Tent Camping Outside Yellowstone National Park

Tent camping outside Yellowstone National Park offers travelers a unique blend of natural beauty, comfort, and convenience. While camping inside the park allows visitors to immerse themselves directly in Yellowstone’s wild landscapes, campgrounds just outside the park boundaries provide easier access to amenities, more flexible reservation options, and often a quieter experience. These surrounding areas—spread across Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming—offer diverse camping environments, from mountain forests to riverside meadows, each offering an ideal base for exploring the park.

Quick Reference: Tent Camping Outside Yellowstone National Park

Entrance Area	Popular Campgrounds	Highlights	Amenities	Best For
West Yellowstone (Montana)	Baker’s Hole Campground, Madison Arm Resort, Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park	Riverside camping along Madison River; closest to West Entrance	Toilets, showers, picnic tables, fire rings	Easy park access, families, anglers
Gardiner (North Entrance, Montana)	Eagle Creek Campground, Bear Creek Campground, Yellowstone RV Park	Mountain and river views; open year-round access	Vault toilets, potable water, fire rings	Wildlife viewing, year-round stays
Cody (East Entrance, Wyoming)	Buffalo Bill State Park, Wapiti Campground	Lakefront views, scenic Wapiti Valley	Toilets, showers, picnic areas, boat ramps	Families, scenic drives, fishing
Island Park (West of Yellowstone, Idaho)	Henry’s Lake State Park, Big Springs Campground, Buffalo Campground	Forested sites, fishing, lakeside views	Toilets, showers, picnic tables	Quiet retreats, fishing, summer stays
Jackson / Grand Teton Area (South Entrance, Wyoming)	Gros Ventre Campground, Shadow Mountain	Near Grand Teton, mountain views	Toilets, potable water, picnic tables	Combined Yellowstone–Teton trips
Cooke City–Silver Gate (Northeast Entrance, Montana)	Colter Campground, Soda Butte Campground	Peaceful forest setting near Lamar Valley	Toilets, bear-proof storage, picnic tables	Wildlife viewing, quiet camping
West Thumb / South Boundary (Wyoming)	Headwaters Campground at Flagg Ranch	Gateway between Yellowstone & Grand Teton	Flush toilets, showers, store, restaurant	Road-trippers, families

One of the most popular regions for tent camping near Yellowstone is West Yellowstone, Montana. This busy gateway town provides a wide range of campgrounds suited for tent campers, including the scenic Baker’s Hole Campground, managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Nestled along the Madison River, it offers peaceful riverfront spots where campers can fall asleep to the sound of flowing water. Other options like the Madison Arm Resort provide additional conveniences such as showers, restrooms, and picnic areas. Staying in West Yellowstone also means easy access to restaurants, grocery stores, and the park’s West Entrance, which is open year-round.

To the north, near Gardiner, Montana, tent campers find a perfect balance between wilderness and accessibility. Campgrounds like Eagle Creek and Bear Creek overlook the Yellowstone River and offer incredible views of the Absaroka Mountains. Gardiner’s proximity to the North Entrance, the only one open all year, makes it a popular choice for both summer and winter visitors. The area also provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, as elk, bison, and pronghorn often wander close to the campgrounds.

On the eastern side, Cody, Wyoming, offers tent campers a more rustic, Western experience. Sites like Buffalo Bill State Park sit beside a large reservoir framed by red cliffs and mountain backdrops. The town of Cody itself—founded by the famous Buffalo Bill—provides cultural attractions, restaurants, and outdoor gear stores, making it a convenient stop for campers before or after a Yellowstone trip. The drive from Cody to Yellowstone’s East Entrance is one of the most scenic in the region, offering sweeping views of the Wapiti Valley and Shoshone River.

For those coming from Idaho, the Island Park area offers some of the most beautiful tent camping locations near Yellowstone. With pine forests, lakes, and easy access to the West Entrance, campgrounds such as Henry’s Lake State Park and Big Springs Campground provide tranquil settings for nature lovers. Island Park’s cooler temperatures and open spaces make it an ideal location during the summer months when Yellowstone’s interior campgrounds can be crowded or fully booked.

To the south, near Jackson, Wyoming, visitors can find high-quality campgrounds that serve as gateways to both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park. The Gros Ventre Campground is one of the largest and most popular, offering tent sites with stunning views of the Teton Range. While technically part of Grand Teton National Park, it’s close enough for visitors who want to explore both parks on a single trip.

Tent camping outside Yellowstone also comes with several practical advantages. Many of these campgrounds allow advance reservations—something not always possible for campsites inside the park. They often provide better access to modern amenities such as hot showers, flush toilets, and even Wi-Fi, which can make a big difference for families or travelers on extended road trips. Additionally, camping outside the park gives visitors the flexibility to enter Yellowstone through different gates each day, avoiding heavy traffic or fully booked campgrounds inside.

However, campers should always remember that wildlife is abundant even outside Yellowstone’s borders. Bears, elk, and bison can wander near campgrounds, so proper food storage is essential. Always store food in bear-proof containers or vehicles, keep campsites clean, and follow local fire regulations.

In summary, tent camping outside Yellowstone National Park is a rewarding alternative that combines natural serenity with modern comfort. Whether it’s the riverside peace of Gardiner, the lakefront beauty of Island Park, or the mountain charm of Cody, these surrounding areas offer the perfect blend of adventure and accessibility. For travelers seeking to enjoy Yellowstone without the crowds or limited in-park availability, setting up a tent just beyond its borders might be the ideal way to experience the spirit of the West.