Campsite evenings
Folding Camping Chair · Adult
For an outdoor sitting area at camp; check packed size against your vehicle storage.
RV & camping guide
Beartooth Highway by RV
1 h 24 min from CODCamping score 7/10Trip snapshot
Arrival airport- COD
- Airport drive
- 1 h 24 min · estimate
Suggested stay- 1–2 days
Reservation demand- Lower · check current rules
Vehicle notes- High-clearance vehicles are not required for the highway, but powerful engines help with the 10,947-foot climb; check rental brakes before departure.
Book in this order
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 source2 · Choose a motorhome or campervan
Fleet rentals from established depots. Compare pick-up cities against your flight.
Prefer a car and campground trip?
- ✓ Compare suppliers at COD
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
Standard car rentals at COD
Est. from $45/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at COD
- ✓ Compare suppliers at COD
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
SUV rentals at COD
Est. from $55/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at COD3 · Where to park the rig near Beartooth Highway
Private campgrounds and RV parks outside the park, plus overnight stops for members.
RV parks near Beartooth Highway on RoverPass
Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.
Check campground availabilityCampsites near Beartooth Highway on Campspot
Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.
Check campground availabilityTraveling by RV near Beartooth Highway?
Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries
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Your route
Day 1 · The Ascent from Red Lodge
Rock Creek Vista Point → Gardner Lake Pullout
Day 2 · Top of the World Exploration
Beartooth Butte → Island Lake
Day 3 · Silver Gate and Cooke City
Clay Butte Lookout → Cooke City Historic District
Viator
Tours & experiences near Beartooth Highway
Explore guided activities around Beartooth Highway. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separatelyCurated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Beartooth Highway
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Small-item splash protection
2L Dry Bag
For small items near water; check closure instructions. Not a flotation or safety device.
Day-walk storage
30–35L Hiking Daypack
Carry spare layers and walking supplies; check fit and use a liner for valuables.
Wildlife & night viewing
Hawknite 1 4K Night Vision Binoculars
52MP photo · 1,200m range · full color at night. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$299.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.
Quick 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.