Yellowstone campground lengths?

[jn8745]

Curious if anyone has any practical experience with the 20/30/40 ft lengths listed for campground sites within Yellowstone NP. I've got a Chevy crew cab dually with a AF990 so it's about 23 ft overall. Didn't know if I can get into a 20 ft site or not. I can call Xanterra as well, but if previous experience is any indication, I'll get someone who doesn't quite understand what a truck camper is and won't provide any useful information.

Thanks!

[scout4trout]

I live in Cody. Since you're planning in entering from the east, one nice place to stay is a small National Forest campground called Hunter Peak where you can make a reservation - $15/night (at least you could last year) - go to recreation.gov. That would make it convenient to enter through the northeast entrance and begin with the Lamar Valley area which is my favorite part of Yellowstone. It's about a 20 minute drive into the park. There are a couple of reservable National Forest Campgrounds outside the east entrance - Rex Hale, Three Mile and Wapiti. Three Mile doesn't open until July 1. There are several other National Forest Campgrounds that usually have available sites during the week. Ten miles west of Cody, you have the Buffalo Bill State Park - at the camping area at the west end of the reservoir, there are electric hookups and shower facilities. There are lots of options. For most of these National Forest campgrounds, bear spray is recommended.

[jn8745]

Thanks for all of the replies, much appreciated and great information.

We are 2 adults/2 kids so of course dictated by school but quite flexible as to the actual dates.

After getting blocked in at the parking lot at Mt Rushmore last summer with the dually, we are considering towing a small vehicle for ease of getting around. Of course that puts us in a 40' spot of which there are practically none available for reservation at this point in time for July/Aug. I'll call and see if there's any more availability by phone vs the website but I suspect we just waited to long to make a decision!

Any suggestions on reservable campgrounds outside the park would be appreciated. Considering approaching from the east, then departing to the south. Mostly interested in the geologic features since we are fortunate to enjoy lots of wildlife in our home state camping trips and even in our own backyard! Will look into Grand Teton NP campgrounds as suggested by bka0721.

[we3]

Tag for when I am sober

[time2roll]

Website says 40' max on click and choose reservations but if you call there are a limited number of larger sites.
Just tell them it is a 24' motorhome and you will have no issues.
First come, first served sites.... no idea on lengths.

I had no issues reserving a 42' site for my truck/trailer a couple years ago. Made the reservation on the phone.

[bka0721]

Hey jn8745, Welcome to the forum! Great people with great information, if one is to ask.

I have a 46 year history with Yellowstone and will be back again this summer. If you wish to PM me, or anyone else, please do. Rather than dwell with the size n' such, let me just give you something to think about. There are approx. 1,200 campsites, total, in the campgrounds in Yellowstone. Only one has hookups. Tetons has a few hundred more sites, but is 1/7th the size of Yellowstone.

The National Park and Forest Service campgrounds were essentially conceived and built during the post World War II era, when the explosion began for touring National Parks. The latest Yellowstone campground was built early in the 1970s and the last one improved in 2014, at Fishing Bridge (full hookups/reservations required). Very few of these sites are drive through. The majority are Jug Handle or drive in/back in sites. What you will need to know, all park service sites across the nation cater more to the RV 32' and shorter. (Yes you will see I will be shouted down on this representation) but it is true and often discovered when the priority is the RV with the longest length and most slides.

Your provided information (23'+/-) shows that you will be fine with your truck and camper. In NPS campgrounds pay attention to overhead limbs and parking logs and posts, at ground level. Remember that the roads and pull out for sites and exhibits are not friendly for large RVs. The NPS policy is now to reduce or eliminate RV parking in many areas, now and in the future. Bring a "get around vehicle" or renting a vehicle, in nearby communities, will be worth it to combat the anxiety in many parking situations.

Also, adhere to the campground rules and recommendations concerning food, food preparation items and their use and storage. You are in Bear, Wolf, Coyote, Foxes country and the worst offender of all, various types of ground squirrels.

Also, you have not shared your anticipated arrival time and that would concern me more than the length of your camper. May to early to mid-June will be fine but confirm the opening dates of each campground. Arrive and acquire your designated campsite early in the morning from Memorial Day to Labor Day. During the month of July, get in and get your site no later than 9 AM. Arriving late, don't waste your time and gasoline and get a site outside Yellowstone, for the night. Arrive early the next morning, again before 9 AM or earlier. Yes you will hear some write; "I have always gotten a site." But I have had to deal with people that went hiking all day and come to me after 5 PM everyday and state; "Now we are done hiking where do you recommend we get a campsite?" Expectations are often not met. Tetons are the same in the month of July. For Fall season, verify the schedule of campgrounds and their closing dates.

If you are new to Yellowstone be ready for driving a lot to see many of the important locations. For me, the best part of Yellowstone is found an hour down a trail, in any direction. A good plan is to split Yellowstone geographically into North and South sections. Or utilize the northern campgrounds in the Tetons. I would explore the idea for Grant Campground for Southern exploring and Canyon Campground (or Madison Campground) for Northern exploring. Also, confirm road closures and repairs scheduling when entering Yellowstone or their website for up to date information (especially anyone visiting Arches National Park this coming summer season).

Also be aware of the entrance pricing to enter Yellowstone and Tetons. It becomes a shock to many. Consider an Annual Pass. Yellowstone uses inbound and outbound checks to verify proper and current permitting for Visitors. If you have a 4th Grader, in the vehicle, have them get their free pass for the season that will allow all the occupants in that vehicle free entry. Same goes for Seniors 62 and older with a purchase of a lifetime pass, for $80, also including campground discounts as well as discounts for other services available in all US fee sites.

One last plug for all National Parks, visit the Visitor Centers and ask questions and get local information. Go to at least one evening Park Ranger Campground program and learn about the parks, as well as discover the most exciting way to gain a National Park experience. There are often short Ranger led hikes and wildlife viewing with a Ranger available. The Ranger will also enjoy you experiencing the park with them.

Have fun and don’t miss a visit to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.

b

[jimh406]

I was specifically talking about assigned spaces. I've only camped in 4 different campgrounds in Yellowstone with reservations, but have yet been able to pick my spot. That's always been assigned at check-in. I've never been given a 40 ft spot in spite of being the only size listed on the reservation system that was available. So, it seems those assigning spaces have flexibility which is why saying your real length is important.

Last year at Canyon, a camper with a 30 ft fifth wheel stopped by and asked us about a very long space across from us. We said it had been empty. Never the less, they wouldn't assign him a space.

YMMV.

[work2much]

rr2254545 wrote:

jimh425 wrote:
You’ll have to book a 30 or 40, but don’t be surprised if they give you a space that you barely fit in. Be sure you give an accurate length and give yourself enough length. I’m not saying pad, but make sure you include your full length. If you have slideouts, mention it. If you go early, bring a shovel for snow. They do the best they can, but they focus on opening, not making every space perfect.

Some us need 40 - not wonderful when a small unit takes up a big spot - the 40 ft site fit our 37 nicely do not know what this guy is talking about

One of the benefits of having a TC or other small RV. More selection of spaces. If not assigned I choose the site I like the most. Long or short. I'm not passing by a nicer spot to leave room for someone else in a behemoth that might show up later..

[zb39]

I have found the opposite to be true. I had a 40 ft DP. They would tell me they don't have anything to fit me.
I call back and change my length to 35ft and presto i have a site. I get there and the site is 60ft long. For years I have done this and never an issue. I used to say my 45 footer was 38, never had a problem.
I talked with some hosts one time and they told me the rule they used was make the site twice as long as someone asked for. This way no one came back and complained. If they didn't have one twice as long, the answer was sorry we don't have anything. This was in Yellowstone Grant campground. I have been there 9 times.

[rr2254545]

jimh425 wrote:
You’ll have to book a 30 or 40, but don’t be surprised if they give you a space that you barely fit in. Be sure you give an accurate length and give yourself enough length. I’m not saying pad, but make sure you include your full length. If you have slideouts, mention it. If you go early, bring a shovel for snow. They do the best they can, but they focus on opening, not making every space perfect.

Some us need 40 - not wonderful when a small unit takes up a big spot - the 40 ft site fit our 37 nicely do not know what this guy is talking about

[Isaac-1]

What they said, we have a 28 ft (29'5" actual bumper to bumper) coach, and stayed in 3 Yellowstone campgrounds last summer in 30 ft spaces, and it was tight, in 2 out of 3, the 3rd we had maybe 3-4 extra feet, mostly due to saplings grown up along the edge of the pavement at the back of the sites.

[jimh406]

You’ll have to book a 30 or 40, but don’t be surprised if they give you a space that you barely fit in. Be sure you give an accurate length and give yourself enough length. I’m not saying pad, but make sure you include your full length. If you have slideouts, mention it. If you go early, bring a shovel for snow. They do the best they can, but they focus on opening, not making every space perfect.

[rv2go]

When I have called Xanterra for a site, I just give the clerk my length and have always gotten a site that I fit in.