A couple of years back, I camped in Yellowstone National Park for a whole week. One of the best parts about staying inside the park each morning was rolling out of bed and being able to immediately head off for a long hike or activity without having to drive in. It is the one of a few place where i can feel that i’m close to nature, yes it is camping.
Since I was doing two trips in June, 3 nights at Mammoth and then a backcountry permit and from there on to stay for an additional three (not back country but still quite the adventure) being that party of one is hard during most season here. It was a bit of an impromptu trip so we took what we could get. However, I always aspire to provide only top-tier options while we were checking out the park, and visited many of the other campgrounds so that you could get a sense for which ones provide an above-average experience compared with those wallowing on mediocrity.
To make your decision easier, I put together and in-depth guide to camping in Yellowstone Meridians with the most current information for this season 2013. If you’re new to camping or if you are a seasoned veteran who is planning another trip, this guide has all of the information that will help your time spend in paradise.
Securing Camping Reservations in Yellowstone National Park
There are three main types of campgrounds in Yellowstone; NPS Campgrounds, campground run by a private company called Yellowstone National Park Lodges, and there is also backcountry camping. The first two can be reached by vehicle while backcountry campgrounds are accessible only on foot, canoe or horseback.
Reservation procedures for each category of campground are different from the other.
National Park-Managed Reservable Campgrounds
Although these campgrounds maintain a rather primitive atmosphere (no showers), restrooms, even the flush variety are usually found at each site. Each of the campgrounds is described in more detail below.
Beforehand, all these campgrounds have been first-come, first-served. Reservations for all National Park-managed sites were on offer from 2023.
Recservation via: Recreation · gov up to six months before the date of your desired camping. For example, if you want to camp on July 15th, reservations open January 15. If your preferred dates don’t show availability, continue to monitor for last-minute site openings due to cancellations.
Finally, a few campgrounds keep some first-come, first-served sites and two-week advance reservations for specific sites.
Otherwise, make use of a service like Campnab to track bookings and let you know when it is available.
List of National Park-Managed Campgrounds
- Indian Creek Campground
- Lewis Lake Campground
- Mammoth Campground
- Norris Campground (closed in 2024)
- Pebble Creek Campground (closed in 2024)
- Slough Creek Campground
- Tower Fall Campground (closed in 2024)
Yellowstone National Park Lodges: Privately Operated Campgrounds
The National Park Service does not operate campgrounds under Yellowstone National Park Lodges. Many of these camping areas are big, with hundreds of sites complete with washrooms and RV hookups (even showers). Each campground has a detailed description below.
Make reservations at the ynp-hotels.com website. The downside is that these sites are among the most popular and, because of their proximity to Daniel Boone Lake and some beautiful green spaces (like Wildcat Adventures Park), can fill up. Generally they go first come first served but during high-seasons it may be beneficial to book a place in advance. You Book 13 Months Ahead, Starting On The 5thocoa41.burpcollage image thumbnailener Image Of Hundreds of dollars Per Year for New Rohemian near La Bulce Picchu — So, for example if you are looking to reserve a date on 20-Jul-2024 then the bookings will open from 5-Jul-2023. This is also a game of luck if your dates that you want are not available keep checking as there will definitely be cancellations.
If a reservation seems completely booked, however — do not fret – services like Campnab can track availability and inform you if the site becomes available for even last-minute grabs.
Yellowstone National Park Lodges Campgrounds
- Bridge Bay Campground
- Canyon Campground
- Fishing Bridge RV Park
- Grant Village Campground
- Madison Campground
First-Come, First-Served Campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park
Before, several of the campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park were operated based on a first-come, first-served system. With the year 2022, all campsites in this park turned into reserve-only sites.
Thankfully, certain county and regional park campgrounds will begin to offer a handful of first-come, first-served sites beginning in 2024 with “secondary release” campsites that can be reserved as close as two weeks before departure encouraging last-ditch camping.
- Indian Creek Campground- 20% of sites reservable two weeks ahead
- Lewis Lake Campground is not reserveable, which means that up to 20% of the park’s sites can be reserved two weeks in advance as certain campsites are available by reservation only.
It recruits one or two last-minute idlers as no-shows, those who check out early. Usually, their campsite will be up for grabs. Try the campground host to see if sites have become available, instead. For the highest chance of success, aim to arrive early – before 8 a.m.
Backcountry Campgrounds in Yellowstone
There are also more than 300 backcountry campsites available in Yellowstone National Park for backpackers, hikers or paddlers on the water. A few are right under the nose, within a mile of the road, and some (far more than you’d think) are many miles away from civilization.
I visited three backcountry sites up the Yellowstone River Trail on my trip, but this guide is going to cover front-country campgrounds. For more in-depth detail on backcountry camping, check out the official Yellowstone National Park website.
Choosing the Right Campground in Yellowstone National Park
It all depends upon what you hope to get out of your Yellowstone experience, but choosing which campground can be difficult. Yellowstone is such a huge park, and things are separated by hours. When planning your trip, you may want to also think about staying in a few different campgrounds — one night here or there then head on closer the other main attractions.
I spent three nights in Mammoth and the next on Norris. I visited more, a few others to see if they may be options for returning.
Here we break down each of the Yellowstone campgrounds in detail to give you everything you need to determine which one will be right for your trip.
Here are a few recommendations if you have the need for another one.
- Officially central-est: Norris (closed in 2024)
- Canyon Village The Best Campground with Showers
- Best Place for Wildlife: Slough Creek
- Best for RV campers: Fishing Bridge
This gives you a choice of balancing location, amenities and the overall experience to suit your camping preference.
Detailed Overview of Yellowstone Campgrounds
- Mammoth Campground: $25/night, 82 sites, pit toilets, no showers, located near Mammoth Hot Springs. Reservations can be made on Recreation.gov.
- Indian Creek Campground: $20/night, 70 sites, pit toilets, no showers, also close to Mammoth Hot Springs. Reserve via Recreation.gov.
- Norris Campground: $25/night, 111 sites, flush toilets, no showers, near Norris Geyser Basin. Reserve on Recreation.gov. (Closed for the 2024 season.)
- Madison Campground: $23/night, 276 sites, flush toilets, no showers, situated near Old Faithful. Reserve through Yellowstone National Park Lodges.
- Grant Village Campground: $39/night, 429 sites, flush toilets, with showers available, located near West Thumb Geyser Basin. Reservations can be made via Yellowstone National Park Lodges.
- Lewis Lake Campground: $20/night, 84 sites, pit toilets, no showers, located close to West Thumb Geyser Basin. Reserve through Yellowstone National Park Lodges.
- Bridge Bay Campground: $33/night, 431 sites, flush toilets, no showers, located near Yellowstone Lake. Reserve through Yellowstone National Park Lodges.
- Fishing Bridge RV Park: $89–$99/night, 310 RV-only sites, flush toilets, with showers, located near Yellowstone Lake. Reserve through Yellowstone National Park Lodges.
- Canyon Campground: $39/night, 272 sites, flush toilets, with showers, near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Reserve via Yellowstone National Park Lodges.
- Tower Fall Campground: $20/night, 31 sites, pit toilets, no showers, located near Tower Fall. Reserve via Recreation.gov. (Closed in 2024.)
- Slough Creek Campground: $20/night, 16 sites, pit toilets, no showers, located near Lamar Valley. Reserve via Recreation.gov.
- Pebble Creek Campground: $20/night, 27 sites, pit toilets, no showers, also near Lamar Valley. Reserve via Recreation.gov. (Closed for the 2024 season.)
1. Mammoth Campground Overview
- Open: Year-round (partially closed from mid-October to the end of March)
- Price: $25/night
- Sites: 82 total
- RVs: The lengths of the various sites range from 40 to a few that will fit 75 feet. 30 feet in winter maximum length! Sites pull through or back, but clearances for slide outs can be tight and all sloped terrain. No hookups are available.
- Elevation: 6,200 ft (1,890 m)
Amenities
- Flush toilets
- Cell phone reception
- Generators permitted
- Amphitheater with ranger programs
- Firewood for sale
Note: No showers are available on-site; the nearest paid showers are at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel.
Nearest Grocery Stores
- Mammoth town
- Gardiner, MT
Location
Mammoth Campground is situated in Yellowstone’s northern region, only a short drive from the park’s north entrance near Gardiner, Montana.
Pros
Mammoth Campground is suitable for a quick overnight if you are planning on exploring Yellowstone sights in the northern part of the park. Since it is so close to Gardiner, you can easily get groceries or eat outside of the park. Elk are commonly seen throughout the area, particularly in spring when mother elk and their calves can come right into the campground itself. The last time I was there, the elk were nearby and we got a scolding when we went closer than they liked.
Cons
The campground lies along a switchback on the main park road, so some traffic noise can be heard at all hours of the day and night. Ask for a site furhter away if you can because the road noise starts getting to me after about 90 days. The campsite is located in a sagebrush and grass clearing with few trees so you will have difficulty hanging tarps during rain.
2. Indian Creek Campground Overview
- Open: Mid-June to early September
- Price: $20/night
- Sites: 70 total
- RVs: 35 feet combined on 10 sites and thirty accommodates as much as 30 ft. Sites are either pull through or back in, but watch out for slide constraints (may be narrow) and not all level. No hookups are available.
- Elevation: 7,300 ft (2,225 m)
Amenities
- Pit toilets
- No cell reception
- Generators not allowed
- No showers (Closest paid showers at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel)
Nearest Grocery Stores
- Mammoth town
- Gardiner, MT
Location
Indian Creek Campground is located south of Mammoth, perched higher in the mountains. It’s about a 20-minute drive to Mammoth Hot Springs.
Pros
On the other hand, Indian Creek offers a rustic camping experience for those who prefer something more primitive and natural. The site has no generators because of the campground being inland off the main road, which for those seeking respite from exhaust hum qualifies it as a peaceful OCRD. If other places are full, this campground is often open. There are many trees which gave us a lot of shade on hot days and solid opportunities to put up our tarp when the rain was heavy.
Cons
There is not a lot to do in the area There are a few backcountry hiking trails from the campground but for the most part you need to drive anywhere of importance. But Indian Creek, in it’s far-flungness may seem removed from the liners of Yellowstone for those who aren’t into a lot hiking.
3. Norris Campground Overview
NOTE: Closed in 2024
- Open: Mid-May to late September
- Price: $25/night
- Sites: 111 total, including a few walk-in sites
- RVs: There are 2 sites for this size up to a combined length of 50 feet (all RV and all trailer lengths added together)5 sites allow only one vehicle/trailer at or under 30 feet. Site assignment is on a first come, first serve basis and all sites have space for slide-outs; most are level. No hookups are available.
- Elevation: 7,500 ft (2,286 m)
Amenities
- Flush toilets
- Generators allowed
- Amphitheater with ranger programs
- Firewood for sale
- No cell reception
- No showers (Closest paid showers at Canyon Village)
Nearest Grocery Store
- Canyon Village General Store
Location
As it sits in the middle of Yellowstone National Park on its western side, Norris Campground is a good spot for campers looking to get around the park easily. Mammoth is a 35-minute drive, Canyon Village on your way out of the park to get back in usually only took us 25mins and Old Faithful – yes it was about an hour as well.
Pros
Because Norris is more centrally-located, most of the main attractions in and around Yellowstone are within a 60-minute drive. There is a creek nearby providing nice views from Loop A and the walk-in sites. Those looking for wildlife and bison in particular will have the chance to see them straight from their campsites as well. Closest to Norris: You can literally walk right from the RV park down a 1-mile trail directly into the norris geyser basin, which is great for leaving your car parked where it’s at.
Cons
You know, Norris has this reputation of filling up quickly and for good reasons. Cons Some of the campsites (mainly the walk-in ones) are really close together. Imagine sardines in a can but then chopping off their head, and that will give you an idea.
4. Madison Campground Overview
- Open: Early May to mid-October
- Price: $33/night + tax
- Sites: 276 total
- RVs: A few sites take rigs up to 40′ in length. Most sites are either pull-through or back-in, but not all of the parking pads could accommodate slide-outs as clearance was limited and some of them got a slope. No hookups available.
- Elevation: 6,800 ft (2,073 m)
Amenities
- Flush toilets
- Generators allowed
- Amphitheater with ranger programs
- Firewood for sale
- Dump station
Note: No cell reception and no showers (Closest paid showers are at the Old Faithful Lodge)
Nearest Grocery Store
- West Yellowstone, MT
Location
The site is located just 25 minutes from Yellowstone’s west entrance and 30 minutes to Old Faithful. Mammoth Hot Springs & Yellowstone Lake are within an hour drive, Canyon Village in approximately 45 minutes.
Pros
With its location on the west side, Madison is an excellent base to visit the park’s most popular geyser basins. The park is an easy drive to Old Faithful, Mammoth and Canyon Village making it a great place to stay close in the course of your travels. For those needing a break from being prepared to go off-grid, West Yellowstone provides with solid dining choices and supplies. The campground is also close to the fishing hole of the Madison River.
Cons
Some nice geysers within walking distance of the campground, but there is not much else around to do. There are a handful of hiking trails right in Whitehorse like Harlequin Lake and Purple Mountain, but most attractions involve driving. Notes: Tent loops G and H are the quietest, but otherwise expect highway noise elsewhere in campground There are hundreds of sites to the campground, and it can get a bit crowded with any space you may have being utilized as close quarters.
5. Grant Village Campground Overview
- Open: Early June to mid-September
- Price: $39/night + tax
- Sites: 429 total
- RVs: Some sites can accommodate rigs up to 40 feet. Sites are either pull-through or back-in, with limited space for slide-outs. Not all sites are level, and there are no hookups available.
- Elevation: 7,800 ft (2,377 m)
Amenities
- Flush toilets
- Cell reception
- Generators allowed
- Amphitheater with ranger programs
- Firewood for sale
- Two free showers per night
- Dump station
Nearest Grocery Store
- Grant Village
Location
Located on the western shore of Yellowstone Lake, this campground is part of a large complex that includes Grant Village Visitor Center, general store and restaurant (with showers), marina, gas station, park service hotel in addition to camping. 5 minutes to the West Thumb Geyser Basin; 40-minute drive to Old Faithful.
Pros
Therefore, you may visit the visitor centers and groceries in close proximity to Grant Village Community just by walking or dining at a Hotel. Opens at a new window opens at my bow Campground is near the shores of Yellowstone Lake, (For Boating enthusiasts) Choose a site in loops E, G or H that are right on the lake at 6,225′ — anywhere from I-28 to northern-most sites of— though they’re all so close together you don’t have much privacy. The site is conveniently located minutes from Old Faithful and other area amenities.
Cons
The highway noise that filters over the tree tops from here to Grand Teton National Park is irritating at best and obscene if you are more of a purist. The campsites are somewhat small and close to each other, with little privacy. And, located in the southern region of Yellowstone means long drives to reach many other popular park destinations.
6. Lewis Lake Campground Overview
- Open: Late June to late October
- Price: $20/night
- Sites: 84 total, including a few walk-in sites
- RVs: Most of the sites can hold RV’s up to 25′ total in length. Sites are either pull-through or back-in, but slide-out clearance can be an issue and the terrain is not always flat. No hookups are available.
- Elevation: 7,800 ft (2,377 m)
Amenities
- Pit toilets
- No cell reception
- No generators allowed
- No showers (Closest paid showers at Grant Village)
Nearest Grocery Store
- Grant Village
Location
Here at Lewis Lake Campground on the shores of lovely Lewis Lake, in the southern half of Yellowstone National Park. Even though this area is more secluded, it’s not too far from Grant Village and Park amenities. But the other parts of the park are far.
Pros
Lewis Lake is popular with boaters, as it offers an easy launching point for the Shoshone Backcountry, where only canoes and kayaks are permitted. This no generator solar powered campground provides a simpler, more true to nature camping experience with basic facilities. It also often fills up later than other, more centrally located campgrounds.
Cons
As the southernmost campground, Lewis Lake is far from many park highlights making it less desirable for those who want to see all of Yellowstone.
7. Bridge Bay Campground Overview
- Open: Mid-May to early September
- Price: $33/night + tax
- Sites: 431 total
- RVs: Some sites can accommodate rigs up to 40 feet in length. Sites are pull-through or back-in, but space for slide-outs is limited, and not all sites are level. No hookups available.
- Elevation: 7,800 ft (2,377 m)
Amenities
- Flush toilets
- Cell reception
- Generators allowed
- Amphitheater with ranger programs
- Firewood for sale
- Dump station
Note: No showers on-site (Closest showers at Grant Village and Fishing Bridge RV Park)
Nearest Grocery Store
- Lake Village
- Fishing Bridge
Location
Yellowstone Park Bridge Bay Campground: In the southern part of Yellowstone Lake; on it’s northern edge. Just up the road from Bridge Bay Marina and a couple miles closer to Lake Village, Canyon Village & West Thumb Geyser Basin. But further afield lie other such draws.
Pros
This is a great campground if you are lucky enough to have your boat as the marina next door. While Lake Village and Grant Village are within a few minutes, both have stores to restock groceries or enjoy a meal at restaurant. The popular Natural Bridge Trail is also accessible from the campground if you need a quick, scenic hike.
Cons
Campsites are somewhat crowded and only a few offer gaps between them—there’s no tree cover to really hide away if that is what you’re looking for. Campers should be aware that the tent sites are not all flat and may affect how comfortable you sleep at night. Also, since it is in the southern part of the park you have a longer drive from where there are other great places to see within Yellowstone.
8. Fishing Bridge RV Park Overview
- Price: $89–$99/night + tax and utility fees
- Sites: 310 total (hard-sided RVs only; no tents or tent trailers allowed)
- RVs: Sites range from 30 to 95 feet in length. Most are pull-through, while 30’, 35’, and 40’ sites are back-in. Some sites allow side-by-side parking of a truck and unhooked trailer. Full hookups are available for electricity, water, and sewer (50 or 30 amp).
- Elevation: 7,800 ft (2,377 m)
Amenities
- Flush toilets
- Cell reception
- Generators allowed
- Amphitheater with ranger programs
- Pay showers
- Full hookups
- Dump station
Note: No campfires permitted.
Nearest Grocery Store
- Lake Village
- Fishing Bridge General Store
Location
Fishing Bridge RV Camping is located at the northern end of Yellowstone Lake, next to a paved section of road just south, A scenic drive away from Lake Village and its general store, with Canyon village even closer still, as well as the West Thumb Geyser Basin. But some other zones of the park are wider.
Pros
The only RV campground with full hookups in Yellowstone is Fishing Bridge. As of 2022, the campground was improved to feature increased site sizes and parking capacity, a new dump station, additional shower/laundry facilities and updated comfort stations.
Cons
The campground feels like a generic RV park with rigs parked very close together — so privacy is somewhat scarce. That’s because grizzly bears are a common sight in this area resulting low tolerance for soft-sided RVs. Plus, there are no campfires permitted which could put a damper on cooler nights.
9. Canyon Campground Overview
- Open: Late May to mid-September
- Price: $39/night + tax
- Sites: 272 total
- RVs: Some sites accommodate rigs up to 40 feet, with a mix of pull-through and back-in spots. Clearance for slide-outs may be tight, and not all sites are level. No hookups available.
- Elevation: 7,900 ft (2,408 m)
Amenities
- Flush toilets
- Cell reception
- Generators allowed
- Amphitheater with ranger programs
- Firewood for sale
- Two free showers per night
- Dump station
Nearest Grocery Store
- Canyon Village
Location
Canyon Campground is located at Canyon Village near the north rim of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Situated in the middle of the eastern side of park, provides a central hub for exploration verses staying at individual attractions
Pros
Canyon Village is walking distance from the campground and has a grocery store and restaurant for you to grab some essentials or eat out. The federal campground is a bit away from the village and the sound of traffic, for more peace. A trail from the campground will take you straight to the North Rim if you do not want to deal with parking on top of a canyon rim — in just about 1 mile.
Cons
The campsites are small and closely spaced, so privacy is limited. Some campers also complain that the no Horizontal sites aren’t level, and can make for a difficult setup.
10. Tower Fall Campground Overview
NOTE: Closed in 2024
- Open: Late May to late September
- Price: $20/night
- Sites: 31 total
- RVs: Best suited for rigs 30 feet or less in combined length due to a sharp hairpin curve. Clearance for slide-outs is limited, and some sites may not be level. No hookups available.
- Elevation: 6,600 ft (2,012 m)
Amenities
- Pit toilets
- Amphitheater with ranger programs
- No cell reception
- No showers (Closest paid showers at Roosevelt Lodge)
- No generators allowed
Nearest Grocery Store
- Tower Fall
Location
Located in the northern part of Yellowstone National Park down a 10-minute drive from Tower Junction and Roosevelt Lodge, Tower Fall Campground is adjacent to beautiful views along Rim Rock as well at close proximity to one of Yosemite’s most famous waterfalls The legendary waters fall type than spill off inside white bedded cliffs.
Pros
The Tower Fall campground is smaller, which means you get less noise and chaos at your campsite. One highlight near to the Campground and not far from your tent is Tower Fall. Just a short drive to the Roosevelt Lodge, if you are in search for some sitting down grub.
Cons
The campsites are on the small side, tent friendly size more than RV but a smaller type motor coach could still make it. Some spaces do have irregular terrain, and limited electric hookups or showers can be drawbacks for those who prefer something more luxurious.
11. Slough Creek Campground Overview
- Open: Mid-June to mid-October
- Price: $20/night
- Sites: 16 total
- RVs: 14 sites can accommodate rigs up to 30 feet. Clearance for slide-outs may be limited, and not all sites are level. No hookups are available.
- Elevation: 6,250 ft (1,905 m)
Amenities
- Pit toilets
- No cell reception
- No showers (Closest paid showers at Roosevelt Lodge)
Nearest Grocery Store
- Tower Fall
Location
Slough Creek Campground is in the northeast part of the park, accessible via a gravel road, within the Lamar Valley, one of Yellowstone’s premier wildlife-watching spots. It is also relatively remote and far from other park attractions.
Pros
Slough Creek is one of the best areas in the park to see wildlife, with ample opportunities to view wolves and other animals including bison, bears, pronghorn and elk. There is even a wolf den addition that makes it the perfect spot for those wanting to see wolves who are as private and cryptic as they come. It is a small and lovely campground, restful, wild.
Cons
The campground is not designed for large RVs, though the smallest of rigs might fit. Its central location means rather lengthy drives to other parts of Yellowstone, and wildlife traffic jams—particularly bison hold ups for one hungry truck—if you’re on the go.
12. Pebble Creek Campground Overview
NOTE: Closed in 2024
- Open: Mid-June to late September
- Price: $20/night
- Sites: 27 total
- RVs: Some sites feature long pull-throughs that can accommodate RVs, but space for slide-outs may be limited, and not all sites are level. No hookups are available.
- Elevation: 6,900 ft (2,103 m)
Amenities
- Pit toilets
- No cell reception
- No showers (Closest paid showers are at Roosevelt Lodge)
Nearest Grocery Store
- Tower Fall
- Cooke City
Location
Located in the northeast corner of Yellowstone, Pebble Creek Campground is at the foot of the Absaroka Mountains. The eastern edge of the park in Cooke City, MT is just under 20 minutes away. The campground is far from most other park attractions though.
Pros
Pebble Creek- This campground has a woodsy charm about it with the sounds of a stream running through the middle. The Northeast Entrance is also a popular area for anglers with the nearby Soda Butte Creek being a major fishing site. Also, the campground is located just a short distance from Lamar Valley which offers some of the world’s best wildlife viewing.
Cons
It’s out of the way if you want to visit most other places in Yellowstone, and not convenient for someone who wants to spend time at central or southern attractions.
Campgrounds Outside Yellowstone National Park
Even if you can’t manage to reserve a camp site in the park, there are many camping possibilities outside it. There are national forests with first-come, first-serve campgrounds surrounding Yellowstone as well as nearby towns where you can stay in RV parks. I have not been to most of these in the Yellowstone area, but here is a list by entrance and how far from that gate you would be.
North Entrance:
- Eagle Creek Campground, Custer Gallatin National Forest (reservable)
- Sun Outdoors Yellowstone North (reservable)
- Yellowstone RV Park (reservable)
Northeast Entrance:
- Soda Butte Campground, Custer Gallatin National Forest (first-come, first-served)
- Colter Campground, Custer Gallatin National Forest (first-come, first-served)
- Chief Joseph Campground, Custer Gallatin National Forest (first-come, first-served)
East Entrance:
- Threemile Campground, Shoshone National Forest (reservable)
- Eagle Creek Campground, Shoshone National Forest (first-come, first-served)
West Entrance:
- Yellowstone Cabins and RV Park (reservable)
- Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park and Cabins (reservable)
- Wagon Wheel RV Cabin Campground (reservable)
- Yellowstone Park West Gate KOA (reservable)
- Buffalo Crossing RV Park (reservable)
- Baker’s Hole Campground, Custer Gallatin National Forest (first-come, first-served)
South Entrance:
- Headwaters Campground at Flagg Ranch (reservable)
- Lizard Creek Campground, Grand Teton National Park (reservable)
Yellowstone Campground Rules and Tips
Yellowstone camping is more or less what you’d expect from any other National Park, albeit with a little extra emphasis on bears. These camping tips will keep you safe and help guide your behavior when camping at Yellowstone. This (albeit a little bit cheesy) National Parks video about camping in Yellowstone should get you psyched up for your own adventure.
Campfires in Yellowstone
Every campsite, except at Fishing Bridge RV Park has a fire ring However, in a dry summer fire bans are bought into force to lessen the opportunity of wildfires.
Firewood kiosks might only operate from 6 to 8 pm in the evenings at some campgrounds, however firewood is also available for sale at most park stores as well as gas stations.
Yellowstone Campgrounds Water
In the national park, fresh mountain water taps are available throughout all campgrounds; they must be safe to drink. Buy a couple of bottles for drinking and then refill them at the campsites or visitor centers.
Number of Yellowstone Campground Group Site Slot
Six people max per campsite. Additionally, if your group is larger than 12 people you must request more sites.
RVs in Yellowstone
All the campgrounds in Yellowstone are RV-friendly, but there may be size limits on some of them. When making a booking, check the length limit of your campsite to make sure it can fit your vehicle; some sites are not as large and could be difficult for larger RVs.
Bear Safety in Yellowstone
Yellowstone has very strict bear safety regulations. At check in you will learn about bear safety and sometimes even hear a few words. The campgrounds are visited regularly by bears, so it is important to observe all safety precautions for both people and wildlife.
All food and any odorous items such as dishes, cookware, coolers or trash must be stored only in a bear-resistant manner. Do not leave these items out or store them in tents. During the day, keep it in your car or (in campsites) you can also use bear proof storage boxes.
Bear proof boxes are big, metal lockers that can hold numerous coolers. Campgrounds may have single boxes at each site, or they could be shared amongst the campers in nearby sites. Leaving unattended food or anything scented out is cause for fines as well, and your stuff might be stored by a ranger or campground host. During our visit we saw this happened to a few groups!
Yellowstone as a Camping Destination With Dogs
While dogs are allowed in Yellowstone campgrounds, there are restrictions. Pets must remain in an automobile, carrier or on a leash no longer than six feet. They are permitted within 100 feet of roads, parking areas or campsites but not on hiking trails and boardwalks. Pets should also not be left unattended in a car or tied up.
Camping Gear We Recommend For Camping in Yellowstone National Park
All campgrounds in Yellowstone are situated at more than 6,000 feet so it can be cold during the night. In the mountains, rain is a given. You can never go wrong with warm outerwear and a rain jacket for when the weather gets testy.
That’s All You Need to Know for Camping in Yellowstone!
Now that you’ve got the essentials, you’re ready for an unforgettable camping adventure in Yellowstone. I’m sure your trip will be fantastic!
