12 September, 2016
West Yellowstone, Montana, USA
West Yellowstone, Montana lies adjacent to Yellowstone National Park and is charmingly stuck in a time warp - here a small-town vibe mixes with old-school signage. You'll find the ultimate glamping experience (a beautiful haven tucked in the mountains) only ten minutes up the road from the main park entrance. Yellowstone Under Canvas has plenty of luxury amenities, making sleeping outdoors seem almost too comfortable to be true. With beautiful tents and a rustic energy, the site is perfect for those of us who want a camping experience without the hassle of a backpack and tent.
Between September and November. The weather is mild during this time of year, and there are usually plenty of animal sightings. The leaves will be changing, the summer crowds will be gone and the temperature is still warm enough for camping outside and hiking (temperatures do often fluctuate though, so be sure to pack a few extra blankets and jumpers).
A park ranger or a family of bison.
A friend who loves camping under the stars, but not afraid of bears.
To make the most of your days, check out the bubbling multicoloured mud at the Fountain Paint Pot and hike to Yellowstone's Grand Canyon.
A camera to capture the sights during the day, and the brilliant stars at night. And a can of bear spray.
If you're from the USA, taking a road trip to West Yellowstone is a beautiful, scenic way to get there. If not, take a flight to Montana and rent a car or take a bus in.