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RE: Family trip to Yellowstone NP, any advice?
If you're not tied to having hookups, I'd suggest starting at a reserveable campground in the park, such as Madison, stay three days or so to explore the area on that side of the park.
Then head out early in the morning to one of the first come campgrounds that aren't reserveable, such as pebble, tower, etc. We do that on animal watching day, because you'll see more getting up at sunrise anyway. Drive on up, getting to the other campground by 8-9am, and you'll find a few folks packing.
It's what we did the last time we were there, and I'd do it again in the future.
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katleman
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05/08/12 03:03pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Yosemite North Pines flood sites open for reservations!
It's how I got my site last May.
Thanks for the reminder, snagged my May 17th site at North Pine.
Frankly, I'd like it to remain a quiet opening of sites. Makes it feel like a normal place rather than something you have to log on precisely at 7am on day X.
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katleman
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05/01/12 03:17pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Hows drive on hwy 6 from Tonopah,NV to Bishop,Ca?
I've done it a few times now, wouldn't hesitate to drive it again. One of my favorite roads across NV.
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katleman
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04/25/12 02:04pm |
Roads and Routes
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RE: Glacier NP
Been twice, stayed Apgar first time, Many Glacier second trip. Both are nice campgrounds. Many Glacier is more scenic and isolated, would be worth it to split time. If I had to choose one, it would be Many Glacier.
Visited Waterton for an overnight last time, and was well worth the side trip, just stayed in town.
Added 5 days to each of our trips to Glacier to go up north to Banff & Jasper in Canada. Well worth the extra time if you have it. My take was I was driving all that way from California, may as well go a bit futher north. You'll see more glaciers than in Glacier national park.
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katleman
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04/23/12 03:15pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Campgrounds in Nebraska and North Dakota
Mahoney is the best option, but not if the OP is intent on cruising up I29.
Must be something happening up in ND to go that far north and then turn left.
Granted, I'm a bit biased being from Nebraska, but I'd rather take I80 across into WY or even better, wind your way up to the Black Hills on two lanes like HWY2
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katleman
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04/20/12 02:33pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Yosemite in March: Trip Report
Incredible photos and the narrative along with it. Earliest I've been is first week in May, decidedly warmer and a bit more crowded.
I've been to the base of Upper Yosemite Falls, but too chicken to hike up to the top. You guys are to be commended on making it up top, in winter conditions no less.
Thanks for sharing!
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katleman
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03/14/12 12:18pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Is Yosemite more beautiful than this video?
for those who have traveled there.....when is the best time to go?
i have a few weeks available in the end of march or late april...
Late April should be about as good as the valley gets this year, water wise. We go the second weekend in May every year. Still cool temps but the crowds are low.
You won't be able to go up to Glacier Point or the high country, but the valley, the sequioa groves and Hetch Hetchy will all be open.
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katleman
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03/05/12 12:32pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Around Portland,OR
Stayed at Stub Stewart back in 2009 while exploring Portland before moving along to the coast. Nice place, showers, FHU, would stay there again if/when we visit Portland again.
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katleman
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03/05/12 12:15pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Black Hills --> Yellowstone (Madison CG), which route?
I've done the drive twice now between Yellowstone and Rushmore. Both times we overnighted in the Bighorn National Forest, along HWY 14 (south of Burgess Jct)
Granted, my rig wasn't large (24'C) and I've done some mountain driving before, so very little phases me. It's not a challenging mountain road like Beartooth pass, but it is a climb up and down, easy enough if you just take your time.
Favorite national forest campground is Tie Flume. I want to go there some year as a destination rather than an overnight.
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t141/katleman/255_5573.jpg
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t141/katleman/256_5697-1.jpg
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t141/katleman/255_5566.jpg
As for Yellowstone, yes it's faster to skirt the park and come in from the west. But if you have time, I would drive straight through from the east entrance. Sure it takes longer, but you are seeing the park while you drive, rather than some nondescript interstate.
If you overnight in the Bighorns, leave somewhat early (8ish) you'll be at Madison in plenty of time, and have seen the sights along the way. Plus, Cody is a better place to stock up than West Yellowstone. But if you're coming from the interstate, Livingston is your best bet to stock up.
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katleman
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02/16/12 11:56am |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Chuckwagon cookout Yellowstone
We enjoyed our cookout at Roosevelt. We did the horseride & had fun. Only thing I didn't like is no cameras allowed.Yes, they don't allow you to take cameras on horseback, but are allowed on the wagon ride. Worked for us, just gave the camera to my wife who didn't take a horse.
I can see where it's a problem if the entire group took horses, but I suspect you could hand a camera bag to one of the wagon drivers.
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katleman
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02/16/12 11:32am |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Yellowstone suggestions mid July
"I'm sorry, I just don't get it.
If you are going to a National Park, why stay outside for more money? There are plenty of places to stay inside the park. With the size of Yellowstone, you will spend most of your time away form your campsite. So, what good are all those amenities at the expensive RV parks? By the time you get back, you'll be worn out from the days adventures. Top that with all the additional driving each day in and out of the park. Plus, you will most likely miss the beat part of the day, sunset, and all the animal activity that goes along with it.
It sure seems to me a waste of time to stay outside Yellowstone." Shhhhh, keep your voice down about it being much nicer staying in the park, you're going to make it tougher to find spots in the park. :-)
Given up long ago advocating staying in the park to folks who like the Grizzly experience in West Yellowstone.
We know early mornings are magical at Slough, Pebble, even Madison, when you can go out and explore the national park pretty much by yourselves.
I'm grateful for the private campgrounds outside of the park drawing folks out of the park at night.
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katleman
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02/15/12 12:25pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Chuckwagon cookout Yellowstone
Not to beat a dead horse, but we very much enjoyed the Roosevelt Lodge chuckwagon cookout back in 2009. Boys (10, 13) both enjoyed the horseback ride (their first) and my daughter and wife enjoyed the wagon ride.
Make the reservations now. They fill up quickly. We made ours in March of 2009 for June, and had to adjust our days a bit.
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katleman
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02/15/12 12:06pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Trip Advice for Yellowstone
While I do enjoy Colorado and have spent many weeks there in my youth, I would lean towards more time north, such as Glacier NP, and even go up to Banff/Jasper up in Canada.
My preference is for a less crowded trip with more open spaces, hence my preference for Glacier/Banff.
I've done three such grand trips, with a week in Yellowstone being the cornerstone of each trip, and would do it again once a forth trip comes around. But then I'm a huge fan of Yellowstone.
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katleman
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01/27/12 02:22pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Best time to go to Mount Rushmore & Yellowstone
How about taking the middle time period - June/July
I agree with June/July.
Mid/late June is nice in Yellowstone, still a bit nippy, but the crowds aren't as bad as July/August. Then head over to Rushmore and finish off with Glacier in July.
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katleman
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11/01/11 04:21pm |
Roads and Routes
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RE: Yellowstone or Glacier for week of 4th of July
We are trying to decide on a campground in Calgary so we can make reservations. Any recommendations?
Shawna
Didn't mention whether you need to be in Calgary proper or not.
Given the other two stops (Glacier and Yellowstone) I would recommend Banff National Park, a couple hours to the west of Calgary.
Not practical though if you're hanging out in Calgary, like for the Calgary Stampede, July 6-15. It's their centennial this year, would expect it to be rather busy.
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katleman
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10/17/11 02:40pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Great basin NP to Yosemite National Park
Love Great Basin BTW, quite the hidden gem in eastern Nevada.
I've done both routes (6 & 50) in a 24'C, both are roughly equivalent.
With 50, you'll be driving through a bit of congestion around Carson City and it's not as direct a route. But nothing wrong with it either.
Then there is the roller coaster road when you switch from 6 to 120. I frankly enjoyed that stretch of road, and none of my 4 passengers got sick. After the coaster, 120 winds through a very nice pine forest, and a few nice rock formations. Stop at Mono Lake to see the tufa formations. The roller coaster isn't tough to drive, take it slow if it bothers your passengers.
As to 120 on into the park, heading up is just a long steady climb, which shouldn't be a problem. If you have to head back down, just put the rig in a low gear and enjoy the slow drive down. Aren't really any challenges on 120 through Yosemite onward, and quite the stunning views.
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katleman
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09/08/11 11:15am |
Roads and Routes
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RE: Day hikes in Zion
A day hike up The Narrows is well worth it, especially this time of year, it's probably as warm as it's going to get.
Did a couple miles back in 2006 with the kids, came back with my youngest this July to do the entire 16 miles top to bottom (two days) Not a casual hike, but well worth it if you can do it.
Need some kind of water shoe to do the day hike up The Narrows. Even better would be to rent a pair of 5/10 Canyoneers from one of the outfitters in Springdale. Had them for the two day hike and they made a world of difference. Didn't go with the neoprene booties, initially regretted that decision, but got used to the cold water pretty quickly with just regular wool socks.
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katleman
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09/07/11 02:03pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Beartooth Highway / Best way from Billings to Yellowstone
As others have said, depends on your level of comfort and experience driving on mountain roads.
Grew up driving on snow, and a fair number of hours driving mountain roads, both RV and car.
I've driven Beartooth twice (24'C) and wouldn't hesitate again. One trip even had a dusting of snow (in June).
I've also driven Chief Joseph Highway as well, it's quite scenic as well, and not as challenging.
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katleman
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09/01/11 11:18am |
Roads and Routes
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RE: Lasses NP-Can we fit?
Manzanita will have plenty of spots for your rig, especially post labor day.
There are a few large sites at Summit Lake, but not many. Worth staying up there, if you can find a site, much closer to the peak, and the thermal areas.
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katleman
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08/30/11 02:53pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Newbies going to Yellowstone, 1st time, recommendations?
Have been to Yellowstone in a 24'C three times, including a rookie trip, with our family of five.
You won't need hookups. Daily driving will keep your house batteries in good shape. I wouldn't stay at Fishing Bridge again (rookie mistake) because I thought I would need hookups. Better options at the other campgrounds, like Madison, for less of a parking lot experience.
Your best bet for touring in an RV is get on the road early, more animals, less people/traffic. You get a much better view of the park from the RV, and you have your food, change of clothes, and restroom with you. You've already done it in a car, this should be a treat. Do the animal viewing early, then over to the thermal basins (animals nap during the day, geysers don't)
Highly recommend the route up 89, through Logan & Bear Lake. Stumbled upon it on our first trip, and actually camped along the way on our next two.
I realize with just three days there, it might be a bit much to change campgrounds, but it's still not a bad idea, to spend two nights at Madison, and say one night at Canyon, at the opposite side of the park, to cut down on backtracking, giving you good access to the valleys.
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katleman
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06/20/11 01:05pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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