Yellowstone National Park Camping

With its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife, a favorite activity is Yellowstone National Park camping!

This Yellowstone National Park travel guide provides all the information you need to know: campgrounds, regulations, services, reservations, and more!

Yellowstone National Park Camping Guide

There are a variety of ways for camping at Yellowstone: tents, RVs, and even rustic cabins!

As you’re looking for places to stay at Yellowstone National Park, definitely check out all the camping options in the park!

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Yellowstone National Park Camping

With numerous campgrounds throughout the park, you’ll find a variety of Yellowstone campsites ranging from full-service to primitive.

All campsites at Yellowstone’s 12 campgrounds require advanced reservations except Mammoth Campground from October 15 to April 1 when it’s first-come, first-served. It’s recommended you make your reservations far in advance due the demand for camping at Yellowstone.

RV driving in Yellowstone
RV driving in Yellowstone

RV Camping at Yellowstone National Park

Fishing Bridge RV Park is the only campground at Yellowstone offering water, sewer, and electrical hookups for hard-sided vehicles only. Keep in mind that when the temperatures are below freezing, dump stations may close at the campgrounds where they are available.

Here’s a list of the Yellowstone campgrounds that require reserving a site through Yellowstone National Park Lodges.

All of these campgrounds allow generators and all sites are considered accessible:

CampgroundSitesMax RV lengthShowersToilet
Bridge Bay43260NoFlush
Canyon27340YesFlush
Fishing Bridge RV Park31095YesFlush
Grant Village43050YesFlush
Madison27860NoFlush

Here’s a list of the Yellowstone campgrounds that require reserving a site through Recreation.gov.

There are no showers available or generators are allowed at these campgrounds:

CampgroundSitesMax RV lengthToiletAccessible
Indian Creek7035PitYes
Lewis Lake8425PitNo
Mammoth8230FlushYes
Norris11150FlushYes
Pebble Creek27long pull-throughsPitYes
Slough Creek1630 (assess first)PitYes
Tower Fall3130 (hairpin curve)PitNo

If you can’t find an RV spot in the park, there are a few RV Parks near Yellowstone National Park near the North, East, West, and South Entrances!

Yellowstone camping
Yellowstone camping

Yellowstone National Park Campgrounds

Camping in Yellowstone allows visitors to experience the park’s beauty up close, and many campgrounds offer activities such as hiking and wildlife viewing. 

Always check the NPS Yellowstone Camping page for the most updated information on fees, open dates, and guidelines.

Make Yellowstone camping reservations for these sites through Yellowstone National Park Lodges:

Bridge Bay Campground

Located a few miles west of Lake Village, Bridge Bay Campground is conveniently located near the Bridge Bay Marina. The scenic area has wooded areas, open meadows, and limited lake views.

The campground is popular with fishing and boating enthusiasts because of its location. One of the popular Yellowstone summer tours is kayaking on Yellowstone Lake!

  • Total Sites: 432 sites 
  • Dates Open: Mid-May to the first of September
  • RV Max Length: 40 feet 
  • Dump Station: Available (Seasonal)
  • Potable Water: Available (Seasonal)
  • Toilet Types: Flush Toilets (Seasonal)
  • Shower Types: None 
  • Cell Phone Reception: Available (Seasonal)
  • Internet Connectivity: None 
  • Food Storage Lockers: Available (Seasonal)
  • Camp Store: Available (Seasonal) 
  • Laundry: None 
  • Fire/Stove Policy: There are no fire restrictions in this campground, but if wildfires are a threat, special restrictions may be put in place. Ask at the entrance station about current fire restrictions if you plan to light a fire in the park. There’s no restriction on propane grills and stoves.
Lower Falls at Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Lower Falls

Canyon Campground

Located near Canyon Village, this is one of the most popular campgrounds in Yellowstone. Because of its wooded setting, proximity to Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and convenient central location within the park, Canyon Campground is a favorite.

The Upper and Lower Falls are the most famous and impressive Yellowstone waterfalls! Be sure to visit all the overlooks along the North Rim Drive, South Rim Drive, and the Brink of the Upper Falls!

You’ll find quite a few Canyon Area day hikes at Yellowstone to accommodate any level of hiker!

  • Total Sites: 273 sites
  • Dates Open: End of May to mid-September
  • RV Max Length: Combined 40 feet or more 
  • Dump Station: Available (Seasonal) 
  • Portable Water: Available (Seasonal) 
  • Toilet Types: Flush Toilets (Seasonal)
  • Shower Types: Hot (Seasonal) 
  • Cell Phone Reception: Available (Seasonal) 
  • Internet Connectivity: None 
  • Food Storage Lockers: Available (Seasonal) 
  • Camp Store: None 
  • Laundry: Available (Seasonal)
  • Fire/Stove Policy: In this campground, wood and charcoal fires are allowed, but special fire restrictions may apply when wildland fire danger is high. Please check current fire restrictions at the entrance station if you’re planning to light a fire in the park. The use of propane grills and stoves isn’t normally restricted. 
fishing bridge at Yellowstone
Fishing Bridge

Fishing Bridge RV Park

Located near the intersection of Lake and the East Entrance Road is the Fishing Bridge RV Park. It is the only campground in Yellowstone that offers water, sewer, and electricity. Tents and tent campers are not allowed because grizzly bears frequent the area.

If you’re looking for a nice day trip, the Yellowstone scenic drive from Fishing Bridge to Cody is beautiful!

There are some fun Lake and Fishing Bridge Area day hikes in Yellowstone to explore. One of our favorite easy hikes is Storm Point Trail!

  • Total Sites: 310 sites
  • Dates Open: Mid-May to the first of October
  • RV Max Length: 40 feet 
  • Dump Station: Available (Seasonal)
  • Potable Water: Available (Seasonal)
  • Toilet Types: Flush Toilets (Seasonal)
  • Shower Types: None
  • Cell Phone Reception: Available (Seasonal)
  • Internet Connectivity: None
  • Food Storage Lockers: None
  • Camp Store: Available (Seasonal) 
  • Laundry: Available (Seasonal)
  • Fire/Stove Policy: Fishing Bridge RV Park doesn’t allow campfires, even in portable wood or propane fire pits.
Yellowstone Lake
Yellowstone Lake

Grant Village Campground

Located just off the Grand Loop Road at the south end of Yellowstone Lake is the biggest campground in the park. Sites are available for groups and wheelchairs. It is close to stores, restaurants, a gas station, and a visitor center.

Grant Village is the perfect home base location if you also plan to visit Grand Teton National Park! It’s also close to the West Thumb Geyser area.

  • Total sites: 430 sites 
  • Dates Open: First of June to mid-September
  • RV Max Length: 40 feet 
  • Dump Station: Available (Seasonal) 
  • Potable Water:  Available (Seasonal)
  • Toilet Types: Flush Toilets (Seasonal)
  • Shower Types: None
  • Cell Phone Reception: Available (Seasonal) 
  • Internet Connectivity: None
  • Food storage lockers: Available (Seasonal)
  • Camp Store: Available (Seasonal)
  • Laundry: Available (Seasonal)
  • Fire/Stove Policy: In this campground, you can have wood or charcoal fires, but special fire restrictions are sometimes put in place when wildfire danger is high. Fire restrictions are posted at the entrance station if you plan on lighting a fire. There are usually no restrictions on propane grills and stoves.
Grand Prismatic at Yellowstone
Grand Prismatic at Yellowstone

Madison Campground

Located 14 miles east of the West Entrance and 16 miles north of Old Faithful, Madison Campground is partly wooded, with mostly sunny and primarily shaded campsites, and near the Madison River.

In addition to outstanding fishing, Madison Junction provides access Old Faithful, Midway Geyser Basin, and Lower Geyser Basin along the Yellowstone National Park Southern Loop and Norris, Canyon, and other areas to the North!

There are only two Madison Area day hikes in Yellowstone.

  • Total Sites: 273 sites
  • Dates Open: First of May to mid-October
  • RV Max Length: 30 feet
  • Dump Station: Available (Seasonal)
  • Potable water: Available  (Seasonal) 
  • Toilet Types: Flush Toilets (Seasonal) 
  • Shower Types: None
  • Cell Phone Reception: None
  • Internet Connectivity: None 
  • Food Storage Lockers: None 
  • Camp Store: None 
  • Laundry: None 
  • Fire/Stove Policy: Camping here allows wood and charcoal fires, but special fire restrictions are sometimes in place when wildfire danger is high. If you’re planning to light a fire in the park, ask the entrance station about current fire restrictions. Grills and stoves that use propane aren’t usually restricted

Make reservations for these Yellowstone campgrounds through Recreation.gov:

Indian Creek Campground

Near the base of the Gallatin Mountains, Indian Creek Campground sits about eight miles south of Mammoth Hot Springs. Unlike many other campgrounds, this one is away from the main road.

Some of the Yellowstone National Park activities you can do in the area are fishing and hiking. We recommend exploring Swan Lake and Sheepeater Cliffs!

  • Total Sites: 70 sites
  • Dates Open: Mid-June to mid-September
  • RV Max Length: 35 feet 
  • Dump Station: None
  • Potable Water: Available 
  • Toilet Types: Vault Toilets (Seasonal)
  • Shower Types: None
  • Cell Phone Reception: None
  • Internet Connectivity: None 
  • Food Storage Lockers: Available (Seasonal)
  • Camp Store: None 
  • Laundry: None 
  • Fire/Stove Policy: In this campground, wood and charcoal fires are allowed, but special fire restrictions may apply when wildland fire danger is high. Please check current fire restrictions at the entrance station if you’re planning to light a fire in the park. The use of propane grills and stoves isn’t normally restricted.
Lewis Falls
Lewis Falls

Lewis Lake Campground

Located 12 miles north from the South Entrance, Lewis Lake Campground is a short walk from Lewis Lake’s southeast shore. The campground has a boat ramp. There are canoes, kayaks, and motorboats allowed on Lewis Lake. Permits for boats and aquatic invasive species inspections by park staff are required.

A fun day trip from here would be to explore the Grand Teton National Park scenic drive! Be sure to stop at Lewis Falls and Moose Falls on your drive toward the South Entrance.

  • Total Sites: 170 sites
  • Dates Open: Mid-June to mid-October
  • RV Max Length: 25 feet 
  • Dump Station: None 
  • Potable Water: Available (Seasonal) 
  • Toilet Types: Vault Toilets (Seasonal)
  • Shower Types: None
  • Cell Phone Reception: None 
  • Internet Connectivity: None
  • Food Storage Lockers: Available (Seasonal) 
  • Camp Store: None
  • Laundry: None 
  • Fire/Stove Policy: In this campground, wood and charcoal fires are allowed, but special fire restrictions may apply when wildland fire danger is high. Please check current fire restrictions at the entrance station if you’re planning to light a fire in the park. The use of propane grills and stoves isn’t normally restricted.
Mammoth Hot Springs
Mammoth Hot Springs

Mammoth Hot Springs

Located five miles south of the North Entrance near Mammoth Hot Spring, the Mammoth Campground is the perfect place to pitch your tent or park your RV when you vacation in Yellowstone!

There are some fun Mammoth Hot Springs Area day hikes in Yellowstone.

Planning a Yellowstone vacation in the fall and camping in Mammoth means you’ll be near the action for the elk rut!

  • Total Sites: 85 sites 
  • Dates Open: Open year-round (mid-October 15 to the first of April sites are first-come, first-served)
  • RV Max Length: Some areas have a 40 feet limit, others have 75 feet.
  • Dump Station: None
  • Potable Water: Available 
  • Toilet Types: Flush Toilets (Year-Round) 
  • Shower Types: None 
  • Cell Phone Reception: Available (Year-Round)
  • Internet Connectivity: None
  • Food Storage Lockers: Available (Year-Round)
  • Camp Store: None
  • Laundry: None 
  • Fire/stove policy: Wood and charcoal fires are allowed, but special fire restrictions are occasionally put in place when wildland fire danger is high. Ask at the entrance station about current fire restrictions if you plan to light a fire or email our Visitor Services Office before you leave. The use of propane grills and stoves is normally not restricted.
Norris Geyser Basin
Norris Geyser Basin

Norris Campground

This campground is located 0.8 miles north of Norris Junction near an open meadow where you can see wildlife like bison or even bears! There are a lot of lodgepole pines that help to provide shade to the campsites.

You can walk to the Museum of the National Park Ranger and Norris Geyser Basin, Yellowstone’s most changeable thermal area.

Late spring and fall are the best times to visit Yellowstone for wildlife. We see grizzlies with cubs in this area often!

  • Total sites: 112 sites
  • Dates Open: Summer to fall 
  • RV Max Length: 50 feet 
  • Dump Station: None 
  • Potable water: None  
  • Toilet Types: Flush Toilets (Seasonal)
  • Shower Types: None
  • Cell Phone Reception: None
  • Internet Connectivity: None 
  • Food storage lockers: Available (Seasonal)
  • Camp Store: None 
  • Laundry: None 
  • Fire/Stove Policy: In this campground, wood and charcoal fires are allowed, but special fire restrictions may apply when wildland fire danger is high. Please check current fire restrictions at the entrance station if you’re planning to light a fire in the park. The use of propane grills and stoves isn’t normally restricted.
baby moose in Yellowstone
Moose calf near Pebble Creek

Pebble Creek

Located between Tower Junction and the Northeast Entrance is the Pebble Creek Campground. It’s a beautiful isolated camping experience surrounded by the Absaroka Mountains.

You can go hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing in Lamar Valley. The Pebble Creek area is a great place to see moose in Yellowstone!

Silver Gate or Cooke City just outside the Northeast Entrance offer restaurants, stores, and gas stations. We recommend staying in one of these two small towns if you plan a Yellowstone winter vacation. It’s a winter wonderland!

  • Total sites: 27 sites
  • Dates Open: Summer to early fall
  • RV max length: N/A
  • Dump Station: None 
  • Portable water: Available (Seasonal)
  • Toilet types: Vault Toilets (Seasonal)
  • Shower types: None 
  • Cell Phone Reception: None 
  • Internet Connectivity: None
  • Food storage lockers: Available (Seasonal)
  • Camp store: None
  • Laundry: None
  • Fire/stove policy: In this campground, wood and charcoal fires are allowed, but special fire restrictions may apply when wildland fire danger is high. Please check current fire restrictions at the entrance station if you’re planning to light a fire in the park. The use of propane grills and stoves isn’t normally restricted.
Wolf near Slough Creek Yellowstone
Wolf near Slough Creek

Slough Creek Campground

Located 5.5 miles east of Tower-Roosevelt Junction is the Slough Creek Campground. It’s a 2 mile drive down a dirt road and best for tent or small RV camping.

If you enjoy seclusion, wildlife, and the close proximity to Lamar Valley, this is the Yellowstone camping site for you! Slough Creek and Lamar Valley are two of the best places to see wildlife in Yellowstone National Park!!

  • Total sites: 16 sites 
  • Dates Open: Summer to early fall
  • RV max length: 30 feet 
  • Dump Station: None 
  • Potable water: Available (Seasonal)
  • Toilet types: Vault Toilets (Seasonal)
  • Shower types: None 
  • Cell Phone Reception: None
  • Internet Connectivity: None 
  • Food storage lockers: None 
  • Camp store: None 
  • Laundry: None 
  • Fire/stove policy: In this campground, wood and charcoal fires are allowed, but special fire restrictions may apply when wildland fire danger is high. Please check current fire restrictions at the entrance station if you’re planning to light a fire in the park. The use of propane grills and stoves isn’t normally restricted.
Tower Fall Yellowstone
Tower Fall

Tower Fall Campground

Located north of Dunraven Pass between Tower Fall and Canyon and 3.5 miles south of Tower-Roosevelt Junction is Tower Fall Campground. There is a general store and a Tower Falls attraction near the campground.

Several hiking trails are nearby, and the Lamar Valley is a great place to see wildlife. Near the campground, Roosevelt Lodge offers horseback riding and dining.

Tower Fall is one of our recommended stops when you drive the Yellowstone National Park Northern Loop!

  • Total Sites: 31 sites
  • Dates Open: Summer and early fall
  • RV Max Length: 30 feet
  • Dump Station: None
  • Potable water: Available (Seasonal) 
  • Toilet Types: Vault Toilets 
  • Shower Types: None 
  • Cell Phone Reception: None
  • Internet Connectivity: None
  • Food Storage Lockers: Available (Seasonal)
  • Camp Store: Available (Seasonal) 
  • Laundry: None
  • Fire/Stove Policy: In this campground, you can have wood or charcoal fires, but special fire restrictions are sometimes put in place when wildfire danger is high. Fire restrictions are posted at the entrance station if you plan on lighting a fire. There are usually no restrictions on propane grills and stoves.

Yellowstone maps and guides

Plan Your Yellowstone Vacation

Use our guides below to help you plan the perfect itinerary when visiting the park.

RV Camping Resources

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