Camping Outside Yellowstone National Park

For travelers who love the idea of camping near Yellowstone but prefer easier access to amenities, more flexible reservations, or slightly lower costs, camping outside Yellowstone National Park can be a perfect choice. While the park itself offers incredible wilderness immersion, the surrounding gateway towns — West Yellowstone (Montana), Gardiner (Montana), Cody (Wyoming), and Jackson (Wyoming) — provide an excellent range of campgrounds that blend natural beauty with comfort and convenience.

Quick Reference: Camping Outside Yellowstone National Park

Category	Details
Main Camping Areas Outside Yellowstone	West Yellowstone (MT), Gardiner (MT), Cody (WY), Jackson (WY)
Closest Towns to Entrances	West Entrance – West Yellowstone North Entrance – Gardiner East Entrance – Cody South Entrance – Jackson
Popular Campgrounds	Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park Madison Arm Resort (West Yellowstone) Rocky Mountain RV Park (Gardiner) Buffalo Bill State Park (Cody) Gros Ventre Campground (Jackson)
Camping Types Available	RV camping, tent camping, cabin rentals, glamping
Amenities Offered	Full hookups, Wi-Fi, showers, laundry, camp stores, restaurants nearby
Activities Nearby	Fishing, boating, horseback riding, hiking, wildlife viewing, stargazing
Reservation Type	Mostly reservable through campground websites or platforms like Recreation.gov and KOA
Best Time to Camp	Late May – Early October (some open year-round)
Average Nightly Fee	$35–$90 depending on location and amenities
Advantages	Easier reservations, access to stores/restaurants, close to multiple park entrances
Family-Friendly Options	West Yellowstone and Cody offer best facilities for families and RVs
Pet Policy	Most private campgrounds are pet-friendly (check individual rules)
Ideal For	Visitors wanting a mix of comfort and proximity to Yellowstone
Bonus Tip	Book early for July–August; consider shoulder seasons for quieter stays

West Yellowstone, located at the park’s popular west entrance, is one of the best spots for camping outside Yellowstone. This area offers a wide selection of private and public campgrounds, many of which cater to both RV travelers and tent campers. Sites like the Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park, Buffalo Crossing RV Park, and Madison Arm Resort Campground provide full hookups, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and easy access to restaurants and stores — making it an ideal base for families and those who want comfort without sacrificing proximity to the park. The scenic Madison Arm Resort also features lakefront camping and opportunities for boating and fishing, giving it a more relaxed, resort-like atmosphere.

To the north, Gardiner, Montana, sits at the Roosevelt Arch — the original entrance to Yellowstone. Campgrounds here, such as Rocky Mountain RV Park and Yellowstone RV Park and Cabins, offer panoramic mountain views and quick access to Mammoth Hot Springs and the northern range’s wildlife. The town’s small but lively community ensures you’re never far from supplies, hot meals, or a cozy café, all while maintaining a true Montana wilderness feel.

If you prefer a more western, cowboy-style experience, Cody, Wyoming, is another fantastic base for camping near Yellowstone’s east entrance. Established by Buffalo Bill Cody himself, this historic town features several excellent campgrounds, including Ponderosa Campground, Cody KOA Holiday, and Buffalo Bill State Park. The state park, located along the shores of Buffalo Bill Reservoir, provides stunning mountain views and water recreation options like boating, fishing, and kayaking. Cody also has nightly rodeos in summer and a classic small-town atmosphere that feels authentically Western.

To the south, Jackson, Wyoming, near Yellowstone’s south entrance, is famous for its luxury resorts and scenic grandeur, but it also hosts some great camping opportunities. Campgrounds like Gros Ventre Campground and Fireside Resort near Jackson Hole offer convenient access to both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park. The region is perfect for travelers who want to experience both parks in one trip while enjoying modern amenities and breathtaking mountain views.

Camping outside Yellowstone provides several advantages. First, it’s often easier to find available sites, especially during peak season, when in-park campgrounds fill up months in advance. Second, you have access to services like groceries, showers, restaurants, and even entertainment — something that’s limited inside the park. Third, many of these nearby campgrounds stay open longer into the fall or even year-round, offering flexibility for off-season travelers.

However, the biggest benefit is the balance between nature and comfort. You can spend your days exploring geysers, waterfalls, and wildlife inside Yellowstone, then return to a comfortable base with electricity, hot water, and maybe even a campfire under the stars. Whether you’re an RVer seeking hookups or a tent camper looking for quiet lakeside solitude, the area around Yellowstone offers something for everyone.