Heading to yellowstone. Been there before but 1st time I'm pulling the 5th wheel with my truck. Loaded up and ready to go I tip the scales just a little under 21000. Putting my PACBRAKE on this weekend as well as new breaks and rotors on the truck. Brakes 90% on the RV and just adjusted and inspected. I'm comming from Missouri and staying at Fishing Bridge. I am looking at the following route choices and wanted some opinions from folks that have done it as to which way to go.
South Entrace and approach it from the midway point via 26.
East entrance either going through the windriver canyon on 120 or by pass windriver and take 20.
It will be the RV and truck in my signature. I want to see the windriver canyon again but not if I'm going to be bareknuckling it the whole time. My inlaws are taking along behind us in their pickup and wanted to see Cody. I concerned with hair pins and decents. Pulling hills I can just back up traffic like everyone else to keep the motor and EGT down.
If going in one way is better than comming out another I can do that too as I have given my self 3 days to get there and 3 days to get back since my son is 6 and not sure he can travel for supper long stretches.

 

This time a year traffic is usually bad. Both routes have there good and bad spots. Coming from Cody might be easier. Lots of sights. Watch out for the looky lous in the park. Take your time and enjoy.

Kevin

 

My DW and I were in Yellowstone Park last year. We stayed outside of the park because my wife wanted full hook-ups and I could not be sure we would be able to get them in the park. So we made our reservations in early Jan and stayed at Yellowstone Valley Inn and RV Park.
We used the east entrance to the park using RT 14-20; this was a good two lane highway. But once you get into the park I seem to remember some grades and sharp turns that might be a little hairy pulling a 5er. You might be able to contact the park ranger and ask them what the best entrance into the park to use is.
In my opinion you may need 4 days each way to make the trip to Yellowstone Park. We tend to limit the amount of driving we do in one day; I try to stay around 300 miles a day in driving when pulling the 5er. I might drive a little slower than some, I tend to drive at 60-65 MPH with the 5er attached on the interstate. I have done 500 miles a day but they are a killer and you still need to set-up and take down the 5er before moving on. When we are traveling even at 300 miles a day we will use camp grounds that have pull through sites and do not un-hook the 5er.
Jim W.

 

Just got back from there, lots of sharp turns and steep grades coming in or leaving through the east entrance (Cody). Your truck can probably handle it with the PacBrake, but it'll be a real work out with that kind of weight. I'd recommend the south entrance. As a plus you'll get the Tetons as well (same fee covers both parks).

As far as camping goes, get reservations in advance if you can. From now until school starts the campgrounds are full every night. Many of the campgrounds in the park are ancient with lots of tight turns and low branches. Not really suited for big trailers. There are a few Forest Service campgrounds near the park that are usually OK, but really none in the Jackson area (south entrance) and they won't let you boondock it .

 

We just left Yellowstone last week. We stayed in Cody and took day trips into the park. When we left we went from Cody back into the park pulling the camper and out the South exit, This will be your best bet with the weight you have, Sorry I did not see this earlier but am still on the road and do not get to check the site enough, Be sure and see Cody.

 

Was there a few years ago. Camped at a place just outside the west entrance and then drove in daily.

Roads in the park are narrow/windy and often the campsites don't have much for amenities.

 

I have been to Yellowstone twice, but I flew both times. I do plan to pull my RV to Yellowstone in the future--therefore, I'm very interested in this thread. But I cannot advise you on best route at this time. I have read about some places in southern WY were the wind blew very hard and there is a risk of literally blowing your RV over and/or 18 wheeler. But there are road signs making you aware of current wind conditions.

When we was in Jackson Hole, WY on 2011, we drove through this campground in the rental car. It was a nice campground and in an excellent location. You need to check into this campground as part of your trip:

http://virginianlodge.com/rv-park-jackson-hole

Please come back to this thread (or a new Thread) later and let us know how your trip went!!

 

We just got back from Yellowstone last month. We entered via the south entrance,after camping at Coulter Bay RV Park in the Grand Tetons National Park. In Yellowstone we stayed at Fishing Bridge RV park, which is a nice place to stay. We left Yellowstone via the west entrance. As mentioned earlier, the roads in the park are narrow, but are not a problem. We pull a 30' fifth wheel and the overall length is about 44' and about 18,000 #,truck and trailer. On a previous trip, I found the road from Cody to Yellowstone to be good.
Safe travels-John

 

Thanks for all the info. We are booked at fishing bridge. It has full hook ups for any on interested. We booked almost a year ago. I got the mountain directory west book and looked at the grades, did a lot of studying. Based on the feedback I'm gonna try comming east and go out south. We are wanting to see Cody again and the Teton's. Loosk like the sharp turns on the east it is better to go in and then climb and the south is a better decent out except the peek near moran but no switch back. Still mulling it over but based on the guide going out the East had the worst grade into a hair pin. Now if I can just get the truck finished.

I'll post what we find when we return. I wish I could take 4 days to get out and spend more time at cabela's but there is couple going and they don't have as much vacation as I do. We have drivers that can split the chores. I'm good still for 10 hours a day behind the wheel with the RV. Last time I went out the truck never turned off from St. Louis MO to fishing bridge. 21.5 hours. Yah i know my foot was very heavy.

 

We're planning on Yellowstone next summer, at fishing bridge RV resort.. I'd be interested to get your feedback..

We're driving from Phoenix, and are planning 2 days of travel.

 

No sweat =a piece of cake. Some big hills and turns, the pac brake will be a big help. Last August, I went from West entrance all the way through to Cody-NO PROBLEMS.
Cummins and pacbrake good combo besides you got a manual tranny-don`t worry you`ll do fine
Enjoy the scenery

 

I grew up over there - it's a beautiful place to go!! I don't have a lot of experience with the East side, only been to Cody a few times in a car. As far as the West Entrance ( West Yellowstone ), there is a pretty decent KOA there to stay in. The South Entrance is the most beautiful as far as I'm concerned - you get JDR parkway, the Tetons and Jackson Hole. If you need to stay in Jackson, RV parks are few, but the Virginian is a good place.

Also, if you plan on heading into Idaho from Jackson, AVOID taking the Teton Pass into Driggs and Victor - it's VERY steep and LOTS of sharp turns. Head south of Jackson to the Hoback Junction, and follow the road to Alpine and hang a left to Swan Valley & Idaho Falls - much better road for pulling a camper.

Enjoy your trip!!! Be safe!

 

Well we made it there and back and had a great time. Comming in the east and through the Wind River canyon was no problems at all. The pacbrake was worth every penny. The steep 8% down to the lake was a breeze. Only issue was half the road was missing on a blind curver and had it down to one lane with a stop light and not warning signs but great otherwise. I will try to post some pics if i ever get them off the camera. Going out the south was great as well. Only problem was the 15 miles of gravel as the state of wyoming was working on the highway but hadn't poored anything yet just gravel.

 

Welcome to my world!!!

I've driven hundreds of miles in a day and never seen pavement.

 

We hit YNP this past summer and arrived from the north through the W. Yellowstone entrance. Camping inside was full and we stayed just outside W Yellowstone at the Nat. Forest and had a real nice site with electric. Would definately stay there again. Roads were good coming down from Montana. A little rough in the park but then you are going a bit slower too. Left through the NE entrance with no problems towing a 30' Airstream. Went through the Chief Joseph HWY on the way to Cody and found that an easy road too. Even the uphill grades.