Trying to go to Yellowstone this summer. Never been. Do we stay in Jackson, WY, Bozeman, MT or somewhere else? Any tips are appreciated.

We flew to Bozeman; stayed in Gardiner 3-4 days. Good access from there. Then went to Cody and Jackson

How long are you going for? When we went we stayed in the park which significantly cut down on the driving. It may not seem like a long distance to different parts of the park, but there will inevitably be a bunch of peckerheads holding up traffic to stop and look at the 3000th bison of the day. We stayed a few days in the canyon area, a few in the lake area, and a night at old faithful. I highly recommend spending some time in the Tetons while you're there as well if you have time.

Get the guidealong app ahead of time (previously called gypsy app)

Jackson Hole to the nearest entrance of Yellowstone was about an hour drive one way. However you have to go through Grand Teton National Park to get there, which that was worth the drive to me. If you’re looking to be close to Yellowstone then Gardiner or West Yellowstone are your best bets. Of those two I’d recommend Gardiner. That place is right at the north entrance and has a number of places to stay and eat.

If you like to fish, take an ultralight and get the special park fishing license. The fishing there is spectacular.
Pack some sweaters or a jacket because we went in late June and still got some freezing rain at elevation in the park. The weather changes on a dime out there.

If You are planning on spending most of Your time in Yellowstone NP then You will need to stay much closer to Yellowstone NP than Bozeman or Jackson Hole. If You want to stay on the North Border then Gardiner, MT is the place to stay. If You want to stay on the West Border then West Yellowstone, MT is best spot. Cooke City, MT is best spot if You want to stay near NE entrance area and Lamar Valley. I prefer to stay within Yellowstone NP border and there is plenty of lodging inside park. Old Faithful Inn, Old Faithful Snow Lodge, Mammoth Hotsprings Hotel, Lake Yellowstone Hotel, Grant Village, Canyon Village. It cost more to stay inside park but it will dramatically reduce Your travel time and allow more time to be spent inside Yellowstone.

We stayed in the Wapiti valley between Cody and the east gate. Roosevelt said it’s the most scenic 50 miles in the United States, and I agree with him.

It is beautiful Joe riding along the Shoshone River leading into Cody.

The Beartooth Pass is pretty spectacular and allows you to enter the park from the NE and come into Lamar Valley.

We are going in June for 8 days. Flying into Jackson Hole and staying there a few days and then going Yellowstone and staying there. The wife has it all planned. She has rented a house in both locations. Flights were expensive

That sounds like a good idea. We stayed a couple days in Dubois and the drive was nice and not much traffic, but it was a long way. We stayed about 6 more days at Coulter Bay(Grand Teton) camping and it was nice. Swimming in Jackson Lake was a great way to relax. We saw bears, mule deer, and foxes in our campsite. Wish the bear wasnt that close, but the memory was cool. We saw much more wildlife on the north end of the Yellowstone and much less human traffic. So, the Gardiner idea doesnt seem too bad either. The traffic was pretty bad coming in the south entrance and down to Jackson Hole. IMO I would never stay in Jackson because it is too touristy for my taste. But, I didnt really like Yellowstone for the same reason. Cool place but kind of like Disneyland with all those people.

If we go again I will definately look into the Wapiti Valley.

Down load the GuideAlong app. It is cool and is like your own personal tour guide. Jackson Hole Gatlinburg of the West as some call it. I am heading back out West probably in July for me.

If you can try to be going through the gate at first light. It gives you a little quiet time in the park before all heck breaks loose.

Dont go during the rut !!
There are a few Bull elk that hang around the Lodge in the park that will absolutely wreck your vehicle

I've been to Yellowstone but it's been a long time I try to stay away from the Tourist traps. Has anyone rented an RV and done this that way? I"m trying to decide what to do it appears RV rental will be as much as staying somewhere with a bed.

Another question how many days to see Yellowstone but not overdo it? I really think I want to start at Yellowstone and maybe RV my way on down to Moab, UT and rent a jeep and spend a day or two jeep riding down there.

Maybe not a complete thread highjack but would like to know anyone's thoughts on the RV option.

Need 3-4 full days to see Yellowstone

It’s been many years since we went but flew to Jackson and stayed in cabins in Grand Teton near Yellowstone entrance and used it as base for week. Drove and hiked around both parks. Then drove north to Glacier.

Flew into Jackson hole and stayed in driggs Idaho. I wouldn’t do it any other way. Jackson hole was a money pit.

If you’re flying, fly in and out of Jackson. Spend a couple days in Teton NP then Yellowstone. If you only have 5-7 days I’d stay inside the park, have a plan for every day and get on the road as early as possible it will be crowded and traffic jams mostly because of bears and buffalo in summer.
If you have more time, flying in or driving in. I’d say outside the park in Jackson, then West Yellowstone, Gardner, Cooke City, Red Lodge, Cody and back to Jackson.
If it’s your first time book your lodging 6 months out.

go to www.yellowstonefun.com Call Charlie and tell him your plan.

He books snowmobile trips in the winter and 4 wheeler trips in the summer. You can see the park and stay in West yellowstone. Has some really good packages and also has someone that will pick you up in Bozeman and drive you to W Yellowstone. Call the number and leave a message, he will call you back.

Good stuff. I’ll take it all in.

I think staying in the park is basically impossible. Already all booked up.