I'll add that Lake Shoshone is a great hike for a family, and is usually
open fairly early in summer (elevation about 7,000 ft).  It is the
largest lake in the lower 48 states that is not accessible by road.  I
swam in it, though my wife barely managed to get a bath -- it is cold.
Even children can backpack to some sites on Shoshone, if that's
something you want to do.  It can also be done in a day, at least to
reach the lake, enjoy its environs, and get back out to the road.  As in
any national park, once you get a mile from the road, few people are
around to be in the way, though you may run into a some.  People that
you do meet in the back and beyond are usually friendly and have a
common interest in nature.

For those more inclined to true wilderness adventure, a circle hike of
Lake Shoshone takes several days, and early in summer may not be
possible due to snow pack.

David

On Tue, Jan 19, 2010 at 2:34 PM, Geo & Kathleen Hahn wrote:

> Best of luck on your planned summer adventure.
>
> I have camped many times in Yellowstone and the Tetons, always great
> places,
> here are some thoughts:
>
> I never make reservations just because I hate having to meet a
> schedule.  In
> Yellowstone I prefer Norris CG which, as far as I know, is
> first-come-first
> served.  Nice rolling/rocky area and an easy walk to Norris Basin
> geysers
> making at least one day when you don't even have to drive the van.
>
> If you'll be coming in the East Entrance you might camp in Cody or one
> of
> the Forest Service CGs just outside the park to get to Norris by
> mid-morning.
>
> I have usually been there in the summer and though the big attractions
> (Old
> Faithful & the Falls) draw crowds there are so many trails and less
> visited
> spots that I never regard the throngs as much of a problem.
>
> A couple of suggested family hikes:  Mt Washburn & Cascade Lake.
>
> I always enjoy a swim in Yellowstone Lake -- usually cold but a
> bracing
> experience.
>
> East of Yellowstone in Cody WY is the Buffalo Bill museum.  I was
> skeptical
> but totally impressed once I went.  Incredible collections of art and
> artifacts relating to the American Indian and the West.
>
> For the Grand Tetons: there is a Forest Service CG (Hatchet) just east
> of
> the Moran entrance.  I generally stay there the night before entering
> the
> park, makes it easy to arrive early at Colter Bay CG for a good spot.
>
> An excellent Native American museum at the Colter Bay Visitors Center.
>
> A float trip down the Snake River can be great for the family, these
> can be
> booked at the Colter Bay shopping area.
>
> Swimming is much warmer here, several nice spots on Jackson Lake that
> are
> walking distance from the Colter CG, I like the north side of the
> peninsula
> that juts out into the lake.
>
> Family hikes in the Tetons:  Jenny Lake (hike, boat ride and a swim) &
> Swan
> Lake/Hermitage Point.
>
> Enjoy your trip & don't be like the guy I overheard at Canyon Village:
> "Okay honey, we'll see the Falls right now then we can get to the 3:04
> eruption of Old Faithful and still have time to make our 5:00 dinner
> reservation in Jackson".
>
> Geo