RV & camping guide
Beartooth Highway by RV
Your route
COD
Yellowstone Regional Airport
Beartooth Highway
About 1 h 24 min · 66 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Vehicle & road notes
Which vehicle
High-clearance vehicles are not required for the highway, but powerful engines help with the 10,947-foot climb; check rental brakes before departure.
parking
Summit Overlook Limits
Small pullouts at the Beartooth Pass summit fill quickly mid-day. Use designated areas only; stopping in the travel lane is strictly prohibited.
signal
Tundra Dead Zones
Cell service is unavailable for most of the stretch between Red Lodge and Cooke City. Physical maps are recommended for navigating forest service access roads.
fuel
Gap Planning
There are no gas stations on the 68-mile highway section. Refill in Red Lodge or Cooke City before starting the ascent.
Campground reservations
High Alpine Seasonal Access Check
The highway itself does not require a permit, but camping in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness often requires specific backcountry protocols. Entrance into Yellowstone at the Northeast gate requires a separate National Park pass or fee.
Official sourceWhere to park the rig near Beartooth Highway
Private campgrounds and RV parks outside the park, plus overnight stops for members.
Partner link · RoverPass
RV parks near Beartooth Highway on RoverPass
Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.
Check on RoverPassPartner link · Campspot
Campsites near Beartooth Highway on Campspot
Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.
Check on Campspot
Traveling by RV near Beartooth Highway?
Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries
Harvest Hosts membership: 5,000+ unique RV stops. Minialife readers get 20% off the first year.
Partner link · Harvest Hosts
Rent a motorhome or campervan
Fleet rentals from established depots. Compare pick-up cities against your flight.
Partner link · Motorhome Republic
Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4
Wake up wherever the view is best — no check-in desk, no curfew.
Check on Motorhome RepublicPartner link · Motorhome Republic
Sprinter Adventure Van
Small enough to park at the trailhead, comfy enough to sleep in.
Check on Motorhome RepublicQuick answers
Can I take an RV to Beartooth Highway?
Yes, Beartooth Highway is a good fit for camping trips. Check vehicle length limits on park roads and campgrounds before you book, and plan fuel stops on remote stretches.
Where do I pick up an RV for Beartooth Highway?
The nearest airport is Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD), about 1 h 24 min away by car. Rental depots are usually in larger cities, so compare pick-up points before booking flights.
Do campgrounds near Beartooth Highway need reservations?
The highway itself does not require a permit, but camping in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness often requires specific backcountry protocols. Entrance into Yellowstone at the Northeast gate requires a separate National Park pass or fee.