rv road trip

Question

hi. we are a family from europe (2 adults, one kid, one todler) and would like to do a road trip through rocky mountains. we would start in Denver and do Colorado, and then 1 day in badlands np, 2 days in yellowstone, 1 day in teton np and then we would like to go up to glacier np, return back to denver through idaho and northern utah. we plan to do that in 14 days. there is a lot of driving so I was wondering if we should rent a camper or sleeping van. How are the rules in those states? Can we sleep in the nature or do we have to go to rv parks? i read that in California they have very strict rules and it is necesary to stay in rv parks…

thank you all for the help and the answers!

Answer

Hi there,

Your planned 14-day RV road trip through Colorado, the Badlands, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Glacier, and back through Idaho and northern Utah sounds ambitious but very scenic. Traveling by camper or sleeping van is a great way to see these areas, especially with young children, but there are important considerations regarding driving distances, camping regulations, and amenities.

Vehicle Choice: Camper vs. Sleeping Van

Camper/RV: Offers more space, full kitchen, bathroom, and beds, which can make traveling with a toddler and child easier. Downsides include limited maneuverability in tight roads or mountainous areas, and some RVs may struggle on steep passes.
Sleeping Van/Campervan: More compact, easier to drive, park, and handle mountain passes. Less space, often a small kitchenette, and limited bathroom facilities, which means more stops at rest areas or public facilities.

Camping Rules and Regulations:

National Parks: Each park (Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Glacier, Badlands) has designated campgrounds where overnight parking is allowed. Free backcountry camping in vehicles is typically not allowed without a permit, except for specific backcountry sites.
Colorado: Many National Forests and BLM lands allow dispersed camping (sleeping in nature) for a limited number of nights, usually without amenities. There are often restrictions on proximity to water sources, roads, or developed areas.
Other States: Idaho, Wyoming, and South Dakota generally have public lands where dispersed camping is permitted. Private lands require permission, and urban areas often prohibit overnight street parking.
RV Parks and Campgrounds: Reserving campgrounds in or near popular destinations is recommended, especially in spring and summer. Some parks fill months in advance.

Tips for Planning:

Plan your daily driving carefully; 14 days for Colorado to Glacier NP and back involves many long driving segments, sometimes 5–7 hours or more.
Use apps and websites to locate campgrounds and public lands that allow overnight parking. Some RV-specific apps can help identify suitable overnight spots for campervans.
Check altitude and road conditions, especially in Colorado and Glacier NP; snow may still be present on passes in spring.
Consider your children’s comfort: a larger RV may be more convenient for meals, bathroom breaks, and sleep.
Bring warm clothes and layers, as temperatures in high mountains and northern parks can be much colder than lower elevations.

In summary, both campers and sleeping vans work, but the choice depends on your comfort preference and driving skill in mountainous terrain. In most National Parks, you’ll need to stay in designated campgrounds, whereas in many National Forests and BLM lands you can sleep in nature legally for a few nights. Planning ahead for reservations and charging your route with knowledge of rules in each state will make the trip smoother.

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