Experience Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Park In A Campervan

Yellowstone National Park

Established by Ulysses S. Grant in 1872, Yellowstone National Park was the first national park in the U.S., and it’s one of our all-time favorites. It’s easy to understand why this park is beloved by so many when you consider its two million acres of lush wilderness and breath-taking natural wonders.

Believe me, the real thing is even better than you could imagine, so putting a little effort into planning will pay off in a big way when you get there! Reservations for Yellowstone campsites open up May 1 of the prior year for summer and March 15 the prior year for winter. Plan accordingly! You’ll be glad you did.

Yellowstone is best known for its geysers and waterfalls but its stunning scenery doesn’t end there. Some of its other natural wonders include petrified trees, naturally occurring rock arches, and lava formations. Speaking of lava formations- get ready to break out your cameras because Yellowstone features some of the most vibrantly colored hot springs and mud pots, thanks to the volcanic power underneath its 3,500 square miles of bedrock.

Some hot spots (no pun intended) to check out while you’re there include the Upper Geyser Basin which is the home of Old Faithful and hosts the largest concentration of geysers in the world! Yellowstone Lake is the largest freshwater lake in North America- covering 136 square miles. The boardwalk above the steaming hydrothermal features of Mammoth Hot Springs is a great opportunity to behold the beautiful formations created over time by calcium carbonate deposits. Finally, the Grand Prismatic Spring is a must-see. It is the most photographed feature in Yellowstone because of its unbelievably bright colors and its enormity.

In addition, you’ll find almost 300 species of bird and 67 species of mammals- including two different species of bear. There are also many species of fish, amphibians, and reptiles. Make sure to observe from afar as wild animals can be unpredictable and aggressive, particularly if they are with their young. A good pro tip is to wear a bell or make noise every so often to alert the nearby animals so you do not walk up on one and startle them.

Are you a hiker? If so, Yellowstone has 900 miles of hiking trails and they require no permit to hike during the day. You can check in with their backcountry situation report ahead of your hike to make sure your planned route is safe and download National Parks by Chimani which is a free app that includes GPS maps that can be used offline. It’s a good idea to wear hiking shoes and pack provisions, plenty of water, and bear spray just in case.

If you start early, preferably after sunrise, you’ll avoid issues with parking or crowds. You also have a better chance of witnessing some wildlife that are typically more active at sunrise and sunset. Just be alert, cautious and again- keep your distance!

Another option is to traverse the park by bike. Bicyclists are welcome on the public roads and designated routes. However, park officials recommend extreme caution when riding on park roads, as the winding roads and heavy traffic can cause poor visibility for drivers. If none of those options sound appealing, a third possibility is a guided tour via horseback through some of the beautiful trails Yellowstone offers.

When it comes to campsites, one of our personal faves, is Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park located in West Yellowstone, Montana. The campground is just four blocks from the west entrance gate at Yellowstone National Park and includes dining, shopping, and attractions all within walking distance. All the RV campsites have creature comforts including full hookups with 30 to 50 amp electric, along with water, sewer, cable TV, and Wi-Fi.

Grand Teton National Park

Located just forty-six miles south of Yellowstone is Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park. Considering the proximity, you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you don’t take in this glorious park after you’ve visited Yellowstone. Be aware, however, that Grand Teton is closed from November 1st through April 30th.

Grand Teton features over 300,000 acres of luxurious flowing vegetation, alpine lakes and the rising peaks of the Teton Range making it a MUST-SEE for all travel lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Wildlife such as elk, bison, bighorn sheep and even bears can be seen on foot while venturing any of Grand Tetons 200+ miles of trails.

A great first step would be to head on over to the Grand Teton Visitor Center at the south entrance. You can watch a park introduction video as you look out a floor to ceiling window that showcases the majestic beauty of the park.

We consider Grand Teton to be a hiker’s paradise and many within the community agree! One of the highest peaks stands at 14,000 feet and it is awe-inspiring for all those who can physically make the trek. Be sure to check with the official NPS site for any hazards that might be present, prior to your hike.

You can also take a boat across Jenny Lake and take a trail that will take you to the base of Hidden Falls- a beautiful, powerful waterfall encircled by trees and is positively picturesque. If you have enough stamina left, there is a 14-mile round-trip hike near the boat landing that will take you along the jagged peaks of Cascade Canyon for some breath-taking views.

Do you like to fish? Fishermen are welcome to cast their lines out over Phelps lake to catch some trout, whitefish, or mackinaw while taking in the beauty and grandeur of Death Canyon and Teton Range in the distance.

As a nice finishing touch to a long day of adventures, stop off at the Signal Mountain Lodge where you can lounge for a while and grab a couple of Huckleberry Margaritas. Once you’re done there, you can wrap up the day with a nice scenic drive. Grand Teton has a 42-mile scenic drive loop through the park. But be prepared to stop- you will want to take pictures.

If you’ve had your fill of being in the car, get out and get some fresh air! Grand Teton allows visitors to bring or rent a kayak or canoe so you can row your way through the beautiful and seemingly endless wilderness.

As for lodging, Grand Teton has several camping options available in the park such as Colter Bay Campground. It includes 335 individual campsites, 11 large group campsites, and 13 electric accessible sites. While the number of sites with electricity is minimal, there are 22 restrooms available and a laundry facility. The busy season is mid-June to mid-August.

So there you have it, a great idea of all the possibilities available to you when you plan this once in a lifetime trip to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Whether you are a hiker, a biker, a photographer, a fisherman, or you prefer to do your site-seeing from your vehicle- the options are almost endless for a stellar experience.

The best thing you can do is experience the wonder first hand and stay right in the thick of it with a fully loaded, converted campervan from Travellers Autobarn. Our rentals are affordably priced and include unlimited miles and 24/7 roadside support. We also have a plethora of additional items that can be included to customize the rental to fit your needs.

As always, my biggest recommendation is to plan ahead. Take a look through the National Park Service site for a calendar of events, travel and weather alerts, and for more information on any of our National Parks located in the US. Make reservations and pack all the necessary equipment. Read all the safety warnings before you decide to head out into Mother Nature. That way you can avoid accidents, have a unique vacation, and build memories that will last a lifetime. Happy trails!