The Ultimate Vacation with Toddlers: National Parks & RV Camping
If you think traveling with toddlers is chaotic and exhausting, you're not wrong—but it can also be deeply joyful, memorable, and surprisingly smooth if you do it right.
After years of tent camping, our family decided to level up and try an RV. And let me tell you: RV camping was the ultimate vacation with toddlers. In June 2025, we road-tripped through Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, ending in the serene waters of Bear Lake, Idaho. It was wild, beautiful, and—yes—actually enjoyable with little ones in tow.
Here’s everything we learned about creating an epic road trip with toddlers, plus our exact itinerary, pro tips, and why an RV makes all the difference.
Why We Switched from Tent Camping to an RV
We’ve always been a tent camping family. In fact, the summer before, we did a 3-week road trip from Texas to California with our two boys, camping our way across the Southwest. It was incredible... but exhausting. Packing and unpacking the tent every 1–2 nights with toddlers? Stressful doesn’t begin to cover it.
So for our Yellowstone and Grand Teton trip, we rented an RV from Cruise America—and we’ll never go back to tent camping for long road trips. Here's why:
No daily setup and breakdown
Beds, fridge, toilet, and basic kitchen all-in-one
Easier naps and bedtime with consistent routines
Weather protection and safety from wildlife
We snagged a Black Friday deal and booked our RV months in advance—highly recommend!
How to Plan the Ultimate Family RV Camping Trip
1. Book National Park Campgrounds Early
Spots in Yellowstone and Grand Teton fill up fast. I recommend booking 6 months in advance (especially Bridge Bay, Madison, and Canyon in Yellowstone, and Colter Bay or Signal Mountain in the Tetons).
2. Buy the America the Beautiful Pass Early
Don’t be like us—scrambling two days before the trip. You can buy it online or in person at select state parks. We got ours at a state park near Dallas.
3. Stock Up Before You Enter the Parks
We hit up Trader Joe’s and Walmart in Salt Lake City right after picking up the RV. Once you’re inside the parks, grocery options are limited and pricey.
4. Pack for All Seasons
Even in summer, Yellowstone mornings are fresh, afternoons can be hot, and rain is always a possibility.
5. Be Smart About Wildlife
You will likely see bison, elk, bears and wolves. Always carry bear spray and follow park guidelines about food storage and safe distances.
Our 10-Day Itinerary: Yellowstone, Grand Tetons & Bear Lake
Here’s a day-by-day breakdown of our trip—RV style.
Day 1: Arrival + Bridge Bay, Yellowstone
Fly into Salt Lake City
Pick up RV from Cruise America
Grab lunch nearby, stock up on groceries
Drive into Yellowstone via West Entrance
Camp at Bridge Bay
Highlight: Sunset arrival in the park—pure magic.
Day 2: Old Faithful & Sunset Views
Morning geysers at Old Faithful + West Thumb
Shower at Grant Village
Evening at Lake Butte Overlook + rocky beach sunset
Return to Bridge Bay for night 2
Highlight: That snowy mountain view from the lake at golden hour.
Day 3: Mammoth, Norris, Madison
Wi-Fi detour to Mammoth (it’s the only Visitor Center in the park that has Wi-Fi)
Hike Mammoth Hot Springs terraces
Explore Norris Geyser Basin
Camp at Madison
Highlight: Norris felt like another planet.
Day 4: West Yellowstone Day Trip
Morning bison sightings
Coffee, ice cream, and shops in town
Lazy river walk by Madison Campground
Highlight: Dipping toes in the river while toddlers splashed.
Day 5: Lamar Valley Wildlife + Canyon
Incredible wildlife day: bison, wolves, elk, bears
Picnic lunch by the river
Evening at Canyon Village (showers included!)
Highlight: Seeing animals in their natural habitat never gets old.
Day 6: Grand Canyon of Yellowstone + Grand Tetons
Hike Upper + Lower Falls
Change of plans—headed south to the Tetons!
Evening at Colter Bay + sunset swim in the lake
Highlight: Spontaneity paid off big time—Tetons were breathtaking.
Day 7: Jenny Lake + Mormon Row
Arrive early for shuttle boat across Jenny Lake
Hike back with toddlers in tow
Picnic at Craig Thomas Center
Explore Oxbow Bend
Camp at Signal Mountain
Highlight: That hike + boat combo = perfect for kids.
Day 8: Bear Lake, Idaho
Drive to Bear Lake State Park
Beach camping! Felt like Spain or Italy
Calm, turquoise waters and wide-open skies
Highlight: Most underrated stop—add this to your list!
Day 9: Salt Lake City
KOA campground (meh, but had a pool)
Brewery fail due to Utah liquor laws (no kids allowed in many!)
Ended up at Desert Rose restaurant—family-friendly win
Highlight: Picnic lunch and city vibes after so much nature.
Day 10: Wrap Up + Fly Home
Morning coffee, Mormon temple stroll
Lunch at Finn’s
Return the RV + head to the airport
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Travel with Kids
Was it perfect? No. Were there tantrums? Of course. But this trip was proof that you don’t have to stop adventuring just because you have young kids. In fact, it’s all the more reason to go. The simplicity of life on the road, the beauty of waking up in the mountains, the giggles around a picnic table at sunset—it’s all worth it.
And if you can do it with an RV? Even better.
TL;DR: Top RV Camping Tips with Toddlers
Book national park campsites early
Rent an RV for comfort + ease
Grocery shop before entering the park
Buy bear spray and respect wildlife
Plan downtime and Wi-Fi stops if needed
Know which campgrounds have showers
Mix adventure with rest—your toddlers will thank you
Thinking of planning a trip like this? I’d love to help answer your questions or share more tips—leave a comment or connect with me on Instagram @mothering.with.grace.
Happy trails, mamas. You’ve got this.
