Yes, another Yellowstone thread. I was honestly thinking of posting this before I saw the other one.
I’m seriously considering doing Cycle Greater Yellowstone, which in 2017 will start and end in West Yellowstone (route). Since I’m driving all the way out there (about 18 hours) I might as well go camping after (the tour runs August 19-25)
last time I did CGY (2014 – which started/ended in Teton Village) I stayed a night in Grand Teton (Jenny Lake) and a night in Yellowstone (Canyon)
I’m thinking 2 nights, and am leaning towards Norris but Madison doesn’t look bad either. Note that I will probably spend the night of 25/26 in West Yellowstone in a motel so can get up early and grab a spot (I did this in 2014, since Jenny Lake is first come / first served.
I like water and terrain and will probably do a short hike and a longer hike. I may be bicycled out by then, but a shorter ride is possible.
From a logistics standpoint, I prefer either Canyon or Norris, as they minimize your driving distance to other points in the park. The park road layout is roughly a fat figure 8 or letter B, and those two are at the points where the 2 loops intersect. Canyon is more developed and touristy, with a lodge and showers; Norris is less developed, more like traditional camping. It all depends on the vibe you want. Also, you’ll probably need a reservation at Canyon.
Since you like water, you may want to consider one of the two campgrounds on the west shore of the lake. Bridge Bay is a little closer to the rest of the park, but it is near the marina, which is a little too developed for my taste. Grant Village is nice, but very remote from the rest of the park.
Madison is reservable if I want to paranoid and reserve a spot.
I got in Jenny Lake which is fast to fill but GT isn’t as popular as Yellowstone (also, since Jenny Lake is tent only that limits the customer base, but it still was tagged as fast to fill)