Yellowstone National Park

I am not an experienced camper at all, but my husband and I went to yellowstone 2 years ago, when I was 2 months pregant. Yes, bring bug spray. Bring lots of water. You will definitley need reservations this time of year. Good luck:)

I worked in Yellowstone for a summer at the Old Faithful Lodge. Here's my advice...

Yes, you do need reservations for the campsites.

I did not carry bear spray, but in reference to your comment that you aren't doing backcountry trails, I ran into bears crossing the road at a busy campsite with a lot of people and cars. We also crossed a bear on a very busy trail that day hikers used. Don't be scared, but do be aware that the bears aren't ONLY in the backcountry. I would just read up on bear safety, in particularly regarding storage of food and what to do if you encounter a bear. Also, bison and moose are dangerous also. Give them plenty of space.

The mud pots are super cool and kids will love them. Big bubbling pots of mud that make gross sounding noises as they bubble. The board walk at Old Faithful is a nice paved/boarded tour of many thermal features all in one place. It's an easy walk near bathrooms and concessions! Everything is worth seeing there, but I mention those two because they often overlooked by people who don't know what they are.

Don't miss the Grand Tetons. They are a site to see. The most amazing peaks in the U.S. in my opinion (I've climbed in a number of states). They are breathtaking. You can take a nice little boat ride (it's for ferrying people to trail heads) on Jenny Lake that will give you a great up close view coupled with a fun activity as well the opportunity to take a little day hike.

Jackson Hole is a super neat tourist town. It's a little far and I wouldn't reccommend taking away time from Yellowstone for it, but it's great if you want a trip to town.

If you see no bears and are super disappointed, there was a bear sanctuary outside of the park (south I think) where you can see them, but it's a zoo-like setting.

My one super-cool insider tip (if you can arrange it based on timing) is to see Old Faithful early in the morning when no one else is there. (16 years ago it went off about every 70 min. but that might have changed over the years). It is amazing being there by yourselves watching it go off just for you. Otherwise, it's kind of like being at an amusement park show due to the crowds. Still worth it, just not quite as cool.

If you want to see the cool wildlife, like bears, etc. keep an eye out for groups of people or cars all crowded together looking at something. It's usually something good and worth pulling over to join the "rubber neckers".

As far as kids are concerned, bring entertainment and snacks in the car and take advantage of preventative restroom breaks. You never know when you'll get stuck in a "bison jam". They bison are very rude about standing in the middle of the road causing huge backups. If you do encounter one, watch for the bison guard - an adult bison who acts like a crossing guard for the others, especially when their adorable orange calves are crossing. Too cute.

Have fun. It's the most amazing trip ever!

I lived close to yellowstone most of my life... the main advice I have for you is to STAY AWAY from the wildlife! deer are ok, but moose, buffalo, (obviously bear) will attack... If you want to take pics, get them from inside your vehicle. You wouldn't believe how many people have died from wanting to get a good pic... I wouldn't say you will NEED bear spray, but if it makes you feel better, it won't hurt... mostly just keep your campground clean, and ALL FOOD and wrappers get sealed before going to bed. Make sure you hit up Bear World... you drive through the compound where the bears roam free, and they also have a few wolf enclosures, and a nice petting zoo for the kids. Sometimes they have bear cubs you can pet. :)

Is anyone allergic to sulfur? If so, Yellowstone is out......we went there and I was SO sick, couldn't figure it out until we left and I felt great........

Anyway, plenty of clothes that you can layer.......you'll love the Badlands.........if you can make it to Montana to Glacier National Park, it is well worth the trip...............it's beautiful.........and my favorite place to vacation.

Make sure you see the Tetons.......it's around Yellowstone, so you should be able to do both........Jenny Lake is pretty, but the lodge is very expensive, so I don't know about camping areas...........

Bears are bad this year, so be careful........extra shoes of course and mosquito spray or something...........

You will find the West to be awesome, I can't wait to get back there.........it can get chilly, but over all, you will be exhausted due to the beauty and just walking around...........you lose track of time....

Take care and have an awesome time!

YellowStone is amazing! We stayed in a cabin with a 2 year old so I don't have much camping info for you, but I was gonna say that if you can swing it, visiting Mt. Timpanogos is so worth it! It's not too far from Yellowstone. It's so beautiful and there's a tourist shop thats really neat nearby that me and the others loved! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Timpanogos

http://www.billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/mo...
http://www.billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/mo...
I am from Montana and here are 2 articles about bears. So I would rec. pepperspray and following all bear precautions. Cooke City is not in Yellowstone but is very very close. Yellowstone is a great place!! Have fun!!

http://www.freep.com/article/201008021005/NEWS06/100802015

Just happen at Jelly stone park. A mother bear rip into a tent killing one person, and wounding 2 more.

There is a lot to see in South Dakota alone, you could almost spend a week there and see something new everyday. One place to be sure and visit is Custer State Park, drive the wildlife loop and the Needles Highway. They are both beautiful drives and you will see lots of wildlife. Besides Mt. Rushmore, stop and see the Crazy Horse monument that is in the vicinity.
It's not finished but pretty cool. If you like hiking (and your kids aren't too young) you may want to consider a hike up Mt. Harney, it is the highest point in the Black Hills and just a spectacular view at the top. Used to be you could drive up there but it is strickly hiking now. My niece is working as a guide at Wind Cave so stop in and say "hi" to Kathleen. :)

I envy you your trip, I LOVE the Black Hills and would love to visit Yellowstone some day. As one poster said, watch out for the bison, they can be very dangerous but there are no bears in the Black Hills, pretty safe hiking.

Enjoy your trip.

S.

Just a tip on Mt. Rushmore...we did a similar trip when I was 13 (about 20 years ago!) and we went to see Mt. Rushmore. There was a parking lot at the bottom of the mountain where you could see it and then there was a "viewing point" where you had to drive up the mountain. I doubt it's changed much. I remember at 13 being on edge as my dad snaked up the mountain that had few guardrails and having to pass people with big 5th wheel trailers and such. And when we finished the 20 minute drive, it didn't look like we were any closer to the attraction!! My advice would be to skip it!

The Badlands remain my favorite part of the trip...they were so beautiful.
Have fun on your trip!