Ultimate Guide to Renting an RV for Yellowstone: What You Need to Know

Camping inside Yellowstone National Park is a bucket-list experience not to be missed. If you’re not comfortable with staying in a tent, or you just want more than a layer of canvas between you and Yellowstone’s wildlife, renting an RV makes a lot of sense.

Today, dozens of RV rental operators and peer-to-peer RV rental services make it easier than ever to stay in Yellowstone, with the comfort of four walls. Often at a price that is far less than what you would spend on one of the park’s hotels or lodges.

In a previous chapter of my career, I was the lead writer for one of North America’s biggest RV websites. So, I thought I’d take a closer look at the nuts and bolts details you need to understand when renting an RV in Yellowstone.

Why Renting an RV Makes Sense in Yellowstone

Renting an RV in Yellowstone makes sense for a lot of reasons, starting with the fact that the National Park is huge. Yet hotel lodging is extremely limited and very expensive. It’s also nice to have your own rolling basecamp for lodging, transportation, and comfort in one package.

A rented fifth-wheel RV with the majestic backdrop of Yellowstone's Madison campground.

With more than 2 million acres and hundreds of miles of scenic roads, Yellowstone is built for slow exploration. Renting an RV gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace without jumping from hotel to hotel. Even if you choose to rent a travel trailer and leave it parked in one campground, already being inside the park spares you the extremely long wait times at the park's four main entrances.

You Can Stay Inside the Park Without Expensive Hotel Costs

Renting an RV in lets you stay inside Yellowstone without paying premium hotel rates. There tons of great campgrounds in Yellowstone’s villages as well as outside the park near the north entrance and near the south loop. Having a rental RV means you can wake up near geysers, waterfalls, and wildlife.

With more than 2 million acres and hundreds of miles of scenic roads, Yellowstone is built for slow exploration. Renting an RV gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace without jumping from hotel to hotel. Even if you choose to rent a travel trailer and leave it parked in one campground, already being inside the park spares you the extremely long wait times at the parks four main entrances.

You Don’t Have to Burn Tons of Gas Driving an RV Across the Country

Renting an RV in Yellowstone is also practical because it eliminates the need to haul a large motorhome or trailer across multiple states and mountain roads. Towing an RV through the mountains can be expensive and stressful, especially for beginners. Many travelers prefer driving their much more fuel-efficient car rather than renting an RV locally. This avoids high fuel costs and reduces wear and tear on your personal vehicle.

You Can Fly and Camp

Camping is the ultimate Yellowstone experience, and flying is the easiest way to get to the park. Yet the baggage fees to transport your at-home tent and camping gear to and from Yellowstone are insane, and all it takes is one lost bag to badly ruin your trip. When you rent an RV, you can easily fly into one of the region's many airports and still stay in the great outdoors with four walls and a heater.

Protection From Wild Animals

When you rent an RV for a Yellowstone vacation, you don’t have to worry as much about the wild animals that sometimes wander into campgrounds.

A brown bear prowling the weeds not far from our Yellowstone campsite.

This can be a big deal in early summer and fall when bear safety is a real-life concern throughout the park. While Yellowstone’s village campgrounds are generally safe, bears can wander in at any time. When they do, it’s nice for you and your food to be inside an RV.

Peer-to-Peer RV Rentals Offer Delivery and Set Up

Renting an RV in Yellowstone has become even easier thanks to peer-to-peer RV rental companies that deliver rigs directly to campsites. Many local owners will tow and set up a camper at your chosen campground for a very small fee.

All you do is arrive, unlock the door, and enjoy your trip. For first-time RV users, this is a stress-free way to camp without needing to tow, back up, or connect hookups yourself.

Many RV Rentals Are Dog-Friendly

Honestly, Yellowstone is not very dog-friendly, but most rental RVs allow dogs for a small added fee. This lets you bring your pet with you without having to constantly keep them on a leash, confined in a tent, or stuck in the backseat of your car.

In contrast, Yellowstone’s hotels often charge steep pet deposits or ban dogs completely. With an RV, your dog can travel with a familiar space, sleep comfortably, and stay close to you—ideal for long trips inside the park.

RV Travel Fits Yellowstone’s Slow Sightseeing Pace

RV travel naturally matches the Yellowstone’s rhythm. Roads are slow, bison traffic jams are real, and viewpoints are spread far apart. Last summer, I was trapped in an epic bison jam near road construction for well over an hour. My daughter simply went in back and made lunch for us both, which we couldn’t have done sitting in a car.

How to Find a Good RV Site in Yellowstone

Finding a good RV site in Yellowstone is essential because campground size limits, reservations, and hookups vary greatly from one location to another.

Size Restrictions and Length Limits

A rented travel trailer tightly packed into a compact Yellowstone campsite.

When renting an RV in Yellowstone, it’s important to match the RV length to the campground. Some campgrounds only accommodate rigs under 30 feet, while others accept large fifth-wheels or Class A motorhomes.

Always check the total combined length (RV + tow vehicle) when choosing your site. Smaller RVs fit more locations, especially in older, tighter campgrounds inside the park.

Reserving Early and Understanding Campground Differences

Ideally, you want to reserve your Yellowstone campsites as early as possible. Some campgrounds open reservations months in advance and fill quickly during summer. Interior campgrounds vary widely some offer stunning meadow or lakeshore settings, while others sit near major attractions for convenience. Decide whether you prefer scenery, access, or quieter locations before you book.

Choosing Between Full Hookups, Dry Camping, and Generator Rules

When renting an RV in Yellowstone, you’ll need to choose between full hookup sites, partial hookups, or dry camping. Full hookup sites are limited and book fast, while many campgrounds offer no hookups at all. Dry camping is common, but comes with generator-hour restrictions, so plan for battery usage, water conservation, and propane needs.

Seasonal Access and Road Closures

When renting an RV in Yellowstone, be aware that campground openings, road access, and reservation windows depend on snowpack and seasonal conditions. Some areas open in late spring, while higher elevations open later.

Snow can still strike Yellowstone in June, but usually the park is completely open and available by Memorial Weekend. Any reservations made before that could potentially be effected by the weather.

The Best Types of RVs for a Yellowstone Vacation

When choosing the best RV for a Yellowstone camping trip, you have to always keep in mind that most of the campsites inside the park are for rigs 30 feet and under. However, there are several campgrounds just outside the park near Yellowstone’s Northern Loop and Yellowstone’s Southern Loop. 

So, if you want to rent a larger travel trailer, fifth-wheel or Class A motorhome, you can still stay conveniently close to the park, but it might be hard to find a spot inside Yellowstone.

Small Travel Trailer 

Renting a small travel trailer in Yellowstone is ideal for couples or solo travelers who want comfort and flexibility. Smaller trailers fit in the widest range of campgrounds and are easy to heat at night when temperatures dip.

Large Travel Trailer

Large travel trailers are a popular choice in Yellowstone for families who need bunk beds, extra storage, and expanded sleeping space. Just note that longer trailers require more attention to site length limits.

Fifth-Wheel Camper

A fifth-wheel trailer parked at one of the more spacious RV parks in Yellowstone's Fishing Bridge campground

Renting a fifth-wheel in Yellowstone offers residential-style comfort, tall ceilings, and separate bedroom layouts. These are excellent for longer stays, especially if delivered and set up for you.

However, only a small number of campgrounds inside the park can accommodate these massive rigs. Usually, you need to reserve a spot outside the park. So, make sure you do your research on size and availability.

Class C Motorhome

Class C RVs are by far the most popular rentals you see on Yellowstone’s roads. They’re arguably the most beginner-friendly options. Class C motorhomes are easy to drive, offer great layouts for families, and provide the classic RV experience without a steep learning curve.

The challenge with a Class C motorhome in Yellowstone is that they can be tricky on some of the National Park’s more challenging roads. Especially Dunraven Pass, Craig Pass, and the Beartooth Highway. Over the years, I’ve seen many Class C drivers’ faces ghostly white on the backside of Dunraven Pass.

Class B Camper Van

Class B motorhomes are another great Yellowstone RV rental option. They’re easy to park and have a minimal footprint in the small campsites. The biggest drawback is usually the bathroom facilities, which tend to be little more than a wet-bath and a 5-gallon cassette toilet.

If you’re planning to boondock off the grid with a rental RV, a Class B probably isn’t a good choice. If you’re staying in one of Yellowstone’s village campgrounds with showers, flushing toilets, and dump stations, then a Class B rental motorhome is great.

They drive a lot like a car, which is handy on Yellowstone’s tight mountain roads. If you do need to use the bathroom or wash up after a meal, you can use your own facilities, rather than the crude ones at Yellowstone’s picnic stations. Then simply empty the cassette toilet when you get back to the campground’s dump station!

Class A Motorhome

Renting a Class A motorhome in Yellowstone delivers the most luxury, but these big rigs require a lot of careful planning. This starts with route planning on how to enter the park.

The West Yellowstone entrance and East Entrance are the easiest access for Class A motorhomes. The roads connecting to Yellowstone’s Northeast entrance are too dangerous for Class A motorhomes. The North Entrance and South Entrance roads are a bit challenging, but doable for a Class A motorhome.

The more common strategy for Yellowstone Class A RV rentals is to make your home base outside the park near the North Entrance Campgrounds or the West Entrance Campgrounds. Then tow a car (AKA Toad), which you can use to more easily drive around Yellowstone’s narrow roads.

Yellowstone RV Rental Checklist

You can use the following checklist to plan, reserve, and account for all the important details of renting an RV for a Yellowstone vacation. Including things to take care of during and after your visit.

RV Rental & Preparation

Reserve your campsite early – Yellowstone campgrounds fill up months in advance, especially in summer. Secure your site before booking your RV.

Explore trusted RV rental agencies – Compare prices and models on sites like Outdoorsy, Cruise America, or local rental companies near Bozeman, Jackson, or Cody.

Check insurance coverage – Confirm whether the rental includes collision and liability coverage or if you’ll need supplemental insurance.

Review mileage limits and generator fees – Many rentals charge extra for mileage or generator use—budget accordingly.

Inspect the RV before departure – Check tires, propane, water lines, appliances, and the dump valve. Photograph the RV to document its condition.

Understand the RV systems – Ask the rental agent how to operate slide-outs, hookups, water pumps, and waste tanks.

Yellowstone Route & Travel Planning

Plan your driving route – Map your route through park entrances and consider where fuel and grocery stops are located.

Check road restrictions – Yellowstone has size limits on some roads; verify your rig’s clearance and turning radius.

Download offline maps – Cell service is limited throughout the park; keep a printed map or GPS app with offline access.

Know your entrance stations – Determine the best entrance for your first campground—Gardiner (North), West Yellowstone, Cody (East), or Jackson (South).

Packing & Essentials

Make a detailed packing list – Include clothing for all weather conditions; Yellowstone’s temperatures can vary 40°F in one day.

Stock up on groceries and water – Park stores are limited and costly; bring what you need before entering and make note of the grocery stores and Yellowstone village stores on your route.

Bring campsite gear – Leveling blocks, hoses, power adapters, and wheel chocks are must-haves.

Pack safety and comfort items – Flashlights, bear spray, first-aid kit, insect repellent, sunscreen, and extra blankets.

Plan meals ahead – Pre-cook or prep ingredients to simplify cooking at camp.

Don’t forget recreation gear – Hiking boots, binoculars, spotting scope camera, and guidebooks enrich the Yellowstone experience.

During Your Trip

Follow campground rules – Observe quiet hours, proper waste disposal, and bear-safety food storage.

Conserve water and power – Hookups are limited; monitor tank levels and battery use.

Secure your site daily – Weather changes fast; store chairs and gear before storms.

Respect wildlife – Always stay at least 100 yards from bears and wolves, 25 yards from other animals.

Before Returning Your Rental RV

Empty and clean holding tanks – Use approved dump stations before returning the vehicle.

Refill propane and fuel – Most rentals require a full tank upon return.

Clean interior surfaces – Wipe down counters, floors, and appliances to reduce potential cleaning fees.

Check for forgotten items – Look in overhead compartments, storage bins, and the fridge.

A little organization before your Yellowstone RV trip makes a huge difference once you’re on the road. Follow this checklist to ensure your rental process, route planning, and campground experience all unfold seamlessly so you can focus on what really matters.

Yellowstone RV Rental FAQs

The following are some frequently asked questions a lot of first-timers wonder about when renting an RV for a Yellowstone vacation.

How far in advance should I reserve an RV rental and campsite in Yellowstone?

If you’re renting an RV in Yellowstone, you’ll want to begin the reservation process at least 4–6 months ahead for summer travel, because both RV rentals and in-park campsites fill quickly. For Yellowstone campsites, many sites open up as an online block up to six months in advance and sell out early.

Are there campgrounds in Yellowstone where you can't rent an RV?

Yes. While many Yellowstone campsites allow RVs, some campgrounds have strict vehicle length limits or other restrictions. Some sites allow only smaller hard-sided trailers or vehicles under 30 feet combined length.

Also, delivery or pick-up of out-of-park rental units may be restricted in certain campgrounds.

What Yellowstone campgrounds are best suited for RV rentals?

A: Among the best for RV rentals in Yellowstone are the ones with larger size limits and full hookups (where available). For example, Fishing Bridge RV Park can accommodate rigs up to 65 feet in length during peak season.

For rigs under 40 feet, other campgrounds like Bridge Bay, Canyon, Grant Village, and Madison are good choices.

What RV length limits should I check when renting an RV in Yellowstone?

A: When renting an RV in Yellowstone, check both the length of the RV and the combined length if towing a vehicle (“toad”). Many sites inside the park are limited to 30-40 feet total vehicle/trailer length.

Can I bring a pet when renting an RV in Yellowstone?

Yes, many rental operators allow pets for a small fee. However, you’ll still need to follow Yellowstone’s park regulations regarding food storage, wildlife safety, and campsite rules. Be mindful that some campgrounds prohibit certain types of pet containment or nighttime unsupervised pet behavior.

Are there one-way RV rental drop-offs for Yellowstone?

Yes, many peer-to‐peer rental platforms and independent rental companies offer delivery or one-way return options for RVs near Yellowstone gateway towns. This can help reduce deadhead driving and fuel cost. Just check the rental terms for pickup location, mileage limits, and return requirements.

What are some hidden costs to consider when renting an RV in Yellowstone?

While the headline rental cost is one thing, when you rent an RV in Yellowstone, you should factor in: campsite fees (which inside the park may be higher than nearby private parks), generator or propane charges, fuel cost (especially if towing or driving a large motorhome), dumping fees at some sites, and possibly pet or mileage surcharges.

Is driving an RV in Yellowstone difficult?

Driving an RV in Yellowstone can be more demanding as roads inside the park often have narrow lanes, tiny shoulders, steep grades, and a few switchbacks. There’s also limited parking at popular attractions. If you’re new to driving an RV, I would stick to a small Class C motorhome or smaller. A rented travel trailer or towing your own car are smart alternatives for getting around Yellowstone.

Final Thoughts on Renting an RV for a Yellowstone Trip

Renting an RV in Yellowstone is truly one of the best ways to explore the park, giving you freedom, comfort, and proximity to the landscapes that make this place unforgettable. With smart planning, the right RV type, and early campsite reservations, you can experience Yellowstone at your own pace and wake up each day surrounded by nature, not parking lots or hotel hallways.

Just be smart about how you plan your route and make your reservations far in advance. If you’re not comfortable driving a big rig on mountain roads, you can have the operator set up a travel trailer or fifth-wheel, and you can simply drive your own car.

If you want to learn more about Yellowstone and other outdoor adventures, you should follow Eric Beuning's Author Page.

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