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Reading Time: 8 minutesLast Updated on July 4, 2025 by Paul Clayton
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Camping in Yellowstone National Park
Camping in Yellowstone National Park provides an unparalleled outdoor experience featuring diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and geothermal features.
Key Takeaways:
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- Yellowstone Offers Unparalleled Camping: Yellowstone National Park provides a unique outdoor experience due to its vast, diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and distinctive geothermal features.
- Strategic Planning for Access and Timing: Given its large size and varying road accessibility (especially in winter), planning your entrance point and travel within the park is crucial. The shoulder seasons (April, September, October) are often recommended for fewer crowds and pleasant weather.
- Diverse Camping Options Available: The park offers numerous campgrounds catering to different preferences, including tent-only, RV-friendly (with varying hookup availability), and group sites. Popular choices like Grant Village, Lewis Lake, Madison, and Canyon Campground each offer unique access to specific attractions.
- Abundant Activities for All Interests: Yellowstone is a haven for nature and adventure enthusiasts, featuring extensive hiking and biking trails, horseback riding, winter sports (skiing, snowmobiling), and diverse water activities (boating, kayaking, fishing).
- Rich Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: With nearly 300 bird species and 67 mammal species (including bison, elk, wolves, and bears), Yellowstone is a premier destination for wildlife observation, though strict safety protocols (like food storage) must be followed.
- Combine with Grand Teton for Extended Exploration: Its proximity makes Grand Teton National Park an excellent addition to a Yellowstone trip, offering more mountainous landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a range of outdoor activities.
What’s more exciting for campers than a getaway in a national park? Yellowstone, now 152 years old, is a beloved destination for nature enthusiasts, family vacationers, and water enthusiasts.
Since the park’s so big, how can you get the most out of your visit? Keep reading to discover how to get there, where to stay, and what activities you can’t miss.
Can You Rent an RV for a Year?
Traveling to Yellowstone
So, where is this incredible national park located? Yellowstone is situated primarily in northwestern Wyoming, spanning into southern Montana and eastern Idaho. In total, the park covers nearly 3,500 miles of land.
There are five entrance stations, with several hours between some of them. So, be sure to check the status of roads and directions for the entrance you intend to use before heading to Yellowstone.
Are you making a cross-country trip to explore the park? Plan on flying into Cody and Jackson Airport in Wyoming, Bozeman and Billings in Montana, or Idaho Falls in Idaho.
Travelers can take a bus from the airport to Yellowstone National Park. However, it’s essential to note that you may want to consider renting a car instead, as approximately 50 miles of road separate the most popular destinations in the park.
Now that you know how to get there, when should you fly or drive in? It will primarily depend on what activities float your travel party’s boat; are you cross-country skiers or laid-back kayakers?
Most visitors agree that the best times of year to visit Yellowstone National Park are April, September, and October, as the crowds are lower and the weather remains pleasant.
Summer is the busiest time for Yellowstone, while winter is much less crowded. The thing to keep in mind about winter, though, is only some roads and campgrounds are accessible during those months.
Best Places to Camp in Yellowstone
With thousands of miles to explore, it might be challenging to narrow down a campground. Keep reading to find a site that’s accommodating, beautiful, and close to your must-see attractions.
1. Grant Village Campground in Yellowstone
Those eager to explore the waters of Yellowstone Lake will love camping in Grant Village (Named after Ulysses S. Grant, who signed the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act into law in 1872).
Situated on the lake’s southwest shore, you’ll be surrounded by lodgepole pine forests at 7,800 feet. With a few miles of hiking or biking, you’ll reach the enchanting West Thumb Geyser Basin.
It’s one of the best geysers in Yellowstone! Grant Village has covered you whether you pitch a tent or haul an RV up to 40 feet.
Enjoy a daytime picnic or evening campfire during your stay; just be sure to use the food storage lockers at night to keep your food safe. You won’t have to “rough it” entirely either: freshen up in the grounds’ restrooms and shower, or throw in a load of laundry.
Since some sites can be a bit less level for vehicles, this location is ultimately the best tent camping in Yellowstone from June to October.
2. Yellowstone’s Lewis Lake Campground
Headed to Yellowstone for all the boating adventures it has to offer? Lewis Lake Campground might be the best camping in Yellowstone for you.
You’ll be just eight miles from the park’s south entrance, and with a short walk, you’ll find the southwest shore of Lewis Lake—canoe, kayak, or motorboat from the ramp for a day full of fun.
You can reserve one of the 85 sites at this campground up to six months in advance for tent and pop-up camping in Yellowstone.
Procrastinators needn’t worry, though, because 20% of the sites remain open until two weeks in advance. Friendly staff will assist with the food lockers, restrooms, and campsite fires.
3. Madison Campground in Yellowstone National Park
Big travel groups should head to Madison Campground, one of the largest in the park. It is about 14 miles east of West Yellowstone and 16 miles north of Old Faithful.
You can expect to see beautiful meadows full of wildflowers and bison during the summer. Autumn visitors can hear bugling elk in Yellowstone.
All 278 sites on this campground come equipped with trash collection, drinking water, food storage lockers, a theater, and helpful staff to assist.
Book a single-family site or choose from one of the three group spots for an increased nightly fee. You can enjoy this dispersed camping in Yellowstone anytime between May and mid-October.
4. Yellowstone Canyon Campground
Canyon Village is one of the most incredible spots in Yellowstone, so why not camp near it? This campground lies in a lodgepole pine forest near the breathtaking Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.
Spend your days hiking the beautiful Cascade Lake, Mount Washburn, and Canyon Rim trails. After a day of nature adventures, head into Canyon Village for shopping and yummy eats.
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to Campsite Photos
Visit the campground’s website to reserve one of Yellowstone’s 273 best RV campsites. Use the campground’s restrooms and showers from May to September to freshen up.
Nighttime at Canyon Campground consists of s’mores and campfire stories, the perfect end to a fun day.
Activities in Yellowstone National Park
Nature and Wildlife of Yellowstone
Yellowstone National Park is the premier destination for viewing abundant and diverse wildlife. If you’re wondering what animals are in Yellowstone, the answer is hundreds.
There are nearly 300 species of birds, 16 fish species, five types of amphibians, six reptile species, and a whopping 67 species of mammals.
Some of the animals at Yellowstone National Park include bighorn sheep, moose, mountain goats, wolves, and bears. Don’t get scared yet, and you can keep track of the park’s predators with the live bear cam Yellowstone offers online.
Yellowstone’s Land Adventures
As fun as it is to observe cute Yellowstone animals, you’ve got more exploring to do! The nearly 1,000 miles of trails are a haven for hikers and bikers.
Those visiting in summer must check out the thermal basins and horseback riding. Winter campers can enjoy activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. Year-round, join the ranger programs for a trip with activities and get keen on Yellowstone’s nature.
After long hikes and bike rides along Yellowstone Lake, you’ll be eager to explore the park’s waters further.
Water Excursions in Yellowstone
Whether you’re ready to jump in the water or admire it from afar, Yellowstone has you covered. Hop in a motor or rowboat and cruise the 136 miles of scenic waters.
You can get a permit and a boat rental at the Bridge Bay Marina. For more laid-back lake time, you can kayak or canoe on any of the park’s lakes and in the section of the Lewis River between the Lewis and Shoshone Lakes.
Fishing enthusiasts, bring your bait! You can enjoy traditional and fly fishing in the park’s lakes and rivers.
Yellowstone Lake is packed with native cutthroat trout, while the Gardner River has brookies, rainbow trout, and browns. The Yellowstone waters will be your fishing paradise when you obtain a license.
Nearby Fun at Grand Teton National Park
If your Yellowstone getaway wasn’t enough to satisfy that nature craving, travel just under two hours to Grand Teton National Park. The mountainous park has extraordinary wildlife and pristine waters.
Spend a day backpacking in the Teton Range and look for geology exploration opportunities. Winter visitors, put on your snow pants because it’s time for some backcountry skiing.
Stay at one of the campgrounds at Grand Teton National Park, or book a stay in one of the lodge rooms. Most locations will offer standard amenities to ensure your comfort.
For more updates on camping or a map of Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons, download the NPS (National Park Service) app.
FAQs
How can I reserve a campsite in Yellowstone National Park?
Campsites in Yellowstone can be reserved online through the National Park Service’s official reservation system or by calling the reservation hotline. It’s advisable to book well in advance, especially for peak summer months.
What types of camping are available in Yellowstone?
Yellowstone offers a range of camping options, including tent sites, RV sites (with and without hookups), and backcountry camping for those looking for a more secluded experience. Some campgrounds also offer amenities like flush toilets and running water.
What are the rules for backcountry camping?
Backcountry camping in Yellowstone requires a permit, which can be obtained in person at a visitor center or ranger station. Specific regulations protect the wilderness and wildlife, including food storage requirements and designated campsite usage.
What should I do about bears and wildlife while camping?
Yellowstone is home to both grizzly and black bears. Campers must follow park regulations for food storage and disposal to minimize attractants for wildlife. Always maintain a safe distance from all wildlife and refrain from feeding animals.
Final Thoughts
Camping in Yellowstone National Park is an experience one will cherish and remember forever. The park’s natural beauty is mesmerizing, inviting you to explore its diverse wildlife and geothermal wonders.
However, it is essential to secure your reservations early, particularly during the peak summer months when the park sees a surge in visitors. While the appeal of the wilderness is undeniable, safety should always be your top priority.
This includes proper food storage to avoid attracting wildlife, a heightened awareness of the animals in the park, and taking necessary fire precautions.
The park offers a variety of trails that allow you to explore its unique geothermal features, including geysers, hot springs, and mud pots, while also providing panoramic vistas of its vast landscapes.
As you immerse yourself in this awe-inspiring environment, remember the importance of preserving its pristine condition. This means packing out all waste to leave no trace behind. Finally, ensure that you are well-equipped for camping in Yellowstone National Park.
Essential equipment includes warm clothing to combat chilly nights, sturdy footwear for hiking through rough terrain, and sufficient provisions for your stay. Combined elements will ensure a memorable and safe camping experience in this natural wonderland.
