RVers from all over are drawn to the marvelous state of Wyoming. Why, you might ask? Vast grasslands, statuesque geological formations, spectacular mountain ranges – that’s just a taste of the sights that this State holds. Not only that, Wyoming is a true testament to the Wild West. It is nicknamed the Cowboy State after all! In fact, the old west seems to be frozen in time in many parts of Wyoming, with many historical sights and museums that can transport you back in time, as it were.
The wheels in your head must already be turning. You want to visit this fantastic state! Of course, you do, and that’s why we’ve put together this free Wyoming RV travel guide & trip planner. So that you can discover everything that magical Wyoming has to offer!
1.Grand Teton National Park
The overwhelming beauty of national parks is a huge part of what makes Wyoming such an intriguing place to visit, and Grand Teton National Park is the perfect example of that. Open 24/7, this magnificent park is home to the Teton Mountain Range, as well as rivers, lakes, forests, and abundant wildlife. One of the biggest draws of the park is the 200+ miles of trails; you can walk the scenic trails as you search for wildlife or capture the photogenic sights on your camera. The hiking trails aren’t all there is to do though! There are opportunities available for fishing experiences, climbing and mountaineering, and mountain biking. You can even get a more personalized experience with guided horseback rides, kayaking tours, and much, much more! With so much to do and so much to see, a visit to the “Mountains of the Imagination” is sure to please the entire family.
Grand Teton National Park Information
Address: 201 Headquarters Loop, Moose, WY 83012
Contact: (307) 739-3300
Price: There is a $30 entrance fee per vehicle that is valid for seven days! Separate entrance fees apply for entrance by motorcycle, bicycle, and hiking.
Website: https://www.nps.gov/grte/index.htm
Where to Stay
Colter Bay Campground is the perfect spot to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You won’t have to travel far to visit the park either. In fact, you won’t have to travel at all! Colter Bay is located directly in the National Park, and rates start as low as $30 per night. With the low price of the camping sites and the affordable seven-day pass to Grand Teton, it’s the perfect vacation to save some cash while still having a blast!
2. Buffalo Bill Center of the West
The West has a rich history that’s full of adventure, heartache, and victory. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West is the perfect place to learn all about that history through authentic experiences. Numerous museums and attractions make up the Center; there’s plenty to do for young and old alike, which makes it a fantastic choice for Wyoming RV trips with kids. The main attraction, of course, is the Buffalo Bill Museum. The museum first opened way back in 1927 and is a testament to the life of the famous American Icon, William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody. That’s just one of the five museums included in admission to the Center! At the Draper Natural History Museum, you can form a deeper connection with the nature of Yellowstone. The Plains Indian Museum tells the story of the culture and history of the Plains Indian peoples. The Cody Firearms Museum is “the most comprehensive collection of American firearms in the world”! Last but not least, is the Whitney Western Art Museum, where the story of the West is told through paintings and sculptures.
Buffalo Bill Center of the West Information
Address: 720 Sheridan Ave, Cody, WY 82414
Contact: (307) 587-4771
Price: Admission starts at $19 for adults, and includes entrance for two consecutive days! Discounts are available for seniors, students, and kids.
Website: https://centerofthewest.org
Where to Stay
Less than fifteen minutes from the Buffalo Bill Center of the West is another fantastic testament to the legend, the Buffalo Bill State Park. Inside the park is the North Fork Campground, a fantastic RV Park with a $10 camping fee. This campground adds, even more, excitement to your trip, as you’ll be able to explore the wonders of the state park as well as the Center of the West!
3. Yellowstone National Park
Perhaps the most popular National Park in all of the United States, Yellowstone is the ultimate destination for Wyoming RV vacations. Multiple landmarks make their home in this spectacular park, including Old Faithful, the famous geyser that erupts up to 185 feet in height! Yellowstone encompasses not only breathtaking geysers, but also volcanoes, hot springs, rivers, lakes, mountains, and forests.
Sightseeing is just the beginning though. Hiking, bicycling, boating, fishing, wildlife watching, and skiing are just a few of the fun options! Little ones will have a blast with the many kid’s activities, such as the Junior Ranger program. You can even get to know the park more closely with guided horseback rides or llama packing. If you visit during the winter, you could even make the trek on a guided snowmobile program!
Yellowstone National Park Information
Address: 2 Officers Way, Yellowstone National Park Headquarters, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
Contact: (307) 344-7381
Price: There is a $30 entrance fee per vehicle that is valid for seven days!
Website: https://www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm
Where to Stay
You can stay directly in the National Park! Yellowstone has 12 different campgrounds, with rates ranging from $15-$30. However, if you’d like to stay outside of the park, there are plenty of great RV campgrounds in Wyoming!
4. Granite Hot Springs
This concrete hot spring pool is situated along picturesque spruce, fir, and pines. After a long day of traveling, all you’ll want to do is relax, and the hot springs are the perfect place to do so! Soak away the cares of the day in the warm water as you take in the surrounding natural beauty. Bring a picnic and enjoy a meal with your loved ones at the picnic area. The pool is located just above Granite Creek Falls, which is a wondrous sight to behold. Be sure to call before you plan your visit, though, as snow melt off can alter the days that they’re open.
Granite Hot Springs Information
Address: Granite Creek Rd, Jackson, WY 83001
Contact: (307) 690-6323
Price: There is an $8 fee for adults and a $5 fee for kids.
Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/btnf/recarea/?recid=71639
Where to Stay
The Virginian RV Park in Jackson, Wyoming is the perfect place to stay on your RV road trips. Approximately twenty minutes from the hot springs, this campground is conveniently located and offers a ton of amenities; a hair, massage, and tanning salon, swimming pool and hot tub, and saloon are just a few of the things that make this park stand out from the rest. Campsites are $110 per night, and discounts are available for AAA, AARP, FMAC, Good Sam Club, and KOA members.
5. Bighorn National Forest
Another great example of the breathtaking beauty of Wyoming is the Bighorn National Forest. Located between Mt. Rushmore and Yellowstone, the Bighorn Mountains provide a diverse landscape for visitors to enjoy. Bighorn is home to over 1.1 million acres of government-protected land and 1200 miles of trails; there’s so much wonder waiting to be explored!
Take for example the Cloud Peak Wilderness Area – this massive section of land has limited human activity so you can experience the true wilderness of Wyoming. The Bighorn Medicine Wheel is another example of exciting exploration opportunity. This arrangement of rocks on Medicine Mountain is an important archaeological site that lets us get a glimpse into ancient American Indian culture. There are plenty more areas like these waiting for you to explore!
Bighorn National Forest Information
Address: 2013 Eastside 2nd St, Sheridan, WY 82801
Contact: (307) 674-2600
Price: Entrance to the park is free!
Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/bighorn/about-forest/offices
Where to Stay
There are a number of great campgrounds in Bighorn, one of which is the South Fork Campground. The rates at this campground are $17 per night. Of course, as we mentioned, there’s plenty of options when it comes to campgrounds in the forest, all you need to do is check their website for one that fits all your needs!
6. Old Trail Town
Another great choice for a family-friendly vacation is Old Trail Town in Cody, Wyoming. Here, you’ll be able to experience the lifestyle of the old west and discover the past that makes Cody such a special town. Old Trail Town encompasses several historic buildings, museums, and grave sites.
A grainery, post office, commissary, saloon, and blacksmith shop are just a few of the businesses that ran back in the day, and the buildings are still standing, waiting to be explored by new visitors. Along with these shops, there are numerous cabins, each with their own unique story. One of the cabins was even used by famous outlaws Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid as a hideout! There’s certainly a rich history in this town.
Old Trail Town Information
Address: 1831 Demaris Dr, Cody, WY 82414
Contact: (307) 587-5302
Price: Tickets are $9 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for kids, and free for kids five and younger!
Website: http://www.oldtrailtown.org
Where to Stay
There’s a world-class RV park less than five minutes from Old Trail Town! Ponderosa Campground has spectacular amenities and offers marvelous hospitality – it’s so great that this park made it onto our list of the top 10 campgrounds in Wyoming! Rv sites start at $37 per night, with discounts available for military, Good Sam Club, and AAA members.
7. National Elk Refuge
When the Jackson area started getting more developed around the turn of the 20th century, people began to grow concerned that the elk who migrated through for the winter wouldn’t make it. This, in 1912, the National Elk Refuge was opened to give the elk herds a safe sanctuary. While the refuge was designed to help elk, it is also used by other species such as bighorn sheep, wolves, and bison. Today, it’s become a popular place to visit to view the spectacular wildlife of Wyoming. While wildlife viewing is the most popular reason for visiting, it also offers fishing, hiking, and spectacular picturesque views.
Since the elk herds migrate in the winter, it’s a great time to visit the refuge! It’s also the perfect time to see Bighorn sheep among the main road of the refuge. Along with the great opportunities for viewing the animals, you can also take advantage of a magical way to experience it. Sleigh rides! Winter sleigh rides are available for purchase, letting you get a close look at the wildlife as you’re pulled on a horse-drawn sleigh!
National Elk Refuge Information
Address: 675 E Broadway, Jackson, WY 83001
Contact: (307) 733-9212
Price: Admission is free!
Website: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/national_elk_refuge/
Where to Stay
About 20 minutes from the refuge is the Gros Ventre Campground, an RV Park that has over 300 campsites, bathrooms onsite, and showers nearby. Rates start as low as $28 per night. The best part about this park though? It’s located in Grand Teton National Park so you can tick off two of the fantastic destinations on our list in one trip!
8. Devils Tower National Monument
Yet another fascinating Wyoming National Monument to add to your RV trip itinerary is the Devils Tower. This geologic formation is truly a sight to behold – the massive tower looms over the surrounding scenery. The tower is so breathtaking that Northern Plains Tribes and indigenous peoples consider it to be sacred. Many climbers visit the tower, as the innumerable vertical cracks make it a hotspot for crack climbing. Wildlife viewing is also a popular attraction; you might see some deer resting in the grasslands or bobcats hunting the many rodent species.
Devils Tower National Monument Information
Address: WY-110, Devils Tower, WY 82714
Contact: (307) 467-5283
Price: There is a $15 entrance fee that is valid for up to seven days!
Website: https://www.nps.gov/deto/index.htm
Where to Stay
You can camp right by Devils Tower! Belle Fourche Campground offers affordable camping sites starting as low as $20 per night. Restrooms, drinking water, a picnic shelter, and pull-through sites are just a few of the perks. The biggest perk, though, is the fantastic view!
9. National Museum of Wildlife Art
Is there an animal lover in your family? What about an art connoisseur? If so, you’ve got to take them to the National Museum of Wildlife Art! This museum houses a wonderful collection of North American wildlife art that can be appreciated by people of all ages. Works by artists such as Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol are on display for all to marvel at. Along with the beautiful works of art, the museum boasts an interactive children’s gallery for the little ones in your family, and an outdoor sculpture trail that connects the Wyoming scenery with the arts. Once you’ve admired the paintings and sculptures, you can grab a bite to eat at the cafe or check out some souvenirs in the museum shop.
National Museum of Wildlife Art Information
Address: 2820 Rungius Rd, Jackson, WY 83001
Contact: (307) 733-5771
Price: Admission is $14 for adults. Discounts available for military, seniors, and kids.
Website: https://www.wildlifeart.org
Where to Stay
The Virginian RV Park is once again a fantastic place to stay near Jackson, Wyoming after a long day of RV travel; it’ll make your trips go smoothly as it serves as a perfect place to relax and rest. As mentioned, rates start at $110 per night, and numerous discounts are offered.
10. Fossil Butte National Monument
For a unique experience, head to Fossil Butte National Monument! Fish, insects, plants, reptiles, birds, and mammals have been preserved by fossilization and are on display! More than 300 of these fossils are able to be seen in the visitor center, which is home to numerous exhibits. One small example of what lies ahead on your journey to this exciting National Monument is the “Journey Through Time Exhibit”, which tells the linear story of our planet, starting all the way back at the formation of Earth and ending at present day. There are also different displays for every type of creature in the fossil collection, including the plant wall, bird wall, and invertebrate display. There are even some more niche displays, such as the Catastrophe display, where the fossils represent some form of catastrophic event that happened to a species. That’s just the beginning; if we went into detail about everything offered, we’d be here all day! One thing is for sure though, a trip to Fossil Butte National Monument is a trip back in time!
Fossil Butte National Monument Information
Address: 864 Chicken Creek Rd, Kemmerer, WY 83101
Contact: (307) 877-4455
Price: Admission is free!
Website: https://www.nps.gov/fobu/index.htm
Where to Stay
The city of Kemmerer, where the Fossil Butte is located, is also home to a fantastic campground. Riverside RV Park has full hookup RV sites with rates averaging around $35 per night. You can even find great RV rentals in Wyoming and the surrounding areas of the park!
Final Thoughts
There you have it, the best RV trips to take in Wyoming. Beautiful sights and fantastic attractions are bountiful. Visiting any of these spots will be sure to give you a vacation that you won’t soon forget. So what are you waiting for? Hit the road and check out the one and only Cowboy State!
