Is cooking allowed in Yellowstone National Park?

Cooking in Yellowstone National Park is allowed in designated areas, but it comes with strict rules designed to protect visitors, wildlife, and the park’s fragile environment. Because Yellowstone is home to wild animals like bears, wolves, and bison, as well as being filled with flammable vegetation and geothermal features, park officials carefully regulate where and how food can be prepared. 

Quick Reference: Cooking in Yellowstone National Park

Topic	Key Details
Is Cooking Allowed?	Yes, cooking is allowed only in designated areas such as campgrounds, picnic sites, and some backcountry zones.
Where You Can Cook	Designated fire rings, picnic areas with grills, and approved backcountry sites (depending on permit rules).
Cooking Methods Permitted	Campfires (when fire bans are not in effect), charcoal grills, and portable gas or propane stoves.
Fire Restrictions	During high fire danger, only gas or propane stoves are permitted. Open flames may be temporarily banned.
Cooking in Geothermal Areas	Strictly prohibited. Cooking in or near geysers and hot springs is illegal and extremely dangerous.
Backcountry Cooking Rules	Often limited to portable stoves; campfires may be prohibited. Food must be stored in bear-proof containers.
Food Storage	All food, trash, and utensils must be stored in vehicles or bear-proof lockers when not in use to avoid attracting wildlife.
Penalties for Violations	Fines and citations apply for cooking outside designated areas, leaving fires unattended, or violating fire bans.
Safety Tip	Never leave fires unattended; fully extinguish them before leaving. Keep a bucket of water nearby when cooking outdoors.
Responsible Practice	Follow park guidelines, use designated cooking zones, and clean up all food waste to protect wildlife and nature.

Campfires, grills, and portable stoves are allowed only in specific campsites, picnic areas, and some backcountry sites that are equipped with approved fire rings or grates. Visitors are required to use these designated spots and never cook or prepare food outside of them. This is not only for safety but also to prevent attracting wildlife, which can become aggressive or dangerous when accustomed to human food.

Most campgrounds in Yellowstone are equipped with fire pits or metal rings where small cooking fires are permitted, provided that no fire bans are in place due to dry conditions. During periods of high fire danger, the National Park Service may issue restrictions that temporarily prohibit open flames, meaning that only gas or propane stoves are allowed. Campers and picnickers must always attend to their fires and extinguish them completely before leaving an area. Leaving a fire unattended or not fully out can result in heavy fines, as wildfires can spread rapidly in the park’s dry summer climate.

Backcountry cooking in Yellowstone requires even greater care. Visitors with backcountry permits are often required to use portable gas stoves instead of open fires. In many wilderness zones, campfires are strictly prohibited to minimize environmental impact and reduce the risk of forest fires. The park’s backcountry rangers provide detailed guidance on which areas allow campfires and which require fuel-efficient stoves. Backpackers must also store their food and cooking supplies in approved bear-proof containers, at least 100 yards away from their sleeping area, to prevent wildlife encounters.

Cooking on or near geothermal areas, such as hot springs or geysers, is strictly forbidden. Although some viral videos have shown visitors attempting to cook food in hot springs, doing so is illegal and extremely dangerous. The temperatures of geothermal waters can easily exceed the boiling point and contain harmful chemicals that can cause severe burns or even death. Yellowstone has issued citations and bans for such activities, as the practice not only endangers people but also damages the fragile thermal ecosystems.

For visitors staying in developed areas, many lodges, cabins, and picnic grounds have grills or designated cooking zones. However, cooking inside vehicles, tents, or unauthorized areas is not permitted, as it increases the risk of fire and food-related wildlife problems. Proper food storage is also mandatory. All food, coolers, utensils, and trash must be kept inside a vehicle or bear-proof box when not in use. Even small food scraps or cooking smells can attract bears, making responsible cleanup an essential part of any cooking activity in Yellowstone.

In summary, yes, cooking is allowed in Yellowstone National Park, but only in specific and safe locations such as designated campgrounds, picnic areas, or backcountry zones with proper equipment. The National Park Service encourages all visitors to follow food safety and fire regulations closely to help preserve the park’s wild beauty and ensure everyone’s safety. Responsible cooking—whether over a campfire or a gas stove—lets visitors enjoy Yellowstone’s breathtaking nature while keeping it pristine for generations to come.