Hello all. I am new to this forum...glad to see it is so active. I was wondering if anyone has ever done a camping trip to Yellowstone in September? I was planning to be there in early September. Wondered what campgrounds folks would recommend (I'll be traveling with my dog). Also, are the guided hikes, etc still operating that time of year. Thanks. Kathy
Yellowstone in September is wonderful - kids are back in school, so the crowds are down. A National Park with a dog is a bit of a problem though, they are not allowed on any trails. That will force you to leave the dog or stay in parking lots.
Glen & Patti
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Do you want full hookups or is none ok? How big is your rig? If you need hookups, there is only one place inside the park, Fishing Bridge. While some people don't like it, it was fine when I stayed there a few years ago. Yes, things are a bit tight, but about the same as most RV parks. If you don't need hookups, I liked Madison campground, near the west entrance.
ON EDIT: I just looked at your profile and see you have PUP. You won't be allowed in Fishing Bridge due to bears with any softsided units. Therefore, any of the other campgrounds are your only choice, or you can stay outside the park in west yellowstone.
Be aware that in national parks, dogs are generally NOT allowed on hiking trails. If you plan to venture off the road and onto trails, you'll have to leave poochy back at the campground. Again, some national parks have rules that you cannot leave your pets unattended. Fine for indoor cats, no one knows, but dogs bark.
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Also be prepared for Cold weather...have been there on Labor Day and had SNOW......they even have had snow in JUNE....
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Thanks folks for the feedback so far. I have a PUP. I would be ok with staying if a private campground area...if anyone knows of one that would allow me there with a dog and softsided camper. Thanks again
Kathy, check www.nps.gov, following the links to Yellowstone. That will help you with which park CGs will be open when you plan to be there, and what activities will be available as well (ranger hikes etc.) Your dog will not be allowed on ranger hikes, as others have pointed out. If you stay at a private CG in West Yellowstone or Cody, you may be able to find a place where you can board your dog for a day or so while you're there - I'd advise checking ahead of time about that. Shouldn't be a problem having your dog stay with you in a private CG, but they may frown on your leaving it there alone when you're away from the CG, especially in a PUP.
September is one of the BEST times of the year in Yellowstone, in my opinion. Campgrounds are more available, crowds smaller and the weather is fantastic most of the time. We do a LOT of walking in Yellowstone but don't take many GUIDED walks so I can't comment on that but no reason they would NOT be doing anything they do earlier, at least in the early part of the month. Expect cooler mornings and overnight temps and often have found water bibs at the dump stations frozen until around noon but it didn't cause US any problems. WE always prefer the Madison Junction area as it is about as centrally located as any campground in the park. It all depends on lwhat type of attractions you prefer though. Madison is closest to more of the geyser areas at least.
Good luck and enjoy the trip. Skip
BTW: Probably will need to leave the dog somewhere for most if not all of the trails though.
We were there last September and it was great. With that said September could bring snow and cold weather, one never knows.
Be advised that most campgrounds close down around Sept. 15th. We stayed at Madison and Fishing Bridge and that worked out well.
ENJOY!
Wonderful time to go. Can't say about furchild, sorry. Probably you need to find a sitter.
Chuck
Wonderful Wife
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