Car Camping Outside Yellowstone National Park

Car camping outside Yellowstone National Park offers a perfect mix of freedom, comfort, and accessibility for visitors who want to explore America’s first national park without giving up the convenience of sleeping close to their vehicle. While camping inside the park can be competitive due to high demand and limited space, the areas just outside Yellowstone’s boundaries provide equally scenic and often more flexible options for travelers. Whether you’re arriving from Montana, Wyoming, or Idaho, there are numerous car camping spots that combine natural beauty, affordability, and easy access to Yellowstone’s main entrances.

Quick Reference: Car Camping Outside Yellowstone National Park

Area / Entrance	Popular Car Camping Sites	Type of Camping	Facilities	Highlights / Notes
West Yellowstone (Montana)	Baker’s Hole Campground, Madison Arm Resort, Henry’s Lake State Park	Developed & forest service	Restrooms, water, fire rings, nearby stores	Closest to geyser basins and Old Faithful; good for convenience and access
Gardiner (North Entrance, Montana)	Eagle Creek Campground, Bear Creek Campground	Rustic / forest service	Basic amenities, pit toilets	Great views of Yellowstone River; open longer season
Cody (East Entrance, Wyoming)	Buffalo Bill State Park, Wapiti Campground, Newton Creek	Developed & scenic valley	Water, toilets, fire pits	Scenic Wapiti Valley drive; cowboy-town experience in Cody
Jackson / Grand Teton (South Entrance, Wyoming)	Gros Ventre Campground, Shadow Mountain	Developed & dispersed	Toilets, limited water	Near Grand Teton and Yellowstone; mountain and wildlife views
Island Park (Idaho / West Access)	Henry’s Lake Campground, Valley View, Forest Service Dispersed Sites	Developed & dispersed	Restrooms, fire rings, picnic tables	Lakeside views, quiet forested setting, fishing access
Cooke City (Northeast Entrance, Montana)	Soda Butte Campground, Colter Campground	Small, rustic	Limited facilities	Near Lamar Valley; excellent for wildlife viewing
Beartooth Highway (Near Northeast Access)	Crazy Creek, Fox Creek Campgrounds	Forest service	Vault toilets, picnic areas	Stunning mountain scenery; seasonal access only
Dispersed Forest Lands (Various)	Gallatin National Forest, Shoshone National Forest, Caribou-Targhee NF	Primitive / free	No amenities	Free or low-cost options; must follow Leave No Trace and bear safety rules

One of the most popular areas for car camping is West Yellowstone, Montana, located just minutes from the park’s West Entrance. This small gateway town has a variety of campgrounds that cater to car campers, from developed sites with showers and electrical hookups to quiet forested spots managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Places like Baker’s Hole Campground and Madison Arm Resort sit along the Madison River, offering peaceful surroundings and easy access to Yellowstone’s geyser basins. West Yellowstone is especially convenient for travelers looking to explore Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and the park’s famous thermal features while having grocery stores, fuel, and restaurants nearby.

To the north near Gardiner, Montana, car camping takes on a more rugged charm. Campgrounds like Eagle Creek and Bear Creek perch high above the Yellowstone River, providing breathtaking views and a sense of solitude that’s hard to find inside the park itself. Gardiner remains open year-round, making it ideal for early spring or late fall visits when other entrances are closed. The North Entrance also allows you to enter the park directly into Mammoth Hot Springs, making it one of the most versatile areas for car campers who like to come and go at their own pace.

The eastern approach near Cody, Wyoming, offers a more scenic, cowboy-country experience. The drive between Cody and Yellowstone’s East Entrance winds through the Wapiti Valley, where several excellent car camping options can be found, including Buffalo Bill State Park and Wapiti Campground. These sites are known for their wide-open views, mountain backdrops, and proximity to the Shoshone River. Camping here feels like stepping into the Old West, with Cody itself offering rodeos, museums, and local dining. It’s a great option for travelers who prefer less-crowded roads and a more relaxed pace before heading into the park.

To the south, near Grand Teton National Park and the town of Jackson, car camping blends dramatic mountain scenery with easy access to both parks. Gros Ventre Campground and Shadow Mountain dispersed camping area are top choices for those who want to explore Yellowstone’s southern wonders and then spend a few days in Grand Teton’s alpine beauty. While car camping is permitted in many forest service lands here, visitors must follow strict Leave No Trace rules, especially concerning waste disposal and fire safety.

For those coming from Idaho, the area around Island Park and Henry’s Lake provides excellent car camping opportunities just a short drive from Yellowstone’s West Entrance. Here, you’ll find a mix of developed campgrounds and dispersed camping spots amid pine forests, lakes, and meadows. It’s an ideal setting for travelers seeking a quieter, less commercialized atmosphere. Many campgrounds allow you to park right next to your tent or sleeping setup, giving you the flexibility to camp comfortably with your vehicle while enjoying easy access to fishing, hiking, and boating.

While car camping outside Yellowstone offers great freedom, there are some important rules and best practices to follow. Always park in designated camping areas, and avoid sleeping overnight along park roads, rest stops, or private driveways, as these can lead to fines or safety concerns. If you prefer dispersed camping on national forest land, check for local regulations—some areas require permits or have restrictions on campfires. It’s also essential to store all food and scented items in bear-proof containers, as grizzly and black bears are active throughout the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Respecting wildlife distance rules, minimizing campfire impact, and leaving your site clean are not only courteous but necessary for preserving the wilderness experience.

In short, car camping outside Yellowstone National Park offers travelers a flexible and scenic way to explore the region without the stress of securing an in-park site. With so many campgrounds surrounding the park’s five main entrances, visitors can enjoy comfort, affordability, and incredible landscapes just minutes away from Yellowstone’s wonders. Whether you prefer the forested shores of Montana’s Madison River, the wide valleys of Wyoming’s Wapiti region, or the tranquil lakes of Idaho’s backcountry, car camping near Yellowstone promises a truly memorable outdoor adventure.