Yellowstone National Park Camping

Camping in Yellowstone National Park is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the park’s wild beauty, offering travelers a closer connection to its landscapes, wildlife, and geothermal wonders. Spread across nearly 3,500 square miles, Yellowstone has a range of campgrounds that cater to every kind of visitor—from rugged backcountry campers seeking solitude to families who want convenient access to Yellowstone’s major attractions. Camping here is not just an overnight stay — it’s an immersive journey into one of the most dynamic ecosystems on Earth.

Quick Reference:  Camping in Yellowstone National Park

Category	Details
Total Campgrounds	12 designated campgrounds with over 2,000 campsites
Managed By	National Park Service and Xanterra Parks & Resorts
Popular Campgrounds	Madison, Canyon, Grant Village, Bridge Bay, Fishing Bridge RV Park
Rustic/Quiet Campgrounds	Pebble Creek, Slough Creek, Indian Creek
RV Camping	Fishing Bridge RV Park (full hookups available)
Tent Camping	Allowed in all campgrounds except Fishing Bridge RV Park
Backcountry Camping	300+ designated sites; permit required
Reservation Required	Yes, for most Xanterra-managed sites (especially in summer)
First-Come, First-Served Sites	Available at smaller campgrounds (arrive early)
Camping Season	May–September (varies by location); Mammoth open year-round
Facilities	Toilets, potable water, fire rings; some offer showers/laundry
Bear Safety	Mandatory food storage in bear-proof containers; no unattended food
Campfire Rules	Allowed only in designated rings; may be restricted during dry conditions
Quiet Hours	10 p.m. – 6 a.m.
Showers Available At	Grant Village, Canyon Village, and Fishing Bridge
Average Nightly Fee	$20–$80 depending on amenities and site type
Backcountry Permit Cost	Around $5–$10 per person per night
Best Time to Camp	Late June to early September (milder temperatures and open roads)

The park offers twelve designated campgrounds with over 2,000 campsites, each managed by either the National Park Service (NPS) or Xanterra Parks & Resorts, the official concessionaire. Campers can choose from sites with modern amenities like flush toilets, fire rings, and RV hookups to primitive areas that rely on nature alone. Among the most popular and accessible campgrounds are Madison, Canyon, Grant Village, and Bridge Bay, each offering close proximity to key attractions like geysers, lakes, and wildlife viewing areas. For example, Madison Campground is just a short drive from the Old Faithful area, while Canyon Campground sits near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, offering both convenience and scenic views.

Those seeking a quieter, more rustic camping experience often head to Pebble Creek or Slough Creek Campgrounds, which are smaller, less developed, and located in Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley — a haven for spotting bison, bears, and wolves. Meanwhile, Fishing Bridge RV Park caters specifically to RV travelers, offering the park’s only sites with full hookups, including water, sewer, and electricity. However, tent camping is not allowed there due to high bear activity in the region.

Quick Reference: Yellowstone’s 12 Designated Campgrounds

Campground Name	Location	# of Sites	RV Friendly	Facilities	Season (Typical)	Reservation
Madison Campground	Near West Entrance	278	Yes (up to 40 ft)	Flush toilets, potable water, dump station	Late Apr – Oct	Required
Grant Village Campground	South, near Yellowstone Lake	430	Yes (up to 40 ft)	Flush toilets, showers, laundry nearby	Mid-Jun – Mid-Sep	Required
Bridge Bay Campground	Yellowstone Lake area	432	Yes (up to 40 ft)	Flush toilets, potable water	Late May – Mid-Sep	Required
Canyon Campground	Canyon Village area	273	Yes (up to 40 ft)	Flush toilets, showers, laundry	Late May – Mid-Sep	Required
Fishing Bridge RV Park	Near Yellowstone Lake	310	RVs only (no tents)	Full hookups, dump station	May – Oct	Required
Norris Campground	Central near Norris Geyser Basin	111	Limited	Vault toilets, water nearby	Closed	N/A
Mammoth Campground	North Entrance (Gardiner)	85	Limited (up to 30 ft)	Flush toilets, water	Year-round	Required
Tower Fall Campground	Tower-Roosevelt Area	31	No	Vault toilets, water nearby	Closed	N/A
Indian Creek Campground	Near Mammoth	70	Limited (up to 35 ft)	Vault toilets, potable water	Mid-Jun – Mid-Sep	First-come
Lewis Lake Campground	Near South Entrance	85	Limited (up to 25 ft)	Vault toilets, potable water	Late Jun – Mid-Oct	First-come
Pebble Creek Campground	Northeast (Lamar Valley)	27	Some (up to 35 ft)	Vault toilets, potable water	Late Jun – Late Sep	First-come
Slough Creek Campground	Lamar Valley	23	Limited (up to 30 ft)	Vault toilets, water nearby	Late May – Mid-Oct	Required

 

Backcountry camping is another highlight for adventurous visitors. With a special permit, campers can access over 300 designated backcountry sites scattered throughout Yellowstone’s vast wilderness. These sites allow travelers to experience solitude and pristine natural beauty, far from the crowds. However, backcountry camping requires preparation, including bear safety training, water purification, and adherence to Leave No Trace principles to protect the fragile ecosystem.

Reservations are highly recommended, especially from May through September, when demand peaks. Xanterra handles reservations for five large campgrounds — Madison, Bridge Bay, Canyon, Grant Village, and Fishing Bridge RV Park — while the remaining seven operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Early arrival is key if you plan to secure a non-reservable site.

Camping in Yellowstone also comes with strict rules designed to protect both visitors and wildlife. Food must be stored in bear-proof containers or vehicles, and no scented items should be left unattended. Campfires are allowed only in designated fire rings and may be prohibited during periods of high fire danger. Respecting quiet hours (10 p.m. to 6 a.m.) is also mandatory to preserve the natural tranquility of the park.

The camping season varies depending on location and elevation. Lower-elevation sites like Mammoth Campground may open as early as April and remain open year-round, while higher-altitude areas like Slough Creek typically close by late September due to early snow. During the shoulder months of spring and fall, temperatures can drop below freezing at night, even when daytime weather is pleasant, so packing warm gear is essential.

Facilities vary from campground to campground. Some sites offer restrooms with flush toilets, potable water, and even laundry facilities, while others provide only basic vault toilets. There are no showers in most campgrounds, but visitors can find paid shower and laundry facilities at Grant Village, Canyon Village, and Fishing Bridge.

Camping in Yellowstone is an opportunity to slow down and embrace nature in its purest form. Whether waking up to the sound of elk bugling in the distance, witnessing sunrise over the Hayden Valley, or stargazing under the Milky Way’s glow, every camping experience here is unforgettable. It’s an experience that connects visitors to the park’s wild essence — something that no hotel stay can replicate.