Road Trip Destination: Yellowstone National Park

"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn."

The World's First National Park

Yellowstone National Park has captivated the minds and souls of all who have gazed upon it for thousands of years. From the ancient Tukudika tribes to modern-day explorers, this natural wonder continues to inspire awe.

Yellowstone became the first National Park in the world on March 1, 1872. It boasts a variety of natural phenomena that change in epic proportion throughout the course of the year, making it a spectacular destination in any season.

Being approximately 11 hours (~700 miles) East of Bend, Yellowstone National Park is the dream destination for any Oregon road-tripper looking to escape into nature and hit the reset button.

Happy Campers is here to help your National Park destination dreams turn into reality! We're highlighting some of the most incredible aspects of Yellowstone, a park that has shaped the spirit of America for generations. Discover a little about the history of Yellowstone National Park, and prepare yourself for the journey of a lifetime.

5 Facts About Yellowstone National Park

1. Explosive Sights: Yellowstone National Park is the home of more than 500 active geysers, which equates to more than half of the active geysers on the planet. Learn more about Yellowstone's geothermal features.
2. Volcanic Activity: This National Park is located on top of the largest super-volcano in North America. Scientists consider this volcano to be active, and estimate that it contains a reservoir of magma large enough to fill the Grand Canyon several times over. Discover more surprising facts.
3. Biodiversity Abounds: Yellowstone National Park is home to an estimated 67 species of mammals, which is the largest number of mammal species to occupy anywhere in the lower 48 states. Some of these species include wolves, elk, moose, lynx, fox, and even grizzly bears. Read more wildlife facts.
4. Hiker's Paradise: Any outdoor adventure enthusiast can come to Yellowstone National park and find 92 trailheads that add up to approximately 1,000 miles of accessible hiking trails. Explore hiking opportunities.
5. Far As The Eye Can See: Yellowstone National Park stretches across 3,472 square miles, reaching primarily across the state of Wyoming and brushing across Montana and Idaho. Yellowstone covers more land than the states of Rhode Island and Delaware combined. View more park statistics.

Yellowstone National Park Covid-19 Restrictions

As the current state of the pandemic continues, more and more people are finding solace in nature. Getting outside into the fresh air and sunshine, exploring local trails and parks—it's incredible how alleviating the great outdoors can be after feeling trapped inside for so long.

Planning Your Safe Visit to Yellowstone

To help make your Yellowstone National Park dreams come true, we want to offer our Covid-19 travel research. This information will help you and your companions have a safe and fulfilling trip in this breathtaking place!

Because of its vastness, Yellowstone National Park can be accessed via several different towns across several counties and sometimes states. Happy Campers RV Rentals encourages you to look into the regulations for whatever county you may be staying in during your adventure to Yellowstone.

To expedite your research, we have supplied links to several nearby towns and their specific restrictions:

• Gardiner, MT
• Jackson Hole, WY
• Livingston, MT
• Red Lodge, MT
• West Yellowstone, MT
• Big Sky, MT
• Bozeman, MT
• Cody, WY
• Cooke City, MT
• Ennis, MT

What To Expect When Visiting The Park

• CDC compliant masks are required in all National Park Service buildings and facilities, including but not limited to park visitor centers, administrative offices, lodges, gift shops, and restaurants.
• Masks are required in outdoor spaces when 6-feet of social distancing cannot be safely maintained (ie on crowded or narrow trails).
• Check the official park website for updates on limited services. Services will be limited for Summer 2021.
• Rooms and cabins will be available based on health guidelines and seasonal schedules.
• Available dining will be open for take-out options with a few limited dine-in options.
• Open gift shops will practice limited capacity.

All travelers should note that it is still greatly encouraged to wear a mask or face-covering when entering any indoor establishment or in crowded outdoor areas. Businesses reserve the right to withhold services if the proper face coverings are not utilized at the appropriate times.

It is more important than ever to be a well-informed traveler and to be fully aware of any regulations regarding your destination. That being said, we can't think of a better place to spend your vacation!

Helpful Travel Links

• 5 things to know before traveling to Yellowstone National Park during Covid-19
• Current Conditions at Yellowstone National Park
• Park Road updates and closures
• Yellowstone Health & Safety

5 Campgrounds Near Yellowstone National Park

The astounding scenery of Yellowstone National Park needs no introduction and is only matched by the park's accessibility to travelers and campers from all across the country.

RVs are welcome at all of the 12 campgrounds within Yellowstone (though there may be size restrictions). Travelers can make reservations for 5 of the campgrounds throughout the year.

We at Happy Campers want to help National Park road-trippers experience this historical park to its fullest potential. We've compiled a list of the highest-rated RV parks both inside of and adjacent to Yellowstone!

Can you imagine a better day than waking up, rolling out of bed, taking your first step outside, and being inside a National Park? We can't either! If you're ready to start planning your adventure, contact us today to reserve the perfect RV for your journey.

This information was pulled from Google Reviews in April 2021.

Additional Camping Resources

• Up-to-date information regarding campsites inside of the park
• 8 Yellowstone RV camping tips

Yellowstone Holiday RV Campground

158 Google Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7/5

• Phone: (406) 646-4242
• Location: 16990 Hebgen Lake Rd, West Yellowstone, MT 59758
• Price:
  • $85/night - Lakeside Premium sites
  • $75/night - RV Park East sites
  • $70/night - RV Park North

Amenities:

• 36 full hookup sites
• 20/30/50 amp power
• General store on-premises
• Laundry facilities
• Firepits available
• Fishing and fishing permits available
• Boat ramp
• Kayaks and paddle boards for rent
• Showers not available in Phase 1 of reopening

Canyon Campground

204 Google Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.6/5

• Opening: May 21, 2021
• Phone: (307) 344-7311
• Location: Yellowstone National Park, 27 Andesite Ln, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
• Price:
  • $85/night - RV Park Premium
  • $75/night - RV Park East
  • $70/night - RV Park North

Amenities:

• No hookups in any RV site
• Located within a mile of the Grand Canyon
• Public restrooms and dishwashing stations
• Dump station available
• Accommodates RVs up to 40 feet
• Showers not available in Phase 1 of reopening

Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park

632 Google Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.4/5

• Phone: (406) 646-4466
• Location: 210 S Electric St, West Yellowstone, MT 59758
• Price:
  • $75/night - Premium
  • $55/night - Dry Hookup

Amenities:

• 30/50 amp power
• Full hookup sites available
• Bathrooms with showers onsite
• Laundry facilities
• Convenience store onsite
• Located 4 blocks from Yellowstone park entrance

Yellowstone RV Park

205 Google Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.4/5

• Phone: (406) 848-7496
• Location: 121 US-89, Gardiner, MT 59030
• Price: $79/night - Full Hookups

Amenities:

• Bathhouses available
• Laundry facilities
• Two vehicle parking per site
• Pet friendly
• Free cable TV
• Free wifi access

Valley View RV Park Campground

158 Google Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5

• Phone: (208) 558-7443
• Location: 5152 US-20, Island Park, ID 83429
• Price:
  • $76/night - Premium Pull-thru (vehicles up to 50 feet)
  • $72/night - Standard Pull-thru (vehicles up to 39 feet)

Amenities:

• Big-rig friendly
• 30/50 amp hookups
• 15 miles from Yellowstone entrance
• Laundry facilities
• Bathroom facilities
• Onsite gas station and convenience store
• Pet friendly

5 Things You Can't Miss In Yellowstone National Park

Not only is Yellowstone the oldest National Park in the United States, but it is also the first National Park established in the world! Founded in 1872, Yellowstone National Park has a rich and fascinating history.

People have inhabited the Yellowstone region for over 11,000 years. Countless generations of culture have been preserved and documented in this special place.

In addition to its vibrant history, Yellowstone is also a geological phenomenon. It's home to the world's greatest concentration of hydrothermal features. Over 4 million annual visitors come from all corners of the globe to experience iconic highlights such as Old Faithful Geyser and Grand Prismatic Spring first hand.

Read on for our top 5 activities you won't want to miss at Yellowstone National Park! Whether you're traveling in a compact Class C motorhome or a spacious Class A, these destinations are accessible and unforgettable.

Travelers Note: You must purchase an access pass in order to enter and enjoy the sites at Yellowstone National Park. Private, non-commercial vehicles are $35 each. Motorcycles or snowmobiles are $30 each. Individuals on foot or bike are $20 each. These access passes are good for up to seven days.

1. Grand Prismatic Spring

This remarkable geological marvel is one of the most iconic features in National Park history. It has been featured in travel magazines and guides for decades. As many pictures as you're sure to have seen of this spring, images don't hold a candle to standing beside the real deal.

This hot spring measures over 370 feet in diameter (larger than a football field) and over 121 feet deep (larger than a 10 story building).

The incredible array of rainbow colors found running along the edges of this impressive spring are caused by bacteria species that make their home in this thermodynamic feature. The waters reach a temperature of 188 degrees Fahrenheit.

Keep in mind, this is a popular destination for travelers visiting Yellowstone National Park. While the colors of the spring are most vibrant when the sun is highest and unimpeded, arriving early in the morning or late in the evening will mean fewer crowds.

2. Old Faithful Geyser

The name "Old Faithful" was not given to this landmark of a geyser lightly. Located in Yellowstone's Upper Geyser Basin, Old Faithful is one of the most predictable geysers on the planet.

It erupts approximately once every 90 minutes, sending boiling water from deep within the Earth's crust skyrocketing up to 184 feet into the air.

Old Faithful is the most famous geyser on Earth, an extra exceptional achievement because of the rarity of geysers. Visitors may wish to get closer to this jaw-dropping force of nature, but the park rangers know better. With water reaching 204°F and steam temperatures of 350°F, keeping a safe distance is essential!

3. Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

The Grand Canyon is another one of the top must-sees Yellowstone National Park has to offer. The Yellowstone portion of this canyon stretches for over 24 miles and hosts several stunning lookout points.

Yellowstone continues to show off its geological prowess here, with puffs of steam emanating from places in the canyon walls. The Yellowstone Canyon can reach widths of 4,000 feet and depths of 1,200 feet.

One of the most popular destinations along the canyon is Artist Point, which offers a view that can only be described as poetic. If you find yourself there at the right time of day, you may even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the beautiful rainbow that sometimes graces the area.

The Grand Canyon at Yellowstone has been rated as the #1 attraction to see while visiting the park.

Travelers Note:

• Uncle Tom's Point Trail is currently closed due to unsafe environments.
• All trails leading up Mount Washburn are currently closed.

4. Hayden Valley

Hayden Valley is a haven for nature lovers and one of the best places to visit for those hoping to catch a glimpse of wildlife. This centrally located marshy plane was once an ancient lakebed, as well as a glacial till from the most recent glacial retreat over 13,000 years ago.

Today, Hayden Valley plays host to large herds of both bison and elk. Every so often, the lucky wildlife enthusiast may even catch sight of a grizzly bear!

5. Mammoth Hotel Dining Room

Mammoth Hotel Dining Room is the first National Park restaurant to receive a 4-Star rating and received the first 4-Star rating in Wyoming. But that's not the only thing impressive about this coveted dining destination.

Mammoth Hotel Dining Room is a certified green restaurant, meaning they meet rigorous sustainability criteria: energy, food, water, waste, disposables, chemicals and pollution reduction, and furnishings and building materials.

This eatery boasts a 58% sustainability rating and sources all of its food locally. With outstanding prestige and some of the freshest food that can be found in the States, Mammoth Hotel Dining Room is indisputably a must-see.

Travelers Note:

• Summer Dates: May 21, 2021 - November 7, 2021
• Winter Dates: December 15, 2021 - March 7, 2022

Ready to experience Yellowstone National Park for yourself? Browse our selection of quality RV rentals and start planning your adventure today. From family-friendly motorhomes to compact campers, we have the perfect vehicle for your journey!