Yellowstone National Park and motorhomes are a match made in travel heaven. Renting a motorhome gives you maximum flexibility and comfort while you explore the park’s wonders and the surrounding area.
This guide gives you the key information you need to plan your Yellowstone RV adventure. We’ll go over rental options, where to camp, and the best routes to take. We’ll also cover popular pickup spots like Bozeman, Salt Lake City, Denver, and Billings, plus tips to make your trip a success.
Choosing Your Yellowstone RV Rental Location
If you’re planning an RV trip to Yellowstone, you’ll first need to decide where to pick up your rental. Several cities are within driving distance of Yellowstone, but each offers different routes and travel times. Here are a few to consider:
- Salt Lake City: about a 6- to 7-hour drive
- Denver: about a 9-hour drive
- Billings: about a 4-hour drive
- Bozeman: about a 3-hour drive
Think about which scenic routes and attractions you’d like to see along the way. For example, Salt Lake City gives you access to Flaming Gorge and Grand Teton National Park. Denver offers routes through Rocky Mountain National Park and the Black Hills. Billings allows for travel along the Beartooth Highway. And Bozeman offers the quickest route to Yellowstone’s north entrance.
Bozeman as a popular choice
Bozeman is a particularly convenient option, thanks to its proximity to Yellowstone and the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. RV rental companies in Bozeman typically offer a range of RV types, including Class B and Class C models.
Yellowstone National Park Campgrounds for RVs
Yellowstone has twelve campgrounds with more than 2,000 campsites. They can accommodate RVs of varying sizes, but you should always check the details for each campground to make sure your RV isn’t too large.
Some campgrounds take reservations, while others are first-come, first-served. Fishing Bridge RV Park, Bridge Bay, and Grant Village are popular spots that you can reserve in advance. First-come, first-served campgrounds give you more flexibility, but you’ll want to arrive early to snag a spot.
Especially if you’re traveling during peak season, it’s a good idea to plan your campground stays ahead of time.
Scenic RV Routes to Yellowstone
Part of the fun of renting an RV is the road trip itself! Here are a few routes to consider as you plan your trip to Yellowstone:
From Salt Lake City
Consider this route: Salt Lake City -> Green River (2 hours 45 minutes) -> Flaming Gorge -> Grand Teton National Park -> Jackson.
You can enjoy outdoor recreation at Flaming Gorge and take in the scenic beauty of Grand Teton along the way.
From Denver
This route offers a mix of natural beauty and historical landmarks: Denver -> Rocky Mountain National Park (1.5 hours) -> Black Hills -> Mount Rushmore -> I-90 -> Devils Tower -> Bighorn Canyon -> Cody -> Yellowstone.
From Billings
The Beartooth Highway is a stunning drive with high-altitude views, so if you’re starting in Billings, try this: Billings -> Red Lodge -> Beartooth Highway -> Cooke City/Silver Gate -> Yellowstone.
From Bozeman
If you’re picking up your RV in Bozeman, here’s a simple route to Yellowstone: Bozeman -> Gardiner -> Yellowstone (North Entrance). You might want to detour to Virginia City/Nevada City and the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center, too.
Renting an RV in Bozeman: What to keep in mind
If you’re thinking about renting an RV in Bozeman, here’s what you should know:
- Rental companies offer a range of models, including popular brands like Winnebago, Nexus, and Thor.
- You can choose from smaller Class B campervans to bigger Class C motorhomes.
- Many rentals come with unlimited mileage and essential equipment.
- Companies should offer customer support to help you get to know your vehicle and assist you throughout your trip.
Key Takeaways
Renting a motorhome is a fantastic way to explore Yellowstone National Park and the surrounding area, giving you freedom and flexibility you won’t get any other way. Booking your campgrounds well in advance is a must, so plan ahead.
Think about the routes you want to travel and the sights you want to see when you’re choosing your pickup location and mapping out your trip.
With a little planning, your Yellowstone RV adventure will be an experience you’ll never forget.