Yellowstone National Park spans almost 3,500 miles in Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming. This incredible park was signed into law in 1872 by President Ulysses S. Grant. It was the first national park in the United States, and although the fact is disputed, many believe it to have been the first national park in the world. The park covers many incredible landscapes, and visitors can view mountains, walk through meadows and forests, or stop at one of the park’s many lakes, ponds, rivers, waterfalls, hot springs, or geysers. Yellowstone National Park also makes a fantastic road trip destination, and popular starting locations include Boise.
Yellowstone National Park was originally inhabited by Native Americans, and their history in the area dates back at least 11,000 years. Exploration by settlers didn’t truly start until the 1800s, with organized explorations beginning in the 1860s. When the park was formed, its management fell under the Department of the Interior, but it was eventually transferred to the U.S. Army and then the National Parks Service when that group was created in 1916.
The climate and weather within Yellowstone National Park greatly depend on what elevation you’re exploring. Lower elevations are generally warm throughout the year, with temperatures in the 70s and 80s. Nighttime temperatures, even at the lower elevations, can be very cold, and they can be below freezing. Even summer nighttime temperatures can dip below freezing, and winters in the park are exceptionally cold. The area also sees a fair amount of snow, particularly in the higher elevations.
Wyoming State Fair and Rodeo – Visitors can take in the rodeo competitions at this annual Douglas event or enjoy some excellent local food.
Eastern Idaho State Fair – This annual Blackfoot event takes place for more than a week each September and is a great option for the whole family.
Idaho Spud Day - This annual Shelley event honors Idaho’s most famous crop.
Headwaters Festival - A celebration of country music, this festival takes place each August in Three Forks, Montana.
Arches National Park is about eight hours from Yellowstone National Park. This stunning park is known for its beautiful landscapes and rock formations. Visitors come from around the world to photograph the park's arches, but there are also many opportunities for hiking, camping, and viewing wildlife.
Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is only about 10 minutes from the southern border of Yellowstone National Park. This park offers another wide range of breathtaking scenery and many opportunities for photography and wildlife viewing. Visitors to the park can camp, enjoy some of the area’s many hiking trails, stop at one of the area’s beautiful lakes or waterfalls, or enjoy some time in nearby Jackson Hole.
Glacier National Park is about six hours from Yellowstone National Park. This park offers visitors views of dramatic, snowy peaks, plus beautiful lakes, fields of wildflowers, and alpine forests. There are 734 miles of trails, and visitors can hike, mountain climb, rock climb, mountain bike, or spend time viewing some of the many local wild animal species.
Buffalo Bill State Park is about 45 minutes from Yellowstone National Park. This park offers beautiful views and is a great place to hike, camp, or fish. The park is also a fantastic place to learn more about the area’s history and the role the local towns and cities played in the expansion into the west.
Missouri Headwaters State Park is about two hours from Yellowstone National Park. The park encompasses the official start of the Missouri River, but the park itself covers more than 530 acres. Visitors can explore the area’s landscapes by hiking, fishing, or kayaking. There are also many opportunities for camping or viewing wildlife. Winters in the area are extremely cold, so pack for frigid temperatures if you plan to camp in the spring, fall, or winter months.
Boysen State Park is about two hours and 45 minutes from Yellowstone National Park. The park is home to the Boysen Reservoir, and it’s a popular fishing, boating, and swimming spot. Visitors can also enjoy the area’s beautiful scenery, hike, or view wildlife such as deer, antelope, and bighorn sheep.
The Three Forks of the Missouri National Historic Landmark is located in the Missouri Headwaters State Park. This landmark marks a site where the Lewis and Clark Expedition camped along their journey.
Another historic nearby landmark is Virginia City in Montana. This city was once a gold rush town, but today it serves as a living, open-air museum. The area is a fantastic place to learn more about the gold rush or do a bit of shopping.
The Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody is also well worth visiting. The center is home to five museums that explore the history of the area. Visitors can take a tour or explore the museums as they like.
The Red Rock RV Park is a great camping option. There are 154 sites with full hookups, and the campground also has a laundry area, a pickleball court, a bathhouse, and a playground. Wagon Wheel RV is peaceful, scenic, and pet-friendly. The campground offers showers, a laundry room, and a public barbecue. Ponderosa Campground is located in Cody and offers full hookups and both back-in and pull-through sites. There are also showers, a camp store, a dump station, and a laundry area.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Yellowstone National Park?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Yellowstone National Park from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Yellowstone National Park?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.