Quick verdict: Class C is the right choice for 95% of Yellowstone visitors. Class A only makes sense for large groups (6+) who secure a site at Fishing Bridge RV Park (the only full-hookup campground, 40 ft max).
Class A vs Class C at Yellowstone — compared
| Feature | Class A | Class C |
|---|---|---|
| Yellowstone road fit | Many interior roads prohibit rigs over 40 ft | Fits all paved park roads and most campground loops |
| Recommended max length | 35 ft or shorter for park campgrounds | 25–33 ft ideal; fits all 12 park campgrounds |
| Height clearance | 12–13 ft — watch lodgepole pines at Fishing Bridge | 10–11 ft — fewer branch strikes on narrow roads |
| Best park campgrounds (Class A) | Fishing Bridge RV (only full-hookup site; 40ft max) | Canyon, Grant, Bridge Bay — all accept Class C |
| Best park campgrounds (Class C) | N/A — too large for most loops | Madison, Norris, Slough Creek — all accessible |
| Fuel stops in park | Limited — fill up in West Yellowstone or Gardiner | Same — plan fuel before entering |
| Bear country rules | Food storage in hard-sided rigs mandatory | Same — both qualify as hard-sided |
| Altitude performance | Gas engines lose ~3% power per 1,000 ft — plan mountain passes | Smaller engine handles altitude better; lighter weight |
| Nearby fleet depots | Bozeman, Salt Lake City, Denver (one-way possible) | Same depots — Class C more commonly available |
| Typical weekly rental | $1,400–$3,150 (Class A) | $910–$1,960 (Class C) |
| Fuel for 500 park miles | $228–$326 (Class A @ 7–10 MPG) | $130–$183 (Class C @ 10–14 MPG) |
| Our recommendation | Only if group size demands it AND you book Fishing Bridge | Best choice for 95% of Yellowstone visitors |
Yellowstone campground length limits
All 12 Yellowstone campgrounds have length restrictions. Most limit rigs to 40 feet or less, and several — including Madison, Norris, and Slough Creek — have tighter loops that are difficult for anything over 35 feet. Fishing Bridge RV Park is the only campground with full hookups (electric + water + sewer) but caps at 40 feet. Class C motorhomes in the 25–33 ft range fit every campground in the park.
Driving inside the park
Yellowstone's Grand Loop Road is 142 miles of narrow, winding pavement with frequent wildlife stops. Class A rigs struggle on tight turns near Norris Geyser Basin and the Lamar Valley. Class C handles these roads comfortably. Neither class should attempt the Beartooth Highway (US-212) east of the park in a rental — check your operator's off-pavement policy.
Where to pick up your rental
The closest fleet depots are Bozeman (90 min north), Salt Lake City (4.5 hrs south), and Denver (8 hrs southeast). One-way rentals between these cities let you fly into one airport and out of another.
Total trip cost estimate (7 nights)
- Class C: ~$910–$1,960 rental + ~$130–$183 fuel + ~$210–$350 campground fees = $1,250–$2,493 total
- Class A: ~$1,400–$3,150 rental + ~$228–$326 fuel + ~$350–$490 campground fees = $1,978–$3,966 total
Use our Trip Budget Estimator for a personalized breakdown.