Yellowstone Park / West Gate KOA Holiday Blog
Looking for a place to spend the 4th of July? We still have a few campsites available!
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
From West Yellowstone: 6 miles west of Yellowstone National Park West Entrance at West Yellowstone, Montana on US HWY 20, aka. the Targhee Pass Hwy.
From Idaho: 3 miles east of the Montana/Idaho border on US HWY 20, aka.the Targhee Pass Hwy.
Be aware that we are 1.5 miles east of the new Mountainside Journey KOA which is also on US Hwy 20.
GPS: N44.686. W111.2179
Get Google Directions
As the world's first national park, Yellowstone National Park is quite literally a force of nature. Spanning Wyoming, Idaho and Montana, this park includes about half of the world's active geysers and a range of wildlife, making it a great stop for those renting an RV for camping.
Exploring Yellowstone with an RV allows you to fully immerse yourself in the experience. For first-time RV renters and international travelers, learning more about the RV rental process can help you make the most of your camping trip to Yellowstone National Park.
As you plan your RV trip to Yellowstone, one of the first steps you will take is securing your RV rental. With this park's popularity, make sure to book your rental early.
Before booking your vehicle, it is important to know what you need to qualify. There are a few requirements to rent an RV:
RVs come in three main Classes — A, B and C — with different features and sizes. Before choosing which type to rent, consider factors like the number of people on your trip, your budget and your storage needs.
For traveling in Yellowstone, be mindful of the winding and sometimes narrow roads and ensure that your vehicle can fit into the campsites. Some popular RV options are:
Vacationing in an RV often costs less than other types of vacation travel, even when taking into account additional costs like fuel. Rental costs and fees vary depending on the vehicle size, the trip length and the travel season. You can book early and travel during the off-season to maximize your budget.
When renting an RV, you will put down a security deposit at the time of booking and, often, a refundable damage deposit. There may be additional fees, like mileage fees and service fees. You can also choose to rent camping equipment from the rental agency if available.
When renting an RV, you can choose between a nationwide rental company or a private RV rental. Depending on your route to Yellowstone, you can use Kampgrounds of America, Inc.'s RV Services Directory to find convenient RV rentals in your state. Services like Outdoorsy are great ways to narrow down your RV rental search once you know what kind of vehicle you are looking for.
For travelers visiting Yellowstone from outside of the U.S., there are some additional considerations when purchasing an RV rental for Yellowstone National Park.
Similar to the requirements for U.S. citizens, international travelers must have a valid driver's license from their country. Depending on the state you are traveling to and your home country, you may also need an International Driving Permit to legally drive and rent a vehicle.
For driving in Wyoming, which is where most of Yellowstone's terrain is located, an IDP is not required. However, it is highly recommended since it acts as a translation of your driver's license. Additionally, some rental companies may require an IDP in addition to a driver's license.
If you choose to get an IDP, be sure to apply before your trip. Your IDP will be valid for a year after you receive it.
Here are some other important things to remember when traveling to the U.S.:
Here are a few tips to help ensure that your first RV trip to Yellowstone National Park flows as smoothly as the streams.
Yellowstone's weather can be a bit unpredictable due to its average 6,000-foot elevation. Be prepared for all types of weather, no matter what time of year you travel.
Some important items to pack include:
As you adapt to driving a larger vehicle, take some time to practice in a safe environment before you get on the road. As best practices, you should:
Make sure to inspect your RV before and after your trip. Take photos of any cosmetic issues and clean your RV before returning it to avoid additional fees. Keep track of any mechanical issues if they arise during the trip. Some rental agencies offer roadside assistance for these incidents, so take note of any of these services that are available to you.
Have a plan for your trip and choose a few key places you want to prioritize. Some popular sites at Yellowstone include:
With more than 2.2 million acres, Yellowstone spans a wide terrain. Planning a route will allow you to hit your must-dos without wandering too far into the great outdoors.
While it is great to have a plan, also be prepared for your itinerary to change. Yellowstone's unpredictable weather can cause road closures and dangerous driving conditions. You can keep track of the open roads and the current weather conditions through the National Park Service to determine when it is best to head back to your campsite for the night.
Book a campsite in advance of your trip, and make sure it can accommodate your RV. If you are looking for a bit of comfort after a long day of exploring, some campgrounds include amenities like showers, laundry facilities and playgrounds.
Striking a balance between adventure and leisure is key to making your first RV trip a success. With so much ground to cover in Yellowstone National Park, booking a convenient campground allows for both play and rest.
Tucked beneath the mountains of West Yellowstone, Montana, Yellowstone Park / West Gate KOA Holiday is a short drive from Yellowstone's West Entrance. This family-friendly campground has something for every type of traveler, whether you are looking to lounge by the pool or hike through the mountains.
Reserve your stay today and start planning your RV adventure to Yellowstone National Park.
That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account.
Make checkout easy by booking all your reservations at once. Add your sites from different campgrounds into your shopping cart* and then choose checkout.
