Best RV Campgrounds For Your Yellowstone Adventure

Above, at West Entrance Yellowstone KOA in West Yellowstone, Montana. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yellowstone National Park in the northwest corner of Wyoming (and parts of Montana) is such a popular national park that it is almost impossible to get a campsite reservation within the park.

However, there are numerous private campgrounds and RV parks outside of Yellowstone that are easier to secure a campsite reservation. I did back in 2015 at the West Entrance Yellowstone KOA. What was nice about that campground, Buffalo Bus Touring Co. had a stop there for tours of Yellowstone. 

RV Life has posted a list of RV parks near Yellowstone that they recommend. The KOA is not on the list, but I recommend it.

They begin with:

National parks are some of the most beautiful natural areas in the country. So it makes sense that people want to camp in and around them. If you’re looking for an experience that puts you close to wildlife, geothermal activity, and scenic mountains, you’re probably looking for campgrounds near Yellowstone!

Most everyone runs off to see Old Faithful right away. It is okay, but our favorites by far were the Lamar Valley drive where we saw thousands of Bison all over the place. Really enjoyed Mammoth Hot Springs one day. Two Grizzly sightings north of Fishing Bridge in Hayden Valley, one with a cub in tow. Canyon Village has a great Visitor Information Center. I believe the most amazing view and photo opportunities was without a doubt, at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone near Canyon Village. Take a short walk on both the South and North sides. Paved trails and amazing views. — Don Sikkema

This park covers large portions of Wyoming and Montana so there are plenty of options when you’re browsing for a campground. Some people want an upscale resort experience, while others prefer rugged and secluded campgrounds. No matter what you’re looking for, you should find it somewhere in the list below.

We’ve compiled information about 5 stellar campgrounds near Yellowstone, each with their own unique features. They also gained our attention thanks to the great reviews they received from campers. After all, the guests are the ones who know best here! Each campground below has received enough rave reviews to put themselves on the map. And hopefully, you’ll be able to visit them and see their positive qualities for yourself.

To read more, go here. 

Poll: What's An "Affordable" RV Campsite?

Above, Route 66 RV Resort in Albuquerque. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Like everything else, the price of campsites have risen over the past several years. Recently, I stayed at the Route 66 RV Resort in Albuquerque and was charged $62 for a night's stay.

While that may seem high to some, it is still much cheaper than a hotel room these days. Hotel rooms are averaging over $150 to $200 per night from what I've been seeing.

RV Travel has a poll article on what would you define an "affordable" campsite for a one night stay?

It begins with:

Everyone has a different definition of “affordable” and, of course, that depends on many things. What’s affordable to you may not be affordable to someone else and vice versa. Affordable also means different things in campground terms.

Membership programs like Harvest Hosts and The Dyrt may seem affordable when you break it all down, but maybe it’s too much of an up-front cost. Maybe an RV resort with a bunch of amenities for the grandkids seems “affordable” for all that it offers.

Some RVers are perfectly content with a quiet boondocking spot off a forest road, where the cost is zero but the rewards are priceless. Others are looking for electric hookups, hot showers, and a level parking pad—things that often push the price up.

To read more, go here. 

RV Park Site Lock Fee

Above, camping at a KOA Kampground in West Yellowstone, Montana. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Here is something that I have never encountered. It is a "site lock fee" that some RV parks tack on when a person reserves a campsite.

According to an article in RV Travel, the site lock fee makes perfect sense for RV park owners.

The article starts with:

In the video below from RV Miles, one of the winners of the 2024 RV video awards, we get news of yet another fee that campground owners are tacking on to reservations. Plenty of RVers are not too happy about site lock fees. In the video, host Jason Epperson explains these controversial fees. 

To read more and view the video, go here.

RV Park Unwritten Rules You Should Know

Above, campers at the Ely, Nevada KOA Kampground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Ever camped at an RV park or campground next to obnoxious neighbors? I can't say that I have. But others haven't been so lucky.

RV Life has posted an article on "unwritten rules" of RV parks that everyone should know.

They start it off with:

When you check into an RV park you’ll almost always receive a list of campground rules. As you dutifully check it out, you’ll typically see there are campground quiet hours, rules about not killing the grass with your camping rug, keeping pets on leashes,  and a host of other rules. These rules help keep campground managers and RVers happy.  However, those aren’t the only rules at the campground you should be aware of.  There are also some unwritten rules for good campground conduct that new RVers )or some seasoned ones) may not be aware of. Knowing these rules will save you from becoming a social outcast in the RV park. 

To read more, go here. 

Ruined Vacations Due To 10-Year RV Rule

Above, The Beast at Mammoth Lakes. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Next year will mark ten years since I bought my 2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22R. 

That's when I may face the notorious "ten-year rule" of some RV parks. I'm not concerned about it as my motorhome is in good shape and it is kept in a garage to protect it from the elements.

This is the topic of an article by MSN.

It begins with:

RV owners risk having their summer vacation ruined this year due to a rule that prevents RVs over 10 years old from parking in certain US parks.

Travelers who have had their vehicles for a while might want to do their research before they head out on a family adventure, as they may be denied a reservation.

Oftentimes safety issues are cited as the reason for the rule. Older vehicles can have a higher potential to develop problems such as leaks and electrical issues.

Some park managers are also trying to avoid their sites looking run down due to a build-up of older RVs, meaning the issue of aesthetics also comes into play.

To read the full article, go here. 

Affordable RV Campgrounds Near Top National Parks

Above, at Diamond Lake RV Park near Crater Lake National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

With so many people traveling to our national parks in their RVs, it is next to impossible to get a campsite in one. Even if one does find an empty campsite, it may not be big enough to accommodate the RV.

I did stay at campgrounds in Lassen Volcanic National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Joshua Tree National Park and Yosemite National Park. Either I was just plain lucky or made reservations months in advance.

The alternative is finding a reasonably-priced campground near to the national park. I did this a couple of times. I stayed at a KOA Kampground near Yellowstone National Park in West Yellowstone, Montana and Diamond Lake RV Park near Crater Lake National Park in Oregon.

This is the topic of an article in RV Life.

They begin it with:

Looking for an affordable getaway into nature? RVing trips to national parks are among my personal favorite choices for sure! Unfortunately, the campgrounds in national parks aren’t always ideal. Some can’t accommodate big rigs, others can’t accommodate RVs at all, and most don’t have hookups of any kind.

The solution our family tends to turn to? Affordable campgrounds outside of popular national parks!

In honor of National Park Week from April 20–28, here are my top picks for great places to stay that won’t break the bank.

To read more, go here. 

Path of April 8 Solar Eclipse

Above, the 2017 Great American Eclipse in totality. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The April 8 solar eclipse across North America is rapidly approaching.

The path of totality will be going south to north through Mexico and then the United States. 

If one is planning to go out and view the eclipse, planning ahead is essential as hotels, RV parks and campgrounds are beginning to be booked up.

I saw the Great American Eclipse from Roberts, Idaho in August 2017 and it was a memorable experience. The recent annular solar eclipse path took it directly over my home in New Mexico. All I had to do was to go out in the yard to see it.

The path of this year's solar eclipse is shown below:

Above, map provided by NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio.

Right now, I am considering either flying to Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas or driving the RV to Waco, Texas to view the eclipse. Since I had a great time in Fort Worth and Dallas in 2021, I wouldn't mind going there again and hang out at the Fort Worth Stockyards. I've been to Waco on a claims assignment back in 1992. So I have an idea of its terrain. It would be drive of over 700 miles from home. 

If I drive, I can also visit the LBJ Presidential Library and the LBJ Ranch during the trip. Both are around two hours away from Waco.

500% Spike In RV and Campground Bookings For Solar Eclipse

Above, my campsite at a Lava Hot Springs KOA during the
 2017 Great American Eclipse. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

April is not too far away. That means campsites along the path of totality of the April 8 solar eclipse are being gobbled up.

Now is the time (if one hasn't done so already) to reserve a campsite. 

Above, the solar eclipse in totality from Idaho in 2017. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I went up to Idaho for the 2017 Great American Eclipse and it was an experience nobody should miss. The photos that accompany this blog post are from that trip.

According to Forbes, there's been a 500% spike in RV and campground bookings along the path of totality.

They posted an article that begins with:

If you’re yet to plan a trip to see North America’s total solar eclipse—the longest since 1806 and the last until 2033 in Alaska—it’s time to prepare.

On Monday, April 8, the rare sight of the sun’s corona around a new moon will be visible from a 115-mile wide path stretching from Mexico to Atlantic Canada via parts of 15 U.S. states. Everyone else on the continent will see just a regular partial solar eclipse.

You must get inside that path of totality—to not do so is to misunderstand how mind-blowing a totality solar eclipse is and its rarity. The experience of plummeting temperatures, wildlife going crazy, and the sight of the sun’s spiky white corona will leave you in disbelief at what you just saw. The next total solar eclipses in the U.S. are in Alaska in 2033, Canada, Montana/South Dakota in 2044 and coast-to-coast in the U.S. and beyond in 2045.

But hotels are now hard to come by—or else costly. The answer, of course, is to camp.

Above, my motorhome during the totality of the Great American Eclipse
from a viewing area near Roberts, Idaho. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

Avoiding The RV 10-Year Rule

Above, Cousin Eddie's RV from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.

My motorhome will be 10 years old next year. So the following may become an issue then. But I am not worried about it as it is in great shape.

It us the "ten-year rule" that some RV parks and campgrounds impose to keep out junker RVs (like Cousin Eddie's in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation). 

RV Travel has an article on how one with an older RV can avoid the rule.

They begin it with:

The video below from the team at Drivin’ and Vibin’ discusses a heated topic among RVers, the 10-year rule. Many parks have a rule that RVs staying there must be under 10 years old.

While we can all understand the sentiment behind the rule is to keep out junker RVs, it remains unpopular because there are many, many well-kept RVs that are older than 10 years. To say nothing of the meticulously restored decades-old RVs still on the road, like the ones our hosts live in.

If you own an RV older than 10 years and have tried to make a reservation at one of the parks, you know what a hassle it can be. So the video was produced to help others in that situation.

To be sure, our host avoids these parks whenever possible because the 10-year rule just rubs him wrong. But there are instances where you don’t have a choice.

To read more, go here. 

Laundromat Rip-Offs

Above, the laundromat at Yosemite National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While on the road, I've rarely used RV park laundromats. That's because I plan ahead and my RV trips are of short duration (no longer than a week, usually) and do my post-travel laundry at home.

Just in case I need to use a laundromat, I do keep a handy supply of quarters. 

Debit and credit card usage is slowly creeping into laundromats. RV Travel has an article that paying by card at laundromats can lead to one being ripped off.

They begin it with:

While showman P.T. Barnum is accused of turning the phrase, “There’s a sucker born every minute,” it may be the poor fellow has been done the dirt. Barnum’s biographer has tried and tried to track down the truth, and suggests that Barnum, who was respectful of his customers, probably never said it. But one truth is known: If there’s a sucker born every minute, you can bet there are at least two con men waiting outside the delivery room for it to happen. And now it looks like folks who need to come clean at the Laundromat may be taken to the cleaners.

To read more, go here. 

RV Travel: Outrageous Campground Rules

Above, a private campground near Crater Lake National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Over the years, I have been to many campgrounds, public and private. Some have rules and some don't. Some even have "outrageous and ridiculous" rules. Fortunately for me, I haven't encountered any.

However, some RVers have and RV Travel has an article on outrageous and ridiculous campground rules they've encountered.

They begin with:

In June, we published an article on some of the most outrageous and ridiculous campground rules we have found on our journeys this summer. You have added some more in the comments since then, and sadly, the reasons stated there are why there are so many rules!

To read more, go here.

Avoid RV Park 10-Year Rule

Since I have been RVing, I have heard of the "ten-year" rule that some RV parks impose. 

This is the rule that RVs older than ten years are not allowed. Mainly, from what I've heard, this is so that eyesore RVs (of the Cousin Eddie of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation variety) don't blight RV parks. But, according to an article in NewsBreak, there are safety reasons as well.

They begin with:

RV owners risk having their summer vacation ruined this year due to a rule that prevents RVs over 10 years old from parking in certain US parks.

Travelers who have had their vehicles for a while might want to do their research before they head out on a family adventure, as they may be denied a reservation.

Oftentimes safety issues are cited as the reason for the rule. Older vehicles can have a higher potential to develop problems such as leaks and electrical issues.

Some park managers are also trying to avoid their sites looking run down due to a build-up of older RVs, meaning the issue of aesthetics also comes into play.

One owner of a 21-year-old Pace Arrow RV fell victim to the new measures after he tried to book a long-term space at the Vancouver Mall RV Park but was refused, the Columbian reported.

The site said his RV was too old and only those 10 years or newer, were allowed to stay more than 30 days. It’s the same story across the US with many parks having the same restrictions.

The good news is rules vary from state to state and there are many parks that will bend the rule. There are ways drivers can make changes to their older RV so they can gain entry. In any case, here is how to avoid it.

 To read more, go here. 

Campground Prices Have Hit An All-Time High

Above, at the Tucson-Lazydays KOA Kampground in April. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Like everything else these day, campground prices have risen.

According to Nanci Dixon at RV Travel, prices seem to have hit an all-time high. Still, camping in an RV is cheaper than staying at hotels and motels, even at budget ones. Last March, it was hard to find decent hotel and motel prices in the Phoenix area under $200/night.

She begins with:

It feels like campground prices have hit an all-time high. We are traveling from Arizona to Minnesota and staying almost exclusively at private RV park campgrounds. Not by choice, but because I was too wishy-washy on travel plans and didn’t book the now-sold-out state and COE parks early enough.

We have traveled similar routes from Arizona to Minnesota over the last eight years and I have come to expect higher campground prices near National Parks and major cities, but not this! The major chains are running around $70+ a night, not including the add-ons of state tax, county tax, town tax and lodging tax. These are the corporate buyouts, remodels and new builds. A few are even using booking software similar to hotels that upcharge as the park gets fuller. Don’t procrastinate—the price goes up daily.

Mom and Pop spots have caught on too. What was once $25 to $35 a night two or three years ago is now $55 to $60. I was overjoyed when we camped for four days near a National Park for $45 a night. However, when our assigned site was too small to put the slides out we were charged an additional $2 a day to move. We are at their mercy.

During my April trip in Arizona, I made use of my KOA Kampground Rewards Points to camp at lower prices in Willcox and Tucson. That's why it pays to become a KOA member and, also, at Good Sam campgrounds, using membership discounts.

To read more, go here.

Are RV Parks Too Expensive Now?

Above, at the Willcox/Cochise AZ KOA Holiday. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During the "heyday" of the pandemic, new buyers of RVs were hitting the road and filling up RV parks and campgrounds. Old-timer RVers were complaining that it was hard to find a campsite, especially during the holiday weekends like Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day.

At the same time, thanks to inflation and the law of supply & demand, RV parks and campgrounds were jacking up prices to camp. 

Now, it seems that people are avoiding those high-priced RV parks and campgrounds. They seem to be saying, "Screw this, I'm not paying these outrageous prices." An article on this subject is in today's Newsletter in RV Travel.  

The start it off with:

Earlier this week, RVtravel.com publisher Chuck Woodbury emailed me a video discussing the status of camping over Memorial Day weekend. It was a commentary about empty RV parks over this traditionally packed camping holiday. I have to agree. I watched the video and share a lot of the observations after traveling this last month. Campgrounds may be empty again… but what does that mean?

Empty campgrounds on Memorial Day

My RV park on Memorial Day had a lot of empty sites. I was so surprised. I hadn’t hesitated to pay $70 for one night to get a spot because it was Memorial Day weekend. But I was too late planning and figured that the high price was my just due. Little did I know that $70 has become the new $40!

A few of our staff members nodded their heads in agreement at a recent staff meeting where we discussed this. They had the same experience over Memorial Day weekend.

I have found the expensive parks are, at most, half full, and some are only 10 percent full. We stayed at a huge lower-cost “Mom and Pop” RV park across from the entrance to Mesa Verde National Park in June. School is out and while there was a row of full-timers, dozens of sites were empty.

My most recent trip took me into Arizona. The most expensive RV park during that trip was at the Willcox/Cochise AZ KOA Holiday. That was $55/night, only because I used some bonus points I accrued that brought the price down. The park was, at best, 50% full.

To read more, go here.

Has "Greedflation" Taken Over RV Campgrounds?

Above, at the Ouray (Colorado) KOA last year. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In recent years, I have noticed a rise in RV park and campground prices.

In years past, the average price for an overnight stay was in the $40-50 range. Sometimes it was lower. Sometimes it was higher. Now, campground prices have hit $80 and up.

That's one of the reasons that I generally stay at KOA Kampgrounds. Their prices are no lower, but since I have accumulated KOA Rewards Points, I stay there. When used, they can knock the price down $10-20. Even after using them on my recent trip to Arizona, I still have over 5,000 rewards points in my account. If none are available in the area I am going to, I'll generally go to a RV campground that provides a Good Sam discount of 5%.

The question arises whether RV park costs are rising due to their inflationary rising costs or, what RV Travel calls, "greedflation"?

They discuss this in a article that begins with:

Not many people would disagree that the United States is in an inflationary period. Prices are on the rise from the grocery store to the fuel pump and to campgrounds across the country. Are costs really rising or has “greedflation” taken over RV campgrounds?

To read on, go here. 

Dealing With Bad RV Park Management

Above, at Ventura Beach RV Park. They had good managers. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since I bought my 2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie, I have had only one argument with a bad RV park manager. That was in Las Vegas. All the other RV parks and campgrounds I've been to have been pleasant experiences. 

How I dealt with the rude RV park manager was just to leave. We ended up at a nicer, and cheaper, RV park. Also, I left a bad review at RV Life Campgrounds on the bad RV park manager and left it at that.

RV Life has an article on how to deal with bad RV park management.

They begin it with:

Most RV park managers are good, trustworthy people, and even when they’re not the best, they rarely cause issues worth complaining about. But in some cases, you might find yourself dealing with truly terrible RV park management.

Unfulfilled obligations, improperly maintained facilities, and just plain rudeness are all signs that you have a bad park manager on your hands. Dealing with this kind of situation can be stressful, but thankfully, there are some things you can do to make things easier. Let’s look at the best ways to deal with bad RV park management.

To read more, go here. 

Background Checks On RVers By Campgrounds, RV Parks

Here's something I've never heard of before: Background checks on RVers by campgrounds and RV parks.

Apparently, this practice has been going on for a bit. It is particularly more frequent for RVers for extended stays (such as snowbirds).

RV Travel has posted an article on this.

They begin it with:

“Can you believe it?!” Robin searched the faces of folks gathered around the campfire. “It will cost me twenty dollars for the Florida campground to run a background check on me! Whoever heard of a ridiculous background check for camping!” Have you heard of RV parks performing background checks?

It was something new to my husband and me. But other folks around the fire acknowledged they’d also experienced this phenomenon during their travels. “It’s pretty common,” Jake said. “Especially if you plan to stay for an extended period of time.”

“I don’t blame campgrounds,” Mike added. “We’ve camped in places where I kinda’ wished they’d have run background checks on some of my neighbors!” He chuckled and indicated the three families who were caravanning with him.

The conversation got me thinking: When did campgrounds begin the practice of running background checks for potential campers? Why do campgrounds do it? Do campgrounds ever refuse folks based on the outcome of these checks? What kind of personal information must a camper provide for the check? How can I trust that my information will not be compromised?

 To read more, go here.

Staying Warm In An RV Without Electricity

Above, at Red Rock Park Campground near Gallup, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Only one time I had a problem in keeping warm in my motorhome. That was during an overnight stay at Joshua Tree National Park. I was dry camping with no hookups.

The night got frigid cold and I ran my motorhome's propane heater. That was actually the first time I used it. 

I had plenty of propane, but little did I know, it drew a lot of electricity from the battery and ran it completely down by morning. 

RV Life has an article on how to stay warm in case the RV park's electrical system should suffer a power outage. 

They begin it with:

Spending the winter in your camper can be fun, but you should always be prepared to endure cold weather.

Sure, RV walls offer protection from wind and snow. But drafts and poor insulation can make your vehicle quite chilly. You can run the heater, but unexpected power outages can force you to shut it down. Winter can be dangerous if you’re not properly prepared.

Don’t be a victim of a winter campground power outage. This article explains:

To read more, go here. 

Hooking Up An RV

Above, hooked up for electric at the Route 66 RV Resort. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After hours of driving the RV to get to one's destination, you've finally arrived at the campground or RV park for the night or duration of the trip.

Once checked in, you're now at your campsite and are about to hook up the water, electric and sewer.

Easy, right? Generally it is. But there are some tips to make the task easier and RV Life has ten of them. 

They start off with:

When you’re just starting out RVing, hooking up an RV to utilities can be intimidating. The key is to be prepared and have a system.Here are ten tips to help you to feel more confident when connecting to RV campsite utilities.

To see what they are, go here. 

5 Big Dangers of Camping In An RV Campground

Above, Route 66 RV Resort near Albuquerque. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is nice to get away from home and head out to a favorite RV park or trying out a new one. But there are dangers out that that many don't even consider.

With that in mind, RV Lifestyle posted an article on five big dangers of camping in an RV campground.

They begin it with:

We all know we need to be mindful of dangerous wildlife and should lock our doors and windows. But what about more subtle but very real dangers of camping in an RV campground?

I’m talking about fire-starting, stomach-upsetting, water-logged dangers that too many campers often overlook.

So, I’m going to tell you about 5 major dangers you need to be aware of. Then, you’ll know what to look for and what questions to ask when booking your next campground.

To see what they are, go here.