jpbrew
Novice
Last year we visited Yellowston National Park. What a place to visit. And to think, all that on top of a gaint volcano that still is active. While there we were able to see all the sights, Old Faithful, all the hot pools and gysers, saw some wildlife, and did some fishing.
Following as some things to expect when visting the park.
Camping - About half of the campgroungs in Yellowstone are now managed by a privite contractor, which are the more developed campgrounds. The other half are managed by the Park service, which are smaller and a bit more primitive. All but one campground allow tents and pop up campers. The Fishing Bridge campground only allows hard sided campers, but this camground is also the only campground in the park to have full hookups too. While camping in the park, when your away from your campsite, or when you are sleeping at night, all items which could attract bear have to be put away inside your vehicle or camper. Putting them in a tent is not acceptable by park rules. Items that could attract bears are items which have a scent. Any item you cook with, washed clean or not, stoves, coolers, dishes cups, trash, etc. fit into this catagory. The park service is very, very serious about this because they don't want any accidents with bears.
Sightseeing - Most roads in Yellowstone are two lane and the speed limit is, if I remember right, 45 miles an hour throughout the park. Old Faithful Parking is ample, but most of the other gysers and hot pool sights, parking can be a challange. Also be aware of "animaljams". Wildlife seem to love getting there picture taken along the side of the road, and folks just park there cars in the middle of the road to get a picture. Animaljams are unavoidable so just have patience. The best time to see wildlife from the road is just at dusk. Just have the camera ready.
Fishing - You need a fishing license from the park, not the state. No barbed hooks and no live bait. Make sure you can fish in the area your in and keep only what your allowed to keep. In short, all Cutthroat trout in the park have to be released. Lake trout are in abundance in Yellowstone Lake and you can keep as many Lake Trout as you can catch as they are an invasive fish to Lake Yellowstone and are killing all the cutthroat trout.
Supplies/Buying food - There are stores at all the major campgrounds where you can buy groceries, but they are very expensive. The closest town to Yellowstone is West Yellowstone. There are a couple of small grocery stores there, many restaurants, and tons of souvenir shops. Again, be prepared to spend some money, not as much as in the park, but not so cheap either.
Pets - all pets must be on a leash at all times while in the park.
Last note - if you plan to camp in the park in the summer, MAKE RESERVATIONS.
Following as some things to expect when visting the park.
Camping - About half of the campgroungs in Yellowstone are now managed by a privite contractor, which are the more developed campgrounds. The other half are managed by the Park service, which are smaller and a bit more primitive. All but one campground allow tents and pop up campers. The Fishing Bridge campground only allows hard sided campers, but this camground is also the only campground in the park to have full hookups too. While camping in the park, when your away from your campsite, or when you are sleeping at night, all items which could attract bear have to be put away inside your vehicle or camper. Putting them in a tent is not acceptable by park rules. Items that could attract bears are items which have a scent. Any item you cook with, washed clean or not, stoves, coolers, dishes cups, trash, etc. fit into this catagory. The park service is very, very serious about this because they don't want any accidents with bears.
Sightseeing - Most roads in Yellowstone are two lane and the speed limit is, if I remember right, 45 miles an hour throughout the park. Old Faithful Parking is ample, but most of the other gysers and hot pool sights, parking can be a challange. Also be aware of "animaljams". Wildlife seem to love getting there picture taken along the side of the road, and folks just park there cars in the middle of the road to get a picture. Animaljams are unavoidable so just have patience. The best time to see wildlife from the road is just at dusk. Just have the camera ready.
Fishing - You need a fishing license from the park, not the state. No barbed hooks and no live bait. Make sure you can fish in the area your in and keep only what your allowed to keep. In short, all Cutthroat trout in the park have to be released. Lake trout are in abundance in Yellowstone Lake and you can keep as many Lake Trout as you can catch as they are an invasive fish to Lake Yellowstone and are killing all the cutthroat trout.
Supplies/Buying food - There are stores at all the major campgrounds where you can buy groceries, but they are very expensive. The closest town to Yellowstone is West Yellowstone. There are a couple of small grocery stores there, many restaurants, and tons of souvenir shops. Again, be prepared to spend some money, not as much as in the park, but not so cheap either.
Pets - all pets must be on a leash at all times while in the park.
Last note - if you plan to camp in the park in the summer, MAKE RESERVATIONS.
