you'll have plenty of privacy! Lamar Valley at sunset would be gorgeous!! Best of luck!

[Bocephus660]

i reserved my whole stay at bridge bay. i would have like to travel a little more rather than set up one "base camp" for the whole trip, but i dont like the first come first serve idea. i have never camped out there, so it may not be as hectic as i am imagining.....but id rather have a spot reserved than chase around and look for one. we will just spend more time driving because we have to go back to bridge bay every night.


i am going to ask my girlfriend of 4 years to marry me while on this trip. i still have not pin pointed a location yet... i want to do it somewhere where there are not alot of people, yet memorable.

[katleman]

Just got back from an unplanned visit to Yellowstone 8/3 - 8/9 (headed north to escape the rain in Colorado that week)

Was very apprehensive, as it was my first August visit, and without any reservations, but called on 8/1, and got two nights at Madison on 8/3. From there, left Madison at 7am, headed to Norris (first come campground) and found a site for the rest of the stay.

There were at least 6 others hunting for spots while we setup camp. I wouldn't go hunting for a new spot any later than 7.

Bridge Bay and Fishing Bridge are fine, but too exposed for my taste.

Call and see what you can find first days. If there is nothing, call each day till you do.

Other options for the first couple days is Gros Ventre in Grand Teton. Not a good base camp, but gets you within striking distance. Or Lizard Creek, at the northern end of Grand Teton.

[kohldad]

Unfortunately, you are only reserving a size site instead of a specific site. Not sure how Canyon is since I've never stayed there, but if it was down at Bridge Bay, I wouldn't be too worried and make the reservation. Odds are, you will be able to get the rig in the site and out of the way. Worse case, you can confirm with xantarra if you want, you may have to park your truck down in the alternate parking lot, just as if you had a second vehicle.

Remember, one thing they don't count on is being able to let the rear 10-15' of the trailer hang over the rear of the campsite. Cannot count on this all the time, but usually you can get a few feet at least. You only need 7 and could squeeze that down to 5 by backing under a little extra.

I think Canyon is a bit tighter than Bridge Bay because of the heavier tree coverage.

But yes, there is a risk at reserving the site.

[2gypsies1]

Bocephus660 wrote:
how do you guys get away with parking at bridger bay with a 5th wheel. even their large, 40ft spots will not work if you have a 30' 5th wheel. this is what it says....


- RV/Vehicle combination, 40' total length or less and either
- One large tent, 12'x12' or smaller or two small tents, each 8'x8' or smaller
- This is a single-width site. The total extended length of all vehicles and towed/towing equipment cannot exceed 40 feet

We just drove in...without reservations one September. We were told if we fit have at it! We easily fit. Of course, we were seeing the site in person, no reserving it online which could be iffy.

[kedanie]

Bocephus660 wrote:
I'm glad I posted this question on here guys. This has been a real help. We are definitely going to take our dog along. Now I have one more question. I wasnt going to post this, but what the heck.... I am planning on asking my girlfriend if 4 years to marry me while on this trip. Any suggestions on a good place to pop the question? We want to see as much as we can in our limited time there, so we won't be going on any long hikes....but a mile or so wouldn't hurt me if it ends up being a great spot to surprise her.

There is a great place for a proposal near Yellowstone Lake. It is at the top of a trail called Elephant Back. The trail head is just north of where you turn off to go to the Yellowstone Lake Hotel. It is a mile or so to the top of the trail that ens up with a stunning view of the lake and surrounding area. Not too many people go up there as it is a bit of a climb the last 1/3 of the trail. There are some log benches up there and usually you will be alone.

Keith

[Bocephus660]

i measured my total length. with my crew cab short box pickup, i am 47 feet long while hooked up. it specifically says "This is a single-width site. The total extended length of all vehicles and towed/towing equipment cannot exceed 40 feet." so you think i can get away with that? i dont want to reserve the sites, then get there any be screwed.....ya know? on the reservation web site they seem pretty strict about their rules

[kohldad]

how do you guys get away with parking at bridger bay with a 5th wheel. even their large, 40ft spots will not work if you have a 30' 5th wheel. this is what it says....

Not a problem but is a tight fit. First time I was in a 30' TT and my father was in his 36' FW. Second trip I was in a 35' FW. Usually there is enough room to back the FW in and then park the truck next to or across the front of the trailer.

If you look here you can see that most of the sites have room to park a vehicle next to a trailer. This map is actually centered on the site I had with the 35' FW. I just packed in next to the trailer and stopped just clear of the door.

[ReneeG]

Bocephus660 wrote:
how do you guys get away with parking at bridger bay with a 5th wheel. even their large, 40ft spots will not work if you have a 30' 5th wheel. this is what it says....


- RV/Vehicle combination, 40' total length or less and either
- One large tent, 12'x12' or smaller or two small tents, each 8'x8' or smaller
- This is a single-width site. The total extended length of all vehicles and towed/towing equipment cannot exceed 40 feet

Take a look at this photo from another forum here - this is Madison and his rig is just a little under ours by all appearances - photo of fifth wheel in Madison.