goinfishin
Cottage Grove, MN
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Joined: 03/23/2003
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Hello folks!
It has been a long time since I have frequented this site. You all were very helpful in my research and purchase of our Northern Lite. We have been very happy with it.
Now on to the subject at hand....
My wife and I just found out that we would be able to take an extended vacation in September. We are thinking about going to Yellowstone / Grand Tetons leaving the Twin Cities Sept. 4th and returning home on Sept. 21st. I have a few initial questions. (many more to come later  )
1: We have not made reservations and I would like to keep a flexible schedule if possible. We are thinking about moving around from a couple of campgrounds in Yellowstone for 6-8 days and then staying at Grizzly RV for 3-4 days to restock supplies, charge up, etc. Then staying in the Grand Tetons for 2-3 days. We would also like to stay a day or two in the Badlands on the way home.
Is this possible at this time of year or am I trying to be too flexible with where I stay?
2: I would like to leave the camper on for the entire trip. Is this going to make traveling in the parks too difficult? We plan on getting off the beaten path to hike etc., and it would be great to have everything with us.
Thanks in advance for your help and advice!
'03 F250 4X4 Ext. Cab, Air Lift w/ in cab controller, Rancho RS9000X, Torklift tiedowns & Superhitch
'04 Northern Lite 10-2000 CD, Honda EU2000i
'95 Ranger bass boat
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CloudDriver
New Jersey Shore
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Joined: 10/30/2005
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We were at Yellowstone in early September last year. Stayed one night each in Pebble Creek, Madison and Bridge Bay. At that time of year, a call in early afternoon was sufficient to get a site (at Pebble Creek we just pulled in after driving over the Beartooth highway). In Grand Teton, we always stay at Gros Ventre, no reservations needed or accepted.
We have no toad, so the MH goes with us everywhere in the Parks. Leaving the camper on will be no issue.
2003 Winnebago Minnie 24F - Ford E-450
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kknowlton
Wisconsin Border Country, IL
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Joined: 05/27/2005
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September is a great time to visit the parks, and most CGs should be open (check the nps.gov website under Yellowstone for CG closing dates). Definitely the CGs in the Badlands will be open; we took a late September trip to that area and it was no problem finding a site. (If you don't need hookups, and it's not too hot, the NPS CG at the Badlands should work out fine for you. If you want some shade, hookups or other amenities (laundry, etc.), definitely we'd recommend the KOA nearby. By far the best CG in that area, IMO.
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INSAYN
NW Oregon
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Joined: 12/29/2003
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Traveling around the entire park was very easy with our camper on the truck. We never unloaded the TC while staying there, and it was nice to have the camper available for lunches, restrooms and cola fixes anywhere in the park.
* This post was
edited 08/11/08 10:10pm by INSAYN *
1997 F350 CrewCab PSD 4x4, auto.
2005 SnowRiver 8'10", Loaded + EU2000i.
2005 8.5'x16' Interstate West Cargo trailer, Line-X'ed
2005 16' Fish-Rite Rogue welded aluminum boat, 2005 40HP Yamaha 2-stroke O/B.
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ThePolishExpress
Grand Junction, Colorado
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Joined: 07/11/2007
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My wife and I were in Yellowstone In early Oct Last year. It was great there were hardly any people around. We were able to go everyplace and find parking with our TC on the truck. The only problem was only one CG was open in the park and it did not have hook up's. It does get cold at night so make sure you bring some warm blankets. Enjoy the drive out, I'm orignaly from St Paul myself. You will just love Yellowstone and the Tetons.
Good Luck!
Todd & Janice
2002 Lance 845 on a 2004 Chevrolet K2500HD Crew Cab
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malonetravels2
USA
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Joined: 07/19/2008
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Visitor numbers are way up this year according to one number we read. We were there two years ago in Sept and rarely were turned down. Worse comes to worse, you can try your luck like we did boondocking in the various hotel/lodge parking lots if you get stuck. September is great for bears eating pine nuts in the passes and wolves and the elk and moose in rut. Enjoy!
2001 F 250 Lariat Super Duty Ext Cab Diesel V8 4x4 Off Road and Camper packages, AutoZone HD off road shocks, Timbrens; 1996 Roamer RV Fiberglass Camper; 1998 Honda CRV dingy
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malonetravels2
USA
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Joined: 07/19/2008
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Forgot to mention we will be there, too. We plan to kayak overnight on the lakes in GTNP and YNP. Interested?
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INSAYN
NW Oregon
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Joined: 12/29/2003
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malonetravels2 wrote:Forgot to mention we will be there, too. We plan to kayak overnight on the lakes in GTNP and YNP. Interested?
Kayak overnight, meaning kayaking in the dark? 
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HPYHILM
Western Washington
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Joined: 01/14/2004
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INSAYN wrote:Traveling around the entire park was very easy with our camper on the truck. We never unloaded the TC while staying there, and it was nice to have the camper available for lunches, restrooms and cola fixes anywhere in the park.
I agree with this statement. We went in mid July and though it was not to crowded it was nice to have the camper with us at all the attractions just to use the bathroom instead of waiting in line at the overcrowded restrooms. It was nice to have for lunches and even taking a nap after some long hikes. You won't regret it. Forget going to W.Yellowstone, that place sucks, go to the Tetons and Jackson Hole for resupplying.
Hpyhilm
NW Washington
99 DSDP Spartan
2000 Angler TC 8.5
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goinfishin
Cottage Grove, MN
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Joined: 03/23/2003
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Thank you everyone! We are getting very excited!
I'm more comfortable with a structured plan on where we are going and staying, but my wife really wants to have a flexible schedule. I guess I just have to relinquish some control and see if I can actually start to relax from this rat race for a little while.
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