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

Experience the crown jewels of America's national park system on this epic journey.

Begin your adventure through two of the nation’s most iconic parks on this 7-day RV itinerary. This carefully crafted plan will guide you to erupting geysers, pristine alpine lakes, abundant wildlife, and towering mountain peaks while helping you avoid the worst crowds.

Overview & Planning Essentials

Planning your RV trip requires strategic timing and preparation.

Best Time to Visit

This itinerary is optimized for late May through September when all park roads are typically open. June and September offer the best balance of good weather and manageable crowds. July and August see peak visitation, while May and October may encounter snow at higher elevations.

RV Considerations

Both parks have length restrictions on certain roads and parking areas. A Class C or small Class A motorhome (25-30 feet) provides the ideal balance of comfort and maneuverability. Larger rigs can navigate the main roads but will face limitations at some viewpoints and campgrounds.

Essential Preparations

• Campground Reservations: Book 6 months in advance for summer dates
• National Parks Pass: Save money with an annual pass ($80)
• Bear Spray: Required for backcountry hiking ($40-50)
• Binoculars: Essential for wildlife viewing
• Offline Maps: Cell service is limited throughout both parks

Day 1: Jackson to Gros Ventre Campground

Distance: 25 miles | Driving Time: 45 minutes

Kick off your adventure by picking up your RV in Jackson, Wyoming, a charming Western town that serves as the perfect gateway.

Morning Arrival & Setup

Stock up on groceries at Smith's Food & Drug before heading north.

Route Details

Take US-89 North from Jackson for 8 miles to Gros Ventre Road. Turn right and continue 5 miles to Gros Ventre Campground, your base for exploring Grand Teton's southern region.

Afternoon Activities

• Mormon Row Historic District: Drive the 6-mile loop to photograph the iconic Moulton Barns with the Teton Range backdrop.
• Blacktail Ponds Overlook: Prime moose viewing area, especially active during early morning and evening.
• Jackson Lake Dam: Stop for panoramic views and orientation.

Evening Wildlife Drive

Take Antelope Flats Road at dusk for exceptional wildlife viewing. This sagebrush ecosystem hosts pronghorn, bison, and coyotes.

Campground Notes

Gros Ventre Campground offers 350 sites with stunning mountain views. Sites in loops A and B accommodate larger RVs. No hookups available, but potable water and dump stations are on-site. Generator hours: 8am-10am and 6pm-8pm.

Day 2: Grand Teton Scenic Loop

Distance: 65 miles | Driving Time: 3 hours (with stops)

Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Grand Teton National Park on this scenic loop.

Morning: Teton Park Road

Depart early for the 20-mile Teton Park Road, stopping at:

• Cottonwood Creek: Lesser-known viewpoint perfect for sunrise photography.
• Jenny Lake Overlook: Mandatory photo stop with minimal morning crowds.
• Hidden Falls Trail: If traveling with active family members, consider the 2-mile round-trip hike.

Midday: Jackson Lake

Continue north to Jackson Lake Lodge for lunch with a view. The dining room's 60-foot windows frame Mount Moran perfectly.

Afternoon: Signal Mountain Summit

The 5-mile Signal Mountain Summit Road offers 360-degree views. Note: RVs over 25 feet and trailers are prohibited. If your rig exceeds limits, enjoy the equally stunning viewpoint at Signal Mountain Lodge marina.

Evening Return

Complete the loop via US-89, stopping at:

• Oxbow Bend: Premier wildlife photography location.
• Schwabacher Landing: Beaver activity and mountain reflections.

Return to Gros Ventre Campground for a second night.

Day 3: Grand Teton to Canyon Village

Distance: 95 miles | Driving Time: 2.5 hours

Prepare for your entry into Yellowstone.

Morning Departure

Break camp early and drive north on US-89/191/287 through Grand Teton, entering Yellowstone via the South Entrance.

Key Stops En Route

• Lewis Lake: Yellowstone's third-largest lake.
• West Thumb Geyser Basin: Lakeside thermal features, 0.75-mile boardwalk.
• Fishing Bridge Visitor Center: Historic building with excellent wildlife exhibits.

Arrival at Canyon Village

Canyon Campground features 270 sites across 12 loops. Loops A, C, and D best accommodate RVs up to 30 feet.

Afternoon: Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

Explore the North Rim Drive:

• Lookout Point: Easy 150-yard walk to stunning views.
• Red Rock Point: Additional 0.5-mile descent for closer waterfall views.
• Grandview Point: Often overlooked viewpoint with fewer crowds.

Evening Program

Attend the ranger program at Canyon Visitor Education Center, featuring films about Yellowstone's supervolcano.

Day 4: Canyon Village to Madison Campground

Distance: 40 miles | Driving Time: 1.5 hours

Discover more of Yellowstone's remarkable features.

Morning: South Rim Exploration

Before departing, explore the South Rim:

• Artist Point: Iconic view requiring just a 200-yard walk.
• Uncle Tom's Trail: 328 metal steps descend for close waterfall views (strenuous).

Scenic Route to Madison

Take the Grand Loop Road west through Hayden Valley:

• Wildlife Viewing: Multiple pullouts for bison, elk, and occasional wolves.
• Mud Volcano: 0.75-mile boardwalk through acidic thermal features.
• Dragon's Mouth Spring: Turbulent hot spring with unique sounds.

Fountain Paint Pot Area

Stop at this diverse thermal area featuring all four types of Yellowstone thermal features.

Madison Campground

One of Yellowstone's most popular campgrounds with 278 sites. The Madison River running alongside provides excellent fly fishing and wildlife viewing.

Day 5: Geyser Basins & Old Faithful

Distance: 32 miles round trip | Driving Time: 1 hour

Experience the thermal wonders of Yellowstone.

Early Morning: Lower Geyser Basin

Beat the crowds to Great Fountain Geyser, which erupts every 9-15 hours.

Midway Geyser Basin

Arrive by 9 AM to photograph Grand Prismatic Spring with manageable crowds.

Old Faithful Complex

Park in the designated RV area and spend the afternoon exploring:

• Old Faithful Geyser: Erupts approximately every 90 minutes.
• Upper Geyser Basin: 1.5-mile boardwalk connecting numerous geysers.
• Morning Glory Pool: 0.75 miles from Old Faithful.
• Old Faithful Inn: Tour this architectural masterpiece.

Evening Geyser Gazing

Return to Fountain Paint Pot area for sunset colors on the thermal features.

Return to Madison

The 16-mile return drive offers potential wildlife sightings as animals become active at dusk.

Day 6: Madison to Tower-Roosevelt via Norris

Distance: 55 miles | Driving Time: 2 hours

Visit another distinct area of Yellowstone.

Morning: Norris Geyser Basin

Explore Yellowstone's hottest and most dynamic thermal area.

Scenic Drive to Tower-Roosevelt

The road climbs through diverse ecosystems, featuring notable landmarks.

Tower Fall Area

• Tower Fall Overlook: 132-foot waterfall visible from parking area.
• Calcite Springs Overlook: Hexagonal basalt columns.

Tower-Roosevelt Campground

One of Yellowstone's smallest campgrounds offers an intimate setting. No reservations; arrive before noon for best site selection.

Evening: Lamar Valley Safari

Drive east into Lamar Valley, Yellowstone's premier wildlife viewing area.

Day 7: Tower-Roosevelt to Mammoth Hot Springs & Exit

Distance: 65 miles to North Entrance | Driving Time: 2 hours

As your journey concludes, soak in the last sights.

Morning: Blacktail Plateau Drive

This lesser-known 6-mile dirt road offers solitude and wildlife viewing.

Mammoth Hot Springs Complex

Explore the terraced limestone formations:

• Lower Terrace: 0.75-mile boardwalk past Palette Spring and Minerva Terrace.
• Upper Terrace Drive: 1.5-mile loop road accessing remote formations.

Wildlife Viewing Opportunities

The Gardner River valley between Mammoth and the North Entrance hosts diverse wildlife.

Exit via North Entrance

Drive through the Roosevelt Arch for a memorable departure. The gateway town of Gardiner offers RV services and supplies for your onward journey.

Essential Information & Pro Tips

RV-Specific Considerations

Fuel Availability

• Canyon Village: 24-hour credit card pumps
• Fishing Bridge: Full service station
• Grant Village: Diesel available

Wildlife Safety

Bear Precautions Store all food in hard-sided vehicles and maintain a safe distance from wildlife to ensure a safe experience.

Photography Tips

Golden Hour Locations

• Sunrise: Oxbow Bend, Hayden Valley
• Sunset: Snake River Overlook, Fountain Paint Pot

Connectivity & Services

Cell Service is limited throughout the parks, with a few locations offering service for major carriers.

Budget Estimates

Daily Costs

• Campground fees: $32-35/night
• Fuel: $75-100/day (depending on generator use)

Extending Your Journey

If time allows, consider adding scenic drives and unique locations to your itinerary.

Final Recommendations

This itinerary offers a perfect introduction to Yellowstone and Grand Teton's highlights while encouraging flexibility to take advantage of unexpected wildlife sightings or geyser eruptions. Safe travels, and remember to leave these incredible parks as pristine as you found them for future generations to enjoy!