Yellowstone National Park is one of the most breathtaking places on the planet. From powerful geysers to majestic wildlife, this destination truly has it all. And the best part—traveling to this epic park is easy in your campervan! With plenty of places to park, campsites right by top attractions, and beauty around every corner, Yellowstone National Park is a vancamping paradise.
Keep reading to learn more about why Yellowstone is a leading destination to travel in your campervan. We’ll discuss more about the park, including where to stop along the way, the activities to experience, and even some useful tips to make the most of your trip!
About Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is famously known as the first national park in the United States. It officially became a national park in 1872. As it spans 2.2 million acres, there is plenty to see and explore—especially in your campervan! One of Yellowstone’s most beloved features involves the geothermal wonders of the area. In fact, the park is home to about half of the world’s active geysers!
If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind sightseeing, breathtaking hiking trails, and an abundance of wildlife, Yellowstone is the place to be. Additionally, with so many campgrounds and RV sites, staying close to all the action is easy!
Where to Stop Along the Way
Before you arrive in this epic national park, there are several destinations to check out on the drive over.
Here are the top places to stop:
Driving North
If you’re driving up towards Yellowstone, consider checking out spots in Arizona, Colorado, and Utah. For magnificent scenery and endless hiking trails, stop in Sedona, Arizona. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind place. In Utah, visiting any one of its five national parks will provide a great adventure. Zion is one you can’t pass up. Colorado is another place that features amazing attractions and tons of outdoor opportunities. As you’re making the drive, consider stopping in Pagosa Springs and Telluride.
Heading East
If your trip requires an eastern trek into Yellowstone, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana have plenty to offer. Just hours from the park you’ll find the Sawtooth Mountains in Idaho. These jagged peaks are a sight worth seeing. If you’re starting further west, consider stopping at the outdoor paradise in Bend, Oregon. This area features fantastic river rafting, hiking, biking, and much more. If Washington is on the agenda, you can’t miss Olympic National Park. Also, be sure to make a stop in Montana for insane mountain views and plenty of outdoor activities.
Driving South
When headed south towards Yellowstone, adventure is everywhere. You can find several campgrounds, hiking trails, cool mountain towns, and tons of wildlife. While Montana and Canada are north of Yellowstone, one must-see destination is Glacier National Park. This area is massive, featuring incredible mountain peaks, gorgeous lakes, and even grizzly bears. If you enjoy hiking, this park is for you. Also, if you head just west of Glacier, you’ll find a wonderful mountain town called Whitefish. This is a top skiing destination, so be sure to shred down the slopes!
Heading West
A western drive towards Yellowstone also features several adventure possibilities. Just three hours to the east you’ll find Billings, Montana. Here you can explore the Yellowstone River, learn about the local history, and check out ancient rock paintings at Pictograph Cave State Park. If you head south of Billings into Wyoming, make a stop at Bighorn National Forest. Home to the Big Horn Mountains, this area offers picturesque hiking trails, camping opportunities, and year-round beauty. You can also find plenty of places to park your van!
Yellowstone—Outdoor Wonders in Every Direction
The time has come. You’ve finally arrived at Yellowstone National Park! Before you set your eyes on exploring the many hiking trails, geysers, and wildlife opportunities, it’s important to know about all the attractions in the area.
As you’re traveling in your decked-out campervan, here are the activities that should be on your list:
Seeing the Geysers
The geysers of Yellowstone are a must-see. In fact, there may not be a better place on the planet to witness these natural wonders. Of course, you have to visit Old Faithful. This geyser is one of Yellowstone’s most famous landmarks. This beast erupts at regular intervals, about every 90 minutes or so. Luckily, Old Faithful shoots water for several minutes, which is great for catching a photo or two. If you want to get a front-row view of the eruption, try to show up at least 20 minutes ahead of time.
Aside from Old Faithful, there are several other breathtaking geysers to witness. In fact, the park contains more than 500 of them!
Here are some other notable geysers to check out:
- Castle Geyser
- Daisy Geyser
- Fountain Geyser
- Grand Geyser
- Riverside Geyser
- White Dome Geyser
As these geysers are a distinctive feature of Yellowstone, you can’t miss them! Seeing them in person is a memorable experience you won’t soon forget.
Exploring Hot Springs
If you’re looking for more unique, beautiful water features in Yellowstone, you have to see the hot springs. One that should be at the top of your list is Grand Prismatic Spring. This giant body of water is known as the largest hot spring in the United States, and it’s also considered one of the most unique areas in the world. Although you can’t get the same views you see in those famous photographs, an up-close view of the spring is a sight worth seeing. The gorgeous display of colors will blow you away! Other must-see springs include Morning Glory Pool and Mammoth Hot Springs.
Visiting the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
Many people claim this is the top place to see in all of Yellowstone. Here you can find a majestic canyon and an awesome waterfall view. Yellowstone Canyon is around 24 miles long and up to 4,000 feet wide. Luckily, there are tons of walking trails and viewpoints to catch some incredible photos. The canyon also drops down 1,200 feet at some points, providing dramatic scenery. Be sure to check out Artist Point for a mind-blowing view!
Hiking
Yellowstone is a hiker’s dream. You can see phenomenal views of geysers, mountain peaks, lakes, and more. With so much diversity in the area, Yellowstone provides various terrain with unique scenery. Furthermore, the park has trails for all ability levels.
Check out these top hikes in the area:
- Mystic Falls
- Fairy Falls Trail
- Inspiration Point
- Avalanche Peak Trail
- Midway Geyser Basin Trail
- Fountain Paint Pot Trail
- Bunsen Peak
- Lone Star Geyser Trail
Make sure to pack your hiking shoes for adventures you’ll remember forever!
Wildlife Viewing
Yellowstone is also known as a top place to witness majestic wildlife. However, head out early in the morning to have the best chance of seeing the animals. You might catch a glimpse of wolves, bears, bison, moose, elk, fox, and more! If you do come across some wildlife, always make sure to keep your distance.
Camping
Camping opportunities are found all across the park. There are RV spots with all the hookups, and even more remote campgrounds in the heart of nature. These campsites are ideal for traveling in your campervan! Chances are you’ll have some exceptional views right outside your window.
Here are some sweet campgrounds to check out:
- Canyon Campground
- Bridge Bay Campground
- Grant Village Campground
- Fishing Bridge RV Park
- Madison Campground
- Mammoth Campground
- Pebble Creek Campground
These sites can fill up quickly, so book as soon as possible!
Travel Tips
Check out these travel tips to make the most of your adventure:
- Build an itinerary
- Book way ahead of time
- Prepare for the crowds
- Bring a camera
- Spend at least 3-4 days in the park
- Start adventures early in the day
Follow these tips to have the time of your life in Yellowstone.
Map
Follow these links for more details about the area:
Hiking
- Mystic Falls: Upper Geyser Basin
- Fairy Falls Trail: Midway Geyser Basin
- Avalanche Peak Trail: Yellowstone Lake
- Fountain Paint Pot Trail: Lower Geyser Basin
- Bunsen Peak: Mammoth Hot Springs
Camping
- Canyon Campground: 27 Andesite Ln, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
- Grant Village Campground: 159 Grant Campground Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
- Fishing Bridge RV Park: 22 Fishing Bridge RV Park Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
- Mammoth Campground: N Entrance Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
Restaurants
- Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room: 236 Yellowstone Lake Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
- Wylie’s Canteen at Lake Lodge: 460 Lake Village Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
- Canyon Eatery: 83B Lupine Ct, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
Hidden Gems
Check out these off-the-beaten-path areas in the park:
- Shoshone Geyser Basin
- Lamar Valley
- Trout Lake
- Mount Washburn
- West Thumb
- Grizzly Lake
- Imperial Geyser
Start Your Yellowstone Journey Today with Rec Van!
If you’re looking to embark on an epic adventure to Yellowstone, Rec Van wants to help you get there! Feel free to browse through our long list of available campervans, and contact us today for more information! With Rec Van, we can make your Yellowstone trip an unforgettable journey.
