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 2025)
- Pebble Creek Campground (closed in 2025)
- Slough Creek Campground
- Tower Fall Campground (closed in 2025)
Yellowstone National Park Lodges: Privately Operated Campgrounds
The campgrounds operated by Yellowstone National Park Lodges are managed by a private concessionaire rather than the National Park Service. These sites are large in scale, often holding hundreds of camping spots. Visitors can expect practical facilities like flush toilets and RV-friendly spaces, while a few locations also provide shower access. Each campground has its own layout and features, so it helps to review the details before choosing where to stay.
Booking your campsite is done through the official Yellowstone Lodges reservation system. Summer availability disappears quickly, so early planning is key. Reservations open up to 13 months in advance, beginning on the 5th day of each month. For example, if your trip is planned for July 20, you can secure a spot starting June 5 of the previous year. Timing matters here, and acting early often makes the difference between securing your preferred site or missing out.
If your preferred dates are already taken, it’s still worth checking back regularly. Cancellations do happen, and spots can reappear without much notice. A bit of persistence can pay off, especially during peak travel months when plans frequently change.
Another option is using tools like Campnab. These services monitor campground availability and send alerts when a site opens up. It saves time and removes the need to refresh booking pages repeatedly, giving you a better shot at grabbing a last-minute opening.
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
In earlier years, many campsites across Yellowstone National Park operated on a first-come, first-served system. That approach has now changed. Since 2022, every campground in the park requires advance booking, giving travelers a more structured way to plan their stay rather than relying on early arrival and luck.
Even with this shift, there is still some flexibility built into the system. A portion of campsites is released again shortly before arrival dates under what’s known as a “secondary release.” These spots become available about two weeks in advance, opening a window for those planning closer to their travel dates. It offers a second chance for visitors who missed the initial booking period.
- 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.
Another path to securing a site is based on day-to-day changes inside the campground itself. Occasionally, campers leave earlier than planned or fail to arrive at all. When that happens, those sites may open up again. Speaking directly with the campground host can reveal these openings. Arriving early, ideally before 8 a.m., increases the chances of finding a spot before others claim it.
Backcountry Campgrounds in Yellowstone
Beyond roadside camping, Yellowstone National Park offers a wide network of backcountry campgrounds—more than 300 in total. These sites are reached by hiking, horseback travel, or even by boat. Some are located less than a mile from nearby roads, while others require a longer journey deep into the park’s interior, making distance and effort part of the overall experience.
Spending nights in these remote areas feels very different from staying in developed campgrounds. Along trails such as the Yellowstone River route, several campsites sit close to flowing water, open valleys, and quiet stretches of forest. Each stop has its own atmosphere, shaped by terrain, wildlife activity, and the changing light throughout the day.
This section only touches the surface. Backcountry trips involve permits, route planning, and safety awareness, which go far beyond a standard campground overview. For full details, including regulations and preparation tips, refer to the official backcountry camping resources provided by the National Park Service.
Choosing the Right Campground in Yellowstone National Park
Choosing a campground in Yellowstone National Park can be tricky. It depends on what kind of stay you want, whether that’s easy access to major sights, better facilities, or quieter surroundings. The park is extremely large, and many top attractions are spread far apart. Because of this, staying in one campground the entire time may not be the best approach.
A smarter plan is to split your stay. Spend a night or two in one area, then move to another campground closer to different landmarks. This reduces long driving hours and gives you a better experience across multiple regions of the park. For example, staying a few nights at Mammoth and then shifting to Norris can help you cover more ground without feeling rushed.
It can also help to check out other campgrounds during your trip. Even a quick visit gives you a sense of the layout, crowd level, and nearby scenery. This makes it easier to decide if you’d want to return or try a different spot next time.
Here’s a quick summary to help guide your choice:
- Most central campground: Norris (closed in 2025)
- Best campground with showers: Canyon Village
- Best for wildlife viewing: Slough Creek
- Best for RV camping: Fishing Bridge
Each campground has its own strengths, so the right pick comes down to how you plan to move through the park and what matters most during your stay.
Detailed Overview of Yellowstone Campgrounds
Here’s a clear breakdown of campground options across Yellowstone National Park, including pricing, facilities, and nearby landmarks. This makes it easier to compare locations and decide what fits your travel style.
- Mammoth: $25 per night, 85 sites, pit toilets, no showers, located near Mammoth Hot Springs, reservations through Recreation.gov. This area works well for those entering from the north side of the park.
- Indian Creek: Closed in 2025. Previously $20 per night with 70 sites, pit toilets, and no showers. It sits near Mammoth Hot Springs and is also booked through Recreation.gov.
- Norris: Closed in 2025. Earlier priced at $25 per night with 111 sites, flush toilets, and no showers. Located close to Norris Geyser Basin, with bookings handled via Recreation.gov.
- Madison: $33 per night, 276 sites, flush toilets, no showers, near Old Faithful. Reservations are managed by Yellowstone National Park Lodges. This is a good base for visiting geothermal areas.
- Grant Village: $39 per night, 430 sites, flush toilets, showers available, near West Thumb Geyser Basin. Bookings go through Yellowstone National Park Lodges. It offers more comfort for longer stays.
- Lewis Lake: $20 per night, 85 sites, pit toilets, no showers, also near West Thumb Geyser Basin. Reservations handled by Yellowstone National Park Lodges.
- Bridge Bay: $33 per night, 432 sites, flush toilets, no showers, close to Yellowstone Lake. Booking is available through Yellowstone National Park Lodges.
- Fishing Bridge RV Park: $89 per night, 310 sites for RVs only, flush toilets, showers available, near Yellowstone Lake. Managed by Yellowstone National Park Lodges. This is the main option for larger vehicles.
- Canyon: $39 per night, 273 sites, flush toilets, showers, near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Reservations through Yellowstone National Park Lodges. A strong pick for access to major viewpoints.
- Tower Fall: $20 per night, 31 sites, pit toilets, no showers, near Tower Fall. Book via Recreation.gov. A smaller campground with a quieter feel.
- Slough Creek: $20 per night, 16 sites, pit toilets, no showers, located near Lamar Valley. Reservations handled by Recreation.gov. Known for wildlife sightings.
- Pebble Creek: Closed in 2025. Previously $20 per night, 27 sites, pit toilets, no showers, near Lamar Valley, with booking through Recreation.gov.
Yellowstone Camping Areas Map
Looking to see exactly where each campground sits inside Yellowstone National Park? A custom Google map brings everything together in one place. It marks all campgrounds across the park, along with major attractions and nearby spots where you can pick up groceries, helping you plan your route with better clarity.
1. Mammoth Campground Overview
Opening Season: Open throughout the year, though part of the campground shuts down from mid-October to late March.
Nightly Cost: $25 per night.
Total Sites: 85 campsites in total.
RV Access: Several sites can handle rigs up to 40′ combined length, with a limited number reaching 75′. During winter, the limit drops to 30′. Both pull-through and back-in options are available, but slide-out space can be tight. Some sites are uneven, and hookups are not provided.
Elevation Level: About 6200 ft (1890 m) above sea level.
Facilities Available: Includes flush toilets, cell signal, and generator use in permitted areas. There is also an amphitheater for ranger-led programs and firewood for purchase. Showers are not available on-site; the nearest paid option is at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel.
Nearby Grocery Options: Supplies can be found in Mammoth or just outside the park in Gardiner, Montana.
Campground Location: Positioned in the northern area of Yellowstone National Park, only a short drive from the Gardiner entrance.
Advantages: Works well for a short stay while exploring the northern region of the park. Easy access to Gardiner makes picking up groceries or dining out simple. Elk are often seen here, especially in spring, and may move through the campground with calves nearby, so keeping space is important. The rerouted entrance road after the 2022 floods has also reduced traffic noise.
Drawbacks: The area is mostly open sagebrush with very few trees. Shade is limited at several sites, and putting up cover during rainy weather can be a bit difficult.
2. Indian Creek Campground Overview
Opening Season: Mid-June through early September. Closed for the 2025 season due to road repairs in the surrounding area.
Nightly Cost: $20 per night.
Total Sites: 70 campsites.
RV Access: Around 10 sites can handle up to 35′ combined length, while about 35 sites fit up to 30′. Both pull-through and back-in options are available. Slide-out space may be tight, and some sites are not level. No hookups are provided.
Elevation Level: Approximately 7300 ft (2225 m).
Facilities Available: Pit toilets only. Generators are not allowed, and there is no cell service. Showers are not available; the closest paid option is at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel.
Nearby Grocery Options: Mammoth area and Gardiner, Montana.
Campground Location: Indian Creek Campground sits south of Mammoth in a higher elevation area of Yellowstone National Park. The drive to Mammoth Hot Springs takes about 20 minutes.
Advantages: A good choice for those who prefer a quieter, more basic camping setup. With no generators and a position away from busy roads, the area stays calm. It also tends to fill later than many other campgrounds. Tree cover is more common here, offering shade and making it easier to set up cover during wet weather.
Drawbacks: There are limited nearby attractions. While a few backcountry trails are within reach, most major sights require a longer drive, which may not suit every traveler.
3. Norris Campground Overview
Opening Season: Mid-May through late September. Closed in 2025 and expected to remain unavailable due to road damage. It has been removed from official listings.
Nightly Cost: $25 per night.
Total Sites: 111 campsites, including a number of walk-in options.
RV Access: A couple of sites can handle up to 50′ combined length, while a few others fit up to 30′. Both pull-through and back-in styles are available. Slide-out space may be limited, and some sites are uneven. No hookups are available.
Elevation Level: Around 7,500 feet (2,286 m).
Facilities Available: Flush toilets, generator use allowed, amphitheater with ranger-led programs, and firewood for sale. No cell service. No showers on-site; the nearest paid option is at Canyon Village.
Nearby Grocery Options: Canyon Village General Store.
Campground Location: Norris Campground sits in a central position on the western side of Yellowstone National Park. Driving times are roughly 35 minutes to Mammoth, 25 minutes to Canyon Village, and about 55 minutes to both Old Faithful and Yellowstone Lake.
Advantages: Its central placement makes it easier to reach most major attractions within an hour’s drive, with Lamar Valley being one of the few farther spots. The campground runs alongside a creek, adding a pleasant setting. Sites in loop A and walk-in areas often offer better views. Bison are frequently seen nearby, sometimes grazing close to campsites. A short one-mile trail leads directly to Norris Geyser Basin, helping avoid parking issues.
Drawbacks: This campground is in high demand and often fills quickly. Some sites, particularly the walk-in ones, are positioned close together, which can limit privacy.
Read more : 21 Top Hikes in Yellowstone National Park for an Epic Wyoming Trip
4. Madison Campground Overview
Opening Season: Early May through mid-October.
Nightly Cost: $33 per night plus tax.
Total Sites: 276 campsites.
RV Access: Some sites can accommodate rigs up to 40′ in length. Both pull-through and back-in options are available. Slide-out clearance may be limited, and not every site is level. No hookups are provided.
Elevation Level: Around 6,800 feet (2,073 m).
Facilities Available: Flush toilets, generator use permitted, amphitheater with ranger programs, firewood for sale, and a dump station. No cell service and no showers on-site. The closest paid showers are at Old Faithful Lodge.
Nearby Grocery Options: West Yellowstone, Montana.
Campground Location: Madison Campground sits about 25 minutes from the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park. It’s roughly 30 minutes to Old Faithful, about an hour to Mammoth and Yellowstone Lake, and around 45 minutes to Canyon Village.
Advantages: Staying here puts you within a short drive of several major geyser basins on the park’s west side. It also offers reasonable access to other key areas like Mammoth, Canyon Village, and Yellowstone Lake. If you want restaurants or supplies, West Yellowstone is close by. The nearby Madison River adds an option for fishing.
Drawbacks: There isn’t much to do right next to the campground. A couple of trails, like Harlequin Lake and Purple Mountain, are nearby, but most attractions require driving. Loops G and H, which are for tents only, tend to be quieter. Other sections may have traffic noise from the road leading to West Yellowstone. With a large number of sites, spacing can feel tight and the campground may seem busy at times.
5. Grant Village Campground Overview
Opening Season: Early June through mid-September.
Nightly Cost: $39 per night plus tax.
Total Sites: 430 campsites.
RV Access: Some sites can handle rigs up to 40′ in length. Both pull-through and back-in options are available. Slide-out clearance may be limited, and not all sites are level. No hookups are provided.
Elevation Level: Around 7,800 feet (2,377 m).
Facilities Available: Flush toilets, cell reception, generator use allowed, amphitheater with ranger programs, firewood for sale, dump station, and two free showers per night.
Nearby Grocery Options: Grant Village area.
Campground Location: Grant Village Campground sits along the west shore of Yellowstone Lake within Yellowstone National Park. It is part of the larger Grant Village area, which includes a visitor center, hotel, marina, restaurant, gas station, and grocery store. West Thumb Geyser Basin is about a 5-minute drive, and Old Faithful is roughly 40 minutes away.
Advantages: You can easily walk to the nearby village area for supplies, food, or visitor information. The lakeside setting works well for those interested in boating. Access to Old Faithful is also fairly convenient. Campsites located toward the ends of loops E, G, H, or along the north side of loop I are closer to the lake.
Drawbacks: Loops J, K, and L may have traffic noise from the road leading south toward Grand Teton National Park. Campsites are relatively close together, offering limited privacy. Its southern position in the park means longer drives to reach several other major attractions.
6. Lewis Lake Campground Overview
Opening Season: Late June through late October.
Nightly Cost: $20 per night.
Total Sites: 85 campsites, including a few walk-in options.
RV Access: Some sites can fit RVs up to 25′ combined length. Both pull-through and back-in spots are available. Slide-out clearance may be tight, and certain sites are uneven. No hookups are provided.
Elevation Level: Around 7,800 ft (2,377 m).
Facilities Available: Pit toilets only. No cell service and generators are not permitted. No showers on-site; the closest paid option is at Grant Village.
Nearby Grocery Options: Grant Village.
Campground Location: Lewis Lake Campground sits along the shoreline of Lewis Lake in the southern area of Yellowstone National Park. This section of the park is quieter, with Grant Village about a 20-minute drive away. Reaching other main areas takes longer.
Advantages: The lake draws visitors interested in boating. It also serves as an access point for trips into the backcountry near Shoshone Lake, which allows only non-motorized watercraft like canoes and kayaks. The campground has a simpler setup with no generators and basic facilities, appealing to those who prefer a quieter environment. It often fills later than many other campgrounds.
Drawbacks: Its location in the far southern part of the park means longer travel times to most major attractions.
Read more : 20 Top Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park for a Wyoming Wildlife Adventure
7. Bridge Bay Campground Overview
Opening Season: Mid-May through early September.
Nightly Cost: $33 per night plus tax.
Total Sites: 432 campsites.
RV Access: Some sites can accommodate rigs up to 40′ in length. Both pull-through and back-in options are available. Slide-out clearance may be limited, and some sites are uneven. No hookups are provided.
Elevation Level: Around 7,800 ft (2,377 m).
Facilities Available: Flush toilets, cell reception, generator use allowed, amphitheater with ranger programs, firewood for sale, and a dump station. No showers on-site; the closest paid options are at Grant Village and Fishing Bridge RV Park.
Nearby Grocery Options: Lake Village and Fishing Bridge.
Campground Location: Bridge Bay Campground sits along the northern edge of Yellowstone Lake in the southern section of Yellowstone National Park. The Bridge Bay Marina is located right next to the campground. Canyon Village and West Thumb Geyser Basin are a short drive away, while other areas take more time to reach.
Advantages: A practical choice for those traveling with boats, thanks to the nearby marina. Grocery stores, dining, and services at Lake Village and Grant Village are within a short drive. The Natural Bridge Trail can be accessed directly from the campground, adding a convenient hiking option.
Drawbacks: Many campsites are positioned close together with limited tree cover, which reduces privacy. Some tent sites may not be level. Its location in the southern part of the park also means longer drives to reach several major attractions.
8. Fishing Bridge RV Park Overview
Opening Season: Typically open from late spring through early fall (dates vary by season).
Nightly Cost: $89 per night plus tax and utility fees.
Total Sites: 310 sites, limited to hard-sided RVs only. Tents and tent-trailers are not permitted.
RV Access: Site lengths range from 30′ to 95′. Most are pull-through, while 30′, 35′, and 40′ sites are back-in. Some allow side-by-side parking for a truck and detached trailer. Full hookups are available, including electricity (30 or 50 amp), water, and sewer.
Elevation Level: Around 7,800 ft (2,377 m).
Facilities Available: Flush toilets, cell reception, generator use allowed, amphitheater with ranger programs, paid showers, laundry facilities, full hookups, and a dump station. Campfires are not allowed.
Nearby Grocery Options: Lake Village and Fishing Bridge.
Campground Location: Fishing Bridge RV Park is located at the north end of Yellowstone Lake within Yellowstone National Park. It sits close to the Fishing Bridge over the Yellowstone River and a nearby general store. Lake Village is a short drive away, and Canyon Village and West Thumb Geyser Basin can also be reached without much travel, while other areas take longer.
Advantages: This is the only campground in Yellowstone offering full hookups, making it the main choice for RV travelers who need that setup. The site was fully updated in 2022, bringing larger spaces, an expanded parking area, improved dump station, more showers and laundry options, and upgraded facilities.
Drawbacks: The layout is similar to a standard RV park, with sites positioned close together. The requirement for hard-sided RVs is due to frequent grizzly bear activity in the area. Campfires are not permitted, which may be disappointing, especially during colder evenings.
9. Canyon Campground Overview
Opening Season: Late May through mid-September.
Nightly Cost: $39 per night plus tax.
Total Sites: 273 campsites.
RV Access: Some sites can accommodate rigs up to 40′ in both pull-through and back-in layouts. Slide-out clearance may be limited, and certain sites are uneven. No hookups are available.
Elevation Level: Around 7,900 feet (2,408 m).
Facilities Available: Flush toilets, cell reception, generator use allowed, amphitheater with ranger programs, firewood for sale, dump station, and two free showers per night.
Nearby Grocery Options: Canyon Village.
Campground Location: Canyon Campground is set within Canyon Village near the north rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone inside Yellowstone National Park. Its position on the east side of the park offers a fairly central base.
Advantages: Canyon Village is within walking distance, offering access to groceries, restaurants, and other services. The campground itself sits a bit away from the busier village area and main road, making it quieter. A one-mile trail connects the campground to the North Rim, allowing you to reach viewpoints without dealing with parking.
Drawbacks: Campsites are relatively small and placed close together. Some visitors also note that a number of sites are not very level.
Read more : Yellowstone Road Trip Plan for the Perfect Adventure
10. Tower Fall Campground Overview
Opening Season Late May to late September
Nightly Cost: $20/night
Total Sites: 31 total.
RV Access: Best for rigs 30′ combined length or less due to a hairpin curve. There may be limited clearance for slide-outs and not all sites are level. No hookups.
Elevation Level: 6,600 feet (2012 m)
Facilities Available: Pit toilets, amphitheater with ranger programs. No cell reception, no showers, no generators allowed. (Closest pay showers are at Roosevelt Lodge.)
Nearby Grocery Options: Tower Fall
Campground Location: Tower Fall campground is located across the road from Tower Fall in the northern part of Yellowstone. It’s a 10-minute drive away from Tower Junction and the Roosevelt Lodge.
Advantages: It’s a small campground so it won’t feel crowded. You can walk to Tower Fall from your campsite. If you want a restaurant meal, the Roosevelt Lodge is a short drive away.
Drawbacks: The sites are smaller so they are better for tents, not RVs (although shorter RVs are permitted.)
11. Slough Creek Campground Overview
Opening Season: Mid-June through mid-October.
Nightly Cost: $20 per night.
Total Sites: 16 campsites.
RV Access: About 14 sites can handle rigs up to 30′. Slide-out space may be limited, and some sites are not level. No hookups are available.
Elevation Level: Around 6,250 feet (1,905 m).
Facilities Available: Pit toilets only. No cell service and no showers. The closest paid showers are at Roosevelt Lodge.
Nearby Grocery Options: Tower Fall area.
Campground Location: Slough Creek Campground is reached via a gravel road in the northeast section of Yellowstone National Park. It sits within Lamar Valley, an area known for frequent wildlife sightings. This part of the park is remote and far from most other major attractions.
Advantages: A nearby wolf den makes this one of the better spots in the park for wolf sightings. Bison, bears, pronghorn, and elk are also commonly seen in the area. With only a small number of sites, the campground feels quiet and more connected to the surrounding landscape.
Drawbacks: Larger RVs are not a good fit here, though very small rigs may work. The distance from other parts of the park means longer drive times, and wildlife traffic—especially bison on the road—can slow travel even further.
12. Pebble Creek Campground Overview
Opening Season: Mid-June through late September. Closed in 2025 due to flood recovery work.
Nightly Cost: $20 per night.
Total Sites: 27 campsites.
RV Access: Some sites include longer pull-through spaces that can handle RVs. Slide-out clearance may be limited, and certain sites are uneven. No hookups are available.
Elevation Level: Around 6,900 feet (2,103 m).
Facilities Available: Pit toilets only. No cell service and no showers. The closest paid showers are at Roosevelt Lodge.
Nearby Grocery Options: Tower Fall and Cooke City.
Campground Location: Pebble Creek Campground sits in the northeast corner of Yellowstone National Park near the base of the Absaroka Mountains. It’s about a 20-minute drive to Cooke City, Montana, while other parts of the park are much farther away.
Advantages: A smaller campground that feels quiet and less crowded. A creek runs through the middle of the area, adding a pleasant setting. Nearby Soda Butte Creek is a popular spot for fishing, and Lamar Valley—known for frequent wildlife sightings—is close by.
Drawbacks: The remote location means long driving distances to reach most other attractions in the park.
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 Do’s and Helpful 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
At Yellowstone National Park, each campsite has a limit of six people. This rule applies across all campgrounds and helps manage space within each site.
If your group is larger than six, you’ll need to reserve additional campsites. Splitting into multiple sites is the only way to stay within park guidelines and avoid any issues during your visit.
RVs in Yellowstone
Most campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park allow RVs, so you’ll have several options across the park. From smaller campgrounds to larger ones, RV travelers can find places that match their setup.
That said, space can vary a lot between sites. Some campgrounds have strict length limits, and not every spot will fit larger rigs. It’s important to check the maximum allowed length and site details before booking to avoid any issues on arrival.
When making a reservation, look closely at the site description. Picking a spot that matches your RV size will help you settle in without problems and make your stay more comfortable.
Bear Safety in Yellowstone
All campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park follow strict bear safety rules. When you check in, you’ll receive guidelines and sometimes a short briefing. Bears regularly pass through campground areas, so these rules are taken seriously for both visitor and wildlife safety.
Food is the main concern, but it’s not the only thing that attracts animals. Items like cooking gear, dishes, coolers, drinks, pet food, garbage, and even toiletries can draw attention. Anything with a scent should be treated the same way as food.
When you’re not actively using these items, they must be stored properly. Leaving them out at your campsite or inside a tent is not allowed. Instead, place them in your vehicle or use the bear-resistant storage boxes provided at each campground.
These storage boxes are large metal lockers that can hold several coolers and other supplies. In many campgrounds, each site has its own box, though some locations require sharing between a few nearby campsites.
Campground hosts and rangers actively check for compliance. If food or scented items are left unattended, you could face a fine or citation. In some cases, staff may step in and secure your items themselves. Following these rules helps reduce risk and keeps both campers and wildlife safer.
Yellowstone as a Camping Destination With Dogs
Dogs are permitted inside Yellowstone National Park, including campground areas, but there are strict rules to follow. Pets must always be inside a vehicle, secured in a crate, or kept on a leash no longer than six feet.
Access for dogs is limited to areas close to developed zones. They are allowed within 100 feet of roads, parking areas, and campgrounds. However, they are not permitted on hiking trails or boardwalks anywhere in the park.
Leaving a dog unattended is not allowed. This includes keeping them in a parked car or tying them to objects while you step away. Keeping pets supervised at all times is required throughout your stay.
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!
That covers the key details for planning a camping trip in Yellowstone National Park. From choosing the right campground to understanding facilities and locations, you now have a clear picture of what to expect across the park.
Each campground offers a different setup, so your experience will depend on where you stay and how you move through the park. With a bit of planning and flexibility, it’s possible to cover a wide range of landscapes and highlights during your visit.
If anything is unclear or you want help deciding, feel free to drop your questions in the comments. I’ll gladly help you figure things out.
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