Yellowstone National Park Campgrounds camping information camp

has 12 developed campgrounds with over 2,000 available campsites during the peak summer season. Reservations are accepted at several of the park’s campgrounds, Bridge Bay Campground, Canyon Campground, Fishing Bridge RV Campground, Grant Campground, and Madison Campground. These campgrounds are operated by a private company, Xanterra Parks and Resorts. Reservations at these campgrounds may be made online, or by calling 866-GEYSERLAND (866-439-7375). For last minute reservations, call 307-344-7901. All other campgrounds in Yellowstone are operated by the national park service and are first-come first-serve. Campgrounds frequently fill, so secure a first-come first-serve site early in the day.

During summer months, camping stays are limited to a maximum of 14 days with up to six people per site. Wood and charcoal fires are permitted at all campgrounds except Fishing Bridge RV Campground (additional seasonal fire restrictions may occur). Collecting firewood is permitted. All food, utensils, and anything that might attract bears and other wildlife must be kept inside a vehicle or a bear storage locker when not in use. Dispose of trash responsibly and do not burn waste in fire rings.

Visit the official Camping in Yellowstone page for more information.

 

Campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park

Mammoth Campground | 85 sites | open year-round | first-come first-serve | $14 per night | potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, and flush toilets | elevation 6,200 feet

Madison Campground | 278 sites | open early May to late October | reservations accepted | $20 per night | potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, a dump station, and flush toilets | elevation 6,800 feet

Fishing Bridge RV Campground | 325 sites | open mid May to late September | reservations accepted | no tents | $45 per night | potable water, picnic tables, a dump station, pay showers, laundry, and flush toilets | elevation 7,800 feet

Norris Campground | 100 sites | open late May to late September | first-come first-serve | $14 per night | potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, and flush toilets | elevation 7,500 feet

Tower Fall Campground | 32 sites | open late May to late September | first-come first-serve | $12 per night | potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets | elevation 6,600 feet

Bridge Bay Campground | 432 sites | open late May to mid September | reservations accepted | $20 per night | potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, a dump station, a boat dock, and flush toilets | elevation 7,800 feet

Slough Creek Campground | 23 sites | open late May to late December | first-come first-serve | $12 per night | potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets | elevation 6,250 feet

Canyon Campground | 273 sites | open early June to early September | reservations accepted | $25 per night | potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, a dump station, pay showers, laundry, and flush toilets | elevation 7,900 feet

Pebble Creek Campground | 27 sites | open mid June to late September | first-come first-serve | $12 per night | potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets | elevation 6,900 feet

Indian Creek Campground | 75 sites | open mid June to mid September | first-come first-serve | $12 per night | potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets | elevation 7,300 feet

Lewis Lake Campground | 85 sites | open mid June to early November | first-come first-serve | $12 per night | potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, a boat dock, and vault toilets | elevation 7,800 feet

Grant Village Campground | 430 sites | open late June to late September | reservations accepted | $25 per night | potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, a dump station, pay showers, laundry, a boat dock, and flush toilets | elevation 7,800 feet

View Yellowstone National Park in a larger map

Norris Campground Yellowstone
Norris Campground
Norris Campground Yellowstone National Park
Norris Campground
Yellowstone National Park Norris Campground
Norris Campground
Pebble Creek Campground Yellowstone
Pebble Creek Campground Yellowstone
Pebble Creek Campground Yellowstone NP
Pebble Creek Campground Yellowstone

 

Hikes in Yellowstone National Park

 

TrailDescriptionDistance Location
Pebble Creek100Pebble Creek
This 12-mile long trail travels down a beautiful backcountry meadow between Montana and Wyoming, bringing through hikers to a second trailhead (shorter out and back hikes are also possible without a car shuttle).
5 - 12 miles
+950 feet
-1375 feet
45.005477,
-110.03437
Boiling River120Boiling River
This out and back hike follows a riverbank to an only-in-Yellowstone hot springs where a stream of water cooked by nearby hydrothermal features mixes with the river.
1.25 miles
50 feet
44.9923,
-110.69121
Mammoth Hot Springs130Mammoth Hot Springs
This series of boardwalks explores a park highlight, a collection of colorful hot springs terraces.
1.75 miles
300 feet
44.968472,
-110.707605
Wraith Falls140Wraith Falls
This short easy hike crosses a meadow to a viewpoint of a ghostly 100-foot cascade.
0.8 miles
100 feet
44.942445,
-110.6236
Calcite Springs Overlook150Calcite Springs Overlook
This short loop overlooks a dramatic section of the Yellowstone River lined by bleached cliffs and steam venting hydrothermal springs.
0.25 miles
25 feet
44.901788,
-110.393053
Tower Fall160Tower Fall
This out and back hike starts with a direct view of a 132-foot waterfall. Unfortunately, the final leg of the trail to the base of Tower Fall is closed due to damage from rock and mud slides.
1 miles
225 feet
44.891908,
-110.38711
Porcelain Basin of Norris Geyser Basin170Porcelain Basin of Norris Geyser Basin
This pair of loops explores a stark basin with an impressive collection of hot springs and geysers like Ledge Geyser.
0.5 - 1.1 miles
100 feet
44.726133,
-110.7020
Back Basin of Norris Geyser Basin170Back Basin of Norris Geyser Basin
This loop passes Steamboat Spring, the world's largest geyser, and several other hydrothermal features.
1 - 1.75 miles
100 feet
44.726133,
-110.7020
North Rim Trail200North Rim Trail on the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
This trail follows the north wall of the canyon past several exceptional views between Inspiration Point and the Brink of the Upper Falls.
3.3 - 7.6 miles
250 feet
44.72504,
-110.46988
Inspiration Point210Inspiration Point on the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
This jutting point is one of the premier vistas along the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, reachable at the bottom of a flight of stairs from a parking area at the east end of North Rim Trail.
0.10 miles
50 feet
44.72504,
-110.46988
Lookout Point220Lookout Point on the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
This short spur off North Rim Trail (which you can also drive right up to) achieves an impressive view of Lower Falls in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.
0.15 miles
25 feet
44.72152,
-110.48788
Artist Point230Artist Point on the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
This viewpoint delivers one of the most photographed views in Yellowstone, a memorable perspective of the 308-foot Lower Falls.
0.2 miles
50 feet
44.720183,
-110.479766
Yellowstone Point Sublime240Point Sublime on the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
This hike explores the south rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, passing Artist Point toward more excellent views.
3 miles
250 feet
44.720183,
-110.479766
Yellowstone Uncle Toms Trail250Uncle Tom's Trail on the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
This hike descends a steel staircase clinging to the south wall of the canyon to a viewing platform with spectacular views of Lower Falls.
0.7 miles
500 feet
44.71522,
-110.4962
Upper Falls Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River260Brink of the Upper Falls on the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
This short trail extending from North Rim Trail reaches a daunting overlook atop the 109-foot waterfall at the start of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.
0.25 miles
75 feet
44.71457,
-110.5007
Yellowstone Artists Paintpots300Artists' Paintpots
This hike circles a hillside hydrothermal area, passing bursting mudpots, bubbling hot springs, and mesmerizing milky blue pools.
1.1 miles
125 feet
44.696237,
-110.741095
Yellowstone Monument Geyser Basin310Monument Geyser Basin
This out and back hike reaches a rarely visited hydrothermal area that is boardwalk-free and fun to explore.
2.8 miles
700 feet
44.683667,
-110.74452
Yellowstone Mud Volcano Area320Mud Volcano Area
This boardwalk visits a collection of sulfur-scented muddy springs atop a resurgent dome in the magma chamber of the Yellowstone Caldera.
0.2 - 0.85 miles
25 - 100 feet
44.6249,
-110.4336
Yellowstone Fountain Paint Pot340Fountain Paint Pot
This easy loop in Lower Geyser Basin passes geysers, hot springs, mudpots, and fumaroles - all of the hydrothermal features found in Yellowstone.
0.5 miles
50 feet
44.548546,
-110.807223
Yellowstone Midway Geyser Basin350Midway Geyser Basin
This walkway passes Excelsior Geyser and Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot springs in Yellowstone.
0.8 miles
75 feet
44.528424,
-110.836253
Yellowstone Biscuit Basin360Biscuit Basin
This loop explores hydrothermal features in Upper Geyser Basin like Black Opal Pool, Sapphire Pool, and Black Pearl Geyser.
0.65 miles
50 feet
44.48505,
-110.85255
Yellowstone Old Faithful Geyser400Old Faithful Geyser
The tall, frequent eruptions of Yellowstone's most famous geyser have been dazzling visitors for over a century and are easy to witness today.
0 - 2 miles
0 - 250 feet
44.46041,
-110.828213
Yellowstone West Thumb Geyser Basin500West Thumb Geyser Basin
This easy loop explores a hydrothermal area on the shore of Yellowstone Lake.
0.65 miles
25 feet
44.415605,
-110.57362
Yellowstone Riddle Lake600Riddle Lake
This level out and back hike crosses the Continental Divide to a backcountry lake with a small beach.
5 miles
100 feet
44.358408,
-110.582163
Tagged with · National Parks · Tent Camping

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4 Comments on Camping in Yellowstone National Park

  1. Robert Reale wrote:

    Are there any trails you would recommend where we could hike in, stay a night, and hike out. Hike should be pretty easy and less than three miles. Want to give my high school kids a taste of the back country experience without burning them out. The ability to have a wood fire and possibly fish would also be nice.

  2. Robert Reale wrote:

    What camp areas at Yellowstone or Tetons are good for tents? Don’t want to be in a parking lot.

    • hikespeak wrote:

      I don’t think you’d be camping on a parking lot anywhere in Yellowstone. Norris Campground is a nice big campground with sites in a few different settings ranging from forest to field.