Looklng for some trip planning help (going West)

[kkwis2]

We're heading out West next summer (for the first time in our RV, YAY!)

Hubby started doing some research tonight and found that having some background knowledge from those who've been there will be helpful.

So, that's where you come in. If you've been to the Yellowstone area and would be willing to give us some suggestions on where to start our trip planning , we will be so thankful! We are a family of 4 (DS10, DD8) traveling in a 31' Class C probably in June. but we're somewhat flexible.

We will so appreciate any help you can give.

Kim

 

[john59]

Kim:

We just completed a 9500 mile, 2 1/2 month trip from PA to WDW.

I am posting pictures about our trip on this board. On the board now is #12 & #13. We are still in the Mountains States.

We went through MN on RT 90. 1st stop KOA Rushmore. There are tons of touring sites. Up to Deadwood & Spearfish SD, Cody WY, West Entrance Yellowstone, South to Jackson Hole and the Tetons. Rock Springs, Cheyenne and Colorado Springs took care of the Mountain States.

You have time. Go online to each State and break it into areas you would like to visit. Request info-----They will mail it to you. On the road, stop at every Information location for maps, things to do, etc.

We basically had a target Yellowstone, but we just put our finger in the wind and let's go there. The only reservation we made was the KOA at Yellowstone's West Entrance.

The economy was a factor. Campgrounds were not at full capacity from July through Mid- September.

Hope this get's you started.

Questions ? Put them out on the board and I will try to give you answers or you can Private Message Me (PM) for answers. That way we will not be tying the board up.

john aka board handle john59

 

[2goofycampers]

I'd love to hear all the tips.

 

[kkwis2]

Awesome! Thanks!

I was looking at yours pictures Friday night while DH started doing some trip planning, and that's when he asked me to post a question. What he found was that it looks like there are only certain campgrounds that can accomodate an RV over 30'. We know that Yellowstone fills early, so we're trying to plan that part of the trip first and then we'll go back and fill in the rest.

Thanks again and I'm sure I'll be in touch as our planning progresses.

Kim:

We just completed a 9500 mile, 2 1/2 month trip from PA to WDW.

I am posting pictures about our trip on this board. On the board now is #12 & #13. We are still in the Mountains States.

We went through MN on RT 90. 1st stop KOA Rushmore. There are tons of touring sites. Up to Deadwood & Spearfish SD, Cody WY, West Entrance Yellowstone, South to Jackson Hole and the Tetons. Rock Springs, Cheyenne and Colorado Springs took care of the Mountain States.

You have time. Go online to each State and break it into areas you would like to visit. Request info-----They will mail it to you. On the road, stop at every Information location for maps, things to do, etc.

We basically had a target Yellowstone, but we just put our finger in the wind and let's go there. The only reservation we made was the KOA at Yellowstone's West Entrance.

The economy was a factor. Campgrounds were not at full capacity from July through Mid- September.

Hope this get's you started.

Questions ? Put them out on the board and I will try to give you answers or you can Private Message Me (PM) for answers. That way we will not be tying the board up.

john aka board handle john59

 

[john59]

Here are a couple of pictures of our site. The KOA, west entrance to Yellowstone. You are probably about 6 to 8 miles from the park entrance.

InYellowstone there is only 1 camping section that has hook-ups (elec/water). It is called Fishing Bridge. It is about the center of the park. The rest of Yellowstone is dry camping (no hook-ups) I have no idea on length restriction, but I am sure these sites go really quick. You probaly can go online for reservations to Yellowstone/Fishing Bridge or call the park.

Also, I remember (vaguely) passes to Yellowstone caught my attention with a silent WOW. We did not incur those costs because we had a Senior Federal Lifetime Pass, but ( why is there always a but) I got nailed with a Fishing Permit for Yellowstone (I think $20) even though I had a Wyoming Season Non-Resident License. We can get into most Federal Operated Museum & Parks without cost, but (another but) parking may be run privately. I believe MT Rushmore is that way.

The KOA is really nice and our 5th wheel is 27ft. You can get 30 ft very easy in that site. Look behind us in one picture and the site has a pick-up and 5th wheel hooked up. That site has to be 40 + feet.

Service is typical 30/50 amp.

 

[bigredbill]

Here is the address for a trip-planning website. Has reviews of campsites, plus lots of good information.

Enjoy!

http://www.trailerlifedirectory.com/

 

[kkwis2]

Awesome! Thanks for the tips! Keep the info coming.....I'm a bit of an info junkie.

Kim

 

[john59]

Coming from PA we went up through Iowa to the bottom of MN. He took Rt 90into the northwest corner of SD (Rushmore, Deadwood, Spearfish).

We kept on Rt 90 to Cody WY and the Bighorn Mountains. Getting over and down the Bighorns RVing, in some spots can be a problem.

Our destination was Cody WY then on to Yellowstone. I belive in was a small town called Buffalo, where Rt 90 goes straight up north and we wanted to go west.

We were advised to use RT 16 (called Sweet 16) out of Buffalo. I was undergunned with my truck, but the first grade out of town is the steepest and longest. My guess 5 + mles with a lot of pulloffs if the gauges start going up. My lil' old 1500 truck was up to the task.

Coming down the other side it is just as steep, but with switchbacks. Gear your 30 footer down (like low gear in places) and let your trans hold the vehicle back, occasionally getting on the brakes. At the switchbacks I tried to keep it at 15mph or less, not really caring who was behind me. I had no intention of frying my brakes and not being able to stop.
john