Adventure Log
Travel Guides
Yellowstone National Park: America’s First National Park for a Reason
Discover the untamed beauty of Yellowstone National Park and the vibrant streets of West Yellowstone.
Overview
Yellowstone National Park isn’t just iconic—it’s alive with wildlife that makes every visit unforgettable. Herds of bison wander across the valleys, elk bugle in the crisp autumn air, and if you’re lucky, you might catch sight of bears, wolves, or bald eagles soaring overhead. Our family visited in early fall, just after Labor Day, when the days were mild, the nights dipped just above freezing, and the summer crowds had thinned. The animals were active, and the park belonged to them; we were just spectators.
What made the trip even more memorable was towing our trailer right through Yellowstone. Cruising past steaming geysers and wide-open meadows with our towable gave us the freedom to stop and soak in the sights at our own pace. It was the perfect way to experience the park’s vast landscapes while staying close to the wildlife that makes Yellowstone so extraordinary.
Follow along with our three-day Yellowstone itinerary, filled with unforgettable wildlife encounters, scenic drives, and the adventure of RV travel through one of America’s greatest treasures and its very first National Park.
WHERE TO STAY
Just three blocks from the West Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park is nestled in the charming town of West Yellowstone, MT. From here, RVers can stroll to local restaurants, candy shops, and unique boutiques—perfect for exploring after a day in the park.
With 228 spacious RV sites offering full hook-ups, electric-only, and dry camping options, plus nine cozy cabins in three styles, there’s a stay to fit every traveler. Modern bathhouses with hot showers and laundry facilities make life on the road easy and comfortable. Families will love the large playground and grassy recreation area, while groups can gather at the covered pavilion, complete with tables, outlets, and running water—ideal for cookouts or evening get-togethers.
The friendly and welcoming staff go out of their way to make your stay stress-free, whether you’re checking in, asking for local tips, or needing a hand with RV essentials. A fully stocked camp store is on site—perfect for picking up souvenirs, snacks, or those last-minute RV supplies you didn’t realize you needed.
The resort itself feels like an extension of Yellowstone, beautifully landscaped with native foliage and vibrant aspen trees that bring the forest right to your doorstep. Step outside and discover a sprawling trail system perfect for morning walks, pet-friendly strolls, or simply breath in the crisp morning mountain air while hearing wolves howl in the distance.
Campground Recommendation:
Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park
Address: 210 S Electric St, West Yellowstone, MT 59758
Phone Number: (406) 646-4466
Day 1
Arriving at Yellowstone National Park, RV in Tow
The Adventure Begins
Our Yellowstone adventure kicked off early in the morning from Cody, WY, where we towed our 45-foot fifth wheel straight through the park from East to West—and didn’t regret it for a second! If you’ve ever hesitated about towing through Yellowstone, this route is a fantastic choice. The road is dotted with spacious pullouts that easily accommodate our rig, giving plenty of chances to pause and soak in the scenery or take a quick bathroom break.
The drive itself felt like a wildlife expedition. At one point, a grizzly bear was seen foraging right off the roadside—a jaw-dropping moment that served as a reminder of Yellowstone’s legendary status.
Yellowstone Falls
And the views? Absolutely unforgettable. One highlight was stopping at the Yellowstone Falls lookout. We took North Rim Drive from the Grand Loop Trail, which was surprisingly easy to navigate with the RV. There was even room to pull over, stretch our legs, and take a short hike to see the iconic falls thundering into the canyon below.
Towing through Yellowstone turned out to be the perfect way to start the trip—combining the freedom of RV travel with front-row seats to the park’s wild beauty.
Day 2
Embarking On a Sunrise Drive Through Yellowstone
A Welcome From the Wildlife
After settling in at Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park and getting a night of rest, our family set our alarms early and rolled out before dawn. The crisp morning air carried that mix of pine and cool mountain breeze, and as the sky began to glow pink and gold, we joined just a handful of cars at the entrance gate. Within minutes of driving into the park, Yellowstone rewarded visitors with a herd of elk grazing along the Madison River, their silhouettes framed by the rising sun like an oil painting. It felt like stepping straight into a nature documentary.
Lamar Valley
The junction presented the classic Yellowstone choice— south to Old Faithful or north to Lamar Valley. Old Faithful is iconic, with its massive visitor center, shops, and restaurants, and it’s absolutely worth a visit. But on this morning, our hearts were set on wildlife and steered north. The drive itself was breathtaking, winding past valleys and ridges that seemed to stretch forever. We often pulled over at scenic viewpoints—spotting deer in the meadows, bald eagles soaring overhead, and even a wolf chasing antelope across the plains.
And then came the grand finale: Lamar Valley. Wide, open, and alive with movement, it was everything we’d hoped. Herds of bison—literally hundreds—grazed, thundered across the grasslands, and even caused a few traffic jams as they claimed the road for themselves. Sitting there, surrounded by so much raw, untamed nature, was humbling. It was one of those rare travel moments where you realize you’re witnessing something timeless, wild, and bigger than just yourself.
If you’re dreaming of Yellowstone, make sure a tour through Lamar Valley is on your list. It’s not just a drive—it’s an experience that will stay with you long after you’ve left the park.
Day 3
Exploring the Town of West Yellowstone
West Yellowstone
After two days of exploring inside Yellowstone, Day 3 was dedicated to the charming gateway town of West Yellowstone, MT. Though the year-round population is only about 1,500, the town buzzes with energy in the summer as hundreds of thousands of visitors pass through. That means plenty of great restaurants, quirky shops, and family-friendly attractions to keep the fun going.
The visit to West Yellowstone kicked off with a sweet stop at the Yellowstone Candy Company downtown. Walking inside feels like stepping into a cartoon—bright colors, shelves stacked high, and the smell of sugar in the air. From bins of taffy and rock candy to handmade chocolates, fudge, lattes, and ice cream, it’s impossible not to feel like a kid again. Free samples at the chocolate counter sealed the deal, though we had to set limits—one bag each or we might have carried out half the store!
Visiting Local Establishments
Next up was lunch at the Canyon Street Grill, a retro diner that’s pure nostalgia. With black-and-white checkerboard floors, shiny red booths, and walls covered in throwback memorabilia, it’s like stepping back into the 1950s. Burgers, chili dogs, and milkshakes hit the spot, and the location couldn’t be better—right in the middle of all the fun tourist shops.
To round out the day, the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center is located just outside the park entrance. This non-profit wildlife park is both educational and exciting, giving families the chance to see grizzly bears, wolves, and even playful river otters up close. It’s the perfect way to connect with Yellowstone’s iconic animals in a safe, engaging environment.
By the end of the day, we’d experienced the best of both worlds—the small-town charm of West Yellowstone and the wild spirit of the park itself. It was the perfect balance of sweet treats, nostalgic fun, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Tips and Tricks
Enhance your RV trip to Yellowstone National Park with the advice below:
COST-SAVING TIPS
1) Stock up before you arrive: Groceries are pricey in West Yellowstone, so shop ahead and limit dining out to just a couple of places.
2) Ask about weekly rates: RV sites often offer discounts compared to nightly stays.
3) Book early: Many RV parks and accommodations in the area close seasonally for winter, and book in advance for the next year.
4) Bring your own snacks: Food inside the park is expensive—souvenir shops in town are a better deal.
TIPS FOR VISITING YELLOWSTONE
1) Bring binoculars – wildlife is often spotted from a distance.
2) Park admission lasts 7 days for reentry.
3) Veterans get a free lifetime pass to all National Parks.
4) Keep your distance – animals are wild and territorial.
5) Respect geothermal features – beautiful but dangerous if warnings are ignored.
6) Plan for pets – dogs are restricted in many areas.
7) Be patient – slow down and watch, wildlife will appear.
8) Visit off-season for fewer crowds
Final Thoughts
If you have the time to spend at least a week here, it’s highly recommended. Yellowstone National Park itself is enormous, and there is so much to explore!
