What is not allowed in Yellowstone National Park?

Yellowstone National Park, one of the most treasured natural sanctuaries in the United States, is a place where strict rules and regulations exist to protect its fragile ecosystems, wildlife, and visitor safety. Because of the park’s immense ecological and geological importance, as well as the presence of wild animals and thermal features, the National Park Service enforces a clear set of prohibitions that ensure Yellowstone remains unspoiled for future generations. Understanding what is not allowed in Yellowstone is vital for every visitor before entering the park.

Quick Reference: What Is Not Allowed in Yellowstone National Park?

Category	Prohibited Activity	Reason/Impact
Wildlife Protection	Approaching, feeding, or harassing animals	Prevents dangerous encounters and protects natural animal behavior
Thermal Areas	Walking off boardwalks or trails near geysers and hot springs	Ground can collapse; boiling water and steam can cause fatal burns
Environmental Protection	Collecting rocks, plants, antlers, or natural objects	Disrupts ecosystems and damages scientific study areas
Pollution and Littering	Littering, vandalism, throwing objects into geysers	Harms the park’s natural and geothermal features
Fires and Camping	Campfires outside designated rings or using found wood	Can cause wildfires and spread invasive pests
Food Storage	Leaving food unattended or not in bear-proof containers	Attracts bears and other wildlife, creating safety hazards
Weapons and Firearms	Discharging firearms or using weapons	Threatens safety and violates federal park regulations
Alcohol and Substances	Public intoxication or drinking in restricted areas	Maintains visitor safety and public order
Drones and Aircraft	Flying drones or remote-controlled devices	Disturbs wildlife and visitor experience
Pets	Taking pets on trails, boardwalks, or into thermal areas	Protects pets and wildlife from harm
Camping and Overnight Stay	Sleeping in vehicles or camping outside designated areas	Prevents overcrowding and environmental damage
Noise and Disturbance	Playing loud music or causing disruptions	Maintains the park’s peace and wildlife comfort

One of the most important restrictions in Yellowstone concerns interaction with wildlife. Visitors are strictly prohibited from feeding, approaching, or harassing animals. While creatures like bison, elk, and bears might appear calm, they are unpredictable and can be extremely dangerous if disturbed. The rule of keeping at least 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from other wildlife is strictly enforced. Feeding wildlife, even small animals such as squirrels or birds, disrupts their natural behavior and diet and can lead to dangerous human-animal encounters.

Another major category of prohibition involves thermal areas. Yellowstone’s geysers, hot springs, and mud pots are not just fascinating attractions—they are also extremely dangerous. Visitors are not allowed to walk off boardwalks or trails in thermal zones. The thin crust in many areas can collapse, exposing people to boiling water and scalding mud underneath. Throwing objects or littering into geysers or hot springs is also banned, as it disrupts geothermal activity and damages these natural features.

Littering, vandalism, and the removal of natural objects are also strictly forbidden. Taking rocks, plants, bones, antlers, or any other natural or historical items from the park is illegal. This includes collecting souvenirs like pinecones, wildflowers, or obsidian. Yellowstone’s ecosystem depends on every element remaining in its natural place, and removing even small objects can affect wildlife habitats and scientific research. Similarly, carving names into rocks, trees, or thermal features is considered vandalism and can lead to heavy fines or even imprisonment.

Campers and picnickers also face specific restrictions. Food must be stored in bear-proof containers or vehicles to prevent attracting bears and other animals. Leaving food unattended or improperly stored can result not only in fines but also in dangerous wildlife encounters. Campfires are allowed only in designated fire rings, and gathering firewood from the forest is prohibited. Visitors must purchase or bring their own firewood from approved sources to avoid spreading invasive species.

Possession or use of illegal substances is not tolerated, and there are strict regulations on alcohol consumption. While alcohol is permitted in some picnic and camping areas, it cannot be consumed in visitor centers, trails, or thermal areas. Similarly, the possession of firearms is allowed only in accordance with federal and state laws, but discharging or using them within the park is strictly prohibited.

Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles are completely banned inside Yellowstone. Their noise and presence disturb wildlife, detract from the experience of other visitors, and can pose safety risks near geysers or cliffs. Likewise, pets have limited access to certain areas. Dogs and other pets are not allowed on boardwalks, trails, or in thermal areas, as they can be injured or cause disturbances to wildlife.

Lastly, there are restrictions on where visitors can stay or camp. Overnight camping is permitted only in designated campgrounds or backcountry sites with proper permits. Sleeping in vehicles outside of these designated areas, especially along roadways or parking lots, is not allowed. These rules help manage the park’s large number of visitors and protect both people and wildlife.

In short, what is not allowed in Yellowstone National Park centers around one principle—preserving nature and ensuring safety. The rules may seem strict, but they exist to protect a landscape that is as dangerous as it is beautiful. Every regulation serves a purpose, whether it’s preventing a bear encounter, preserving geothermal wonders, or protecting the delicate balance of Yellowstone’s wilderness. By following these rules, visitors contribute to the continued survival of one of the most magnificent places on Earth.