Yellowstone National Park Campgrounds

Yellowstone National Park Campgrounds: A Complete Guide for Campers and Nature Lovers

Camping in Yellowstone National Park is one of the best ways to truly experience the park’s vast wilderness, steaming geysers, abundant wildlife, and peaceful starry nights. Whether you’re traveling with an RV, pitching a tent beside a river, or hiking deep into the backcountry, Yellowstone’s campgrounds offer something for everyone. With over 2,000 campsites scattered across multiple regions of the park, each campground has its own unique charm, setting, and amenities. Knowing what to expect can help you plan an unforgettable stay in America’s first national park.

Yellowstone National Park – Camping Quick Reference

Campground	Location	Sites	Facilities	Season (Typical)	Visitor Notes
Madison Campground	Near West Entrance, on Madison River	278 sites (tent & RV)	Flush toilets, potable water, picnic tables (no showers)	Mid-June – Mid-September	Close to geyser basins; scenic river setting; frequent elk and bison sightings.
Canyon Campground	Near Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone	273 sites (tent & RV)	Flush toilets, potable water, picnic tables (no showers)	Mid-June – Early September	Cooler climate; central park access; ideal for exploring Canyon area.
Bridge Bay Campground	Eastern shore of Yellowstone Lake	432 sites (tent & RV)	Flush toilets, potable water, picnic tables (no showers)	Mid-June – Mid-September	Beautiful lake views; windy area; prime for birdwatching.
Grant Village Campground	Southern shore of Yellowstone Lake	430 sites (tent & RV)	Flush toilets, potable water, nearby showers	Mid-June – Mid-September	Convenient access to southern attractions and nearby services.
Fishing Bridge RV Park	Near Fishing Bridge and Yellowstone Lake	325 RV-only sites	Full hookups, flush toilets, showers	Mid-June – Mid-September	RV-only due to bear activity; modern facilities.
Norris Campground	Near Norris Geyser Basin	100 sites (tent & RV)	Flush toilets, potable water, picnic tables (no showers)	Mid-June – Mid-September	Central location; geothermal area nearby; cooler temperatures.
Roosevelt Lodge Campground	Near Tower-Roosevelt area	76 sites (tent & RV)	Flush toilets, potable water, picnic tables (no showers)	Mid-June – Mid-September	Historic setting; close to Lamar Valley; offers horseback rides.
Lamar Valley Campground	Northeastern section of park	16 tent-only sites	Vault toilets, picnic tables (no water or showers)	Mid-July – Early September	Quiet and remote; wildlife hotspot for wolf and bison watching.
Shoshone Lake Campground	Accessible by hike or boat	Backcountry	Minimal amenities	Permit required (Summer only)	True wilderness camping near pristine Shoshone Lake.
Mystic Falls Campground	Near Mystic Falls	Backcountry	Minimal amenities	Permit required (Summer only)	Perfect for hikers; near scenic Mystic Falls Trail.

One of the most popular and centrally located campgrounds is Madison Campground, nestled near the park’s West Entrance along the scenic Madison River. It’s a favorite among travelers because of its proximity to key attractions such as Old Faithful, the Geyser Basins, and the town of West Yellowstone. Madison offers 278 campsites for both tents and RVs, and while it doesn’t provide showers, it makes up for it with essentials like flush toilets, potable water, and picnic tables. The river nearby creates a soothing backdrop, especially at dusk when elk often wander close by. Visitors should note that this campground operates seasonally, typically from mid-June to mid-September, so early reservations are highly recommended.

If you’re seeking dramatic views and easy access to one of Yellowstone’s most stunning natural wonders, Canyon Campground is the perfect choice. Located near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, this area provides an unforgettable base for exploring the famous waterfalls and canyon trails. With 273 sites suitable for both tents and RVs, Canyon Campground offers basic amenities such as flush toilets, potable water, and picnic tables. There are no showers, but food storage boxes are provided for safety. It’s generally open from mid-June to early September, making summer the ideal time to enjoy cool canyon breezes and evening campfires.

For those drawn to Yellowstone’s vast waterscapes, Bridge Bay Campground on the eastern shore of Yellowstone Lake offers breathtaking views and tranquil surroundings. With 432 sites, it’s one of the larger campgrounds in the park, accommodating both tents and RVs. The cool lake air and the sound of gentle waves provide a relaxing camping atmosphere. While there are no showers available, visitors will find flush toilets, potable water, picnic tables, and secure food storage boxes. Bridge Bay is open from mid-June to mid-September and is especially popular among anglers, kayakers, and wildlife photographers hoping to spot otters or bald eagles along the lakeshore.

Not far from Bridge Bay is Grant Village Campground, located near the southern shore of Yellowstone Lake. This site is a convenient stop for those entering the park from the South Entrance or traveling toward Grand Teton National Park. With 430 campsites for both tents and RVs, Grant Village combines rustic charm with a few extra comforts. Flush toilets, potable water, and picnic tables are available, and campers have access to showers and laundry facilities at the nearby Grant Village complex. Open from mid-June to mid-September, this campground offers an excellent balance of nature and convenience, with stores, a restaurant, and a visitor center just a short walk away.

For RV travelers, Fishing Bridge RV Park stands out as Yellowstone’s only campground with full hookups for water, electricity, and sewer. Located near the Fishing Bridge area and the northern shore of Yellowstone Lake, this campground offers 325 RV-only sites—no tent camping is allowed due to bear activity in the area. In addition to full hookups, visitors enjoy flush toilets, showers, and a general store nearby. Fishing Bridge serves as a great base for exploring the lake region and nearby wildlife viewing areas. It’s open from mid-June to mid-September, and because it’s one of the few RV-friendly campgrounds with full services, it tends to fill up quickly.

In the heart of the park, near the geothermal wonderland of Norris Geyser Basin, lies Norris Campground. Though smaller, with only about 100 sites, it provides a quiet and natural atmosphere ideal for those who love hot springs and geysers. It accommodates both tents and small RVs, offering flush toilets, potable water, picnic tables, and food storage boxes. However, there are no showers. Norris Campground is typically open from mid-June to mid-September and provides easy access to hiking trails, the Museum of the National Park Ranger, and scenic drives connecting major attractions like Mammoth Hot Springs and Canyon Village.

For visitors looking for a more old-fashioned camping experience, Roosevelt Lodge Campground near Tower-Roosevelt offers a rustic retreat in the northern part of Yellowstone. With just 76 sites, it provides a peaceful escape surrounded by sagebrush meadows and distant mountain views. Campers enjoy flush toilets, potable water, picnic tables, and food storage boxes, though there are no showers on-site. Open from mid-June to mid-September, this campground captures the spirit of the early park explorers and is close to horseback riding, stagecoach cookouts, and wildlife-rich valleys where bison and pronghorn roam freely.

For those craving solitude and a closer connection to Yellowstone’s wild heart, Lamar Valley Campground is a dream come true. Tucked deep into the park’s northeastern corner, this small campground offers only 16 sites, making it an intimate and rugged spot for tent campers. The area is famous for its wildlife—particularly wolves, bears, and herds of bison that often pass nearby. Facilities are minimal, with vault toilets and picnic tables but no potable water or showers, so visitors must bring their own supplies. Lamar Valley Campground is open from mid-July to early September and is best suited for experienced campers who prioritize nature over convenience.

Beyond these established front-country campgrounds, Yellowstone offers a world of adventure through backcountry camping. Accessible only by hiking or boating, backcountry sites provide a true wilderness experience far from crowds and noise. Among the most notable are the Shoshone Lake Campground, which can be reached via trails or by canoe across Lewis Lake, offering serene isolation beside one of the largest backcountry lakes in the lower 48 states. Another gem is the Mystic Falls Campground, nestled near the waterfall of the same name and reachable by a scenic hike through meadows and thermal areas. These backcountry sites require permits, which help regulate visitor impact and preserve the pristine environment for future explorers.

In summary, camping in Yellowstone National Park is more than just finding a place to sleep—it’s about becoming part of the landscape. Each campground offers its own blend of beauty, amenities, and adventure, from the lakeside serenity of Bridge Bay to the wild quiet of Lamar Valley. Whether you’re traveling with family, exploring solo, or seeking a backcountry challenge, Yellowstone’s campgrounds provide an experience that’s both humbling and awe-inspiring. The key is to plan ahead, respect wildlife rules, and embrace the unpredictability of nature. After all, few experiences rival waking up to the mist rising over a river, hearing elk bugle in the distance, or watching the Milky Way light up the vast skies above Yellowstone.