Boise to Yellowstone National Park Road Trip Guide
Introduction
Distance: ~380 miles | Drive Time: 6-7 hours | Recommended Duration: 2-3 days
This 380-mile journey from Boise to Yellowstone National Park delivers otherworldly volcanic landscapes, natural hot springs, and wildlife encounters across Idaho and Montana. The best time to visit is late May through September, when the weather favors RV travel and Yellowstone's roads are fully open. Key highlights include Craters of the Moon National Monument, the Museum of Idaho in Idaho Falls, and West Yellowstone's Old Faithful access, making this route perfect for first-time RV families seeking America's iconic national parks. Plan 2-3 days for a comfortable exploration that balances scenic stops with quality time in Yellowstone.
Ready to roll? Start your mountain adventure with Boise RV rentals and discover why this route ranks among the West's most memorable family road trips.
Point of Interest
Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument
Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument is located in Hagerman, ID about an hour south and east of the I-84/US-20 split in Mountain Home. This site is one of the largest and most active fossil beds in the world. The fossils found here date back primarily to the Pliocene age and include everything from the one-toed Hagerman's Horse to saber-toothed cats, bears, mastodons, camels, frogs, lizards and more. There are no hikes or publicly viewable in-ground fossils in the park, but the visitors center provides an excellent overview of the park's significance to paleontology and includes several examples of fossils unearthed here. The park is also a designated Oregon Trail Site and wagon wheel marks left in the mud are still visible at specific sites within the park.
The Hagerman RV Village is a good place for an overnight stay here. This highly rated RV park is located just minutes from the national monument and they have RV sites, tent sites and cabins available for those traveling without camping gear.
Craters of the Moon National Monument
Step onto an otherworldly volcanic landscape that looks like it belongs on another planet. Craters of the Moon National Monument features lava fields, cinder cones, and lava tube caves dating back 15,000 years. The 7-mile Loop Road provides easy RV access to main attractions, while adventurous families can explore five different lava tube caves along the Caves Trail.
For overnight stays, Lava Flow Campground inside the monument offers 42 first-come-first-served sites (no hookups) with stunning dark sky views. Alternatively, Craters of the Moon / Arco KOA in nearby Arco provides full hookups, a heated pool, and family amenities just 18 miles from the monument entrance.
The Museum of Idaho
Break up your drive with this family-friendly stop showcasing regional history, traveling exhibits, and hands-on science displays. The museum features rotating exhibits from Smithsonian collections and regional cultural displays. Perfect for kids to stretch their legs while learning about Idaho's pioneer heritage and natural wonders.
Idaho Falls also offers convenient RV services, fuel stops, and grocery stores for stocking up before the final push to Yellowstone. The Snake River Greenbelt provides scenic walking paths if you need an afternoon break.
Island Park and Henry's Fork
This 33-mile-long "town" (the longest main street in America) offers access to pristine fishing waters and the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway. Upper and Lower Mesa Falls create spectacular photo opportunities with boardwalk viewing platforms. The area serves as a perfect lunch stop with picnic areas and short interpretive trails.
Numerous Forest Service campgrounds dot this area, including Big Springs Warming Hut Campground near the headwaters of Henry's Fork. This area is known for world-class fly fishing and wildlife viewing, with moose and elk frequently spotted along the river corridors.
West Yellowstone, Montana
Your gateway to America's first national park! This charming mountain town sits at 6,666 feet and offers restaurants, supplies, and last-minute camping gear. The Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center provides an excellent introduction to Yellowstone's wildlife, especially if you have young kids who might not spot animals in the wild.
Multiple RV parks cluster around West Yellowstone, making it an ideal base camp. Yellowstone Park / West Gate KOA offers resort amenities just 6 miles from the park entrance, while Yellowstone Park / Mountainside KOA provides pull-through sites up to 105 feet with mountain views.
Yellowstone National Park
No Boise to Yellowstone trip is complete without experiencing the park's iconic geothermal wonders. The West Entrance provides immediate access to Lower Geyser Basin and Old Faithful—arriving early morning (before 10 am) beats the crowds at the famous geyser's eruptions.
The Grand Prismatic Spring boardwalk offers Yellowstone's most photographed feature, while the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone showcases dramatic waterfalls and colorful canyon walls. Wildlife watching along the Madison River and Lamar Valley delivers potential sightings of bison, elk, wolves, and bears.
For more Yellowstone camping details, explore our comprehensive Yellowstone National Park guide.
