Camping, backpacking, hiking, et al

[Gashouse]

We're camping in Yellowstone this summer at Madison Campground. it's starting to turn into what may be a giant C-F as our group has swelled to 14 people (my idiot S-I-L and her husband couldn't take a few simple steps to figure their [expletive] out sooner). I'll probably rant about the C-F of group dynamics later, but from a practical standpoint, what does Yellowstone actually allow for tent sizes? Our reservation says 1 12'x12' tent or 2 8'x8' tents. If it's 2 8x8 tents, does that mean I could get by with a 16'x8' tent and cram 7 people in there?

As of now, we have 2 sites, and I'm working on a third. Two of the people will be under 3 y.o., so I'm gambling a little that the park vendor will look the other way at the fact that we'll be over our limit of 6 people per site.

[Arthur Dent]

My inclination would be to believe them on whether you can fit a giant tent. It's been a few years, but as I recall, the campsites at Yellowstone aren't especially spacious and tend to contain trees -- it's not big meadows where you can erect a giant structure. Plus, do you really want to sleep with 6 other people who are part of a painful group dynamic?

[Freed Roger]

We're camping in Yellowstone this summer at Madison Campground. it's starting to turn into what may be a giant C-F as our group has swelled to 14 people (my idiot S-I-L and her husband couldn't take a few simple steps to figure their [expletive] out sooner). I'll probably rant about the C-F of group dynamics later, but from a practical standpoint, what does Yellowstone actually allow for tent sizes? Our reservation says 1 12'x12' tent or 2 8'x8' tents. If it's 2 8x8 tents, does that mean I could get by with a 16'x8' tent and cram 7 people in there?

As of now, we have 2 sites, and I'm working on a third. Two of the people will be under 3 y.o., so I'm gambling a little that the park vendor will look the other way at the fact that we'll be over our limit of 6 people per site.

That sounds like a lot of group dynamics.

I don't know the answer to tent size question- as I've never camped in busy season in a National park. (offseason GSMNP)
However, a few years ago we were a day a way from a group of 10 going to RMNP camping -sadly we had to scrap it due to a death (my cousin's young boy) in the family.

I did a lot of leg work checking it out, setting it up - anyways - here is what I learned in the process - Recreation.gov -the reservation vendor is not good - just a heartless phone bank with fees. they gave me hardly nothing back on the cancellation, even with the funeral/death situation and a campsite they could surely fill. They don't know anything about specifics with rules etc. Most helpful, I found a RMNP forum where I was able to search around and ask a few questions. With their help I was able to land a few tent spots (privacy, views. shade, bathrooms distance far enough away from massive RVs with
generators cranking.)

Anyhow, be strong my man. A trip that far with a C_F of family dynamics can be epic. Do you have blood oaths being signed by relevant parties (i.e. the person most likely to [expletive] about everything that doesn't go perfect)?

[Gashouse]

No, it's definitely not what I want and am working to avoid it. Others think we can do a big tent and I want to find out if it's possible. I know what the official rule is, but looking for "real" answers. I like yours, AD.

[Freed Roger]

No, it's definitely not what I want and am working to avoid it. Others think we can do a big tent and I want to find out if it's possible. I know what the official rule is, but looking for "real" answers. I like yours, AD.

try poking around in here.

http://forums.yellowstone.net/

[Gashouse]

All in all, it's going to be very good. I'm just frustrated with the 2 people who could have made this much easier if they'd figured stuff out 3 months ago when I told them to. I intend to be very clear about what I'm doing and when. If they join me on my schedule, great. I'll also have the keys to the 12 passenger van I rented for our original group of 8, so they will want to stay on my schedule. I also have at least one key sympathetic person in regards to keeping people moving. And despite being kind of an idiot, my B-I-L will be another asset in that regard.

Xanterra is the vendor for Yellowstone. I know the people on the phone there will only give me an official line, but otherwise they've been helpful when I've called.

[Gashouse]

No, it's definitely not what I want and am working to avoid it. Others think we can do a big tent and I want to find out if it's possible. I know what the official rule is, but looking for "real" answers. I like yours, AD.

try poking around in here.

http://forums.yellowstone.net/

fantastic! thanks!

[Tim]

Yellowstone is GREAT and every American should go at least once

[Freed Roger]

Yellowstone is GREAT and every American should go at least once

I need to make the trip with the kid. I also feel compelled to hit Glacier NP, -the travel season is tight there.

also need to go to Olympic and Yosemite and Kings Canyon/Sequoia and Arcadia. I need to save some money and vacation time.

[lukethedrifter]

Xanterra is the vendor for Yellowstone. I know the people on the phone there will only give me an official line, but otherwise they've been helpful when I've called.

At the Grand Canyon it's the Park Service that manages the campgrounds and handles reservations not the vendor. Same at Yellowsone? Not that it makes much difference to you.