The Ultimate Guide to Yellowstone National Park Camping
In my opinion, a major part of heading out to the western national parks is to try some Yellowstone National Park camping! Daniel and I had a blast–he even got to try his first s’more as we sat around the campfire on our Yellowstone trip. There are plenty of campgrounds in and near Yellowstone National Park that you’ll want to make sure to check out!
Everything you need to know about Yellowstone National Park camping
This guide covers everything you need to know about camping in Yellowstone National Park, including how to make reservations, where to set up your tent, and more.
Where are the best places to go camping in Yellowstone National Park?
One of the best things about Yellowstone campgrounds is the fact that there are a ton of options and that they are really easy to get to. I wouldn’t say one is better than the other–much of it depends on whether you are heading there by RV or if you are planning on doing tent camping.
Some of the more popular camping options include Grant Village Campground, Madison Campground, and Canyon Campground. It’s a good idea to know what you plan on seeing and which of the best hikes in Yellowstone National Park you want to head out on.
Unlike many other national parks, Yellowstone allows you to make reservations on several sites and for several different campgrounds. During normal seasons, you can reserve spots for these campsites in Yellowstone:
- Lewis Lake Campground
- Bridge Bay Campground
- Indian Creek Campground
- Canyon Campground
- Tower Fall Campground
- Fishing Bridge RV Park
- Pebble Creek Campground
- Grant Village Campground
- Slough Creek Campground
- Madison Campground
- Mammoth Campground
You can make reservations for Bridge Bay Campground, Canyon Campground, Fishing Bridge RV Park, Grant Village Campground, and Madison Campground on the Yellowstone National Park Lodges website.
How do I make reservations to camp in Yellowstone?
How do I make reservations to camp in Yellowstone?For Mammoth Campground, Norris Campground, Slough Creek Campground, Pebble Creek Campground, Tower Fall Campground, Indian Creek Campground, Lewis Lake Campground, head to the Recreation.gov website.
While you might be able to find some empty campsites when you arrive in the morning, I highly recommend booking online so you know you will have a spot and you won’t have to go looking for one outside of the park.
How much does it cost for Yellowstone camping?
Prices range from $7.75 USD per night to up to $79 USD depending on the type of accommodations you choose (you can also choose to stay at a cabin instead of pitching a tent in Yellowstone). There’s a little something for all budgets, but you’ll want to do some research into finding out what works for you.
Are there restrictions for camping in Yellowstone?
There are a number of restrictions when it comes to the best places to camp in Yellowstone National Park. Here are some you should be aware of when booking your spot:
- Occupancy for campsites is limited to six people
- Yellowstone limits its camping to 14 days from July 1 through Labor Day, and 30 days for the rest of the year. However, there is no limit at Fishing Bridge RV Park.
- Campfires are allowed at all sites unless stated otherwise. This is excepting the Fish Bridge RV Park, where fires are not allowed at any time.
- There is no tent camping at Fish Bridge RV Park, and it is the only one that offers running water, a sewer, and electricity.
- Senior discounts are available for all campgrounds except Fish Bridge RV Park.
- You can make larger group reservations at Grant Village Campground, Madison Campground and Bridge Bay campground. Fees range from $144 USD to $422 USD a night.
What should I know about Yellowstone National Park backcountry camping?
The setup for camping in the Yellowstone National Park backcountry is a little bit different than it is for other campsites. You will need to submit your backcountry permit along with a Backcountry Reservation Application through mail or fax along with $25 USD. If your itinerary is approved, a confirmation letter will be mailed back to you, and you will need to visit the permit office to have it converted to a backcountry permit no more than 48 hours prior to the first day of your reservation.
Mail your application and the $25 USD fee to:
Central Backcountry Office
P.O. Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
307-344-2166 (fax)
You will also need to pay a fee of $3 per night that you are in the backcountry. If you are planning on several overnight stays or an extended trip to the backcountry, then you can purchase an annual pass for $25 USD. This does not include your park and camping fees.
How do I get to campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park?
How do I get to campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park?All the major campgrounds in Yellowstone are accessible by car unless you are looking for backcountry campsites.
What should I know about bears in Yellowstone?
Bears are very common in Yellowstone, and you will need to keep that in mind when storing your food. I highly recommend purchasing a bear-safe container to keep food in your locked car, just like you would for Glacier National Park camping!
Because many campsites in Yellowstone also do not have running water, you are also going to want to dispose of any used toilet paper and feminine hygiene products outside of the campground. I recommend bringing an additional trash bag where you can store these items until you can dispose of them properly.
Remind kids that bears are a real presence and that they should put any food in trash cans or save it in their bags until you can dispose of it properly.
What should I know about check-in and check-out at Yellowstone campgrounds?
You can check in to Yellowstone campgrounds at 1:00 PM MST, and check-out is at 4:00 PM MST. If you arrive outside of the Registration Office’s hours, then you will need to pick up an envelope with your information and then complete registration in the morning.
Are there quiet hours in Yellowstone National Park campgrounds?
Quiet hours in Yellowstone campgrounds are from 8:00 PM MST to 8:00 AM MST. This means no audio devices and generators during this time.
Can I use a generator at campsites in Yellowstone National Park?
You can use generators within designated hours (8:00 AM MST to 8:00 PM MST). Generators are only allowed at certain campground sites, so you’ll want to double-check whether the campground you’re looking into allows generators before you make a reservation.
Here are the campsites that allow you to use a generator:
- Bridge Bay Campground
- Canyon Campground
- Grant Village Campground
- Madison Campground
- Mammoth Campground
- Norris Campground
- Fishing Bridge RV Park
Can I bring my pet while camping in Yellowstone National Park?
You can camp with your dog in Yellowstone, though there are some restrictions when it comes to where your pets are kept. They are not allowed more than 100 feet from the road, and when they are outside of your car they need to be kept in a crate or on a leash six feet or less.
What should I bring with me camping in Yellowstone National Park?
You probably don’t need anything super special for Yellowstone National Park camping, but I do have a camping gear list that covers pretty much everything you need.
Where to camp in Yellowstone National Park
Choosing the best camping in Yellowstone can be a challenge–there’s so many great spots! I would take a look at your Yellowstone National Park itinerary and get an idea of what you want to see the most in order to find the right place.
Map of campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park
West Entrance camping
The campgrounds near the West Entrance of Yellowstone tend to be the most popular and family-friendly. They all give you access to the best things to do in Yellowstone National Park including Old Faithful, the Grand Prismatic Spring, and more.
Madison Campground
This popular campsite boasts great fishing and offers some of the best tent camping in Yellowstone. It’s also located super close to main attractions like Old Faithful.
Open: May through October
RV length: 40 feet total
Reservations: Yes
Dump station: No
Fee: $7.75
Number of sites: 273
Restrooms: Toilets and running water
Norris Campground
This large campground is a quick walk from the Norris Geyser Basin and has plenty of space for you to pull up your RV. Set in a beautiful meadow, it’s not uncommon to see bison roaming through the area–just don’t approach them!
Open: May through October
RV length: 40 feet
Reservations: Yes (closed all of 2021)
Dump station: No
Fee: $25
Number of sites: 112
Restrooms: Toilets and running water
Indian Creek Campground
Indian Creek CampgroundLocated close to Mammoth Hot Springs, this more primitive site has some of the best camping in Yellowstone if you want to get away from the crowds and enjoy some nature.
Open: May through September
RV length: 40 feet
Reservations: No
Dump station: No
Fee: $20
Number of sites: 70
Restrooms: Vault toilets
Canyon Campground
This spot is a favorite among mobile home owners and the one I would recommend if you are taking an RV trip to Yellowstone. The price also includes two showers per campsite per night, which is pretty nice after a day of hiking.
Open: May through October
RV length: 40 feet
Reservations: Yes
Dump station: Yes
Fee: $33
Number of sites: 273
Restrooms: Toilets and showers
East Entrance camping
Camping at the east entrance of the park is known for being a bit quieter, and it’s ideal for those looking to enjoy some of the less-busy attractions in the park like Yellowstone Lake and Hayden Valley.
Pebble Creek Campground
This more isolated campground offers day hikes nearby, as well as an opportunity for fishing near Soda Butte Creek. Don’t be surprised if you see some awesome wildlife here!
Open: May through October
RV length: 40 feet
Reservations: 16 sites are available for reservations
Dump station: No
Fee: $20
Number of sites: 27
Restrooms: Vault toilets
Slough Creek Campground
Slough Creek Campground is known for being one of the best places to experience Yellowstone animals. This spot is best for smaller RVs and is arguably the best campground in Yellowstone for tents.
Open: June through October
RV length: 40 feet
Reservations: Yes
Dump station: No
Fee: $20
Number of sites: 16
Restrooms: Vault toilets
Tower Fall Campground
When it comes to places to camp in Yellowstone, this is a great spot to choose! Along with plenty of hiking opportunities, it also has a camp store and the Roosevelt Lodge, which offers dining and horseback riding.
Open: June through October
RV length: 40 feet
Reservations: No
Dump station: No
Fee: $20
Number of sites: 31
Restrooms: Vault toilets
Fishing Bridge RV Park
Known as the best RV park in Yellowstone, there is no tent camping allowed in this area due to bear activity. When it comes to luxury, this is the highest-quality campground within the area offering sewer, electrical hookups, and water hookups.
Open: May through April
RV length: 40 feet
Reservations: Yes (closed through 2021)
Dump station: Yes
Fee: $79
Number of sites: 310
Restrooms: Flush toilets
North Entrance camping
There’s really only one campground near the north entrance of the park, and since this area is a little farther away from some of the main sights, I recommend it for those spending more than a day or two here.
Mammoth Campground
You can’t beat this spot for wildlife viewing (elk and bison love this spot), and its close proximity to the North Entrance makes it a good spot for locals looking for a quick getaway.
Open: Year-round
RV length: 40 feet
Reservations: Yes
Dump station: No
Fee: $25
Number of sites: 85
Restrooms: Flush toilets
South Entrance camping
South Entrance campingCamping near the South Entrance of Yellowstone National Park offers those who love the outdoors a chance to experience areas of the park away from the crowds and that are off the beaten path.
Lewis Lake Campground
One of the benefits of this beautiful little campground is that it offers close proximity to Lewis Lake, which is perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and more. Also a nice, shady spot in the heat of summer.
Open: July through October
RV length: 40 feet
Reservations: No
Dump station: No
Fee: $20
Number of sites: 85
Restrooms: Vault toilets
Grant Village Campground
This giant campground is located right off Yellowstone Lake and offers flush toilets and a dump station. It also has a number of wheelchair-accessible sites, as well as a restaurant, gas station, boat ramp, and visitor center. You can’t go wrong here when it comes to Yellowstone National Park camping!
Open: May through October
RV length: 40 feet
Reservations: Yes
Dump station: Yes
Fee: $33
Number of sites: 430
Restrooms: Flush toilets
Camping around Yellowstone National Park
When it comes to Yellowstone National Park camping, you don’t always have to camp within the park for an amazing experience. One of the benefits of Yellowstone is the fact that it is located next to the Custer Gallatin National Forest, which is located near the park and offers cheaper sites. This is why I highly recommend purchasing an annual national parks pass–it offers free camping!
Eagle Creek Campground
Located right on a Yellowstone River tributary, this spot offers beautiful views without having to head into the park itself. This large national forest is worth exploring itself, especially if you consider yourself an outdoor enthusiast.
Open: Year-round
RV length: 40 feet
Reservations: No
Dump station: No
Fee: $15
Number of sites: 16
Restrooms: Toilets
Colter Campground
This historic area (make do a little research before you get there) offers picnic tables, fire grates, and more. You’ll want to arrive early in the morning since sites tend to fill up quickly, and if you can go during the week you’re more likely to get a spot. No tent camping is allowed.
Open: June through September
RV length: 40 feet
Reservations: No
Dump station: No
Fee: $20
Number of sites: 18
Restrooms: Toilets
Soda Butte Campground
This spot is super close to the park and offers a similar experience to Yellowstone National Park camping. It’s not only a beautiful spot to park your vehicle for the night (only hard-sided camping is allowed), but you can get to the main attractions within the park in a short amount of time.
Open: June through September
RV length: 40 feet
Reservations: No
Dump station: No
Fee: $20
Number of sites: 27
Restrooms: Toilets
Baker’s Hole Campground
This great spot for fishermen also offers electrical sites for RVs, as well. You’ll want to make sure that the latest you arrive is in the early afternoon since it tends to fill up fast with visitors to West Yellowstone and locals alike.
Open: May through September
RV length: 4o feet
Reservations: No
Dump station: No
Fee: $20, $28 for electrical sites
Number of sites: 73 campsites, 33 electrical sites
Restrooms: Toilets
KOA West Yellowstone
Daniel and I stayed at the KOA West Yellowstone on our trip to the park, and we had a great experience while there. Along with luxury-like bathrooms and plenty of space, there’s also a store and restaurant where you can pick up your most essential items and grab a pizza too!
Yellowstone RV Park
If you want an RV park with none of the hassle that comes with staying in the park, the Yellowstone RV Park is perfect for you. With 46 sites right on the Yellowstone River, cable TV, and more, you’re living your best life!
Do you have any questions about Yellowstone National Park camping? Feel free to ask in the comments!
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