Camping in June

Hello,

My family (wife + 2 kids 11 %26amp; 12) and I will be tent camping for a week in Yellowstone %26amp; Grand Teton in the middle of June.

I have been reading a lot of information on Yellowstone and the one thing that I keep coming across is that, while June may be the summer in the south, it is unpredictable in Yellowstone and can range from 20 degrees %26amp; snowing to sunny %26amp; 80 degrees.

One: I am trying to get a better handle on what to expect - weather wise.

Two - and more importantly: I am trying to determine if I need to get new sleeping bags for the trip. Currently we have some large square Coleman bags that are rated for 20 degrees (not that I really trust them to 20 degrees).

Will these bags work fine if we bring some thermarest pads and a couple blankets to throw over the top if needed?

Or should I look at getting better sleeping bags???

Thanks in advance,

Dave

Camping in June

I%26#39;ll preface this -- you%26#39;ve already done the research - the weather can be unpredictable and can change quickly there, at any time of the year. You know this, yet you want us to reassure you what to expect. Expect the unexpected.

Now...let me help. It is highly, highly unlikely the temperatures would get down to 20 degrees. But 35-40 degrees at night is highly likely. The bags you have should be fine as is, but bring along either the pads or extra blankets just in case. Snow, if it happens, that time of year tends to be wet, dumps, moves on, the sun and blue sky comes out %26amp; it melts the next day or two. The higher the elevation of where you are camping, the lower the temperatures and the higher likelihood of snow.

For clothing, just plan on being able to layer. Dress in layers and warmly in the morning, and shed layers as the day goes, start putting them back on as the sun goes down.

Camping in June

Another hint for chilly weather camping is to bring good stocking caps to keep from losing heat through the head, even while sleeping.

I second the opinion that your sleeping bags will be fine with the Thermarest pads and extra blankets just in case.

Pug

sl33 - Where do you plan on camping? Have you picked out your campgrounds yet? The reason that I am asking is that there are differences just based on the campgrounds...Madison or NOrris versus Slough Creek and Pebble Creek in YNP.

But, here is some general info! June is generally our rainest month of the year, but there can be snow (instead of rain) in the higher elevations. Temperatures range from an average of 36 degrees F to 68 degrees F during the day.

I think your idea about extra layers is the way to go. I agree with the previous posts about just bringing a few extra things to layer yourself with...in June, we always carry a hat, wool socks, gloves, that we can add we need them.

Thanks for the info everyone.

yellowstonefan... I currently have reservations at Canyon campground. Is there a big difference in overnight lows between there and, say madison?

Thanks again,

Dave

Dave- Canyon is usually a bit cooler than Madison just because it is about a 1000 feet higher in altitude. Other than that, weather should be comparable.

Canyon has some neat camping spots on the outside of the different loops. Check out the maps on this page to give you a better idea - CLick on the Canyon Campground Map link:

www.yellowstone-natl-park.com/camping.htm

Both locations have some great evening ranger programs. Make sure to go if you can!

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