If there is one road trip in America that belongs on every bucket list, it is a Yellowstone road trip. Wide open Wyoming highways, dramatic mountain scenery, steaming geysers, thundering waterfalls, and some of the most spectacular wildlife on the planet — a Yellowstone road trip is not just a vacation. It is an experience that stays with you for the rest of your life.
At Old Faithful RV Park in Cody, Wyoming, we sit right in the heart of it all — just 32 miles from the East Gate of Yellowstone National Park on the scenic North Fork of the Shoshone River. We have helped countless road trippers plan their perfect Yellowstone adventure, and in this guide we are sharing everything we know to help you make the most of yours.
Let’s hit the road.
Highway in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA
Why Plan Your Yellowstone Road Trip Through the East Gate?
Most visitors to Yellowstone enter through the West Entrance at West Yellowstone, Montana — which means the East Gate is one of the most underutilized and rewarding ways to experience the park. Approaching Yellowstone from Cody, Wyoming along the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway is a stunning drive. The road follows the Shoshone River through Wapiti Valley, gradually transitioning from red rock canyon walls to forested mountains as you approach the park, passing through Shoshone National Forest — the first national forest in the United States. Learn More from the Road Trip Locals.
In other words, your Yellowstone road trip begins the moment you leave Cody. The drive itself is as spectacular as the destination.
The East Gate leads to Sylvan Pass, Yellowstone Lake, and Fishing Bridge, with the Yellowstone Lower Loop connecting visitors to Grand Prismatic Spring, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and Old Faithful. See what Cody Yellowstone has to say about the East Entrance. Everything you came to see is within easy reach from the East Gate — and without the crowds that pile up at the western entrances.
When is the Best Time to Plan Your Yellowstone Road Trip?
Timing your Yellowstone road trip is one of the most important planning decisions you will make. Each season offers a completely different and equally rewarding experience.
Spring — May & June Spring is a great time to visit Yellowstone with fewer crowds, warmer temperatures, and opportunities to see baby wildlife such as bison calves, black bear cubs, and wolf pups. Old Faithful RV Park opens May 8 — perfectly timed to catch the magic of Yellowstone in spring. Be aware that conditions can change fast near higher elevations, so come prepared for variable weather.
Summer — July & August Summer is peak season on a Yellowstone road trip for good reason. Long days, warm temperatures, and all park roads open make this the most popular time to visit. Book your RV site or cabin early — summer fills up fast throughout the entire region.
Fall — September & October Fall is arguably the most underrated time for a Yellowstone road trip. Crowds thin out dramatically, the Absaroka Mountains erupt in color, and elk rutting season turns every meadow into a spectacular wildlife theater. Cooler temperatures make hiking a pure pleasure.
Highway by the lake in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA
Planning Your Route — The Best Scenic Drives Near Cody and Yellowstone
One of the greatest joys of a Yellowstone road trip is the journey itself. The Cody, Wyoming region is surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenic drives in the American West.
The Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway
This is the crown jewel drive for anyone entering Yellowstone through the East Gate. The East Yellowstone Loop follows the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway along the North Fork of the Shoshone River then through the East Gate and the eastern half of Yellowstone National Park, where visitors will see wildlife, astonishing rock formations, many historic structures, and popular viewpoints such as the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
This drive passes right by Old Faithful RV Park — making us the perfect overnight stop on your scenic byway adventure.
The Beartooth Highway
For travelers looking for the ultimate road trip, consider combining the Beartooth Pass with the East Yellowstone Loop — an unforgettable 224-mile route. The Beartooth Highway has a summit of 10,947 feet, making it the highest-elevation paved highway in the Northern Rocky Mountains. The views from the top are simply indescribable.
The Chief Joseph Scenic Byway
From Cooke City you can trace the route taken by Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce Indians in 1877 as they fled the US Army, passing through broad sweeps of forest, wide open meadows, and bench lands dotted with aspen and sagebrush. This is one of the most historically rich and visually stunning drives in all of Wyoming.
Woman tourist overlooking Lower Falls waterfall in the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA
Must-See Stops on Your Yellowstone Road Trip
A great Yellowstone road trip is about more than just the park itself. Here are the must-see stops to build into your itinerary:
Inside Yellowstone National Park:
- Old Faithful Geyser — The iconic centerpiece of any Yellowstone road trip
- Grand Prismatic Spring — The largest hot spring in the United States and one of the most photographed places on earth
- Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone — The dramatic Lower Falls drop 308 feet into a stunning canyon of golden and red rock
- Yellowstone Lake — The largest high-elevation lake in North America, accessible directly from the East Gate via Sylvan Pass
- Lamar Valley — Known as the “Serengeti of North America” for its incredible wildlife watching opportunities
- Hayden Valley — Prime bison and grizzly bear country in the heart of the park
In and Around Cody, Wyoming:
- Buffalo Bill Center of the West — One of the finest museums in the American West featuring five world class museums under one roof
- Cody Nite Rodeo — Running nightly June through August, this is one of the most authentic rodeo experiences in Wyoming
- North Fork Anglers — Stock up on fly fishing gear and get the latest river conditions before heading up the North Fork
- Shoshone River — Experience the canyon by raft or kayak with one of Cody’s excellent outfitters
Wooden boardwalk along geyser fields in Yellowstone National Park, USA
Yellowstone Road Trip Packing List
A well-prepared Yellowstone road trip is a great Yellowstone road trip. Here is what to pack before you hit the road:
Essential Gear:
- 🐻 Bear spray — non-negotiable in this country (read our Bear Safety in Yellowstone Country guide)
- 🎒 Day hiking pack with water, snacks, and first aid kit
- 🔭 Binoculars — wildlife watching is so much better with a good pair
- 📷 Camera with a long zoom lens for wildlife photography
- 🧥 Layers — Wyoming weather changes fast at any time of year
- 👢 Sturdy hiking boots
- ☀️ Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide brim hat
- 🎣 Fishing gear and a valid Wyoming fishing license if you plan to fish
For Your RV or Cabin Stay:
- Groceries for simple camp meals — stock up in Cody before heading up the North Fork
- Camp chairs and outdoor gear for relaxing at your site
- Extension cords and surge protectors for full hookup sites
- Linens for the Cabins
- A good road atlas or downloaded offline maps — cell service can be spotty in the Wapiti Valley
Tips for First Time Yellowstone Road Trippers
If this is your first Yellowstone road trip, here are the most important things to know before you go:
Book early. Yellowstone is one of the most visited national parks in America and the surrounding area fills up fast. RV sites and cabins in the region book up months in advance for peak summer dates. Do not wait.
Get your America the Beautiful Pass. If you plan to visit more than one national park on your road trip, the America the Beautiful Annual Pass at $80 pays for itself quickly and covers entrance fees at all national parks and federal recreation lands.
Download the NPS app. The National Park Service app includes offline maps, geyser eruption predictions, and up to date road conditions — essential tools for navigating Yellowstone.
Check road conditions before you go. Yellowstone’s East Entrance is scheduled to open May 1, 2026, but the exact opening date can vary year to year based on conditions. Always confirm with NPS road status before you go.
Give wildlife plenty of space. In Yellowstone National Park you are required to stay at least 100 yards from bears and wolves, and at least 25 yards from all other wildlife including bison and elk. Never approach or feed wildlife under any circumstances.
Start early. The best wildlife watching and the most dramatic light for photography happens in the first two hours after sunrise. Set your alarm, grab your coffee, and hit the road early.
Old Faithful Geyser Eruption in Yellowstone National Park at Sunset, Wyoming, USA
Your Perfect Yellowstone Road Trip Basecamp
Every great road trip needs a great home base — and Old Faithful RV Park is exactly that. Situated on the scenic North Fork of the Shoshone River in Cody, Wyoming, just 32 miles from the East Gate of Yellowstone National Park, we offer everything road trippers need to rest, recharge, and go back out for more.
Full Hookup RV Sites — Big rig friendly with water, electric, and sewer hookups, surrounded by stunning Absaroka Mountain views. Pull in, plug in, and wake up ready for another incredible day in Yellowstone country.
Rustic Cabins — Perfect for families or groups who want the Yellowstone experience without the RV. Each cabin sleeps up to 6 guests with a main floor bedroom, loft bedroom, sofa sleeper, full bathroom, and fully equipped kitchenette. Everything you need for a comfortable stay in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
📅 Opening May 8, 2026 — book early, summer fills up fast! 👉 Reserve your RV site or cabin at www.OldFaithfulRVPark.com
Wooden boardwalk along geyser fields in Yellowstone National Park, USA
Frequently Asked Questions About Planning a Yellowstone Road Trip
What is the best entrance to use for a Yellowstone road trip? The East Gate near Cody, Wyoming is one of the most scenic and least crowded entrances to Yellowstone National Park. The drive along the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway through the Wapiti Valley is spectacular and leads directly to Yellowstone Lake, Sylvan Pass, and the Lower Loop where most of the park’s iconic attractions are located.
How many days do I need for a Yellowstone road trip? We recommend a minimum of 3 to 5 days to experience Yellowstone properly. With a basecamp at Old Faithful RV Park just 32 miles from the East Gate, you can take multiple day trips into the park and explore different areas each day without feeling rushed.
When does Yellowstone open for the 2026 season? The East Entrance to Yellowstone National Park is scheduled to open May 1, 2026. Old Faithful RV Park opens May 8, 2026. Always check the National Park Service website for the most current road opening information before your trip.
Do I need a reservation to enter Yellowstone National Park? As of the 2026 season, Yellowstone does not require timed entry reservations for most visitors. However, this can change from year to year so always check the NPS website before your trip for the most current entry requirements.
Where should I stay for a Yellowstone road trip near the East Gate? Old Faithful RV Park in Cody, Wyoming offers full hookup RV sites and rustic cabins just 32 miles from the East Gate of Yellowstone National Park — making it the closest and most convenient basecamp for exploring Yellowstone via the East Entrance.
Is Yellowstone good for families with kids? Absolutely. Yellowstone is one of the greatest family travel destinations in the world. Wildlife watching, geyser eruptions, colorful hot springs, and easy hiking trails make it endlessly engaging for children of all ages. Our rustic cabins sleeping up to 6 guests are ideal for family Yellowstone road trips.
Do I need bear spray on a Yellowstone road trip? Yes — bear spray is essential gear for anyone hiking or exploring in the greater Yellowstone region. Both grizzly and black bears are active throughout the area. Read our complete Bear Safety in Yellowstone Country guide before your trip.
What is there to do in Cody, Wyoming on a Yellowstone road trip? Cody is a fantastic destination in its own right. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West, the Cody Nite Rodeo, world class fly fishing on the North Fork of the Shoshone River, whitewater rafting, and outstanding dining and shopping make Cody a worthy destination on any Yellowstone road trip itinerary.
Rest. Explore. Repeat.
Wooden boardwalk along geyser fields in Yellowstone National Park, USA