Backcountry Camping in Yellowstone National Park

Backcountry Camping in Yellowstone National Park: A Complete Guide to All Backcountry Campsites

Backcountry camping in Yellowstone National Park offers one of the most authentic wilderness experiences in the United States. Away from the crowds, lodges, and bustling boardwalks, this is where Yellowstone reveals its untamed spirit — a vast landscape of alpine meadows, glacial lakes, roaring rivers, and geothermal wonders that few visitors ever see. 

The park boasts more than 1,000 miles of trails and over 300 designated backcountry campsites, allowing adventurers to immerse themselves in raw nature. Whether you’re pitching a tent beside the tranquil shores of Shoshone Lake, watching the sunrise over Lamar Valley, or listening to wolves howl under the starlit sky, every moment in Yellowstone’s backcountry feels timeless. 

However, this kind of camping isn’t just about escape — it’s about respect and preparedness. Permits are required, food must be stored properly to protect wildlife, and campers must be ready for sudden weather changes and encounters with nature in its purest form. For those who seek solitude, adventure, and connection with the land, backcountry camping in Yellowstone is a journey unlike any other.

Quick Reference: Backcountry Camping in Yellowstone National Park

Category	Details
Total Backcountry Campsites	Over 300 designated sites
Permit Requirement	Mandatory for all overnight backcountry stays
Reservation System	Recreation.gov (advance reservations available)
Best Backcountry Areas	Shoshone Lake, Lamar River Trail, Thorofare, Heart Lake, Bechler River
Accessibility	Reachable only by hiking, canoeing, or horseback
Bear Safety Measures	Bear spray required; food stored in bear canisters or poles
Campfire Policy	Allowed only in approved sites; check fire restrictions
Water Source	Must be treated or boiled before drinking
Elevation Range	6,000 to 10,000+ feet
Wildlife Commonly Seen	Bears, elk, moose, bison, wolves, eagles
Best Time for Backcountry Camping	Late June through early September
Permit Fees	Around $5–$10 per person per night (plus reservation fee)
Check-In Locations	Ranger Stations: Mammoth, Canyon, Grant Village, Bechler, and Old Faithful
Trail Conditions	Updated daily at visitor centers
Weather Risks	Sudden temperature drops, snowstorms, and lightning in summer
Emergency Communication	Satellite messengers or GPS recommended (no cell coverage)
Leave No Trace Policy	Required for all campers; pack out all waste
Ideal For	Experienced hikers, backpackers, and wilderness adventurers

Backcountry Campsites in Yellowstone National Park

Backcountry Area	Highlights	Access Type	Best Season	Wildlife / Features
Yellowstone Lake	Over 80 lakeshore campsites, serene waters, great views	Hike or paddle-in	Late June – Sept	Waterfowl, otters, moose
Lamar Valley	Open meadows, wolf and bison sightings, scenic views	Hike-in	June – Sept	Wolves, bison, elk
Canyon & Mt. Washburn	High elevation, canyon overlooks, alpine meadows	Hike-in	July – Sept	Elk, mountain goats
Madison & Gibbon River	Near geysers, rivers, quiet forests	Hike-in	May – Sept	Elk, thermal areas
Shoshone Lake	Largest backcountry lake with geyser basin nearby	Hike or paddle-in	Late June – Sept	Bears, loons, geysers
Heart Lake Region	Geothermal zone, alpine lake views	Hike-in	July – Sept	Grizzly bears, moose
Bechler Region (Cascade Corner)	Waterfalls, rivers, remote solitude	Hike-in	Aug – Sept	Elk, waterfalls, meadows
Pelican Valley	Prime grizzly habitat, vast meadows	Hike-in (limited access)	July – Sept	Grizzly bears, bison
Thorofare / Yellowstone Headwaters	Most remote U.S. region, pristine wilderness	Multi-day hike or horseback	July – Sept	Wolves, elk, bears
Gallatin / Northwest Corner	Forests, alpine passes, less crowded	Hike-in	June – Sept	Moose, elk, birds
Firehole / Lower Geyser Basin	Near geyser basins and thermal features	Hike-in	June – Sept	Hot springs, steam vents
Tower–Roosevelt / Specimen Ridge	Dramatic ridges, river views, quiet trails	Hike-in	June – Sept	Bighorn sheep, bears

1. Yellowstone Lake Backcountry

The Yellowstone Lake backcountry zone is one of the most scenic and accessible areas for multi-day camping. With over 80 lakeshore sites, it offers serene camps surrounded by forest, clear blue water, and mountain views. Some campsites are accessible only by canoe or kayak, making it ideal for paddling trips. Camps along the South and Southeast Arms are particularly remote, giving a sense of complete solitude. Because the lake sits at an elevation of 7,733 feet, snowmelt can delay access until late June.

2. Lamar Valley and Northeast Yellowstone

Lamar Valley’s backcountry campsites are perfect for wildlife enthusiasts. Visitors camping in this area often hear wolves howling at night and see bison grazing nearby. Most camps are hike-in, located near the Slough Creek and Pebble Creek corridors. The region offers moderate trails, open terrain, and wide meadows that make for easy navigation and excellent photography. Summer is the best season for camping here, but bear awareness is essential.

3. Canyon and Mount Washburn Area

Backcountry sites near Canyon Village and the Washburn Range offer rugged, high-altitude experiences. These sites reward campers with panoramic views of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Mount Washburn’s summit. The trails here involve steep climbs and cooler temperatures, so they’re recommended for experienced backpackers. Access usually opens in July, as lingering snow can block trails until midsummer.

4. Madison and Gibbon River Area

This central zone features backcountry camps along rivers and thermal basins. Located near Madison Junction, the area offers proximity to geysers and hot springs while still providing peaceful forest settings. Campers can fish along the Madison River or watch elk wander through meadows at dusk. Because it’s near the thermal areas, camping is restricted to designated sites, and travelers must follow all geothermal safety rules.

5. Shoshone Lake Backcountry

Shoshone Lake is a gem for backcountry enthusiasts — the largest backcountry lake in the continental U.S. without road access. Accessible by hiking or paddling, this region feels far removed from civilization. The DeLacy Creek Trail and Lewis Lake Channel routes lead to several peaceful lakefront sites. Campers can also explore the Shoshone Geyser Basin, a rare backcountry geothermal area. This zone is best visited from late June to early September.

6. Heart Lake Region

The Heart Lake area, located near the park’s southern boundary, combines geothermal wonders and alpine lakes. It’s one of Yellowstone’s official Bear Management Areas, meaning camping is regulated by season and site. Hikers reach the lake via the Heart Lake Trail, starting near the South Entrance Road. Hot springs and steam vents dot the landscape, giving this area an otherworldly feel, while grizzlies and moose are often spotted nearby.

7. Bechler Region (Cascade Corner)

Known as Cascade Corner, the Bechler region in Yellowstone’s southwest is a waterfall paradise. Trails wind past Dunanda Falls, Colonnade Falls, and lush meadows filled with wildflowers. Because it receives high rainfall and has multiple stream crossings, this area is best visited in late summer, when water levels are lower. Bechler is popular with experienced backpackers seeking solitude and beauty.

8. Pelican Valley Area

East of Yellowstone Lake lies Pelican Valley, one of the wildest places in the park. This is prime grizzly bear habitat, so visitors must follow strict regulations. The valley’s few backcountry campsites are open only for limited parts of the year, typically from July to early September, and are accessible by day hikes from the Pelican Creek Trailhead. Those seeking true wilderness adventure will find this area unforgettable.

9. Thorofare and Yellowstone River Headwaters

The Thorofare region is the most remote area in the contiguous United States — nearly 30 miles from the nearest road. It sits at the headwaters of the Yellowstone River and offers unmatched wilderness experiences. Reaching these campsites requires multi-day backpacking or horseback expeditions, often starting from the South Entrance or Two Ocean Plateau. Grizzly bears, elk, and even wolves roam freely here. It’s the ultimate destination for seasoned adventurers.

10. Gallatin and Northwest Corner

The northwestern backcountry zones, including Glen Creek and Bighorn Pass, offer quieter trails and excellent elk and moose viewing. These forested and high-elevation sites provide a peaceful alternative to busier areas like Lamar Valley. Trails connect to Gallatin National Forest, allowing extended multi-park treks. Access begins around mid-June and continues through September.

11. Firehole and Lower Geyser Basin

This area lets visitors experience the unique thrill of camping near geothermal activity. While camping directly beside geysers isn’t allowed, there are designated backcountry zones near the Firehole River, Fairy Falls, and Fountain Flat trails. Campers must exercise caution, as thin crusts and scalding water are present. Still, it’s an extraordinary chance to see steam rising at dawn in one of Yellowstone’s most active thermal regions.

12. Tower-Roosevelt and Specimen Ridge

The Tower-Roosevelt region offers campsites near the Yellowstone River Canyon, rolling meadows, and dramatic ridgelines. These sites are ideal for hikers looking to combine scenic terrain with relative solitude. The Specimen Ridge Trail and Lamar River Trail are popular for backpacking, and wildlife sightings are frequent. Summer access is best, and afternoon storms are common at high elevations.