Lodging and or camping

[JimmyG]

some of you who have road tripped way out in the big sky country, I need some advice.  My brother and I are taking a road trip last of June and most of July travelling out to SD, MT, Wy, and parts between. We are winging it as we go, but I was wondering if it is difficult to find places to stay during this time of the year. We will camp and find rooms as we make our way around the interesting sites. We will make a base camp in some places like Yellowstone and do day trips. What should we expect, and are there any good spots you have found that are not outrageously expensive for a couple of poor boys on a road trip?  Advice welcome, thanks

[Black Pearl's Captain]

On the plains of all those states campgrounds are spread far apart but should have empty tent spaces. In MT there are lots of small campgrounds in the mountain-riverside areas. We stayed in one last year and were the only campers. SD the Spearfish city park is nice and kind of low cost. WY lots of campgrounds but miles apart as the state just doesn't have a lot of people.

If you can lock down a day or three for Yellowstone it's best to reserve a site NOW. They do fill up daily for camping trailers and not all campgrounds have tent only sites. Bridge bay has lots of tent site and is central to the park. Fishing bridge general store has a shower rental area. You will be sleeping amongst bears and buffalo.

If Yellowstone is completely full just south of the park is Gros Venture campground and it is never full especially for a tent. It can take you as long as 3 hours to cross the park one way when traffic is stopped to watch a buffalo. Plan your days well around the park.

I tent camp 95% of the time while traveling now and usually camp for free. I camp at rodeo grounds, some free city parks, end of roads, along the rivers  and behind hay bales and where ever. those places are easy to find for me out west. YMMV.

[..]

Do NOT plan to stay in Browning, MT.

Simple as that.

[dreamaker]

Sounds like a great time!!!! I have done it, it scared the hell out of me, because I lost may security being on the road, but I would not have traded for anything.  One of the peak of my life.

Myself I would rather camp then go to a motel. A little suggestion, go online and buy a LED hand held UV light for checking bodily fluid.  They are about $20 for a good one, that way you can check before you put your head down on something you may regret.  I carry one, and at restaurants I check, before I put anything in my mouth. Don't mean to gross you out, but when you are on the road, you need to be healthy. Myself I don't stay in motels or hotels, I would rather sleep on the ground and have done it.  Happy Trail!!

[flcjr]

I'm in SW Montana. Look me up when you head this way I'll give you the inside local scoop on places. If you want to camp in Yellowstone you will need to reserve ahead of time but there are plenty outside the park that you can use.

[Novavalker]

http://www.motocampers.com/
Plenty of camping information here.

[fudgie]

Rest stops are free if you do not set up a tent.  Ive rolled out my sleeping bag and mattress at rest stops in Iowa a couple times. Even slept up at the restrooms.  Plenty of nice mom and pop motels in SD, WY, & MT. If your in the southern part of SD Id stay at the Warrior Inn in Winner SD. Isabel is a great lady and theres a bar inside the motel. Its the last place to stay before you reach Rapid City, 250 miles.

Point your tent door to the south to avoid filling it up with rain.
Also will be some chilly nights there in June.
Id carry a side arm in YS.

[sandy]

If you're on bikes: The Grand Tetons has camping inside the park. They have a Hiker/Biker campground. I stayed there on my Wing towing a Roll-A-Home tent trailer. $7/night. Much prettier than Yellowstone but just a few miles South. No reservation was needed. BTW: It's called Coulter Bay campground.

[JimmyG]

Hey guys, great info, thanks. I need to be checking these out closely. We are kinda free spirits when we are together, so this info is a big help. Thanks