⛺ Tent Camping in Yellowstone National Park

Tent camping in Yellowstone National Park is one of the best ways to truly connect with the wild beauty of America’s first national park. With its sprawling valleys, alpine forests, and thermal landscapes, Yellowstone offers a camping experience that’s both adventurous and deeply rewarding. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or planning your first outdoor stay, the park provides numerous options for setting up a tent — from developed campgrounds with basic amenities to remote backcountry sites that promise solitude and serenity.

Quick Reference: Tent Camping in Yellowstone National Park

Campground Name	Location (Area of Park)	Open Season	Reservation Type	Facilities	Notes
Madison Campground	West entrance, near Madison Junction	Late Apr – Mid Oct	Reservation only	Restrooms, fire rings, store nearby	Central location, popular for geyser basins
Canyon Campground	Canyon Village area	Early Jun – Mid Sep	Reservation only	Flush toilets, showers, laundry	Close to Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Grant Village Campground	South end, near Yellowstone Lake	Early Jun – Mid Sep	Reservation only	Restrooms, store, visitor center	Great for southern park exploration
Bridge Bay Campground	East of Lake Village	Late May – Mid Sep	Reservation only	Flush toilets, fire rings, dump station	Lake views and fishing access
Fishing Bridge RV Park	Lake area (RV only)	Late May – Early Oct	Reservation only	Full hookups, store	Not suitable for tents
Mammoth Campground	North entrance (year-round)	All year	First-come / Reservation (winter)	Restrooms, fire rings	Only campground open in winter
Tower Fall Campground	Near Tower Junction	Late May – Early Sep	First-come, first-served	Vault toilets, fire rings	Small and scenic, great for wildlife
Pebble Creek Campground	Northeast (Lamar Valley)	Late May – Late Sep	First-come, first-served	Vault toilets, fire rings	Remote, peaceful, great for solitude
Slough Creek Campground	Northeast (Lamar Valley)	Late May – Late Oct	First-come, first-served	Vault toilets, bear boxes	Great for wildlife viewing
Lewis Lake Campground	South entrance road	Late Jun – Mid Oct	First-come, first-served	Vault toilets, boat launch nearby	Near Shoshone Lake and kayaking area
Indian Creek Campground	North of Mammoth	Mid Jun – Mid Sep	First-come, first-served	Vault toilets, fire rings	Quiet, less crowded alternative

Tent camping is allowed throughout Yellowstone, but only in designated campgrounds and approved backcountry campsites. There are 12 developed campgrounds managed by the National Park Service and concessioners, offering over 2,000 campsites suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs. Popular locations like Madison, Grant Village, Canyon, and Mammoth Campgrounds are perfect for those who prefer easy access to restrooms, water, and nearby attractions. For visitors seeking a quieter experience, smaller campgrounds such as Slough Creek, Pebble Creek, or Lewis Lake provide a more rustic, close-to-nature environment. Most of these campgrounds operate seasonally, typically from late May through early October, depending on weather conditions and snow levels.

For the more adventurous, backcountry tent camping is available across Yellowstone’s vast wilderness. There are over 300 designated backcountry campsites scattered throughout the park, each requiring a backcountry permit. This form of camping allows you to escape the crowds and experience Yellowstone’s wilder side — where mornings begin with mist over a quiet lake and nights end under a sky filled with stars. However, backcountry camping comes with strict regulations to ensure safety and environmental protection. Campers must follow Leave No Trace principles, use bear-proof food storage, and camp only in assigned locations.

There are also important rules every tent camper should know. Open fires are permitted only in designated fire rings, and campers must always check fire restrictions before starting one. Food storage is heavily regulated because of the park’s thriving bear population — all food, garbage, and scented items must be secured in bear-proof lockers or hung from poles when provided. Quiet hours are enforced between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. to preserve the peaceful atmosphere for wildlife and visitors alike. Pets are allowed in campgrounds but not on trails or in the backcountry, and they must be kept on a leash at all times.

Reservations for many campgrounds, such as Madison, Canyon, Grant Village, and Bridge Bay, can be made through Yellowstone National Park Lodges (Xanterra), while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. During peak summer months, sites fill up quickly — sometimes by early morning — so booking in advance or arriving early is essential. Camping fees generally range from $20 to $40 per night, depending on the location and amenities offered.

Tent camping in Yellowstone isn’t just about sleeping outdoors; it’s about becoming part of the park’s natural rhythm. Waking up to the sound of birds echoing through the trees, watching elk graze in the meadows, or stargazing beside a crackling fire — these are moments that can’t be experienced from a hotel room. For many, pitching a tent in Yellowstone is the highlight of their journey, offering a sense of freedom and connection that perfectly complements the park’s spirit of wild adventure.