The Bucket List Yellowstone and Grand Tetons RV Trip
- Asher Cousins
- Jan 27
- 7 min read
Updated: Jan 28
An RV trip through Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons offers a practical way to explore two of the most significant landscapes in the American West. The route connects the Teton Range’s alpine valleys with Yellowstone’s geothermal basins, wildlife corridors, and legendary scenery. Traveling by RV allows for flexible access to major sights while reducing daily packing, lodging changes, and long out-and-back drives. The itinerary balances time in Grand Teton National Park, the town of Jackson, and Yellowstone’s core regions, including Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and Prismatic Springs, with realistic driving distances and seasonal considerations.
This is the loop we recommend most often at Bozeman RV Adventures, taking the guesswork out of planning your own trip without local insight into the region. It starts and ends in Bozeman, avoids unnecessary backtracking, and gives you time to actually enjoy the parks instead of spending every day behind the wheel. This trip can easily be modified, extended, or shortened to accommodate your travel plans. Bozeman Yellowstone National Airport, which is 10 minutes away from us, offers the most affordable flights in the region, with more direct flights available every year. Starting in Bozeman gives you the most flexible access to Yellowstone. It allows you to approach the park through the West or North Entrances on a short, manageable first drive while still keeping every major Yellowstone route available later in the trip.
Day 1: Bozeman → West Yellowstone
The trip begins!
Day one covers travel from Bozeman to West Yellowstone, a distance of approximately 90–95 miles, with an average driving time of 2 to 2.5 hours under normal conditions. This drive follows U.S. Highway 191 through Gallatin Canyon, and passes by notable hikes such as Storm Castle, Lava Lakes, and Garnet Mountain.
Before leaving Bozeman, travelers should purchase groceries, fuel, and any remaining supplies. Services become more limited once approaching the park, and in-park options are significantly more expensive. Make sure to take the 15 minute detour to Lone Mountain in Big Sky, one of the larger mountains in the Rockies at 11,167ft. The charming ski town at the base of the mountain is worth a visit, with multiple dining options and gear outfitters.
Spend your first night just outside the park so you can start early the next morning.
Good RV-friendly options near the West Entrance:
Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park (close to town and the gate)
West Gate KOA Holiday (easy access and full amenities)
Yellowstone Holiday RV Park (lakeside with beautiful views)
Important note: If you missed booking for interior Yellowstone RV parks, West Yellowstone can be the base camp for your entire trip. Driving times will be extended, but early morning departures will let you beat the traffic.
Day 2: Old Faithful & the Upper Geyser Basin
Your first day in Yellowstone
Day two is focused on the Upper Geyser Basin, located approximately 30–40 miles from the West Entrance, depending on traffic and wildlife activity. Travel time from West Yellowstone is typically 1 to 1.5 hours.
This area contains the highest concentration of geysers in the park and is best explored on foot. Once parked, visitors should plan to remain in the area for several hours rather than moving the RV between stops. Walking distances add up quickly, often totaling 3–5 miles over the course of the day. Restrooms and food services are clustered near the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center and Old Faithful Inn. Plan accordingly before heading deeper into the basin, as there are no facilities along most boardwalk loops.
Because of the time required to navigate boardwalks, crowds, and eruption intervals, it is not practical to combine the Upper Geyser Basin with additional major destinations on the same day. Returning to a central campground in the afternoon or early evening helps keep the overall schedule realistic.
Choose between the following base camps for days 2-3:
Day 3: Grand Prismatic & Norris Geyser Basin
Most photographed feature of the park
From Madison-area campgrounds, the Grand Prismatic Spring area is typically 15–25 minutes by vehicle. Morning arrival generally offer better access to parking and clearer views before crowds increase. The vivid colors Grand Prismatic is known for are most visible late morning through early afternoon, when sunlight is higher and steam dissipates. This is also peak crowd time. The overlook provides the most complete view of Grand Prismatic and avoids the chance of getting steamed out. It requires a short uphill walk and is often less crowded than the boardwalk.
After completing the Grand Prismatic area, continue north to Norris Geyser Basin, a drive of approximately 20–25 miles, or 40–50 minutes depending on conditions.. Norris is one of the park’s most geologically dynamic regions and differs from the Upper Geyser Basin in both layout and experience. The trails include uneven surfaces and elevation changes, and walking distances can be longer than expected. Visitors should plan for extended time on foot.
Day 4: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Another Grand Canyon?
Day four centers on the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, located 20–35 miles from central park campgrounds, with typical travel times of 45–75 minutes each way.
The canyon is explored primarily by driving between overlooks, each of which involves short walks from parking areas. While individual stops are brief, time adds up due to parking turnover and foot traffic. Because this area does not require long, continuous hikes, it is well suited for a slower-paced day. Weather conditions can affect visibility and footing near viewpoints, so flexibility is important. Depending on campground location, this day may involve longer drive times within the park, which should be factored into the schedule.
If time allows in the late afternoon, a short wildlife drive through nearby valleys can be added, though it should remain secondary to the canyon visit. Ending the day without additional major commitments helps maintain pacing for the remainder of the trip.
For RV travelers, Grant Village Campground or Fishing Bridge RV Park (the only in-park option with full hookups) both work well here. Just note that Fishing Bridge allows hard-sided RVs only due to bear activity. Bear spray is available as an add on in your Packing List.
Day 5: Yellowstone → Grand Teton
A first look at the Tetons
Day five is a transition day, moving from Yellowstone National Park into Grand Teton National Park. The distance from central or southern Yellowstone campgrounds to the Tetons is typically 65–90 miles, depending on the starting location, with an average travel time of 2.5 to 4 hours. Travel time can increase significantly due to wildlife crossings, traffic congestion, or road construction.
Exit Yellowstone through the South Entrance and continue directly onto U.S. Highway 191 into Grand Teton National Park. This route is well maintained and does not involve steep grades, making it suitable for RV travel. Fuel and limited services are available near the park boundary.
For camping, we usually recommend:
Headwaters Campground & RV Park (great between Yellowstone and the Tetons)
Gros Ventre Campground (if you want easier access to Jackson)
Day 6: Tetons by day, Jackson Hole by night
If you are up for it, this is the day for a longer hike. Take advantage of some of the most spectacular views that the Tetons have to offer with the following hikes:
After completing the hike, return to camp or drive directly into Jackson. The drive from most Teton campgrounds to town is 20–40 minutes, depending on location and traffic. Jackson offers the most reliable access in the region to dining, supplies, and evening entertainment.
In the evening, walking the town square and visiting live music venues is a common way to end the day. The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar is a well-known stop for live music and a traditional western bar setting. No reservations are required, but crowds increase later in the evening, especially during peak season.
Day 7: Jackson → Bozeman
On the road again
Day seven is the return travel day from Jackson Hole to Bozeman. The distance is approximately 215–230 miles, depending on route and starting campground, with an average driving time of 4.5 to 6.5 hours under normal conditions. The return drive to Bozeman is the longest of the trip, but it’s straightforward and scenic. Plan a relaxed morning, grab coffee in Jackson, and choose from three routes to get back:
Fastest: Through Idaho back by West Yellowstone
This is the quickest route. Keep in mind it will take you over Teton pass, one of the steepest in the country. Make sure to follow all heavy truck speed limits to avoid overheating brakes.
Familiar: Back the way you came
If you couldn't get enough of the drive down through the park, take the route you took to Jackson in reverse.
Something new: Through the park but exit the north entrance
This route will take you back through the park, but instead of going back to West Yellowstone, head east on highway 89 when you reach the Madison Campground area and head towards Mammoth hot springs. This will take you out the north entrance, which passes through the charming Montana towns of Gardiner and Livingston.
For the last night in Bozeman, we highly recommend Bozeman Hot Springs, a full service RV park, live music venue, gym, and hot springs. Local tip: live music nights are every Thursday and Sunday. Booking an RV site gives free access to the rest of the facility.
Full Route
The whole trip routed through Google maps - click "more options" to expand
Total miles: 550-750
Total time driving: 14-16hrs
depending on campground location and extra routes
Bookings
RVs and campsites can book out many months in advance, reserve your RV now to ensure that you can make the dream trip happen!
Author
Asher Cousins
Owner - Bozeman RV Adventures
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