RV Trip from UK

Question

Hi all,

I’ve watched Yellowstone and now I’m obsessed. So much so I’m already speaking with travel agents and I need some help from anyone who’s done this trip.

Firstly, I think the RV fly drive would be a good way to see the country, landing into Denver and picking a car / RV there. Ideally 2 weeks.

1) Would you advise booking as a package or separate? If separate, what RV companies would you recommend? Any tips?

2) Would you RV and stay in camp sites / hotels or purely hotels on route?

3) Must see locations?

4) Has anyone been the big sky festival in Montana? That’s what I’m basing this trip around! July time I believe.

6) How do we pay for the national park fees / tolls? Can it be done before we go?

The route I’ve seen online is:

Denver > Grand Junction > Moab Arches > Salt Lake City > Idaho Falls > Jackson > Grand Teton > West Yellowstone > Whitecity (festival) > Cody > Sheridan > Rapid City > Cheyenne > Denver

I’m not sure if I’ve missed places / a better route someone could advise? Or what places is worth staying in more than others?

All tips welcome x

Answer

It sounds like you have an amazing trip ahead of you! An RV fly-drive is a great way to explore the United States, especially if you're a fan of *Yellowstone* and want to experience the natural beauty of the American West. Here are some answers to your questions to help make your trip even better:

1) Package or Separate Booking? Booking as a package can be convenient, especially if you're looking for an all-in-one solution, but sometimes booking separately gives you more flexibility and potentially lower costs. Here’s what to consider:

Package: Travel agents often have deals with RV companies and can offer discounts or perks, such as reduced rates on campgrounds or tours. However, packages can sometimes be less flexible in terms of your itinerary or the type of RV you want to rent.
Separate: Booking separately allows you to customize your trip more. Some reliable RV rental companies you can consider are:
- Road Bear RV - Known for their well-maintained vehicles and great customer service.
- El Monte RV - They have a large fleet and offer both RVs and campervans.
- Outdoorsy - A peer-to-peer RV rental service that lets you rent RVs directly from owners, which can give you more unique and local options.
Tips:
- Always check the RV’s insurance coverage, mileage, and waste disposal fees before booking.
- Confirm whether the RV includes kitchenware and bedding, or if that’s an extra cost.
- Ensure your driver has a valid driver’s license and any necessary international permits (depending on your country of origin).

2) RV + Camp Sites vs. Hotels? For a true RV experience, camping at national parks or state parks can be the highlight of the trip. That said, a combination of camping and hotels might be the best option for comfort and flexibility:

RV + Campsites: You’ll have the full RV experience and wake up surrounded by nature. Many national parks, such as Yellowstone and Grand Teton, offer great campgrounds with full hookups. However, some campsites fill up quickly during the summer months, so it’s a good idea to book early.
Hotels: If you want a break from the RV or need to stay in more urban areas (such as Salt Lake City or Rapid City), mixing in hotels will give you more amenities, such as air-conditioning and beds, that might be a nice break from RV life.

3) Must-See Locations: Your route looks fantastic, but here are a few additional suggestions and highlights:

Moab (Arches National Park): Definitely don’t miss Arches, but also consider checking out Canyonlands National Park while you're there. The drive to both parks offers stunning scenery.
Grand Teton National Park: While Yellowstone gets the most attention, Grand Teton is just as beautiful. Don’t miss the Snake River Overlook for iconic views of the Tetons.
Cody, Wyoming: Home to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Cody is a great place to explore the history of the American West and also offers fun attractions like rodeos in the summer.
Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park: These are fantastic stops on your way through Rapid City. The Badlands, with its dramatic landscapes, is a must-see.
Yellowstone: Obviously, don’t miss Yellowstone! Spend at least two or three days there to explore the geothermal features, wildlife, and beautiful hiking trails.

4) Big Sky Festival: The Big Sky Festival in Montana is a great event to center your trip around! If you're planning to visit in July, make sure to check out the festival's schedule for performances, music, and events. Big Sky is also a great place for outdoor activities like hiking, rafting, and mountain biking, so it’s worth a couple of extra days if you’re looking for adventure.

5) National Park Fees & Tolls: You can pay for the national park entrance fees and tolls ahead of time in some cases:

National Park Fees: You can purchase an America the Beautiful Pass online, which gives you access to all national parks for one year for a flat fee. This can save you money if you plan to visit multiple parks.
Tolls: Most tolls in the U.S. can be paid on-site via cash or credit card, but some states (like in Colorado or Utah) use electronic tolling systems. It’s a good idea to check if the RV rental company provides an EasyPass or similar device for tolls.

6) Route Recommendations: Your route looks solid, but here are a few adjustments to consider:

Denver to Grand Junction: Consider making a stop in Colorado National Monument, which is right on the way and has incredible views.
Moab to Salt Lake City: The drive through the San Rafael Swell is beautiful, and there’s also Capitol Reef National Park which could be worth a short detour.
Cody to Sheridan: Consider stopping at the Bighorn National Forest for some great hiking and stunning views.

General Tips:

Be sure to plan your fuel stops carefully; some stretches of road in the West can be long between gas stations.
Have a GPS with offline maps or download maps on your phone for areas with limited signal.
Bring plenty of water and snacks, especially when traveling through remote areas.

Your trip is shaping up to be a fantastic adventure! Enjoy the scenic drives, the parks, and of course, the Big Sky Festival. Safe travels!