Book 2 different spots. We stayed at Headwaters Campground, a beautiful spot, which is right between the two parks. We didn’t fully appreciate how large Yellowstone is and spent a lot of time and extra gas money driving each day.
Don’t forget to book your entry pass for Tower Junction to Slough Creek Road. We did it last minute and ended up with a 12 pm reservation. We saw Bison and Pronghorn on our drive and would have probably seen more if we had been able to book an earlier time slot.
Spring and early summer is your best bet for wildlife at Willow Flats in Tetons. The grizzly like to hunt the elk calfs that are born that time of year.
Do not leave a cooler outside and unattended, even attached to a vehicle. We saw a truck at a trailhead with a Yeti type cooler strapped and padlocked to the rear cargo carrier. The park ranger took the cooler and left a note. The tent sites at our campground had bear lockers to store your food in at night or while you are away. Otherwise keep it locked inside your vehicle.
Pack plenty of groceries. Your best bet for a store is either Jackson Hole or West Yellowstone. The food inside the park is very expensive.
Dress in layers. Even in August, the mornings and the evenings are cold.
If you plan to fish in Yellowstone, pick up a Yellowstone Fishing Regulations guide and make sure you are familiar with the rules for each individual creek and river.
Plan plenty of time for each park and don't forget the Beartooth Highway. We'd suggest at least 2 days in Grand Teton, a minimum of 3 days in Yellowstone and an additional full day for the Beartooth Highway. These are the minimum number of days. If you want to hike a bunch, you may need to add more days.
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