5-Day RV Itinerary for Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks

Experience the crown jewels of America's National Park system on this carefully crafted 5-day RV adventure through Yellowstone and Grand Teton. This itinerary balances must-see attractions with strategic campground locations, ensuring you'll witness erupting geysers, pristine alpine lakes, abundant wildlife, and the towering peaks of the Tetons—all while navigating these parks comfortably in your RV.

Overview & Planning Essentials

Best Time to Visit

This itinerary works best from late May through September when all roads are typically open. July and August offer the warmest weather but expect larger crowds. Consider visiting in early June or September for fewer visitors and potential wildlife viewing opportunities.

RV Size Considerations

While this itinerary is designed for mid-sized RVs (up to 30 feet), those with larger rigs can still follow along with minor modifications. Several campgrounds have length restrictions, and some scenic drives may be challenging for rigs over 35 feet.

Essential Reservations

Book campgrounds 6 months in advance through Recreation.gov. Both parks fill quickly, especially from June through September. Have backup options ready, including nearby National Forest campgrounds.

Required Passes & Permits

America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80): Covers both parks
Individual Park Passes: Yellowstone ($35) and Grand Teton ($35) if not purchasing annual pass
Fishing Permits: Required for both parks if planning to fish

Day 1: Jackson to Grant Village via Grand Teton

Starting Point: Jackson, Wyoming
Ending Point: Grant Village, Yellowstone
Total Distance: 110 miles
Driving Time: 3.5 hours (without stops)

Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

Begin your adventure by stocking up on supplies in Jackson. The Albertsons on Broadway (105 Buffalo Way) has a large parking lot suitable for RVs. Fill your fresh water tanks and propane at Teton County Transfer Station if needed.

Depart Jackson via US-89/191 North. Your first stop should be the National Elk Refuge (just 5 minutes north). The refuge road is RV-friendly with several pullouts for photos of the Tetons' southern range.

Scenic Drive & Stops

Continue north on US-89/191 through the town of Jackson Hole. At Moose Junction (milepost 170), enter Grand Teton National Park. Stop at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center for park maps and current conditions. The parking lot accommodates RVs up to 35 feet.

Key stops along Teton Park Road:

Menor's Ferry Historic Site (Mile 12.1): Easy 0.3-mile walk to historic buildings
Snake River Overlook (Mile 19.5): Ansel Adams' famous viewpoint with ample RV parking
Oxbow Bend (Mile 26.5): Premier wildlife viewing location—watch for moose, eagles, and pelicans

Afternoon Route to Yellowstone

At Jackson Lake Junction, continue north on US-89/287 toward Yellowstone's South Entrance. The John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway connects the two parks through pristine forest. Watch for bison and elk along this 8-mile stretch.

Evening Arrival at Grant Village

Campground: Grant Village Campground
Sites: 430 total, most accommodate RVs up to 40 feet
Amenities: Full hookups available, dump station, showers, laundry
Check-in: Before 5:00 PM recommended

Practical Notes:

Fuel up at Colter Bay before entering Yellowstone (prices increase significantly inside the park)
Grant Village General Store closes at 9:30 PM in summer
Evening is prime time for wildlife—drive slowly and watch roadsides
Cell service is limited; download offline maps before departing Jackson

Day 2: Grant Village to Canyon Village via Grand Loop Road

Starting Point: Grant Village
Ending Point: Canyon Village
Total Distance: 95 miles
Driving Time: 4 hours (without stops)

Early Morning (6:30 AM - 9:00 AM)

Begin early to catch Yellowstone's geothermal features in morning light. Head west on the Grand Loop Road toward Old Faithful (22 miles). The drive takes you over the Continental Divide at 8,262 feet—go slow and use lower gears.

Old Faithful Area Exploration:

Park in the designated RV lot (follow signs, avoid the main parking area)
Geyser erupts approximately every 90 minutes
Walk the 0.8-mile boardwalk loop to see other geysers
Visit the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center for eruption predictions

Midday: Upper Geyser Basin to Madison

Continue north on Grand Loop Road through the Lower Geyser Basin. Must-see stops:

Fountain Paint Pot (Mile 8 from Old Faithful)

0.5-mile boardwalk trail
Four types of geothermal features in one location
Large RV-friendly parking area

Grand Prismatic Spring (Mile 10.5)

Park at Fairy Falls parking lot for best photos
0.6-mile each way to overlook
Alternatively, use the boardwalk from the main parking area

Afternoon: Madison to Canyon

At Madison Junction, turn east toward Canyon Village (14 miles). This winding road follows the Gibbon River through dense lodgepole pine forest.

Gibbon Falls (Mile 4.5 from Madison)

84-foot waterfall visible from road
Small pullout suitable for RVs under 30 feet
Larger RVs should continue to the picnic area 0.5 miles ahead

Evening at Canyon Village

Campground: Canyon Campground
Sites: 273 total, accommodates RVs up to 40 feet
Amenities: No hookups (generator hours 8-10 AM, 6-8 PM), flush toilets, showers nearby
Location: Central to North and South Rim drives

Evening Activity: Drive South Rim Road to Artist Point (2.5 miles) for sunset views of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. The parking area fills quickly; arrive by 6:00 PM in summer.

Practical Notes:

Canyon Village has full services: general store, restaurants, gas station
Shower facilities at Canyon Village (fee required)
Weather can change rapidly; afternoon thunderstorms common in summer
Store firewood at your site (available at general store)

Day 3: Exploring Yellowstone's Northern Loop

Starting Point: Canyon Village
Ending Point: Canyon Village (loop day)
Total Distance: 75 miles
Driving Time: 3 hours (without stops)

Morning: Hayden Valley Wildlife Drive

Depart Canyon Village by 6:00 AM heading south toward Hayden Valley—Yellowstone's premier wildlife viewing area. The 15-mile stretch between Canyon and Lake Village offers numerous pullouts.

Wildlife Viewing Tips:

Use binoculars or spotting scopes (bison, elk, and grizzlies frequent the valley)
Never approach wildlife—maintain 100 yards from bears/wolves, 25 yards from other animals
If traffic stops for wildlife, pull completely off the road
Best viewing: dawn and dusk

Late Morning: Tower-Roosevelt Area

Return through Canyon Village and head north on Grand Loop Road toward Tower-Roosevelt (19 miles). This dramatic drive climbs through the Washburn Range.

Dunraven Pass (Elevation 8,859 feet)

Steep grades require lower gears
Multiple scenic pullouts with mountain views
Watch for bighorn sheep on slopes

Tower Fall (Mile 17.5)

132-foot waterfall
General store and campground nearby
Historic Roosevelt Lodge (lunch option)

Afternoon: Lamar Valley Excursion

From Tower-Roosevelt, drive east on US-212 into Lamar Valley—often called "America's Serengeti." This 29-mile round trip to Pebble Creek showcases vast grasslands and exceptional wildlife viewing.

Key Stops:

Slough Creek: Wolf watching hotspot (bring scopes)
Lamar River Bridge: Bison herds often cross here
Pebble Creek: Turnaround point with picnic area

Return Route Options

Return to Canyon Village via the same route or complete the northern loop through Mammoth Hot Springs (adds 45 miles). The Mammoth route offers:

Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces
Historic Fort Yellowstone
Gardner River Canyon drive

Practical Notes:

No services in Lamar Valley—fuel up at Tower-Roosevelt
Afternoon thunderstorms can create hazardous driving conditions
Cell service non-existent beyond Canyon Village
Pack lunch and snacks for the full day

Day 4: Canyon Village to Colter Bay (Grand Teton)

Starting Point: Canyon Village
Ending Point: Colter Bay, Grand Teton
Total Distance: 85 miles
Driving Time: 2.5 hours (without stops)

Morning: West Thumb Geyser Basin

Depart Canyon Village heading south through Hayden Valley (different lighting than Day 3 provides new photo opportunities). Continue to West Thumb Geyser Basin (42 miles).

West Thumb Geyser Basin

0.5-mile boardwalk along Yellowstone Lake shore
Unique location where hot springs meet cold lake water
Fishing Cone and Abyss Pool are highlights
Large RV parking area available

Midday: Return to Grand Teton

From West Thumb, continue south on US-89/191 through the South Entrance. Re-enter Grand Teton National Park and proceed to Colter Bay.

Lewis Lake (Mile 10 from West Thumb)

Picnic area with lake views
Good stretch-your-legs spot
Watch for river otters near the outlet

Afternoon: Jackson Lake & Colter Bay

Jackson Lake Dam (Mile 30)

Spectacular Teton views across the reservoir
Large pullout accommodates any size RV
Interpretive displays about the dam's construction

Evening at Colter Bay

Campground: Colter Bay Campground
Sites: 350+ sites, some with full hookups
Amenities: Showers, laundry, dump station, marina
Activities: Evening ranger programs at amphitheater

Sunset Activity: Drive to Jackson Lake Lodge (5 minutes south) for panoramic Teton views from the lobby's 60-foot windows. The Mural Room offers fine dining with a view.

Practical Notes:

Colter Bay Village has full services including grocery store
Marina offers boat rentals and scenic cruises
Bear boxes required for all food storage
Mosquitoes can be intense near water in early summer

Day 5: Teton Park Road & Return to Jackson

Starting Point: Colter Bay
Ending Point: Jackson
Total Distance: 45 miles
Driving Time: 1.5 hours (without stops)

Morning: Jenny Lake Scenic Drive

Depart Colter Bay early for the best light on the Tetons. Head south on US-89/191 to Jenny Lake junction (15 miles).

Jenny Lake Overlook

Turn off at North Jenny Lake Junction
One-way scenic drive (RVs under 23 feet only)
Alternative: Park at Jenny Lake Visitor Center and walk

String Lake

Easier access for RVs than Jenny Lake
Calm water perfect for kayaking or paddleboarding
Picnic areas with mountain views

Midday: Moose-Wilson Road Alternative

For RVs under 23 feet, consider the Moose-Wilson Road (closed to larger vehicles and trailers). This narrow, winding road offers:

Possible moose sightings in willow flats
Access to Phelps Lake trailhead
Historic Murie Ranch

For Larger RVs: Continue on main park road to Moose Junction, then south to Jackson.

Afternoon: Final Stops

Mormon Row Historic District

Exit park at Moose, drive east on Antelope Flats Road
Iconic barn photography with Teton backdrop
Gravel road suitable for all RV sizes
Watch for bison and pronghorn

National Museum of Wildlife Art (Optional)

Located on US-89 just north of Jackson
RV parking available
World-class wildlife art collection
Sculpture trail with valley views

Return to Jackson

Arrive in Jackson by early afternoon, allowing time for:

RV return processing if renting
Souvenir shopping in Town Square
Celebratory dinner at local restaurant
Travel preparation for following day

Essential Tips for RV Travel in Yellowstone & Grand Teton

Driving Considerations

Mountain Passes: Both parks feature significant elevation changes. Use lower gears on descents to prevent brake overheating.
Wildlife Jams: Common occurrence. Pull completely off road and turn on hazard lights.
Narrow Roads: Some park roads lack shoulders. Take turns wide and watch for oncoming traffic.
Weather: Afternoon thunderstorms can create slippery conditions. Snow possible even in summer at high elevations.

Campground Strategies

Reservations: Book online exactly 6 months in advance at 10 AM EST
Alternatives: Consider Madison Campground (first-come, first-served) or nearby National Forest campgrounds
Generator Use: Strictly enforced quiet hours; solar panels recommended
Hookups: Limited in both parks; plan for dry camping

Wildlife Safety

Store all food and scented items in hard-sided vehicles or bear boxes
Keep clean camp to avoid attracting animals
Carry bear spray when hiking (available for rent/purchase locally)
Report all bear sightings to rangers

Services & Connectivity

Fuel: Available at Grant Village, Canyon, Tower-Roosevelt, and Colter Bay
Groceries: General stores at major villages stock basics at premium prices
Internet: Extremely limited; plan to disconnect
Medical: Clinics at Lake Village and Jackson Lake Lodge

Seasonal Variations

Spring (May-June)

Some roads may still be closed
Excellent wildlife viewing with newborns
Fewer crowds but unpredictable weather

Summer (July-August)

All facilities open
Peak crowds; start early
Warmest weather but afternoon thunderstorms

Fall (September-October)

Elk bugling season
Fall colors by late September
Some services begin closing

Budget Considerations

Estimated Costs (per RV):

Campgrounds: $35-50/night
Park Passes: $80 (annual) or $70 (both parks separately)
Fuel: $200-300 (depending on RV size and gas prices)
Groceries/Dining: $75-100/day for family of four
Activities: Most park activities free; optional boat tours $20-40/person

Money-Saving Tips:

Purchase annual pass if visiting other parks
Stock up on groceries in Jackson
Cook meals at your RV instead of dining out
Take advantage of free ranger programs
Bring bikes for transportation within campgrounds

Conclusion

This 5-day RV itinerary provides a perfect introduction to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, balancing must-see attractions with practical RV travel considerations. By following this route, you'll experience diverse landscapes from alpine peaks to geothermal wonders, encounter incredible wildlife, and create lasting memories—all while enjoying the comfort and convenience of your RV.

Remember that flexibility is key to any successful RV trip. Weather, wildlife sightings, and personal interests may lead you to modify this itinerary, and that's perfectly fine. The joy of RV travel lies in the freedom to explore at your own pace while carrying your accommodations with you.

Whether you're watching Old Faithful erupt against a sunset sky, spotting a grizzly bear in Hayden Valley, or waking up to the Tetons reflected in Jackson Lake, this journey through two of America's most spectacular national parks will leave you planning your return trip before you've even left.