Lamar Valley Camping

Camping in Lamar Valley offers visitors one of the most immersive experiences in Yellowstone National Park, placing them in the heart of some of the park’s most iconic scenery and abundant wildlife habitat. While most visitors come to the valley for scenic drives and wildlife watching, a select few choose to experience it more intimately through camping, whether at nearby developed campgrounds or in the expansive backcountry.

Lamar Valley Campgrounds – Quick Reference Guide

Campground	Distance from Lamar Valley	Facilities	Visitor Notes
Slough Creek Campground	6 miles (10 min)	Vault toilets, picnic tables, no hookups	Closest to Lamar Valley, ideal for wildlife viewing at dawn/dusk
Pebble Creek Campground	12 miles (20 min)	Vault toilets, spacious sites, no hookups	Quiet setting, great for access to Northeast Entrance and Lamar’s eastern edge
Tower Fall Campground	18 miles (30–35 min)	Vault toilets, picnic tables, near Tower Fall	Rustic feel, near Tower-Roosevelt area; check seasonal availability
Tower Junction / Roosevelt Cabins	10 miles (15 min)	Cabins, dining, corrals	Not a campground but popular base for valley visits
Backcountry Sites (via Lamar River & Cache Creek)	2–6 miles hiking	Designated backcountry campsites	Immersive wilderness experience; requires permits and bear safety prep

1. Slough Creek Campground

For those seeking established facilities, Slough Creek Campground is the most popular option near Lamar Valley. Tucked into a picturesque meadow with a creek running nearby, it is a small campground with limited sites, making it highly sought after during the busy summer season.

The campground typically operates from late spring through early fall and accommodates tents and small RVs, though its primitive nature means there are no hookups for electricity or water. Instead, campers enjoy a more rustic setting, complete with picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets.

Reservations are strongly recommended, as the campground fills quickly, particularly because it is one of the closest places to stay near the valley’s prime wolf-watching areas. The nearby Slough Creek Trailhead also provides excellent hiking opportunities directly from the campground.

2. Pebble Creek Campground

Pebble Creek Campground is another excellent choice for those looking to camp near Lamar Valley. Located along the Northeast Entrance Road, this campground is larger than Slough Creek but still retains a quiet, scenic atmosphere. Surrounded by forested hillsides and open meadows, Pebble Creek is favored by those who want a balance between accessibility and a backcountry feel.

Like Slough Creek, the amenities here are minimal, but the setting more than makes up for it, with views of the Absaroka Range and easy access to the Lamar River area. Wildlife sightings in and around the campground are common, so proper food storage and bear safety are essential.

3. Tower Fall Campground

The Tower Fall Campground sits near the base of the Tower Fall area, just south of Tower Junction, along the Grand Loop Road. While it is not located directly inside Lamar Valley, it is still one of the closest campgrounds accessible by road and offers convenient access to the valley’s scenic drives and wildlife viewing.

The campground is relatively small and rustic, with no hookups, but it provides picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Its proximity to the dramatic Tower Fall waterfall and the Yellowstone River Canyon makes it an attractive choice for campers who want to blend the wildlife of Lamar Valley with additional scenic exploration.

Historically, Tower Fall Campground has been a favorite for tent campers and smaller RVs due to its intimate size and wooded setting. However, as of recent seasons, it has sometimes been closed due to infrastructure upgrades and maintenance, so visitors should always check ahead for its operating status. When open, it is an excellent base for exploring Lamar Valley at dawn or dusk, while still being close to the Canyon and Roosevelt/Tower areas.

4. Backcountry Camping

For visitors who are drawn to true solitude, Lamar Valley also offers extensive opportunities for backcountry camping. The Lamar River Trail, Cache Creek Trail, and Specimen Ridge Trail all provide access to designated backcountry campsites that can only be reached on foot or horseback. These sites require a backcountry permit, which can be obtained from the park service, and they allow visitors to immerse themselves in Yellowstone’s wilderness. 

Backcountry campers may wake up to the sounds of howling wolves or see herds of elk grazing in the early morning mist. However, these experiences come with responsibility, as campers must be self-sufficient, practice Leave No Trace principles, and carry bear spray at all times. Food must be stored properly using bear hangs or provided bear poles at designated sites.

The camping season in Lamar Valley is relatively short due to its northern range location and high elevation. Snow lingers well into spring, and temperatures can drop sharply at night even during the height of summer. Most campgrounds open in late May or June and close by mid-September, depending on weather conditions. Visitors should prepare for variable weather, including sudden storms, cold nights, and warm, sunny afternoons. Bringing layered clothing, sturdy gear, and a reliable sleeping bag is essential.

What makes camping in Lamar Valley truly special is the unparalleled access to wildlife. While many tourists must rise before dawn and drive into the valley to catch glimpses of wolves or bears, campers are already in the heart of the action. Early mornings and late evenings, when wildlife is most active, become part of the daily rhythm. Photographers and wildlife enthusiasts especially value this, as they can capture images in the golden light without competing with large crowds of day visitors. However, this also means campers must remain vigilant, as bison, bears, and even moose can wander through camp areas. Maintaining a safe distance and respecting wildlife boundaries is non-negotiable.

Another unique aspect of Lamar Valley camping is the sense of remoteness and quiet. Unlike campgrounds near Old Faithful or Canyon Village, which bustle with activity, the campgrounds near Lamar Valley have a more peaceful, isolated atmosphere. Nights here are filled with the sound of the Lamar River flowing in the distance, the chorus of coyotes, and the possibility of hearing wolves howl across the valley. The dark skies also make stargazing a rewarding experience, far from the artificial lights of developed areas.

Practical considerations for camping include stocking up on supplies before heading into Lamar Valley, as services are minimal. The nearest stores and gas stations are located in Cooke City, Montana, just outside the Northeast Entrance, or farther away in Tower-Roosevelt. Campers should plan ahead for food, water, and firewood, as availability within the valley is extremely limited. Cell phone service is also unreliable, reinforcing the importance of preparation and self-reliance.

Camping in Lamar Valley is not just about sleeping under the stars; it is about becoming part of Yellowstone’s natural rhythm. For many visitors, the chance to wake up to a herd of bison grazing nearby, to hear wolves in the stillness of dawn, or to hike directly from their campsite into vast meadows and rugged ridges makes for an unforgettable adventure. It is a reminder that Yellowstone is not just a park to visit but a wild landscape to experience fully, with all of its beauty, unpredictability, and challenges.