Yellowstone National Park Campgrounds
Camping in Yellowstone National Park is an American Tradition. For over a hundred and thirty years, folks have been packing up the family and heading to Yellowstone to go camping in the world's first national park. It's part of "who we are" as Americans.
The majority of my childhood memories(Dave) consist of all those times my parents packed up us kids and took us camping in Yellowstone National Park, and there is no question that these were some of the best memories and best times of my life.
There's something about camping in Yellowstone National Park that is magical, and to put this feeling into words is next to impossible. The surroundings, the campfires, the smell of the lodgepole pines, the bright blue skies, the marshmallows, the wildlife all around us, Mom and Dad's famous breakfasts, our tiny blue 1955 Shasta trailer,.... all of these things contribute to something that is so magical and so impactful that I literally can close my eyes and instantly go back in time. My memories of camping in Yellowstone Park are a big part of who I am, and I am incredibly thankful that my Mom and Dad loved Yellowstone National Park as much as they did, and that they took the time to get us kids there as often as they possibly could.
For those of you who have already experienced the joy of camping in Yellowstone National Park, you understand what I'm trying to say. And it's not just because I was a little kid. I feel the exact same way when camping in Yellowstone Park still today. Nothing has changed. It's still as magical as it ever was- especially at our family's old haunt at Madison Campground. So for those of you who haven't yet experience the magic of camping in Yellowstone Park, grab the kids, dust off the tent or hook up the trailer and get to Yellowstone. You'll create wonderful memories that will last a lifetime!
For campgrounds located outside Yellowstone Park, click here.
1. Mammoth Campground
2. Tower Fall Campground
3. Canyon Campground (reservations available)
4. Fishing Bridge RV Campground (reservations available)
5. Bridge Bay Campground (reservations available)
6. Grant Campground (reservations available)
7. Madison Campground (reservations available)
8. Norris Campground
9. Indian Creek Campground
10. Lewis Lake Campground
11. Slough Creek Campground
12. Pebble Creek Campground
CAMPING IN YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK Yellowstone Park Campgrounds along the GRAND LOOP
Mammoth Campground
Located 5 miles south of the North Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, Mammoth Campground is definitely regarded as one of the classic Yellowstone National Park campgrounds. For those who love camping in Yellowstone Park, Mammoth Campground is a great option. Nestled next to the Yellowstone Park headquarters town of Mammoth Hot Springs, you are next door to many amenities and activities such as a general store, gift store, restaurant, hotel, gas station, visitor center, horseback riding, Mammoth Hot Springs boardwalk, and more. Mammoth Campground is also the only Yellowstone Park campground that is open all year round.
Mammoth Campground in Yellowstone National Park is located close to many popular attractions, such as Mammoth Hot Springs, Swan Lake Flat, Gardner River, Gardiner Montana, Bunsen Peak, Blacktail Ponds, Undine Falls, Wraith Falls and much, much more. And being located directly on the Grand Loop, this Yellowstone National Park campground is a great place to stay for the night as you work your way along the Grand Loop.
And even though Mammoth Hot Springs is well known for its abundant wildlife such as black bear, grizzlies, wolves, buffalo and a large assortment of birds, unquestionably the most popular species in the Mammoth Area is the elk. During the spring of the year, you will see spotted elk calves and during the fall you will get to see herds of elk, right in town, "perform" during their autumn mating season. Camping in Yellowstone National Park is always a treat no matter where the campground is located, but during the spring and fall, the elk make camping at Mammoth extremely interesting. Sometimes to avoid predators, the elk cows will actually give birth to their calves right in the campground or the town of Mammoth! You never know what you'll see camping at Mammoth Campground in Yellowstone National Park, so make sure you have your camera ready!
Location: 5 miles south of the North Entrance of Yellowstone National Park along the Grand Loop.
Size: 85 Yellowstone Park campsites (well designed for long RVs and towed trailers up to 75 feet), and 51 tent pads.
Open: Open All Year
Additional Features: potable water, flush toilets, sinks, disposal station located 5 miles north in Gardner Montana, Accessable sites available, generators allowed from 8 am to 8 pm.
Reservations? No. Mammoth Campground is on a "first come, first serve" basis only.
Nearby Attractions: Mammoth Hot Springs, Mammoth Hot Springs townsite, Gardner River, Gardiner Montana, Swan Lake Flats, Blacktail Ponds, Undine Falls, Wraith Falls, Bunsen Peak and much more.
Nearby Lodging: Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins
Tower Fall Campground
Tower Fall Campground is located about 2 miles southeast of Tower Junction (Roosevelt), and is a very popular site for those who love camping in Yellowstone National Park. Nestled in a mixed pine forest, this is a very pretty campground that is best suited for tent campers and small RVs and trailers (30 feet or less) because of the sharply curved turns throughout the campground. This is also a rather small Yellowstone National Park campground, with only 32 Yellowstone Park campsites available. Tower Creek runs very close to the campground, and the beautiful Tower Fall is just north of the Tower Fall Campground, where the trail to the falls begins at the Tower Fall gift shop and restaurant.
Tower Fall Campground in Yellowstone National Park is near several popular attractions, such as Roosevelt Lodge, Phantom Lake, Floating Island Lake, Petrified Tree, Roosevelt Lodge, Tower Fall, Tower Creek, Dunraven Pass, Mount Washburn Lookout, and more.
Just two miles up the road is the historic Roosevelt Lodge, which provides a restaurant, showers, horseback rides, stagecoach rides, western cookouts (nightly), and the Tower Ranger Station.
Location: Two miles south of Tower Junction (Roosevelt) along the Grand Loop.
Size: 32 Yellowstone Park campsites (best suited for RVs and towed combos 32 feet in length or less).
Open: mid May to late September.
Additional Features: potable water, vault toilets.
Reservations? No. This campground is on a "first come, first serve" basis only.
Nearby Attractions: Roosevelt Lodge, Phantom Lake, Floating Island Lake, Petrified Tree, Calcite Springs Overlook, Tower Fall, Tower Creek, Dunraven Pass, Mount Washburn Lookout and more.
Nearby Lodging: Roosevelt Lodge Cabins.
Canyon Campground
Canyon Campground in Yellowstone National Park is located at Canyon Junction, and is nestled very close to the world famous Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
Next to this very popular Yellowstone Park campground is Canyon Village, which offers restaurants, gift shops, showers, laundry, Canyon Visitor Center and Canyon Lodge. Through mid June through early September, Yellowstone Park camping enthusiasts can also enjoy an evening ranger talk at the Canyon Amphitheater that is located next to Canyon Campground.
Obviously the main attraction near Canyon Campground is the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, but these popular Yellowstone Park campsites are also close to Dunraven Pass, Mount Washburn Lookout and the iconic Hayden Valley.
Canyon Campground is definitely one of the most popular campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park, and is a great place to land while covering the Grand Loop. If you enjoy camping in Yellowstone National Park, Canyon Campground is a classic place to camp, not only because of its ideal location, but because of the classic lodgepole forest that the campground sits in. Canyon Campground is indeed a classic Yellowstone Park Campground.
Location: Canyon Village (Canyon Junction) of Yellowstone National Park along the Grand Loop.
Size: 273 Yellowstone Park campsites available.
Open: early June to early September.
Additional Features: potable water, accessible sites, flush toilets, sinks, disposal station, showers and laundry, and generators OK from 8 am to 8 pm.
Reservations? Yes. Click Here.
Nearby Attractions: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Canyon Village, Dunraven Pass, Mount Washburn Lookout, Hayden Valley and more.
Nearby Lodging: Canyon Lodge and Cabins.
Fishing Bridge RV Campground
Fishing Bridge RV Campground is for hard-sided camping units only. Located just south of the famous Fishing Bridge that crosses the Yellowstone River near the gigantic Yellowstone Lake, Fishing Bridge RV Campground is situated very close to Lake Village, which includes the historic Lake Yellowstone Hotel and the historic Lake Lodge.
This popular Yellowstone National Park campground provides only back-in sites with no pull-through campsites, and the maximum length for an RV or towed unit combo is 40 feet. These Yellowstone Park campsites do provide hookups, showers, laundry, flush toilets, disposal station, store, restaurant and gift shop.
Nearby attractions include Fishing Bridge, Fishing Bridge Store, Steamboat Point, Sylvan Pass, Mary Bay, Sedge Bay, Hayden Valley, LeHardy Rapids, Mud Volcano Area, Yellowstone Lake, Lake Village (includes Lake Yellowstone Hotel, Lake Lodge), Bridge Bay, Bridge Bay Marina and much more.
Location: Close to Yellowstone Lake near Lake Village in Yellowstone National Park.
Size: 325 Yellowstone Park campsites (Hard-Sided Units Only).
Open: early May to late September.
Additional Features: potable water, flush toilets, sinks, showers, laundry, store, disposal station, hookups, generators OK from 8 am to 8 pm.
Reservations? Yes. Click Here.
Nearby Attractions: Nearby attractions include Fishing Bridge, Fishing Bridge Store, Steamboat Point, Sylvan Pass, Mary Bay, Sedge Bay, Hayden Valley, LeHardy Rapids, Mud Volcano Area, Yellowstone Lake, Lake Village (includes Lake Yellowstone Hotel, Lake Lodge), Bridge Bay, Bridge Bay Marina and much more.
Bridge Bay Campground
ampgrounds, and is located about 2 miles west of Lake Village, near the north shore of the amazing Yellowstone Lake at Bridge Bay (along the Grand Loop of Yellowstone National Park). If you like camping in Yellowstone National Park, you'll love Bridge Bay Campground. These Yellowstone National Park campsites are "Classic Yellowstone" with lodgepole pines found throughout this Yellowstone Park campground.
Located just across the road from the wonderful Bridge Bay and Bridge Bay Marina, this is the perfect place for Yellowstone National Park camping enthusiasts to stay if they're interested in renting a boat to explore Yellowstone Lake, or a fishing charter. There is also a popular boat tour of Yellowstone Lake that starts at Bridge Bay Marina. Got your own boat? That's great because Bridge Bay Marina offers slips you can rent. And even if you don't have an interest in boating, the Bridge Bay Marina is a fun place to visit, with the convenient camp store to explore and the rows of beautiful private boats to watch come in and out of the bay.
There is also an interesting evening ranger talk usually scheduled from mid June to early September.
Location: About 2 miles west of Lake Village, next to Yellowstone Lake at Bridge Bay in Yellowstone National Park.
Size: 432 Yellowstone Park campsites available.
Open: Late May to early September
Additional Features: potable water, flush toilets, accessible sites available,disposal station, generators allowed from 8 am to 8 pm. (Showers and laundry available 4 miles up the road at Fishing Bridge Campground.)
Reservations? Yes. Click Here.
Nearby Attractions: Bridge Bay, Bridge Bay Marina, Yellowstone Lake, Gull Point Drive, Lake Village, Lake Yellowstone Hotel, Lake Lodge, Fishing Bridge, and more.
Nearby Lodging: Lake Yellowstone Hotel and Cabins, Lake Lodge Cabins.
Grant Campground
Grant Campground is located at Grant Village, which is 22 miles north of the South Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Found along the Grand Loop of Yellowstone National Park, Grant Campground is right next to Grant Village, which provides showers, laundry, a disposal station, stores and restaurants.
Only about a mile to the north of this popular Yellowstone Park campground is the famous West Thumb Geyser Basin, which is one of our "top ten things to do in Yellowstone National Park". Grant Campground is yet another wonderful campground for Yellowstone National Park camping enthusiasts, and has the classic "Yellowstone look"- being nestled in a lodgepole forest.
Nearby attractions include Grant Village, West Thumb Geyser Basin, Yellowstone Lake, Lewis Lake, Craig Pass and more.
Location: About 22 miles north of the South Entrance of Yellowstone National Park along the Grand Loop.
Size: 430 Yellowstone Park campsites available.
Open: late June to late September.
Additional Features: potable water, flush toilets, accessible sites available, showers, laundry, disposal station, generators allowed from 8 am to 8 pm, evening ranger talk.
Reservations? Yes. Click Here.
Nearby Attractions: Grant Village, West Thumb Geyser Basin, Yellowstone Lake, Lewis Lake, Craig Pass and more.
Nearby Lodging: Grant Village Lodge Complex.
Madison Campground
Madison Campground in Yellowstone National Park is located at Madison Junction, approximately 14 miles from the West Entrance of Yellowstone National Park at West Yellowstone Montana, and 16 miles from Old Faithful. Found along the Grand Loop, the Madison Campground is without question one of the most popular campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park, and is truly a Yellowstone Park icon. (It also happens to be our favorite campground in Yellowstone Park.)
Madison Campground is nestled in a classic Yellowstone Park lodgepole forest, and is found close to where the Gibbon River and Firehole River join to form the Madison River. As a matter of fact, just next to the campground is this glorious Madison River, where families have enjoyed its beach, as well as fishing or swimming for countless generations.
A few miles south of Madison Campground is the wonderful Firehole River Drive, where you not only can enjoy the incredible beauty, but also the ever-popular Firehole Swimming Area. Further to the south along the road that follows the Firehole River (which will take you to Old Faithful), are the great geyser basins in "Geyser Row" such as Lower Geyser Basin and Midway Geyser Basin.
To the west of Madison Campground in Yellowstone National Park is the famous Madison Canyon, where the road follows the Madison River nearly all the way to West Yellowstone Montana. This famous drive along the Madison River is known for its amazing wildlife and scenic beauty.
To the north of Madison Campground is the beautiful drive along the Gibbon River, which features the famous Gibbon Falls and Monument Geyser Basin. This road eventually takes you to Norris Junction and Norris Geyser Basin, which is only 14 miles away.
The Madison Campground is just as much of an iconic symbol of Yellowstone National Park as Old Faithful Geyser and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. It truly represents the essence of camping in Yellowstone National Park, and we highly recommend camping here during your Yellowstone National Park camping adventures. And we're not saying this just because it's our old haunt... millions of people feel the same way we do! Madison Campground provides a wonder experience for all you Yellowstone National Park camping enthusiasts.
Location: Madison Junction, which is 14 miles east of the West Entrance to Yellowstone National Park, and 16 miles north of Old Faithful Geyser Area along the Grand Loop.
Size: 278 Yellowstone Park campsites available.
Open: early May to late October.
Additional Features: Accessible sites available, flush toilets, sinks, potable water, disposal station, generators OK from 8 am to 8 pm, evening ranger talk.
Reservations? Yes. Click Here.
Nearby Attractions: Madison River, Madison Canyon, Firehole River, Gibbon River, Firehole River Drive, Firehole Swimming Area, Gibbon Falls, Norris Geyser Basin, Geyser Row (Lower Geyser Basin, Midway Geyser Basin, Biscuit Geyser Basin, Black Sand Geyser Basin), and much more.
Norris Campground
Norris Campground is another popular Yellowstone National Park campground, and is centrally located along the Grand Loop, being 21 miles south of Mammoth Hot Springs and 12 west of Canyon Village. This is a nicely forested Yellowstone Park campground that is only a few hundred yards from the famous Norris Geyser Basin.
Norris Campground is a relatively small campground located along the Gibbon River, and it does not take reservations. So get here early if you want a campsite! Also, there are only a couple sites that can accommodate an RV or towed unit combo up to 50 feet, and only five units that can accommodate RVs or towed unit combos up to 30 feet in length.
Nearby attractions include Norris Geyser Basin, the Gibbon River, Artists Paintpots, Virginia Cascade, Nymph Lake, Twin Lakes, Roaring Mountain, Gibbon Falls, Obsidian Cliffs and much more.
Location: 21 miles south of Mammoth Hot Springs, 12 miles west of Canyon Village.
Size: Approximately 100 Yellowstone Park campsites available (2 up to 50 feet, 5 up to 30 feet).
Open: mid May to late September.
Additional Features: flush toilets, potable water, generators allowed 8 am to 8 pm.
Reservations? No. This Yellowstone Park campground is on a "first come, first serve" basis only.
Nearby Attractions: Norris Geyser Basin, the Gibbon River, Artists Paintpots, Virginia Cascade, Nymph Lake, Twin Lakes, Roaring Mountain, Gibbon Falls, Obsidian Cliffs and much more.
Indian Creek Campground
Norris Indian Creek Campground is a small primitive Yellowstone National Park campground that is located about 8 miles south of Mammoth Hot Springs and 13 miles north of Norris Geyser Basin. This is a very quiet and peaceful campground because generators are not allowed, and it is also very nicely forested. There are only 10 pull through units that can accommodate rigs up to 40 feet, and 35 pull through units that can accommodate 30 foot RVs or towed combos.
Nearby attractions include Indian Creek, Willow Park, Swan Lake Flats, Sheepeater Cliff, Obsidian Cliff Beaver Lake, Roaring Mountain, Twin Lakes, Nymph Lake, Norris Geyser Basin, Mammoth Hot Springs and more.
Location: 8 miles south of Mammoth Hot Springs, 13 miles north of Norris Junction.
Size: 75 Yellowstone Park campsites available (10 up to 40 feet, 35 up to 30 feet).
Open: early June to early September.
Additional Features: vaulted (pit) toilets, potable water, generators NOT allowed.
Reservations? No. This Yellowstone Park campground is on a "first come, first serve" basis only.
Nearby Attractions: Indian Creek, Willow Park, Swan Lake Flats, Sheepeater Cliff, Obsidian Cliff Beaver Lake, Roaring Mountain, Twin Lakes, Nymph Lake, Norris Geyser Basin, Mammoth Hot Springs and more.
CAMPING IN YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK Yellowstone Campgrounds: Beyond the Grand Loop
Lewis Lake Campground
The Lewis Lake Campground in Yellowstone National Park is located about 6 miles south of Grant Village and about 16 miles north of the South Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Of all the Yellowstone Park Campgrounds, the Lewis Lake Campground is quite often the last campground to fill up.
Found along the southeast shore of Lewis Lake, this Yellowstone Park Campground is tucked in a nicely forested area and right next to a small but well constructed boat dock and boat ramp. There is also a very nice picnic area next to the campground.
For Yellowstone Park camping enthusiasts that are interested in the Lewis Lake Area, this is the perfect Yellowstone National Park campground for them.
Location: 6 miles south of Grant Village, 16 miles north of South Entrance of Yellowstone National Park.
Size: 85 campsites (2 sites will accommodate towed combinations and RVs up to 25 feet in length).
Open: mid June to early November.
Additional Features: vault toilets, potable water, generators not allowed.
Reservations? No. First come, first serve only.
Nearby Attractions: Lewis Lake, Lewis Falls, Grant Village, West Thumb Geyser Basin, Yellowstone Lake and more.
Slough Creek Campground
Slough Creek Campground is a small primitive Yellowstone Park campground located about 5 miles east of Tower Junction (Roosevelt) on the road to the world renowned Lamar Valley, and the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Nestled at the end of a 2.5 mile long dirt road, these primitive Yellowstone Park campsites are found along the banks of Slough Creek, with some sites in trees and others in sage brush meadows.
Slough Creek Campground in Yellowstone National Park is located near the west end of the famous Lamar Valley, so this is a popular campground for those Yellowstone Park visitors who enjoy camping in Yellowstone and who wish to spend a lot of time watching and photographing the amazing Lamar Valley wildlife such as wolves, grizzly bears, buffalo, antelope, river otters, and more. But because this is one of the smaller Yellowstone Park campgrounds it fills up very fast, so make sure to get there early to make sure you get a campsite.
Please note that Slough Creek Campground is not a campground for large vehicles. Of the 23 campsites available at Slough Creek Campground, there are only about 14 campsites for units that are up to 30 feet in length. This small Yellowstone Park campground is best suited for tents and small RVs. For those who like primitive camping in Yellowstone National Park, this is the perfect Yellowstone Park campground for you- especially if you're into wildlife watching.
Location: 5 miles east of Tower Junction (Roosevelt) at the end of a 2.5 mile long gravel road. Near the west end of the famous Lamar Valley.
Size: 23 Yellowstone Park campsites (14 sites will accommodate towed combinations and RVs up to 30 feet in length). Best suited for tents and small RVs.
Open: mid June to late October.
Additional Features: vault toilets, potable water, no generators allowed.
Reservations? No. First come, first serve only.
Nearby Attractions: Wildlife viewing between Tower Junction and Slough Creek, wildlife viewing in the Lamar Valley and all the way to the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park near Cooke City Montana.
Pebble Creek Campground
Pebble Creek Campground is located about 9 miles west of the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, and is surrounded by some of the largest mountains in Yellowstone, such as Mount Norris and The Thunderer. This area is an extremely scenic area with towering mountains on each side of the road as it works its way to the Northeast Entrance, Silver Gate and Cooke City Montana. This small primitive Yellowstone Park campground rests along Pebble Creek, close to where Pebble Creek empties into Soda Butte Creek. Just down the road (west) is the Lamar Valley.
There are a few long pull through campsites, but for the most part Pebble Creek Campground is best suited for small RVs and tents. Some campsites are wooded and some are open, but all of the sites are very nice. Unique to Pebble Creek Campground is a walk-in tent area for those of you who prefer camping in Yellowstone away from vehicles and yet not too far away. This is one of the smaller campgrounds in Yellowstone Park, so get here early if you want a campsite.
Again, the landscape around the Pebble Creek Campground is spectacular. It is one of the most mountainous areas in all of Yellowstone Park, and is truly a great place to enjoy your Yellowstone Park camping experience. There are several great hikes near the campground, and the Lamar Valley is just down the road to the west, and the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, as well as Cooke City and Silver Gate Montana is just up the road to the east (9 miles). It's really a wonderful little campground- but make sure to get here early to ensure you get a campsite. Pebble Creek Campground is one of the smaller campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park.
Location: About 9 miles west of the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, Cooke City and Silver Gate Montana.
Size: 27 Yellowstone Park campsites (with a few fairly long pull-throughs). There is also a walk-in tent area.
Open: mid June to late September.
Additional Features: vault toilets, potable water, no generators allowed.
Reservations? No. First come, first serve only.
Nearby Attractions: Trout Lake, Soda Butte, Lamar Valley, Mount Norris, The Thunderer, Barronette Peak, Abiathar Peak, Icebox Canyon, Cooke City, Silver Gate and more.
Camping in Yellowstone National Park is truly a wonderful experience that has been enjoyed by countless generations of Yellowstone Park visitors throughout its 130+ year history. And each of the Yellowstone Park campgrounds are strategically placed so that no matter where you are in Yellowstone National Park, there are probably some Yellowstone Park campsites nearby. There's something very special about camping in Yellowstone National Park. It's an experience that we never get tired of, and for any and all Yellowstone Park camping enthusiasts, we are confident they feel the same way. Yellowstone National Park is a very special place, and camping in its great outdoors really helps you truly capture the feeling of just how special and magic this place truly is- not to mention the memories that camping in Yellowstone Park will make that will stay with you and your family for the rest of your lives.
For campgrounds located just outside Yellowstone Park, click here.