Located between Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway offers RV camping opportunities in a region with elevations ranging from 6,800 to 8,000 feet. Temperature swings can be significant, with summer nights dropping to the low 40s even when days reach the 80s. Generator hours at campgrounds in this area are typically restricted to 8-10 AM, 12-2 PM, and 5-7 PM to maintain the natural soundscape.
What to do
Wildlife viewing at sunrise: Head to Jackson Lake Dam or Colter Bay Village at dawn for optimal animal sightings. "The wildlife was incredible. We saw a grizzly, and a moose with her calf, among other creatures," notes a camper at Colter Bay Campground.
Kayaking on local waters: Many campgrounds provide water access for paddling. A visitor at Yellowstone RV Park at Mack's Inn mentions "easy access to the river for kayaking or paddle boarding" among the amenities.
Attend ranger programs: Evening ranger talks are available at multiple locations throughout the high season. "The ranger talks in the evening were really marvelous," according to a Colter Bay Campground guest.
Par 3 golf: Some RV parks near John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway offer golfing opportunities. At Buffalo Run Campground, visitors can enjoy "a 18 hole par 3 course surrounded by rolling hills of farmer's fields."
What campers like
Central location for exploring both parks: The positioning between two national parks makes camping in this area strategically advantageous. A camper at Valley View RV Park noted it's "close to Yellowstone and Henry's Fork SP for some of the best fishing and boating around."
Cell service availability: While connectivity varies widely throughout the region, some campgrounds offer better service than others. At Valley View RV Park, a visitor reported, "The Verizon connection was really good, and could Hotspot for 120 mbps often. T-Mobile was okay, but not great."
Shower and laundry facilities: The availability of these amenities varies significantly between campgrounds. A camper at Fishing Bridge RV Park described "a huge laundry area as well by main office" that complements the shower facilities.
Cooler temperatures: The higher elevation provides relief from summer heat found at lower altitudes. "We were thrilled to be camping in the trees after being in the deserts of Utah and a city RV park in Cody," shared one camper at Yellowstone RV Park.
What you should know
Seasonal closures limit options: Most RV parks in the area operate from mid-May through early-to-mid October. The Yellowstone Golf Resort specifically notes its season runs "May 15 to October 15," which is typical for the region.
Reservations essential during peak season: Campgrounds fill quickly, especially in July and August. "We couldn't find a campsite in Yellowstone so had to exit the park late at night," reported one camper at Fox Den RV Campground.
Bear safety precautions: Hard-sided campers are required in certain areas. At Fishing Bridge RV Park, "only hard-sided units are allowed here due to bears frequenting the campground," explains a reviewer.
Leveling challenges at some sites: Terrain can be uneven, requiring preparation. "Most sites are pretty uneven so bring blocks. I had to get pretty creative in our super C," notes a visitor to Colter Bay RV Park.
Temperature variations: Summer days can be warm while nights remain cold. Pack layers and proper bedding for nighttime temperatures that regularly drop into the 40s.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with playgrounds: Dedicated play areas keep children entertained. A visitor at Yellowstone RV Park appreciated the "perfect playground and easy access to the river."
Community activities: Some campgrounds offer organized social events. A camper at Teton Valley Resort highlighted that "they have little s'more bags that they give you and do little community bonfires each night."
Check for family-friendly amenities: Swimming pools provide entertainment after long days of sightseeing. "Great camping, beautiful resort with comfort, good food and many activities (pool, games)," reported a guest at Teton Valley Resort.
Plan for limited connectivity: While some areas have service, prepare for digital detox. One camper noted: "Cell service is essentially non-existent and only available at the visitor center."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions matter: Many park roads have length limitations. According to a visitor at Fishing Bridge RV Park, "Fishing Bridge is the only hard sided RV only, full hook-up campground that can accommodate big rigs inside Yellowstone National Park."
Consider alternative entrances: The west entrance can have significant traffic delays. Using the south entrance through John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway can save time during peak season.
Propane availability: Several campgrounds offer propane refill services. "The office is on your left where you pay and you can also pay to fill propane," notes a visitor to Colter Bay Campground.
Watch for tight spacing: Many RV sites have limited room between neighbors. A camper at The Virginian RV Park observed that "sites are crammed together" and you should "be ready to hear your neighbors."
Dump station fees: Most campgrounds with dump stations charge a usage fee. "It is $10 to dump," reports a visitor to Colter Bay Campground, providing specific cost information.
