Can you bring alcohol into Yellowstone?

Bringing alcohol into Yellowstone National Park is permitted, but there are specific regulations and responsibilities that visitors must follow to ensure safety, environmental protection, and respect for other park guests. 

Alcohol is allowed in most public areas, including campsites, picnic areas, and lodging facilities, but its consumption is subject to the same laws and restrictions that apply elsewhere in the United States. The National Park Service maintains clear guidelines to balance personal freedom with the need to preserve Yellowstone’s pristine wilderness and to maintain a family-friendly atmosphere throughout the park.

Quick Reference Guide: Alcohol Regulations in Yellowstone National Park

Rule	Description
Bringing Alcohol	Visitors are allowed to bring alcohol into the park for personal use, provided they comply with park and federal regulations.
Open Container Law	Open containers of alcohol are prohibited in vehicles, even when parked. Alcohol must remain sealed while traveling.
Where You Can Drink	Alcohol may be consumed responsibly in designated campsites, picnic areas, and inside lodges or cabins.
Prohibited Behavior	Public intoxication, disorderly conduct, and drinking while driving are strictly prohibited and enforceable offenses.
Purchasing Alcohol	Alcohol is available at park lodges, restaurants, and general stores, as well as in nearby communities outside the park.

Visitors are free to bring alcoholic beverages into the park for personal use, but drinking is not allowed in all areas. Open containers of alcohol are prohibited in vehicles, including when parked on the roadside. Drivers and passengers must keep all alcohol sealed while driving through the park to comply with federal and state open-container laws. Public intoxication, disorderly conduct, and driving under the influence of alcohol are serious offenses that can lead to heavy fines, arrest, or removal from the park. Rangers routinely patrol high-traffic areas and campgrounds to ensure visitors follow these laws, and enforcement is strict given the park’s remote location and the potential dangers associated with impaired behavior near wildlife and geothermal features.

Alcohol consumption is permitted at designated campsites and picnic areas, where visitors can responsibly enjoy drinks with meals or around campfires in approved fire rings. However, it is essential to be considerate of neighboring campers and to maintain a quiet, peaceful environment. Excessive noise, rowdy behavior, or littering can lead to citations or expulsion from campgrounds. Visitors should always store bottles, cans, and other containers properly since the smell of alcohol or leftover beverages can attract wildlife, particularly bears. The park mandates that all food and scented items, including beverages, be stored in bear-proof containers or vehicles when not in use.

Inside Yellowstone’s lodges and developed areas, alcohol is readily available for purchase. Many of the park’s restaurants, bars, and general stores sell beer, wine, and cocktails. Guests staying at park lodges operated by concessioners such as Xanterra Travel Collection can enjoy drinks in designated dining areas and lounges. However, it is not permitted to take open alcoholic beverages into public spaces outside of these designated areas. Visitors can bring their own alcohol to their rooms or cabins, provided they act responsibly and dispose of containers properly.

For those exploring Yellowstone’s backcountry, bringing alcohol is allowed but discouraged. Hikers and campers are advised to keep weight to a minimum, and alcohol can contribute to dehydration and impaired judgment, which can be dangerous in rugged terrain. The park emphasizes “Leave No Trace” principles, which include packing out all bottles, cans, and packaging. Backcountry permits may include additional rules about alcohol use in specific areas where wildlife activity or environmental sensitivity is high.

It is also important to note that certain special events and group gatherings in the park require permits if alcohol will be served. Weddings, large picnics, or educational programs held on park grounds must comply with National Park Service event regulations, which include guidelines on alcohol service and safety.

In summary, visitors can bring and enjoy alcohol in Yellowstone National Park, but they must do so responsibly and in accordance with park regulations. Open containers in vehicles, public intoxication, and littering are prohibited, while moderate consumption in designated recreation areas and lodging facilities is acceptable. By respecting these rules, visitors help preserve Yellowstone’s natural beauty and ensure that everyone — from solo travelers to families with children — can enjoy the park safely and peacefully.