The Best Yellowstone National Park Camping Tips

Posted on December 28, 2018 by Keith

If you are looking for Yellowstone National Park camping tips you have come to the right place. Camping is a great way to spend time in the great outdoors, but there are a few things that you will want to consider and plan for before you embark on your journey. The more prepared you are for your adventure the better the time you spend in the wild will be.

The first thing that you will want to keep in mind while planning for your trip is that you will, in fact, be in the wild. This park is one of the largest national parks in the world and boasts some of the greatest expanses of untouched nature. With that comes a variety of wild animals that can be dangerous if the right precautions aren’t taken. In most cases they are afraid of humans, but if they smell food and are hungry they can become aggressive. To reduces the chances of having too close of an encounter with nature you will want to be sure to store all food in sealed containers inside of your vehicle. Trash should be disposed of when no longer in use and elevated in a tree. Never keep food stored where you will be sleeping.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the weather can be unpredictable in the area. In fact, depending on where you will be in the park, the weather can vary from location to location. To ensure you have the best possible time you will want to be prepared for any weather that could come your way. Bring lightweight clothing, even in the winter months and heavy clothing, even in the summer. You may not need them, but if you do and don’t have them you surely will not have as great of a time as you would have otherwise.

Planning ahead for the meals that you will want to eat is also ideal. Depending on which part of the park you plan to stay in, there will be limited food options. There are a number of lodges that do serve food throughout the park, but that will take away from an authentic camping experience if that is what you are looking for. Planning ahead to have the food that you will need for the majority of your time in the park will take away from the stress of worrying about where to get your next meal, save you a great deal of money and allow you to fully enjoy your time in the great outdoors.

There are countless Yellowstone National Park camping tips that you can find, but the most important of them is to take the time to plan every part of your trip. This includes what you will pack, the places you will like to visit and how you will keep yourself safe from the risks that you could encounter. The more you plan the more enjoyable your trip is sure to be as you will get to relax knowing that you are fully prepared.

Where To Stay In Yellowstone National Park – Best Places For Lodging

Posted on December 28, 2018 by Keith

If you are looking for a vacation that will shake you to your core, while filling your sense with wonder and awe, you have to make your next vacation destination Yellowstone National Park. One of the most popular natural attractions in the park is the geyser affectionately known as ‘Old Faithful’. It offers visitors an unforgettable show every 90 minutes, and up to 8,400 gallons of water blow into the air within 20 seconds. With all of these attractions, lodging is reserved quickly. The following will provide you with information on where to stay in Yellowstone.

Inns And Lodgings In Yellowstone Park

There are many types of lodging that can be found just within the communities and gateway towns outside Yellowstone. This lodging may actually be slightly more affordable than the lodging within the borders of the park. However, if you really want to take full advantage of your vacation and book lodging in the park, you will need to make your reservations as soon as possible. The lodging is seasonal and is booked months in advance.

The lodging options available inside of the park are managed by Xanterra Parks and Resorts. The same number for reserving lodging in the park can also be used to make campground reservations.

So, what are your choices when choosing to lodge in Yellowstone National Park? Currently, there are nine lodging facilities that are strategically placed in Yellowstone around the central Grand Loop Road. Each one of these lodging facilities is strategically placed to a major tourist destination within Yellowstone.

Mammoth Hot Springs and Cabins is located at the North Entrance, and it is also within close proximity to the park’s headquarters. This lodging is only open from the end of December to the first of March. It reopens from the middle of May to the middle of October.

Reserved Campground Sites

These campground sites are owned by a private company, and the names of these sites are:

Bridge Bay Campground
Canyon Campground
Madison Campground
Grant Campground

The fee is paid per night and is typically more expensive than the first come – first served campground sites. However, these sites do offer toilets that flush instead of vault toilets. Reserved campgrounds are only open between the months of May and September. The only campground that is open during the entire year is Madison Campground.

First Come – First Served Campground Sites

These are 7 campground sites are operated by the U.S. Park Service, and there are 12 total sites within the boundaries of the park. Most are only open during the summer, and a few close in late August, early September.

During the summer, campers are not allowed to stay more than 14 days. After the summer season, campers can stay for up to a month. Campers must adhere to strict rules such as not leaving food outside as to not attract bears into the site. Prices can vary but are very inexpensive. In fact, some sites are as cheap as $30 a night.

These are some options when you want to know where to stay in Yellowstone. With over 2000 rooms and sites within and around Yellowstone, you will certainly find the lodging you need based on your preferences and budget.

Photo by Lee Edwin Coursey

Photo by Boston Public Library

Here’s What to See in Yellowstone National Park

Posted on December 28, 2018 by Keith

One of the most famous parks in the United States is Yellowstone National Park, located in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, and established in March 1972. The park is approximately 3,500 square miles, and it is located on the top of a volcanic hot spot. The park has lots of features such as forests, hot springs, rivers, canyons, and more. Here’s what to see in Yellowstone.

1. See “Old Faithful”

A geyser is another name for a hot spring and Yellowstone has one of the most famous – Old Faithful. The eruptions average 130 feet high and occur approximately every hour and a half. Gather around the perimeter of the geyser, hike to Observation Point, or watch from the Old Faithful Inn dining room. Because this is a favorite spot, it is likely to be crowded with visitors in some places.

2. See “Hayden Valley”

One of the reasons you’re likely visiting Yellowstone is for its wildlife and Hayden Valley, between Canyon Village and Fishing Bridge, is a great place to see it. This is where grizzly bears, elk, bison, and coyotes roam. View it from Grand Loop Road or get adventurous and exit your car for the best views.

3. See “Yellowstone Lake”

Located in the West Thumb area is the park’s largest lake – Yellowstone Lake. The freshwater lake was first visited in the 1800s by John Colter, a Lewis and Clark scout. Today, anglers and boaters love the lake, as well as bear and bison.

4. See the “Grand Canyon.”

You’ve heard of the Grand Canyon, but have you heard of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone? The 20 miles long canyon is located in the park’s Canyon Village and it’s a familiar hiking spot. Featuring terra-cotta cliff walls and 600-mile long river, everything was formed over thousands of years.

5. See “Mammoth Hot Springs”

What to see in Yellowstone? The Mammoth Hot Springs, southwest of the North Entrance and known for its centuries-old terraces, is not to be missed. You’ll see lots of hot water coming up from the ground, but don’t come in contact with it. The temperature will be too hot. Be sure to visit the town of Mammoth, as well, for dinner and shopping in the town square.

6. See “Lamar Valley”

You will find what is known as Lamar Valley between the Northeast Entrance and the Mammoth Hot Springs. Like many areas in Yellowstone, this is a place where wildlife gather. There’s a chance you’ll see bald eagles, grizzly bears, wolves, and more.

7. See “Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center”

If you’re interested in learning as much as you can about the iconic bears and wolves of Yellowstone, then the Grizzle and Wolf Discovery Center is not to be missed. You will find the nonprofit center in the West Entrance. Learn about the history of the wolves and ears and what the park is doing to protect them. Kids will love the programs and hands-on activities.

The question of what to see in Yellowstone is easily answered once you arrive at the famous park. These are just a few of the sites to see at the park. Be sure to gather more information once you arrive.

Photo by Boston Public Library

Photo by BDUngard