Traveling through Montana and Wyoming, I think the Yellowstone area has Texas beat when it comes to changing weather. I've heard Texans say, “wait 10 minutes and if you don't like the weather, it will change.” Well, I personally experienced more changes in Yellowstone weather in 10 minutes than I ever did in Texas! While trying to stand out in 30 mile an hour wind, first time trout fishing, and rain turning to sleet, I was wishing for a warm RV bed! Not too far around the bend from where I stood, a famous campsite, Madison, was host to numerous RV and tent campers. This campsite is located near the West entrance into Yellowstone National Park and situated near the fabulous Firehole River, well known for rainbow and brown trout. In fact, while letting myself be sweetly tortured in the elements, much to my surprise a nearby fly fisherman pulled out an 18 inch rainbow – I was too cold to get the picture! The Madison Campground is 14 miles east of the West Yellowstone entrance and 16 miles north of Old Faithful geyser near the junction of the Gibbon, Madison, and Firehole Rivers. This particular campground has restrooms; dump station and limited group sites, however, there are no utility hook-ups or showers. Reservations are recommended for any of the campground areas in Yellowstone National Park. Contact Yellowstone by email at www.TravelYellowstone.com or call 1-307-344-7311.

There are a number of other RV sites in and around West Yellowstone, Montana. Each is unique in theme yet all have the friendly Montana demeanor of the northwest. Meet my new travel friends the Hilarides and Cross Family (pictured right to left: Randy, Coleton, Julie, and Carissa Hilaride from Modesto, California – first timers in a 25' Aljo; seated with Amy, Rick, Ricky, and Missy Cross seasoned campers of Manteca, California) joined together to experience the wonders of Yellowstone National Park. The Hilarides have been hard core tent campers for years but this year their friends, the Cross family, convinced them to upgrade to a pull-through and they are “hooked!” Staying at the KOA campground just six miles outside of West Yellowstone, this KOA features a beautiful indoor swimming pool and jacuzzi, laundry and shower facilities, ample RV sites to accommodate all size RV's and those who like to camp in tent trailers as well, the Hilarides and Cross reports “you'll be happy to camp this KOA” (photo courtesy of Rhonda Pipkin). Manager, John Dutton will be glad to assist you with reservation requirements and cabin rentals or contact Yellowstone Park KOA 1-800-562-7591. You can also write P.O. B. 348 3305 Targhee Pass Hwy. West Yellowstone, Mt. 50750. As you travel, you'll find that more and more families travel together. I think nature is just teaching us all over again that it's more fun to travel in packs! Just look at the wolves of Wyoming or the herds of buffalo, and elk.

Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park sits at the end of West Yellowstone, managed by Mark Crawford, this RV park includes water, electricity, sewer, cable tv, tent sites, and cabins are available if you need to get out of the RV and overnight into a larger space. Fees fluctuate depending on season and number of occupants. For reservations and discounts for Good Sam, FMCA, AAA, AARP, Gulf Streamers, and Coachman Capers, go to website www.grizzlyrv.com or call 1-406-646-4466. You may write to Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park at 210 S. Electric Ave. P.O.B. 150 West Yellowstone, Mt. 59758. (photo courtesy of Rhonda Pipkin).

Families traveling with young children will find that West Yellowstone has a fantastic discovery center resplendent with grizzlies and wolves. Discovery centers are always a wonderful resource and fun place for children and parents to get acquainted with the local area. The center provides films and presentations, open year round. Within the national park itself, there are junior ranger programs which kids will love. Children between the ages of 5 and 12 can sign up to learn about Yellowstone. Depending upon the time of year visited, the children will earn patches as they complete activities in major areas of the park sponsored by the Junior Ranger programs. For the adventurous RVer family, self-guided trails are available in Yellowstone. Requirements deem that you sign in with park rangers for any of the half day or back packing hikes. Keep in mind safety first! The park is filled with wild animals and you are a guest in their back yard.

In West Yellowstone you'll find many small tourists and fly fishing shops. Hundreds of thousands come to Yellowstone National Park to see the animals, geysers, and landscapes and over 75,000 anglers visit the park to fly fish the numerous rivers and lakes within the national park. That is why you'll find a fly fishing shop on every corner in town! For those who love sterling silver and turquoise, this is a wonderful place to find beautiful handcrafted jewelry at bargain prices!

Rv'ers are always on the move and in Montana and Wyoming you'll find plenty to go and see. Experiencing this area whether you're driving along the mountainous winding roads or along the river streams and valleys, you'll find the perfect weather to suit you, just wait 10 minutes. One more thing, learn angler's CPR: catch, picture, and release! This is me and my fish to the left about to be released.  Oh, and when you finally catch that elusive trout, give him a kiss for me! Happy Traveling.