travel trailer camping yellowstone

The Best RV Camping In (and Near) Yellowstone

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RV camping in Yellowstone takes a bit of time and energy to plan, but it is well worth the work. With the summer rush, it can get a bit congested. Particularly in the prime months of July and August, making reservations in Yellowstone is a must.

Founded on March 1, 1872, Yellowstone National Park is the world’s first national park at a whopping 3,471 square miles in size. Cruising across wide-open roads filled with wildlife and endless fields of vegetation is a dream for every RV owner. From breathtaking views to seeing Mother Nature at her finest, there is nothing that can top the experience of visiting this gem.

This article breaks down the information you will need to find RV Camping in and near Yellowstone. And it provides some helpful tips that will get you started.

Which Campgrounds in Yellowstone Accommodate RVs?

RVs are welcome at every campground inside Yellowstone, but there may be size and length restrictions at some. Yellowstone has 12 campgrounds that you can camp in with your RV:

• Grant Village
• Fishing Bridge
• Indian Creek
• Pebble Creek
• Slough Creek

There are twelve campgrounds within Yellowstone that are run by the National Park Service. Seven of them are on a first-come, first-served basis; however, the other five are reservation-only sites.

During the summer, all of the campgrounds fill quickly so you will need to check for availability as early as possible. The following information lists each campground and its specifics.

Fishing Bridge RV Park only accepts hard-sided RVs and campers. Because this location is frequented by grizzly bears, no tents or pop-up tent or hybrid campers are allowed in this specific campground.

Seasonality of Yellowstone RV Camping

Yellowstone is in an area that receives a lot of snow and winter weather, so the entire park is only open for a few months in summer.

For year-round Yellowstone RV camping, be aware that the only road open year-round in the park is the Northeast Entrance, between the entrance and Mammoth Hot Springs. And sometimes this road is closed due to winter weather, so check before you go!

You can check Yellowstone road closures and current road conditions here.

Reservation-Only RV Campgrounds in Yellowstone

These campgrounds inside the park are more popular than others, as they are in prime locations and give easy access to nearby attractions. Spots fill up very quickly, and reservations are required so book as soon as possible. Reservations for the following year begin on May 1 of the previous year. For example, if you are looking to vacation inside the park in the Summer of 2021, mark May 1, 2020, on the calendar to book a site.

Keep in mind that each campground has opening and closing days, as well as costs. These dates and prices vary each year, so be sure to visit Yellowstone National Park’s website for exact details.

1. Madison Campground

If you’re an avid fisherman, this campsite is an exceptional choice for you. Running along the Madison River, aqua life is plentiful. Its location lies in a partly forested, mountainous scene at an elevation of 6,800 feet. Surrounded by beautiful landmarks, such as Old Faithful and the Upper, Midway, and Lower Geyser Basins, this area is worth exploring and is sure to appease any crowd.

With 277 regular sites and 3 group spots, each is spacious and contains a picnic table and fire grate. RVs up to 40 feet long are tolerable, but those exceeding the length must make special arrangements prior to booking a site.

Electricity, water, and sewage hookups are not available; however, there is a nearby dumping station. Stay wary of the earlier and later months, as these areas will close during colder weather.

Madison Campground has flush toilets and cold-water operating faucets in each of their 14 restrooms. Dishwashing stations are in most facilities. There are no pay showers in the vicinity, but they can be found 16 miles away at the Old Faithful Inn or 14 miles away at West Yellowstone.

2. Bridge Bay Campground

Bridge Bay Campground lies at an elevation of 7,800 feet with its tranquil, picturesque landscape. Interspersed with woods, meadows, and lake views, Bridge Bay gives you a taste of almost everything Yellowstone has to offer. The fishing and boating scene is most popular here, as campers make use of the nearby Bridge Bay Marina on Yellowstone Lake.

This campground offers 432 regular sites and 4 group sites, each with a picnic table and fire grate. RV sites are available, as long as their total length is 40 feet or less. Units exceeding this size are permitted if spots are available.

There are no hookups, but dumping stations are available in the Bridge Bay Campground. Cold weather may influence their accessibility.

The area also has 16 public restrooms with flush toilets and fresh water faucets. Dishwashing stations are in these sections. Services for shower and laundry are accessible 3 miles away at Fishing Bridge RV Park.

3. Canyon Campground

Canyon Campground is popular for RV camping in Yellowstone, as it is centrally located and lies within a mile of Yellowstone’s breathtaking Grand Canyon. Sites are finely nestled in a wooded area, making it a comfortable place to stay.

Consisting of 272 sites, areas of shade and sun are both possible. Individual campsites come with a picnic table, fire grate, and nearby water access.

Canyon Campground accepts RVs up to 40 feet, although acceptance of bigger units is possible with an early reservation. This site does not offer utility hookups. Dumping stations are on the grounds; however, freezing temperatures may result in their closure.

The campground has flush toilets and running faucets in each of its 15 public restrooms. Dishwashing stations are also attached to these buildings. Furthermore, you can pay for showers and laundry at the Canyon Campground Camper Services facility.

4. Grant Village Campground

If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, Grant Village Campground is the place for you. With easy access to services and facilities, it is considered an ideal location. Located in the southwest area of Yellowstone Lake, it sits in a pine forest at an elevation of 7,800 feet. This section also delivers convenient access to the West Thumb Geyser Basin.

RVers from thousands of miles away come to enjoy the campground’s 425 general sites and 8 group campsites. All areas lodge units up to 40 feet and include a picnic table, fire grate, and water access. Spots for RVs greater than 40 feet are limited and must be reserved well in advance.

There are no utility hookups, although there is a dump station on site. Beware of cold temperatures, as these emptying posts may shut down during cold weather periods.

Grant Village Campground has 17 public restrooms with flush toilets, cold-water faucets, and dishwashing stations. Pay showers and laundry rooms are in the Camper Services lodge.

5. Fishing Bridge RV Park

The Fishing Bridge RV Park is positioned near the basin of the Yellowstone River as it leads out of Yellowstone Lake. The park’s name originated from a wooden automobile bridge where visitors would fish for Cutthroat trout. Now, laws strictly prohibit fishing from the bridge, but guests still take advantage of nature’s beauty that surrounds its historic grounds.

This campground is the only one inside yellowstone national park that has full electricity, water, and sewer hookups. All 344 sites accommodate RVs up to 40 feet. Note that vehicles exceeding this length are restricted.

Yellowstone’s First-Come, First-Serve Campgrounds

First-come, first-served sites are available for RV camping in Yellowstone. These sites do not take reservations and may be full upon arrival. So, get there early in the morning if you want to reserve a site. Nightly rates and in-season dates change each year. For the newest information, visit the Yellowstone National Park website.

1. Indian Creek Campground

At an elevation of 7,300 feet, Indian Creek Campground lies near the Gallatin Mountain base. Only eight miles south of Mammoth Hot Springs, it is a convenient location. This site is unique for its remote location, as it is much quieter than most. Visitors also enjoy the incredible views of Electric Peak from this area.

The campground contains 70 sites with ten sites at 35 feet and 35 sites at 30 feet. Both RVs and trailers are allowed if they’re under 34 feet. Note that some of the campsites may not be level.

There are no showers, although vault toilets are available. The site does not include utility hookups or a dump station. The use of a generator is also not allowed.

2. Lewis Lake Campground

Lewis Lake Campground sits at an elevation of 7,800 feet and rests approximately 8 miles from the South Entrance of Yellowstone. It is also within a walking radius from the southeast side of Lewis Lake, making it an exceptional location for RV camping in Yellowstone.

With 85 sites on the grounds, RVs and trailers are permitted, but their length may not exceed 25 feet.

There are no showers, but vault toilets are seasonally accessible. Electricity, water, and sewage hookups, as well as dump stations, are not available at this campground. Generators are not permitted either.

3. Mammoth Campground

Mammoth Campground is the only Yellowstone campground that is open year-round. This site, at an elevation of 6,200 feet, is surrounded by various types of trees and wildlife. It is five miles south of the North Entrance near Gardiner, Montana. Those looking to fish, hike, and visit the Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces are best suited here.

Recreational vehicles are welcome with 85 pull-through and back-in spots available. Accommodations for units surpassing 40 feet are seldom available, as spaces are limited. Between November and April, only vehicles less than 30 feet are allowed.

This campground has flush toilets and coin showers year-round. Utility hookups and dump stations are not accessible. Generators up to 60 dB are allowed between 8 am and 8 pm.

4. Norris Campground

Norris Campground is a commonplace for visitors due to its central location within Yellowstone National Park. Norris Campground meets the Norris Geyser Basin edge at an elevation of 7,500 feet.

There are 111 campsites available for visitors. However, only two 50-foot sites and five 30-foot sites are open for RVers. There are not any utility hookups or dump stations, and the use of generators is forbidden. While there are no showers, guests may use the seasonal flush toilets as needed.

5. Pebble Creek Campground

Pebble Creek Campground sits in a secluded area near the Northeast entrance, providing jaw-dropping views of the Absaroka Mountains. This site is known for its hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Restaurants and stores are only about 9 miles away from this location.

With 27 sites, RVs and trailers take advantage of the pull-through spaces. There are no showers, dump stations, or utility hookups, and generator use is not allowed. Vault toilets are accessible seasonally.

6. Slough Creek Campground

At an elevation of 6,250 feet, Slough Creek Campground is most famous for its fascinating wildlife scenery while RV camping in Yellowstone. It extends off a 2-mile dirt road in Lamar Valley, promoting a very peaceful, quiet stay. Many of the sites are located right along the creek.

There are 16 primitive camping sites available, with 14 of them accommodating RVs and trailers less than 30 feet. Vault toilets are accessible at this site, while showers, utility hookups, and dump stations are not. The campsite also restricts generator use.

7. Tower Fall Campground

Tower Fall Campground rests at an elevation of 6,600 feet on the road to Dunraven Pass. Visitors enjoy the Tower General Store and Roosevelt Lodge, as they have a fabulous restaurant and offer horseback riding. Tower Fall, a 130-foot waterfall that connects Tower Creek. Yellowstone River is nearby, as well, while the summit of Mount Washburn is within a 6-mile hiking distance.

Each of the campground’s 31 sites is 30 feet or less. Therefore, RVers and trailers are welcome if they stay within the length requirements.

The location does not include dump stations or hookups for electricity, water, and sewage, and generators are not permitted. There are no showers at this site; however, vault toilets are available for use.

The Only Campground in Yellowstone with Full Hookups

As previously mentioned, the Fishing Bridge RV Park is the only place for RV camping in Yellowstone with full hookups. RVs up to 40 feet in length or less, including any vehicle attached, are accepted, but limited space restricts units over that limit. Failing to abide by this regulation will result in entry refusal.

Depending on the site, 50-amp, 20-amp, and 30-amp spots are available. Note that generators are allowed but cannot surpass 60 decibels. Each space is a back-in within the pine-forested open area. The area itself is twice as wide as the RV, meaning there is restricted room for slide outs.

Dumping stations are near the entrance of the park for your convenience. Be aware of the outdoor temperatures, as stations may close due to the cold weather.

Fishing Bridge RV Park lies in bear territory; therefore, the park only admits hard-sided RVs. Visitors must be particularly mindful about food storage and disposal due to this threat.

Ice and drink vending machines are available, as well as recycling and waste containers. For cooking purposes, regulations allow charcoal and propane grills, as long as there is no open flame. Keep in mind that these areas do not have picnic tables and fire grates.

Just outside the RV Park is a service station for fuel, gas, and repair assistance. There is a local general store for food and camping goods, as well as an information facility for maps and programs. Rangers are also on-duty to answer visitors’ questions.

The Best RV Camping Near Yellowstone

RV camping in Yellowstone is always an extraordinary experience; however, sites fill up very quickly, leaving people in a frenzy. Luckily, there are 14 sites within a 35-mile radius of the park that will accommodate RVers.

RV Campgrounds Near the North Entrance of Yellowstone

These campgrounds are relatively close, as they are between 2 and 16 miles from Yellowstone National Park via Highway 89.

Eagle Creek Campground

Eagle Creek Campground is in Gardiner, Montana, 2 miles from Yellowstone. There are no reservations for this campground, as they use a first-come, first-served system year-round. Fees are only $7, plus $3 per additional vehicle.

RVs less than 40 feet are accepted, as the largest of the 16 spaces are 40 feet. While there are toilets and fire grates, utilities, dump stations, and water are not included.

Timber Camp Campground

Timber Camp Campground is an excellent choice for those looking to camp for free. This site is in Gardiner, Montana, about 9 miles from Yellowstone. The grounds fill spots on a first-come, first-served basis between the dates of June 15th to October 31st.

Open parking spots are available for RV camping. There are no toilets, utility hookups, dump stations, or any other extras.

Bear Creek Campground

Approximately 9.5 miles from Yellowstone in Gardiner, Montana, lies Bear Creek Campground. Reservations are not allowed, as they use a first-come, first-served process. There are no fees for this campground during their open period from June 15th to October 31st.

Units under 21 feet are approved for RV camping here. Moreover, there are no additional luxuries, as they do not have hookups, dump stations, or toilets.

Canyon Campground

About 16 miles from the north entrance of Yellowstone sits Canyon Campground. The site is in Gardiner, Montana and accepts visitors on a first-come, first-served basis. Nightly fees are $7 and $3 per additional vehicle.

There are 17 campsites up to 50 feet on the grounds. Units less than 48 feet are allowed year-round; however, there are no hookups and dump stations. Fire grates, tables, and toilets are available.

Red Lodge KOA

Located in Red Lodge, Montana, this campground is a marvelous choice for RVers looking for more amenities. It’s 73 miles from Yellowstone, but Red Lodge KOA is close enough to the park, but far enough to avoid the crowds. Visitors here also take advantage of its easy access to Beartooth Highway, one of the most scenic drives in the United States.

Recreational vehicles up to 70 feet are welcome. KOAs are known for their convenient amenities, such as electrical hookups of 30 or 50 amps, dump stations, laundry facilities, and much more.

RV Campgrounds Near the Northeast Entrance to Yellowstone

Sites on the northeast side are between 6 and 7 miles from the park, running along Highway 212.

Soda Butte Campground

Soda Butte Campground is open from July 1st to September 7th, is only 6 miles from the park in Gardiner, Montana. The system uses a first-come, first-served basis and costs $9 per night with a $3 fee for each extra vehicle.

The campground includes 27 spots with access to fire grates, food boxes, tables, tent pads, trash cans, toilets, and water. Only hard-sided camping is allowed here since it is in bear country. Sites can accommodate units up to 48 feet.

Colter Campground

Moving 7 miles northeast from Yellowstone will land you in Colter Campground. Located in Gardiner, Montana, this campground costs $9 per night with a $3 fee per additional automobile. RV camping is available on a first-come, first-served basis between July 1st and September 7th.

This campground, which is located in an area populated by bears, only permits hard-sided camping in each of its 18 sites. Tables, fire grates, food boxes, tent pads, toilets, water, and trash cans are available. Recreational vehicles up to 48 feet are welcome.

RV Camping Near the East Entrance to Yellowstone

When traveling on Highway 14 from Yellowstone, there are various campground options.

Cody KOA is only about an hour, or 55 miles, from the park and caters to RVers, specifically. The area is recognized for its old Indian stomping grounds, as many historical museums are nearby. Rates vary depending on the time of your visit and type of RV, so be sure to visit the KOA website for more info.

Sites accommodate RVs up to 80 feet and offer full hookups. This campground has something for everyone in the family, as there is a pool, hot tub, Wi-Fi, and many other conveniences.

Yellowstone RV Park

Only a few miles from the park, Yellowstone Valley Inn RV Park in Cody, Wyoming has 60 sites up to 60 feet long that will fit RVs of any scope. The inn’s website gives more specific details about rates and availability.

The campsite offers full hookups for electric, sewer, and water, as well as a pool, hot tub, free Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities. Grab a bite at the local restaurant, café, or bar or take advantage of the fitness center. There’s always something to do at this RV park!

RV Camping Near the West Entrance to Yellowstone

There are multiple camping options when leaving Yellowstone on the west side off Highway 91.

Baker’s Hole Campground

From May 15th to September 30th, you can travel 3 miles from the park’s west side to reach Baker’s Hole Campground in West Yellowstone, Montana. Availability is first-come, first-served with a $20 fee for two driving vehicles, an additional vehicle charge of $7, and $28 for an electrical site.

There are 73 campsites with 33 electrical sites on the grounds. RVers are welcome, as spots are up to 75 feet. Fees include a fire grate, fishing platform, tablets, water, and toilets.

Rainbow Point Campground

Rainbow Point Campground, 10 miles away from Yellowstone in West Yellowstone, Montana, provides RVers with a comfortable stay. Between May 15th and September 15th, visitors can call the campground to make reservations. Costs are $20 for two driving vehicles, $7 for each extra automobile, and $28 for an electrical spot.

The campground has 83 sites with 46 electrical hookups, and each site fits an RV less than 40 feet. Fire grates, fishing areas, toilets, and water, as well as a dock and boat ramp, are available.

Lonesomehurst Campground

Lonesomehurst Campground is approximately 12 miles from the park in West Yellowstone, Montana. Visitors can call anytime to make a reservation between May 15th and September 27th. Furthermore, entrance fees are $20 per two driving vehicles, $7 for another car, and $28 per electrical site.

In total, there are 27 sites with five electrical spots. The campground has a boat ramp, dock, fishing sections, toilets, fire grates, and water.

Cherry Creek Campground

Cherry Creek Campground rests about 14 miles from Yellowstone in West Yellowstone, Montana. The park is free and uses a first-come, first-served basis between Memorial Day and Mid-October. RVers can stay in one of the seven open parking spots; however, there are no hookups available.

Spring Creek Campground

Spring Creek Campground, in West Yellowstone, Montana, is an 18-mile drive west of Yellowstone. There is no entry fee, and visitors come on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground is open for RV camping between Memorial Day and Mid-October.

A total of 6 parking spots are available, and toilets are the only added conveniences.

Cabin Creek Campground

Twenty-two miles west of Yellowstone is Cabin Creek Campground in West Yellowstone, Montana. The grounds accept reservations for dates between May 15th and September 15th. Fees are $20 per two driving vehicles and $7 for each additional vehicle.

A total of 15 campsites are offered to RVers with units less than 30 feet. Be mindful that hookups are not available, but each space has a fire grate, table, toilets, and water access.

Beaver Creek Campground

Beaver Creek Campground is 24 miles from Yellowstone in West Yellowstone, Montana. The area is open from Memorial Day to September 10th and allows reservations. Costs are $20 per two driving vehicles and $7 per added vehicle.

Sixty-four sites on the premise fit RVs up to 55 feet and feature fire grates, tables, toilets, and water.

Red Cliff Campground

Approximately 35 miles from the park lies Red Cliff Campground in Bozeman, Montana. Visitation is open between May 15th and September 15th. Reservations can be made beforehand via phone call. Rates are $20 per 2 driving vehicles, $28 per electrical spot, and $7 for each additional vehicle.

The campground has 65 regular spaces and 27 electrical sites that have tables, toilets, and water, and will fit RVs up to 50 feet.

Yellowstone Park/West Gate KOA

The Yellowstone Park KOA is easily accessible, as it is a mere six miles away from the entrance. Park the RV at camp for the day to take a bus tour around the park, or get a head start by leaving for Yellowstone first thing in the morning.

This KOA offers an indoor pool, Wi-Fi, mini-golf, full hookups, and much more. Sites are up to 77 feet, thus allowing RVs of any size.

RV Campgrounds Near the Yellowstone South Entrance

Multiple KOAs lay just outside the south entrance to Yellowstone and deliver a laid back traveling experience.

Dubois/Wind River KOA

Sandwiched between the Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park lies the Dubois/Wind River KOA. With beautiful views and local scenic drives, Dubois offers much more than just a one-night stay.

If you’re looking for full hookups, Wi-Fi, fishing, and spacious sites up to 80 feet, this campground is for you. Rates are variable depending upon the length of stay and site type.

Jackson Hole/Snake River KOA

Jackson Hole is central to both Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park, making it a preferred location. Due to the cold winter conditions, the campground is only open between April 15th and October 15th.

Sites at this KOA are a bit smaller, as the max length is only 30 feet; however, there are full hookups and other RV accommodations. Visitors can also take advantage of the Wi-Fi, snack bar, and fishing opportunities.

How Much Does It Cost to RV Camp in Yellowstone?

With anything, costs for RV camping in Yellowstone fluctuate yearly. Rates also vary depending on the features each site holds. Some have showers, toilets, and hookups, whereas others do not.

Below is a list of fees for overnight stays at each campground as of 2019. Each listing also includes the approximate dates the area is open, although these days change yearly, as well.

• Bridge Bay Campground (5/17-9/22): $26 per night
• Canyon Campground (5/24-9/22): $31 per night
• Fishing Bridge RV Park : CLOSED for 2019-2020 season due to reservations
• Grant Village Campground (6/7-9/15): $31 per night
• Madison Campground (4/26-10/20): $26 per night
• Indian Creek Campground (6/14-9/9): $15 per night
• Lewis Lake Campground (6/26-11/3): $15 per night
• Mammoth Campground (Year-round): $20 per night
• Norris Campground (5/17-9/29): $20 per night
• Pebble Creek Campground (6/15-9/29): $15 per night
• Slough Creek Campground (6/15-10/15): $15 per night
• Tower Fall Campground (5/24-9/29): $15 per night

Free RV Camping in Yellowstone

RV camping in Yellowstone can become costly; therefore, staying at a free campground helps cut down on costs. Free campsites do not typically have as many features as those that cost money, yet they are delightful for those who love to boondock.

Free camping in the Yellowstone area is minimal. Some places have bathroom facilities and other small amenities, whereas others are merely a spot to park for the night. The campgrounds listed below are all within a 30-mile radius of the park:

• Timber Camp Campground: Gardiner, Montana (9 miles from Yellowstone)

• Cherry Creek Campground: West Yellowstone, Montana (14 miles from Yellowstone)

• Spring Creek Campground: West Yellowstone, Montana (18 miles from Yellowstone)

Wal-Marts and other participating stores allow free overnight stays in their parking lots. Always use caution and respect the rules of the facility, however. The last thing you want is to have a run-in with a business owner or law enforcement.

Purchasing published books that list free accommodations is another useful way to save time and money. Many are surprised to learn how many places are RV-friendly, especially near a National Park. Thinking outside the box can be helpful in these situations.

Yellowstone RV Rentals

RV rental businesses have boomed in recent years as more people discover that RVing is generally more convenient and less expensive. There are various RV rentals to choose from, as each company is slightly different. Outdoorsy , RVshare , and RVezy are all great places to rent RVs to see Yellowstone .

Full-Service RV Rental 

Blacksford RV is a premier RV rental company located right at the Bozeman Montana Airport with outstanding access to Yellowstone, Glacier and Teton national Forest. They rent out new state of the art Winnebago Sprinter Van RVs and they even offer free trip planning in addition to their rental units. Individually created itineraries, recommendations, and ideas allow customers to create their perfect vacation. They also deliver other free services, such as national park season passes, full kitchen set up, bedding, roadside assistance, bedding, and 4G Wifi through Verizon.

Furthermore, they rent out brand-new Winnebago RVs for 5 to 7 days or longer. They also have 4, 6, or 12-month lease options that give longer-term travelers an alternative. Book the RV online to pick up the vehicle from the Bozeman Airport and take off on your journey!

Blacksford RV takes all of the guesswork out of renting an RV for your perfect Yellowstone vacation. They also don’t nickel and dime you for extras like kitchen utensils, bedding, mileage limits, or generator run time limits. If you are going to take the trip of a lifetime you owe it to yourself to check out Blacksford. They will help to ensure your vacation plans are easy and seamless.

RELATED READING: Check out our article called Why Blacksford is the Best RV Rental with Unlimited Miles to learn about this awesome all inclusive RV Rental.

Corporate RV Rental Companies

Cruise America is another rental company that provides Yellowstone visitors with a recreational vehicle. With 132 locations in the United States, there is always a nearby Cruise America facility to suit your vacation plans.

Renters can choose from large, standard, compact, and truck campers that fit up to seven people. Each has a freshwater toilet, gas cooktop, generator, refrigerator, microwave, shower, and air conditioning. Pets are allowed in the RV, as well.

Cruise America does charge for all of the extras like bedding, kitchen utensils, mileage, generator run time, etc. And they do not rent bicycles or a bike rack.

Private RV Owners Who Rent Their RV

You can also use peer-to-peer rental services like Outdoorsy , RVshare , and RVezy to find private individuals who rent out their RVs. They are all like an Airbnb for RVs and provide an online directory for owners to list their RVs and for people like you and me to find RVs for rent.

The great thing about these companies is that they handle the exchange of money, damage deposits, the lease, and insurance. And you have a huge variety of RVs to choose from.

RELATED READING: Check out our article called The Ultimate Guide to Renting an RV to learn everything you need to know to find the perfect RV Rental.

Tips for Yellowstone RV Camping

Exploring a new place is a fun and exhilarating experience. Therefore, avoiding any possible mishaps or issues along the way is a necessity. Researching everything you can about the park before visiting is the best way to circumvent any problems.

1. First things first, you must realize the size of your unit. Roads in Yellowstone can be steep and windy, making it difficult to maneuver quickly. When driving a bigger rig, be sure to avoid the Bighorn Mountains located east of Cody, Wyoming. Also, dodge the Beartooth Highway between Red Lodge, Montana and Yellowstone’s northeast entrance.

2. Always abide by speed limits and warnings. Use pull-offs as needed and be aware of guardrails. Lastly, take caution when around other pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles.

3. Yellowstone does not accommodate oversized RVs. Be honest with the size of your unit, as those over 40 feet are typically not allowed. Note that the 40-foot limit includes the vehicle and the trailer. If making a Yellowstone campground reservation, give the exact dimensions of your unit and, if needed, ask if any oversized spots are available.

4. Learn about the park’s campgrounds ahead of time. RV camping in Yellowstone is much less stressful if you research and make reservations prior. Be aware that Fishing Bridge Campground is the only campsite in the park that has full hookups.

Simply winging a trip of this multitude is not feasible. Planning is always the best policy to promote time optimization. While visiting, be sure to respect the wildlife and the park itself. Do not litter and keep food hidden, as potentially dangerous bears will be attracted to the smell.

RELATED READING: Check out our article called The Complete Guide to RV Parking in Yellowstone to learn everything you need to know to find the best parking locations. You can’t just park anywhere in Yellowstone.

RV camping in Yellowstone is worth every second, as you will make memories that will last a lifetime. A little planning and investigation will go a long way and help everything run smoothly. Plan your itinerary as soon as possible so you can relax and enjoy everything Yellowstone National Park has to offer!

Do you have any suggestions about great places for RV Camping in (or near) Yellowstone? Please leave your comment below!

Here are some other great articles about RV Camping and Renting an RV that you may find helpful:

• The Complete Guide to RV Parking in Yellowstone
• 9 Best Reasons to Rent an All-Inclusive Blacksford RV
• How To Find Free RV Camping
• Why Blacksford is the Best RV Rental with Unlimited Miles
• 15 Essential Rental Tips For First Time RV Renters
• 4 Best Rental Options for a Small Drivable RV
• Are Dogs Allowed In RV Rentals?
• Free Overnight RV Parking
• 21 Must-Have RV Accessories for a New Camper or Travel Trailer
• Do Drivetime Calculators Really Work?
• What is the Average Gas Mileage for a Class C RV?
• 13 Awesome Tips for RV Camping with Kids

Mike Scarpignato – Bio

Mike Scarpignato created RVBlogger.com over five years ago in 2018 to share all we have learned about RV camping.

Mike is an avid outdoorsman with decades of experience tent camping and traveling in his 2008 Gulf Stream Conquest Class C RV and 2021 Thor Challenger Class A motorhome.

We attend RV Shows and visit RV dealerships all across the country to tour and review drivable motorhomes and towable trailers to provide the best evaluations of these RVs in our blog articles and YouTube videos.

We are 3/4-time RVers who created RVBlogger.com to provide helpful information about all kinds of RVs and related products, gear, camping memberships, tips, hacks and advice.

5 thoughts on “The Best RV Camping In (and Near) Yellowstone”

Mike and Susan, Love your videos and blog. As a fairly new RVer, I am often confused by the length terminology. In my case I have a pull behind trailer, so when one says “accommodate RVs up to 40 feet”, does that include the tugger vehicle or just the trailer itself. Thanks so much and keep up the great work learning us newbies the rules of the road and campgrounds.

Best run down on camp grounds around Yellowstone National Park I have seen!

Thanks Bill!

Good info. Traveling to Yellowstone in mid September with an R-pod. First timers. Looking for suggestions. We don’t need hookups, and want to have camp fires. WE are flexible for location. – Molly

Hi Molly, Glad you liked the article! Mike

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An RV Travel Guide for Visiting Yellowstone National Park

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Visiting Yellowstone National Park is a bucket list experience for most RVers. Founded in 1872, Yellowstone Park was our country’s first National Park. More than 200 years later, Yellowstone still stands as an icon of American wilderness and rugged beauty.

This 2.21 million acre park is located on a geothermal hot spot and one of the most diverse landscapes in our country. Visitors can marvel at the brightly colored yellow rocks in Yellowstone Canyon, watch the Old Faithful geyser erupt, or observe wildlife in its natural habitat.

We visited Yellowstone in our first year as RVers. We were so excited about visiting this iconic park but quickly became overwhelmed by its size and all there was to see and do. Which is why we created this guide.

To help you make the most of your trip we’ve created a guide to visiting Yellowstone in an RV. It will give you the lay of the land, including where to camp, and how to get around. As well as share some of the top things to do in Yellowstone. Let’s dive in!

Quick facts about Yellowstone National Park

Ancestral Lands : Newe Sogobia (Eastern Shoshone), Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla, Tséstho’e (Cheyenne), and Shoshone-Bannock tribes.

Closest towns : Gardiner, Montana, and West Yellowstone, Montana

Established : 1872

Size : 3,472 sq. miles or 2,221,766 acres

Annual Visitors : 3.1 million in 2022

Visitor Centers : There are ten in total. Below are the largest and most popular:

• Albright Visitor Center (open year-round)
• Canyon Visitor Education Center

Mammoth Hot Springs

• Old Faithful Visitor Center
• West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center

Entrance Fee (as of 2023) : $35 per vehicle per day or $80 for America the Beautiful Pass (annual parks pass)

Drive time through the park : 5 to 7 hours (with brief stops)

Getting around Yellowstone in an RV

Yellowstone National Park is massive. It’s as large as Deleware and Rhode Island combined.

We had no idea how large of a park it truly was until we arrived. With that being said, visitors should carefully plan where they are camping based on what they want to do in the park, and what is open for the season.

Yellowstone is broken up into four sections:

• North (wildlife and geothermal activity)
• East (wildlife and canyon)
• South (Yellowstone Lake)
• West (geothermal activity)

There are several “big destinations” in each of the areas. But we’ll talk more about those in a bit.

Few campgrounds are directly next to the big attractions directly. Meaning you’ll need to drive your RV from spot to spot or have a tow car for exploring.

Driving in Yellowstone can be a slow process. The entire loop in the park takes around five to seven hours to drive with infrequent stops. Road closures for repairs from June through September can cause delays in getting from point A to point B. In addition, you will likely have slowdowns from animal sightings and bison traffic jams (yes, bison traffic jams are 100% a thing).

Assume it will take longer than expected to get to your destination and don’t expect to drive the whole park in a day.

How long do I need for an RV trip to Yellowstone?

Because of its size, we do not recommend visiting Yellowstone if you only have a day or two. You can see the highlights in that short period, but you will not be able to enjoy it fully. We recommend staying at Yellowstone for at least three days if not more. However, five to seven days would be ideal especially if it’s your first time.

When to visit Yellowstone in an RV

Summer (June through September) is the best time for visiting Yellowstone in an RV.  July and August bring the warmest weather making these months the most popular time for visitors. June and September can be very cold after dark, with some snow lingering in early June. Bring layers with you if they plan to explore the park in the early mornings or evenings during these months.

If you want to camp in Yellowstone during peak summer season we highly recommend making a reservation in advance. You can make reservations up to six months in advance and these spots will go quickly. If you aren’t able to snag a reservation right away. Consider signing up for Arvie . This service will automatically search for cancelations for you and book your spot based on your desired dates and RV’s needs.

RV campgrounds in Yellowstone

There are twelve RV campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park boundaries. All of these are reservable up to six months in advance either through the National Park Lodges system or Recreation.gov. The only campground that offers first-come-first-serve camping is Mammoth Campground which is limited to vehicles under 30 feet.

The size of your RV will greatly determine where you can camp. If you have a big rig, like a class A or fifth wheel, you will need to park at one of the newer resorts in the park. These campgrounds will have more amenities but are often farther away from some of the top destinations.

A lot of RV campgrounds in Yellowstone prohibit the use of generators. This could force you to structure your trip around recharging your batteries if you don’t have an RV solar setup . Additionally, many campgrounds close down for renovations in the summer which can limit your camping options. Check the National Park website for the most up-to-date information before planning your trip.

If you aren’t able to snag a camping reservation and are relying on a first-come-first-serve camping spot at Mammoth. Get there before the sun rises to snag a spot in line. There is no guarantee you’ll get a spot, but the earlier you arrive the better your chances are.

There are alternative options if you are unable to get a reservation or you get a first come first serve spot at Mammoth. The north, east, west, and south entrances of the park have campgrounds to accommodate overflow from Yellowstone.

Most have electricity or water on site and are cheaper than the dry camping spots within the park. The negative is that you are outside of the park. Even though we were only 10 miles from the West Entrance at our campground, Rainbow Point Campground . It took us nearly an hour to reach Madison Campground (the most western campground in the park) each day.

Campendium has an extensive list of paid and free camping options outside of the park boundaries.

What to bring

You need to pay to enter Yellowstone National Park whether you are camping in the park or not. A National Parks pass will gain you entry or you can pay for the number of days you are visiting. If you plan to stay 3 days or more it’s normally more cost-effective to buy the annual pass , which is $80 at the time of this writing. You can buy your pass before your trip or if preferred you can buy it at the entrance of the park.

Since you are visiting Yellowstone in an RV, it’s a good idea to provision before arriving. This includes stocking up on groceries for your trip. The biggest town is near the park in West Yellowstone which is near the western entrance. Here you can find several restaurants, smaller grocery stores, and other shopping.

There are camp stores within the park where you can purchase basic food and pantry items if you need something. The seasonal camp stores can be found at Canyon Village, Grant Village, Fishing Bridge, and Tower Falls.

Hiking is a popular activity in Yellowstone National Park. We highly recommend having your favorite hiking gear with you. We personally never hike without a quality backpack that can carry water like this Camelback . We also love these Merino wool socks , hiking boots , and this hat from REI .

Yellowstone National Park has high bear activity and requires you to carry Bear Spray with you at all times on the trails. Don’t forget to grab yours before arriving!

The weather can change quickly in Yellowstone. No matter where you’re going, you should have a light jacket with you and a poncho in the event of rain. The nights will get cool even in peak summer months. So, bring a heavier jacket and pants to keep warm in the evenings and early mornings.

Wildlife is another huge draw of visiting Yellowstone National Park. You’ll want to have a good pair of binoculars to see the wildlife from afar. Of course, if you have a good camera you’ll want a proper long lens to capture the animals you’ll see. We saw the most insane camera setups at the park. Some were owned, but many were rented specifically for this trip.

You can rent professional camera equipment including lenses from Lensrentals. Prices are super affordable and they have a wide range of inventory to choose from.

Safety in Yellowstone

Before we begin, it’s important to emphasize that you are in the wild when visiting Yellowstone. You are responsible for your safety and well-being. Including bringing the right gear with you on hikes and staying safe outdoors.

Do not feed or touch wild animals. Always keep a safe distance from animals, geothermal areas, and cliffs. Stay on all boardwalks, sidewalks, and paths. The landscape here is delicate and the geothermal areas are extremely dangerous.

Around 50 people die visiting Yellowstone each year. Most deaths are from touching, attempting to swim, or accidentally falling into the geothermal springs.

What to do in Yellowstone

Our travel guide to visiting Yellowstone in an RV is broken up by the geographical area. We feel it’s much easier to plan your trip this way. If you are camping or staying within the park, you have the advantage of being much closer to each destination and reducing some drive time.

If you have the chance, break up your trip into different campgrounds. This means you’ll be driving less distances each day while still enjoying the diversity of the park.

West Yellowstone

The west side of Yellowstone is where most geothermal features can be found. The park itself has over 10,000 formations ranging from geysers to mud pots, hot springs, and fumaroles. Accounting for around half of the world’s geothermal activity.

If you only have a short time at the park, I’d recommend spending it here. After all, it’s not often you get to see geothermal features like these. The list below is going from southwest to northwest of the park.

Old Faithful

Old Faithful is by far the most popular and well-known feature in Yellowstone National Park. This geyser was named Old Faithful because its eruption pattern is super reliable. At least for now. Since 2000 Old Faithful erupts every 45 – 120 minutes, shooting water as high as 185 feet into the air. It’s not the largest geyser in the park, that title goes to Steamboat Geyser, but it’s still impressive to see.

Seeing Old Faithful erupt was the highlight of our trip. We loved it so much that we stayed for two eruptions. Old Faithful is located in the southwestern part of the park and is a huge hub. There is a hotel/lodge, restaurant, gas station, post office, visitor center, and gift shop.

That means it has a lot of people and a lot going on. Visit in the morning so you have time to hang around if you missed the eruption after you arrived. The visitor center has some useful information and a video on Yellowstone that’s worth a listen.

The National Park Service has a page for predicted eruption times for Old Faithful, so plan accordingly. You can also call Yellowstone (307) 344-7381 and push the correct extension to hear the next predicted time of eruption as well.

Upper Geyser Basin

The Upper Geyser Basin is the area that surrounds Old Faithful. Most people park their cars, watch Old Faithful erupt, then leave abruptly and call it a success. But there is a lot more to experience here.

If you have some extra time or want to take full advantage of Upper Geyser Basin take a nice walk along the Lone Star Trail. It’s 5.3 miles roundtrip and is nearly completely flat the entire trail, with over half of the trail being paved cement or wooden walkways. If you have more than a day or two this is definitely worth your time.

Biscuit and Black Basin

This will be a quick stop along our western route through Yellowstone. If you’re super short on time you can skip these, but if you’re dedicating a full day to the West side of the park definitely stop here and take in the area.

Midway Geyser Basin

Midway Geyser Basin was one of our favorite parts of Yellowstone. Specifically, Grand Prismatic Spring. You’ve probably seen a photo from National Geographic of a geyser bursting with colors. This is where you’ll find it.

Grand Prismatic Spring is home to a range of bacteria and thermophiles. This heat-loving algae displays a different color based on the temperature of the water coming from the spring. The colors are so vivid. As the steam rises it carries the colors with it making a rainbow in the mist. It really is something special.

There are a ton of other geothermal formations here as well. Like hot springs, fumaroles, and mud pots. But Grand Prismatic is the main attraction by far. We also really enjoyed watching the geothermal water cascade into the Firehole River down below. This place gets busy. So come early or come late, but no matter when you come – you don’t want to miss it.

Lower Geyser Basin

Lower Geyser Basin was our first stop when visiting Yellowstone. After visiting Midway Geyser, Upper Geyser Basin, and Norris Geyser we realized how small the Lower Geyser Basin really is. If you’re short on time you can skip this. But we absolutely loved our walk through here. And were in awe of how beautiful the springs were.

Artist paint pots

Artist paint pots can be a quick stop on your trip. The hike to see the paint pots is only a one-mile round trip. There are stairs and a somewhat steep hill, so make sure you can make it to the top. Here you can find a great example of Liz’s favorite type of geothermal activity, mud pots.

• Norris Geyser Basin

Norris Geyser Basin is a massive geothermal area with a wide range of formations to admire. We walked around the boardwalks for nearly three hours. We loved learning about the different geysers and how this area of Yellowstone is constantly changing.

This is also where you will find Steamboat Geyser . Steamboat geyser is the largest geyser in all of Yellowstone. Since 2018 the geyser has erupted unpredictably after a 3.5-year dormancy. It has minor eruptions with water spewing as high as 6 feet and major ones which can shoot up to 300 feet high. We were there just 4 days after its first eruption in 2018 which had a lot of people talking.

East Yellowstone

The east side of Yellowstone National Park has much less geothermal activity. Although there is evidence if you look closely. This part of the park is more of the traditional forest and mountain experience you would expect from northern national parks. On the east side, you can enjoy beautiful mountains, grassy meadows, canyons, waterfalls, lakes, and rivers.

This is the second most popular area of Yellowstone. And in our opinion, it is a must-see. Even if you’re only there for a short trip. The list below is going from southeast to northeast on the east side of the park.

Hayden Valley

Hayden Valley is a passage from the southern part of the park headed toward Canyon Village. The valley is known for its abundant wildlife. If you’re looking to see Bison in their natural habitat this is a great place to stop.

Yellowstone Canyon

If you do this drive at sunrise or sunset your likelihood of seeing other animals will increase. Wolves, elk, and pronghorn deer can also be sighted here. But you are guaranteed to see a bison (or several hundred) when visiting Yellowstone.

Located in Canyon Village, this iconic canyon is aptly named for the yellow stone that can only be found in this area of the park. We’ve seen canyons all over the world now, but Yellowstone Canyon is truly amazing! The waterfall creates a permanent rainbow as the sun shines through. It turns what is already a beautiful scene into a killer one.

There are two drives you can make, the North Rim and South Rim which offer several vistas and overlooks. Stop at every overlook you can. The view changes so much from each vista point. However, if you’re tight on time, Artist Point, Lookout Point, and Inspiration Point are the highlights.

The South Rim Drive was under construction when we were there so we missed out on Uncle Tom’s Trail which we heard has pretty epic views.

There are several hikes down into the canyon to give you up-close views of the waterfalls. Yes, waterfalls are plural, as there are several. The hikes are often short but steep. If you prefer to enjoy the beautiful canyon from one of the vistas, there is no hiking or steep walks involved and plenty of overlooks for you to enjoy it from.

If you’re physically able or have the extra time, we suggest going the extra mile (or two or three) and getting to see Yellowstone Canyon from every possible view. That’s how we got that incredible photo with the waterfall. Plan to spend a decent amount of time here. It could easily take up an entire day if you really wanted it to.

Yellowstone River

If you’ve never gone on a white water rafting trip , Yellowstone River is the place to try it out. Since we were tight on time and focused on doing a majority of free activities. We opted to skip the river trip. When we visit again this will 100% be on our list. You can also relax near the Lamar River and do some fly fishing.

Mammoth Hot Springs is located on the northwest side of the park. It’s the only major geothermal area outside of the Yellowstone caldera previously discussed on the west side of the park. Mammoth hot springs geothermal formations are not only unique because of their location, but also because of how they are formed.

Unlike the geysers, fumaroles, and mud pots you’ll find in the caldera. Mammoth Hot Springs is mostly made up of terraces, specifically travertine terraces. Travertine terraces look like a geothermal set of stairs with water gently trickling down. The travertine is a brilliant white with steam gently rolling off into the air.

There is an upper terrace that you can drive through. And a lower terrace that is made up of boardwalks weaving through the hot springs. Most of the lower terrace has stairs, so if you are not physically able just do the upper terrace. Although you will only see a fraction of the geothermal features at Mammoth. Mammoth hot springs have limited parking so we suggest you come early or late.

Tower Roosevelt & Roosevelt Falls

Tower Roosevelt and Roosevelt Falls are one of the lesser-visited attractions in Yellowstone. It’s known mostly for its beautiful waterfall. But the area also has several hikes, picnic tables, and lodging. Since there is simply so much to do in Yellowstone, this is an area that is often explored if people have more than 4 or 5 days. Or are returning for a second, third, or fourth time to Yellowstone.

Lamar Valley

This wide-open prairie is located in the northeast area of the park. This is where we opted to view wildlife and saw lots of bison, elk, and pronghorn sheep. We unfortunately didn’t see any of the more elusive animals like a wolf, fox, and grizzly but we did get some pretty epic views of wildflowers, mountains, and endless green hills with buffalo sprinkled throughout.

South Yellowstone

The south side of Yellowstone National Park is home to Yellowstone Lake. This tranquil and forested area has some areas of geothermal activity. Many people skip over this area when visiting Yellowstone, but it’s a beautiful stop that should be considered depending on how much time you have.

The list below is going from southwest to southeast .

West Thumb Geyser Basin and Grant Village

If you’re driving into Yellowstone from Grand Teton National Park this is a great place to make a quick stop. Walk around the boardwalks of West Thumb Geyser Basin and enjoy the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake.

It’s one of the only areas of the park where you can enjoy a beautiful lake view in addition to geothermal formations. If you are short on time, just make a quick stop here on your way to Yellowstone Lake or as you enter the park from Grand Teton.

Yellowstone Lake

At a whopping 136 square miles of lake, Yellowstone Lake is the largest body of water in Yellowstone National Park. You can find beautiful lake views, a quiet place to escape the hustle and bustle of the park, and fun recreational activities for the whole family.

Boats, kayaks, and canoes are permitted on this lake. We would have loved to spend a day on the gorgeous water taking in the views and seeing this park from a different perspective. Swimming is not recommended, as it stays around 41 degrees even in the summer.

If you’re lucky you might see a beaver or a moose here. Shoshone Lake (also on the south side of the park) is supposedly a great place to see Moose in the early morning.

Top things to do in Yellowstone if you are short on time

If you’re visiting Yellowstone in an RV you should dedicate the proper amount of time to see and do as much as possible. However, if you absolutely don’t have the time, then these would be our top things to do in Yellowstone.

• Grand Prismatic Springs (Midway Geyser Basin)
• Old Faithful (Upper Geyser Basin)
• Mammoth Hot Springs OR Yellowstone Canyon (your choice because both are breathtakingly beautiful and unique)
• If your main goal in coming to Yellowstone is to see animals, then do Hayden Valley early in the morning.

If you want to see animals

A lot of people come to Yellowstone to experience the wildlife that is rarely seen outside of these park boundaries. There are hundreds of bison throughout the park in addition to black bears, grizzly bears, wolves, marmots, bighorn sheep, elk, pronghorn, moose, bald eagles, and fox to name a few. There are two main areas to view wildlife, although most parts of the park have some animal or another throughout.

• Lamar Valley (Northeastern Part of Yellowstone)
• Hayden Valley (Eastern Part of Yellowstone)

If we could only choose 3 geyser basins

It’s such a shame not to be able to see all of the geyser basins when visiting Yellowstone. Every single formation is unique and beautiful in its own way. This is definitely not a “see it once, don’t need to see it again” kind of thing.

If you’re short on time and simply don’t have the ability to see all the geyser basins these are our top 3.

Visiting Yellowstone National Park is sure to be a trip you’ll remember for years to come. While many revisit the park to explore it more intimately. This guide should help you plan your first RV trip to our country’s first national park.

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About Liz Brumer-Smith

One-half of the Eat See RV team. I'm the face you'll find in most videos and the main author of our blog. If I'm not vlogging or writing you can probably find me reading a good book, hanging with friends and family, relaxing near water, eating something tasty, or savoring kitty cuddles.

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May 12, 2023 at 2:12 pm

This guide is so thorough and helpful! We are going back to Yellowstone on sunday (it will be my third time) but I’ll definitely reference your post for all of the best tips!!

May 12, 2023 at 2:51 pm

So glad it was helpful for you. Hope you have the most amazing trip to Yellowstone!! I know there’s some epic hiking. Looking forward to seeing what you do.

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How to Plan an Unforgettable Yellowstone Camping Trip

By Elisabeth Kwak-Hefferan

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Looking to plan a Yellowstone camping trip? Few experiences will get you closer to the essence of this destination. 

After all, the visionaries who named Yellowstone America’s first national park in 1872 recognized the same charms that still lure millions of visitors the world over today: hydrothermal fireworks in its geyser basins, an intact ecosystem that's home to charismatic wildlife like grizzly bears and wolves, dazzling cascades twice the height of Niagara Falls, sculpted mountains, and sparkling lakes. This enormous park, which sits mostly in Wyoming’s northwestern corner with slices in Idaho and Montana, offers plenty of conventional lodging choices , but there’s no better way to experience this primeval place than by camping. Pitch a tent in the woods, along a creek, or next to a lake, and you’ll immerse yourself in a wild landscape just as people have done for thousands of years—and thanks to the park, can continue to do well into the future.  

Below, we cover everything you need to know to enjoy a night under the stars at Yellowstone, including when to go and how to snag reservations at the best sites for car camping, backpacking, and glamping. Consider this your complete Yellowstone camping guide. 

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

What to know before you go

Yellowstone National Park itself is huge—Rhode Island  and  Delaware could fit inside it at the same time—and it’s surrounded by tens of thousands more square miles of public land. All to say that the weather conditions, landscapes, and elevations of campsites in and around the park can vary widely. Check park maps carefully before you commit to a site to ensure you’ll be close to your most-desired attractions: Old Faithful, for example, is at minimum a 90-minute drive from the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. 

A note on bear safety: Both grizzly and black bears make their homes in the park, so bear-smart camping is a must. Bears have excellent noses and can be attracted to human food, creating a dangerous situation for both people and the bears. Keep all food, garbage, coolers, dishes, and any other items with fragrances (like toiletries) secured in a hard-sided vehicle or a provided metal bear locker whenever you’re not actively using them. 

Camping season in the Yellowstone area extends from late spring into mid-autumn, but the park’s high elevations—campgrounds range from 6,200 feet to 7,900 feet—mean that snow and cold temperatures are common on either end of that window. July and August bring the warmest weather but also the most visitation, so be prepared for crowds in the park’s developed areas. Late summer into early fall is also known as “smoke season” in the West, where smoke from even distant wildfires can settle over the park, creating poor air quality that can ruin a camping trip . September into October can otherwise be a glorious time to visit, when summer crowds thin out, leaves start turning, and the weather goes crisp. Most campgrounds close for the bitterly cold winter season (Mammoth is the only year-round campground, though it is currently closed as a result of a 2022 flooding).

The fishing is stellar at Pebble Creek, which is also one of the park's smallest campgrounds. 

How to book a campsite in the park

Campers snap up sites quickly in the Yellowstone region. Reservations, which are required at all park campgrounds, open six to ten months in advance. It’s wise to secure yours as soon as they’re released. No luck? Don’t give up: Openings do pop up daily, so check back regularly for your preferred spots. Some park campgrounds also reserve 20 percent of their sites to be released for booking two weeks ahead.  Recreation.gov handles bookings for the seven park-managed campgrounds, while the park’s concessionaire,  Xanterra , manages reservations for its five in-park campgrounds. Backpackers will need a  permit for backcountry sites, which are available to reserve through both an  early-access lottery (which opens in early spring each year) and a general reservation period (beginning in late April).

The best Yellowstone campgrounds

Camping options in the Yellowstone region range from hike-in wilderness sites to rustic, drive-up campgrounds, and luxurious glamping resorts . Consider this your guide to the best spots at every point along the spectrum.

Drive-up campgrounds

Yellowstone National Park offers two main types of campgrounds: Smaller, more primitive outposts and larger campgrounds with more amenities. The park itself manages the five rustic ones ($20 to $25 per night), while Xanterra takes care of the slightly more civilized variety ($33 to $89 per night). If you’re looking for that away-from-it-all experience—yes to secluded sites where nature is the main attraction, no to showers, flush toilets, or RV dump stations—Yellowstone’s two best campgrounds are  Slough Creek  and  Pebble Creek.  Both tucked into the wildlife-packed Lamar Valley, these are the park’s two smallest campgrounds with 16 and 27 sites, respectively. The fishing is stellar within a few steps of your tent at each one, and you might even hear or spot the Lamar’s famous wolves. At the western end of the Lamar Valley, 31-site  Tower Fall Campground  offers quiet, shady sites, but it’s also just a few minutes away from a camp store, plus dinner and horseback riding at  Roosevelt Lodge . Paddlers will love  Lewis Lake Campground,  nestled against the shore of Lewis Lake on the southern end of the park, for its easy water access for canoes, kayaks, and motorboats. 

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If you like your nights under the stars with a few more creature comforts, like flush toilets, ice and firewood on offer, and an RV dump station,  Bridge Bay Campground  is a top pick. Located a stone’s throw from the western shore of Yellowstone Lake, this 7,800-foot campground has lovely lake views and easy access to the Bridge Bay Marina’s boat tours, rental boats, and guided fishing outings. With 432 sites, it’s the largest option in the park. 

Madison Arm Resort  ($47 to $70 per night), located about 10 miles west of Yellowstone’s West Entrance on the edge of 12,500-acre Hebgen Lake, is another step up in terms of amenities. Tent campers get waterfront sites and full use of the resort’s hot showers and laundry facilities; RV campers will find full hookups. Everyone enjoys spectacular sunrise views over Hebgen Lake, boat rentals, and a lovely home base for swimming or fishing. 

At Under Canvas Yellowstone, creature comforts include private bathrooms and upscale restaurants.

Backcountry Sites

With its 3,471 square miles of pristine wilderness, Yellowstone National Park is a backpacker’s dream. Hiking into the backcountry for a night or more requires experience, gear, fitness, and knowledge about dealing with challenges like weather and wildlife encounters—but for those equipped, it makes for an unforgettable excursion. The  Thorofare  area in the park’s southeastern corner holds some of the best backpacking opportunities. Extremely remote—in fact, the Thorofare is as far as you can get from a road in the Lower 48 states—this gorgeous destination features flower-filled meadows, a view of the surrounding summits, and meandering creeks. Love geysers, but hate the crowds they draw? Head for  Shoshone Geyser Basin,  where plentiful spouters give a private show to anyone willing to hike a minimum of nine miles to reach it. A pair of shoreline campsites on Shoshone Lake, just beyond the basin, are your best bets.

Yellowstone may be wild, but that doesn’t mean you can’t savor a real bed with luxe linens and a catered campfire while you’re there. At Chico Hot Springs Resort’s  Camp Conestoga ($225 per night), about 45 minutes north of the park, you’ll drift off in a pioneer-style covered wagon (don’t worry, heat and electricity are included). Best of all, the wagons sit walking distance from the resort’s dreamy natural hot springs.  Under Canvas also runs a resort near West Yellowstone, plus a new-in-2023 location in the Paradise Valley north of the park. Both feature huge canvas tents with private bathrooms and upscale restaurants (starting at $229 per night). 

For more inspiration, check out our complete guide on where stay in Yellowstone , which covers hotels, rentals, and more.  

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Journey With Confidence

Yellowstone Camping: Everything You Need To Know

• Great RVing Destinations

Visit The First National Park in the U.S.

Did you know Yellowstone is the first national park in the US? It was established in 1872. The 2,219,791-acre park stretches across three states—Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming—and is known for its wildlife as well as famous geothermal features like Old Faithful Geyser.

Yellowstone is open year-round, with the busy summer season being frequented by tourists, and the winter season with fewer people but beautiful snowy views and experiences. As with all National Parks, please check Yellowstone National Park’s website for updates regarding current alerts and closures . 

Yellowstone park history

Despite only becoming a National Park 148 years ago, Yellowstone’s history actually dates back much farther—11,000 years to be exact, when Native Americans inhabited the park. Archeological sites and objects in the park now show the history of these original dwellers as well as those who came after. Wilderness explorers came through the park during the early-to-mid-19 th  century and more formal explorers in the 1860s. 

Visiting Yellowstone

There are a few different pass options available for visiting Yellowstone. Purchase a digital pass on Recreation.gov before you arrive for ultimate convenience which can then be displayed on your phone or tablet.

For those making a one-time visit, a week pass is good for entry into Yellowstone for seven days from the date of purchase and ranges from $20-$35 based on your mode of transport. An annual pass provides entrance into Yellowstone for one year and costs $70.

Both types of passes are sold at all entrances but be aware that if entering the South Entrance, you will travel through Grand Teton National Park first, which has separate entrance fees. These entrance fees are key to maintaining this national treasure; entrance fees provide $8.8 million each year for improvements to the park.

Yellowstone camping. Photo via Flickr Creative Commons

Yellowstone camping & lodging tips

Yellowstone National Park has 12 campgrounds with over 2,000 sites. Five of these campgrounds take reservations:  Bridge Bay ,  Canyon ,  Grant Village ,  Madison  (none have hooks ups but all have dump stations), and  Fishing Bridge RV Park which is closed for all of 2020.

The other seven campsites are first-come, first-serve. These are Indian Creek ,  Lewis Lake ,  Mammoth ,  Norris ,  Pebble Creek ,  Slough Creek , and  Tower Fall , all of which have different specifications for sizes of RVs, vehicles, and trailers allowed. Yellowstone also has backcountry campsites for those wishing to hike and backpack. The campground at Mammoth is open year-round and is your only option for RV camping in the park in winter .

If you’re looking for a break from camping, check into one of Yellowstone’s nine lodges, available in both hotel- and cabin-style. All are open late spring through fall, while only Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel are open in the winter. The other lodges include Canyon Lodge and Cabins, Grant Village Lodge, Lake Hotel and Cabins, Lake Lodge Cabins, Old Faithful Inn, Old Faithful Lodge, and Roosevelt Lodge. 

If you are looking for free camping in Yellowstone, check out these 11 free campgrounds recommended by Drivin & Vibin :

What to see in Yellowstone

There’s so much to see, do, and explore in Yellowstone National Park, it might take you a lifetime to take it all in. There’s hiking, wildlife viewing, camping, fishing, boating, biking, horseback riding, skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, snowcoach rides, and guided tours. 

In addition to activities, there’s also a slew of locations to be sure to visit on your trip. The most famous of these is Old Faithful, one of nearly 500 geysers in Yellowstone. This and other geothermal wonders are what inspired the establishment of Yellowstone in the first place. Old Faithful is one of only six geysers that can be predicted in the park; you can watch the daily eruptions in person or live via webcam. 

Another must-see is the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone (not to be confused with the more famous Grand Canyon). At roughly 20 miles long, this canyon starts at Upper Falls and continues to Lower Falls and Crystal Falls. 

In every part of the park, there are natural wonders to see. Visit Yellowstone Lake or Fishing Bridge near Bridge Bay; hydrothermal wonders and Fairy Falls in the west; Mammoth hot springs and historic Fort Yellowstone in the north; dine at an old west cookout in the northeast; or visit the West Thumb Geyser Basin in the south. 

Plan your Yellowstone camping trip

For better planning of your trip through Yellowstone, download the free National Park Service app , which allows you to explore the park by map, topic, or interest. You’ll learn about the history of the park. And get information regarding visitor centers, events, lodging, places to eat and shop. Use it along with the RV LIFE App and RV LIFE Trip Wizard . Discover all of the great Yellowstone campgrounds, RV parks, gas stations, and other points of interest in the area.

Been to a campground lately? Don’t forget to  leave a review ! Reviews help other RVers like yourself, and they help the campground.  Leave a campground review today !

Yellowstone RV Camping: GearJunkie How-To Guide

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Yellowstone National Park is a true bucket-list destination for all types of travelers and is the perfect stop for an RV road trip.

Averaging 4 million visitors each year, the majesty of the world’s first national park is no secret. Nestled high in the northern Rocky Mountains and stretching into three states, this 2.2 million-acre park has something for everyone.

While initially protected for its unique geology, Yellowstone also has some of the best wildlife in North America, incredible hiking and fishing, impressive educational ranger programs, and ample opportunities to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Because so many visitors make their way to this park each year, some prior knowledge helps ensure you make the most of your Yellowstone RV camping adventure.

Yellowstone RV Campgrounds

There are 12 campgrounds within the boundaries of Yellowstone National Park, each with something special to offer campers. Five of the 12 campgrounds take reservations, and, while there are over 2,000 sites within the park, it’s not always easy to find a vacancy to set up camp — especially in the peak summer months.

Campgrounds With Reservations

With 432 sites, Bridge Bay is one of the largest campgrounds in the park. This campground is located near the shores of Yellowstone Lake, and campers will enjoy stunning views of the lake and the Absaroka Range as well as easy access to the water.

Fishing Bridge

Fishing Bridge is located where the Yellowstone River exits the Yellowstone Lake on its way north. This campground is the only one in the park to have water, sewer, and electrical hookups. Plus, it’s not open to tent campers due to the abundance of grizzly bears in the area.

Canyon Campground is the nearest option for folks looking to spend significant time around the impressive Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. There are some excellent hikes nearby, as well as plenty of services if you’re not so keen on “roughing it.”

Grant Village

Grant Village is the southernmost campground in Yellowstone that accepts reservations. It’s nestled on the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake, is ADA-accessible, has plenty of services nearby, and has convenient access to the shores of one of the world’s largest high-elevation freshwater lakes.

Madison is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful campgrounds in the park, and one of the most popular. Centrally located with sweeping views of the Madison River and surrounding mountains, this campground is an excellent jumping-off point for many of the other world-class destinations in the park.

Walk-In Campgrounds

There are seven campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park that don’t take reservations and depend on when you visit. Because of that, it may take a bit of luck to secure a spot. If you’re set on camping in one of these spots, arrive very early in the morning and plan to hang out and wait for another camper to leave.

If you can secure a first-come, first-served site, each of these campgrounds is well worth it:

• Lewis Lake is the southernmost campground in Yellowstone and is a short walk from the shores of its namesake body of water.
• Norris is an excellent central option in the park and has excellent access to Norris Geyser Basin and many other nearby geothermal features.

The final five walk-in campgrounds stretch east to west across the park’s miraculous Northern Range:

• Indian Creek is one of the quieter options in the park.
• Mammoth is excellent for wildlife and access to Gardiner, Montana.
• Tower Fall is excellent for big-mountain hikes and views of the eponymous waterfall.
• Slough Creek is close to some of the best wildlife viewing and stargazing in the park.
• Pebble Creek offers unmatched peace and quiet.

Best Time to Visit

There is no wrong answer when it comes to your Yellowstone RV camping adventure. Summer weather is generally the most pleasant. However, those months see far more visitors than at any other time of year.

Of the average 4 million visitors that the park sees each year, over 60% of them come in June, July, and August. If you’re trying to avoid the crowds, consider planning your Yellowstone RV camping trip in the spring when the park opens or in the fall as temperatures are dropping.

As a bonus, these shoulder seasons provide ample opportunities to view wildlife and migrations, budding trees, and changing leaves. And you’ll have an easier time navigating the waters of first-come, first-served camping.

Wildlife & Geothermal Features

Viewing wildlife and observing geothermal features are two of the main attractions in Yellowstone National Park. There are a few things you can do to make the most of these experiences.

In general, early mornings and evenings provide the best opportunities to see wildlife and enjoy uncrowded boardwalks around geothermal features. If you can, tow a standard vehicle with your RV or unhitch the camper from your truck on days you plan to spend exploring the park.

A smaller vehicle will make navigating tight parking lots and pullouts, as well as driving over mountain passes, much easier. When possible, avoid the park’s major features during the middle of the day and seek less-traveled trails and destinations.

Wildlife Jams

Yellowstone is notorious for its “wildlife jams” — traffic caused by wildlife near the road. If you come across these situations, be patient and respectful of both the wildlife and other humans.

Be sure to leave plenty of space between you and any wild animals you see, and practice safe food storage both on day trips and while at your campground. Park rangers are always eager to answer any questions regarding animal behavior and human-animal interaction. Education is the best tool we have to keep Yellowstone wild, and it’s our collective responsibility to do just that.

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5 Day Yellowstone RV Trip Itinerary – The Best Way to Explore America’s 1st National Park

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One of the best ways to see America’s first national park is in an RV. Joe and I spent four days exploring Yellowstone National Park in a Class B RV with Charley the yellow lab. In this post, I share our five day Yellowstone RV trip itinerary including places to visit, where to camp and tips for planning your RV road trip.

Watch the videos below to see what it’s like to explore Yellowstone in an RV and some of the camping options inside and outside the national park.

5 Day Yellowstone RV Trip Itinerary

Before we dive in, I want to mention that driving a Class B RV through Yellowstone is much easier than driving a small Class C RV or even something bigger. You will encounter narrow roads, tight parking lots and short narrow pull-outs for wildlife viewing and hiking trails.

Whether you’re taking your own RV to the park or taking a rental RV , the smaller the RV the better.

>>Use this link to Browse Yellowstone RV Rentals<<

Let’s get started planning your Yellowstone RV Trip Itinerary!

Table of Contents

Day 1: Cody, WY

Cody, Wyoming is a great place to start your Yellowstone RV road trip.

Plan to spend the day at Buffalo Bill’s Center of the West where you can fuel up on chuck wagon coffee, biscuits and beans before even stepping foot inside the center. There are five museums at the center including the Cody Firearms Museum and the Draper Natural History Museum which has exhibits on all the wildlife found in Yellowstone National Park. There is designated RV parking at the center.

Tip: Cody is also a good place to stock up on bear spray before you get to Yellowstone National Park. If you have the time to buy online, it will be less expensive than at a local outfitter or inside the national park. Bears aren’t the only concern as bison and elk can also be dangerous.

Night 1 Camping Options

You can choose from a handful of RV parks in Cody, Wyoming or spend the night at Walmart like we did.

Learn more about Overnight RV Parking at Walmart

Day 2: Cody, WY to Yellowstone

Drive Beartooth Pass to the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. The views on highway 120, 296 and 212 are worth it especially of Granite Peak and Castle Mountain. We spotted a moose in Silver Gate, a two mile drive from the Northeast Entrance to Yellowstone.

Depending on the time of year, check the road conditions for closures. There is limited to no cell coverage on parts of this drive so check before you leave. While we were in Cody, the North entrance was closed due to snow, but opened the next day.

Northeast Entrance has an oversized vehicle lane on the right for RVs and buses. Past the entrance is a sign with the status of every campground inside the park. If you do not have reservations, this is one place to check campground availability. Given the size of the park, by the time you arrive at the campground, it may be full.

Pets are allowed inside Yellowstone National Park in developed areas. You will not be able to bring your pet on any of the trails or boardwalks. Read the full pet policy on the park’s website .

Make your way to Mammoth Hot Springs via Tower Rosevelt. The earlier you start your day, the more time you’ll have to experience everything on this drive.

Barronette Peak overlook is a good spot to scan for Mountain Goats. We spotted several goats with babies on the hillside. They were difficult to see with the naked eyes, but we got to see them through a spotting scope.

Lamar Valley is a popular spot for wolf sightings. We saw a pack of wolves near Slough Creek. This area is also filled with bison and pronhorn.

Tip: There is Verizon LTE coverage in the Slough Creek area.

Trout Lake Trail is a short and easy 1.2 mile loop natural trail with beautiful views . The trailhead parking area is around 1.5 miles south of Pebble Creek Campground. Although it’s a short trail, it’s worth taking your time to enjoy the wildlife and the views. By the time we finished the trail, the sun was starting to set and we wanted to get to our dispersed camping spot before dark.

Night 2 Camping Options

There are several campgrounds between the Northeast Entrance and North Entrance of Yellowstone. Check the NPS website for availability and status. Many of the campgrounds were closed during our visit.

Tip: For the best shot at a first come, first served campsite, arrive early in the morning. You can check online for status and availability or inquire at the park entrance.

If you cannot find accommodations in Mammoth Hot Spring, Grainer has a few RV park options. We found a great dispersed camping spot on NF 3243 using Allstays .

Tip: rent or bring a good pair of binoculars with you.

• You can rent a Canon 10×42 at Yellowstone Forever in Gardiner. Rental rates start at $15 for 24 hours and the binoculars have to be returned to the same location.
• You can also rent or buy Swarovski binoculars and spotting scopes through Optics Yellowstone in Gardiner by giving them a call 406-224-5277.

Day 3: Mammoth Hot Springs & Tower-Roosevelt

Start your day at the Albright Visitor Center. It’s a great place to get information from rangers and volunteers as well as drop off your recycling and fill up your water bottles.

Parking in the Mammoth Hot Springs can fill up quickly especially if you are in a large RV. Arrive early to grab a spot and plan to keep your RV parked there until you’re done exploring the area. One of the benefits of taking a small RV to Yellowstone is more parking options.

See the Mammoth Hot Springs. The well maintained boardwalk offers great viewpoints of the various springs in the area. We spotted a bull snake and an elk on our walk.

Beaver Ponds Trail is a popular 5 mile loop that starts near Liberty Cap. Give yourself 2 to 3 hours to complete the trail through the forest to Beaver Pond. Unfortunately, the park rangers closed the trail when we arrived due to grizzly bears in the area.

Drive to Tower-Roosevelt to see Undine Falls and Wraith Falls. Undine Falls is a pull over area where you can walk a few steps down to see the falls. Wraith Falls is a short and easy trail to a beautiful waterfall. On the drive to Wraith Falls we saw a coyote after the car in front of us slammed on their brakes.

Tip: cars are more dangerous than wildlife. We had many close calls with cars coming to a sudden stop in front of us or crossing over the center line. Be extra careful when you’re driving an RV through Yellowstone.

Bear jams are a real thing. We experienced several on the drive to Tower-Roosevelt. Luckily, when Joe decided to pull over to make a cup of coffee the black bear and cubs came to us. What followed was a massive jam of bear proportions. We even came across an abandoned car in the middle of the road with all the doors open because the occupants ran outside to look at bears on the hillside.

Tip: give yourself more time than you think you need. From bear jams to construction inside the park, you will likely need more time to get from point a to point b.

Petrified Tree is on the way to Tower-Roosevelt area. Since we have been to Petrified Forest National Park , we decided to skip it and head to Tower Fall Trail.

Tip: there is decent Verizon cell coverage at Tower General Store. The speed is slow, but it’s good enough to check email. If you’re wondering why I am including cell coverage throughout this post, one of the main reasons is because we run our business on the road and need to have internet access .

Night 3 Camping Options

Camp at Tower, Mammoth Hot Springs or drive back to Gardiner. Since Tower Campground and Mammoth Hot Springs were both full during our visit, we drove back out to the dispersed camping spot in Gardiner.

Day 4: Norris & Canyon Village

Drive to Norris Campground as early as you can for a first come, first served campsite. While it’s great to enjoy dispersed camping in the national forest , Joe and I both wanted to maximize our time inside the park. Of course, if you are able to book a campsite in advance, you won’t need to wake up early like we did.

There is plenty of wildlife viewing between Mammoth Hot Springs and Norris Geyser Basin. We spotted elks, cranes, swans, and goose on the drive to the campground. Many credible sources said grizzlies are in this area, but we did not see any during our visit.

See Yellowstone’s Tallest Active Geyser. Norris Geyser Basin is home to Steamboat Geyser and when it erupts, it can be four times the height of Old Faithful. Plan your time around a daily ranger talk at this geyser to learn more about it and when you an expect to see the next eruption.

Tip: there is limited RV parking at Norris with cars taking up some of the RV spots when the lot is full. Arrive early to save yourself the headache of trying to find a parking spot. Smaller RVs like vans can fit in the standard parking lot.

Explore the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone . There are several trails in the area where you can take in the views of the canyon.

• Lookout Point for a view of the waterfall.
• Grand View offers amazing views of the canyon.
• Red Rock Trail offers a better view of the waterfall.
• Brink of the Falls will get you up close and personal with the falls. If you only have time for one trail, I would recommend Brink of the Falls. It is a short and steep 3/8 mile trail out and back with an elevation change of 600 feet.

Mud Volcano is worth it. If you have the time, take the easy 2/3 mile trail to see Sour Lake, Churning Caldron, Grizzly Fumarole.

Look for Wolves in Hayden Valley. On the drive back to Canyon Village we saw a black wolf and bald eagle on the other side of Yellowstone River.

Refresh at Canyon Village. It’s day four and if you’re like us, you’re ready for a real shower (not an RV shower) with unlimited hot water. For less than $5 per person, you can get a real shower at Canyon Village and do your laundry. You can also stock up on essential items and get Verizon LTE service in this area.

Tip: If you are staying at Canyon Campground, your reservation comes with a voucher good for two showers per day.  

Night 4 Camping Options

Camp at Norris, Madison or drive outside of the park to West Yellowstone, Montana. We really enjoyed Norris Campground and would highly recommend it if you are able to reserve a site there. Joe and I joked that we paid $20 for a parking spot since we didn’t spend anytime at the campground, but it was well worth it.

Tip: you can extend your first come, first served campsite at Norris by going to the campground office. The next morning, there was a long line of people waiting for a campsite to open up. Another reminder to arrive early if you do not have a reservation.

Day 5: Grand Prismatic Spring & Old Faithful

See the Grand Prismatic Spring. This is the largest hot spring in Yellowstone with vibrant colors as a result of bacteria and algae in the water. As Joe said in the video above “seeing the array of colors and the steam rising from the spring was awe-inspiring.” Keep in mind, the colors vary depending on the time of the year.

Tip: the parking lot for Grand Prismatic Spring is quite small. There are pull outs past the parking area where you can leave your RV and take the walking path to the spring.

Finally Make Your Way to Old Faithful. The most well known geyer is worth seeing on your road trip through Yellowstone. Check the visitor center or ranger stations for estimated time of the next eruption.

Beehive is the Best Geyser in Upper Basin. While you’re waiting for the predictable Old Faithful to erupt, hang out at Beehive to see if you can catch an eruption. It’s our favorite geyser in the Upper Basin.

Tip: Verizon cell service is extremely slow in the Old Faithful area. The best cell signal we found inside Yellowstone is at Mammoth Hot Springs and Slough Creek.

Depending on what you want to do and see, you can always add more days to your Yellowstone RV Trip Itinerary. An event in Idaho cut our trip short, but we could have easily stayed for another two or three days.

Thanks for reading!

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6 thoughts on “5 day yellowstone rv trip itinerary – the best way to explore america’s 1st national park”.

Great tips. We spent 3 season working in Yellowstone and had our Roadtrek also. I would add more days as there are a couple of more geyser basins that should bee seen. Also I think visiting the visitor centers at Old Faithful and Canyon and Mammoth. Wealth of info to obtained. Also if overnighting in the park, there are several great Ranger talks to take in. It is just so huge. we worked 18 months and only scratched the surface. Enjoy what ever your time in YNP. It is truly WONDERLAND.

Thank you for sharing your Yellowstone recommendations.

Great post and great video! I was wondering what month of the year it was? That is exactly the type of landscape I am hoping for – snow on the mountains, but sunny days. Thank you!

We were there early June, good weather and not too crowded.

I have wanted to visit Yellowstone for a long time and this itinerary looks perfect – cheers for sharing!

Great tips on touring Yellowstone! Summer season has become overwhelming there so we time our visits in September. It’s still very busy but not as bad as the summer months.

There are great camping areas outside the west entrance in the Island Park areas just 25 miles into Idaho. The Henry’s Fork of the Snake river flows from its source at Big Springs and the area has abundant wildlife, elk, moose, antelope and an occasional bear or two. Lots of other off the beaten path things to do…explore the lava tubes, mine for opals or visit historical towns like Virginia City just over the border into Montana all a very short drive from Island Park and from West Yellowstone.

Keep those great travel tips coming and safe travels!

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Our 12 Favorite Campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park

Looking to uncover the best campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park? As a camper’s paradise, Yellowstone offers a diverse range of campgrounds, from secluded spots to sites with full amenities.

Whether you’re seeking a serene lakeside retreat, a hiker’s haven in the heart of the park, or an RV-friendly location, our detailed guide dives deep into 12 of the most sought-after camping spots in Yellowstone.

Beyond just listing them, we’ll share first-hand experiences, insights on the best seasons for camping, and practical tips to elevate your outdoor experience.

Dive in to discover everything from the hidden gem of Slough Creek Campground to the year-round allure of Mammoth Campground, and ensure your Yellowstone camping trip is truly unforgettable!

Table of Contents

Why is Yellowstone hailed as a dream camping destination? 

Let’s delve right in and unveil the secrets of this mesmerizing park!

Yellowstone, the world’s first national park, is a kaleidoscope of natural wonders. It bursts with rich biodiversity. Each nook and cranny of the park buzzes with life – from grizzlies lumbering in the woods, herds of bison grazing the vast valleys, to eagles soaring high against the azure skies. Akin to stepping into a nature documentary, camping here offers you a front-row seat to an unscripted wilderness drama!

But it doesn’t stop there. Yellowstone’s geysers, its prime jewel, are truly a spectacle to behold. Imagine waking up to the sight of Old Faithful spouting steaming hot water into the cool morning air. There’s nothing quite like it!

This is a land of stunning landscapes that shift with every turn. From sweeping prairies, looming mountains, to azure lakes reflecting the endless skies, Yellowstone offers picture-postcard views at every corner. It’s a scenic delight that tantalizes your senses and leaves you yearning for more.

Now, let’s take a moment to appreciate the park’s storied history. Established in 1872, Yellowstone is the proud patriarch of all national parks globally. It’s the birthplace of the very concept of a ‘national park,’ a testament to our collective will to preserve nature’s priceless gifts. Unraveling the park’s history is like embarking on a thrilling time-travel adventure, offering a rich, layered perspective that deepens your connection to this extraordinary wilderness.

In a nutshell, Yellowstone is not just a place but an experience, an emotion that resonates within your soul. Camping here is about immersing yourself in the park’s remarkable narrative, one that is written by nature itself. So, are you ready to be a part of Yellowstone’s enchanting story?

Preparedness for Camping in Yellowstone

While Yellowstone welcomes you with open arms, it’s crucial to arrive prepared. Adventuring in the wilderness is a thrilling experience, but it also demands respect and awareness of the landscape and its inhabitants.

In the heart of nature, preparation is your most valuable asset. By planning and packing wisely, you’re not just setting the stage for a comfortable camping trip, but you’re also making a pledge – a commitment to uphold the sanctity of this pristine wilderness. Remember, we’re just guests in this magnificent natural home, and it’s our duty to leave it as we found it, if not better.

When it comes to camping necessities, a trusty tent tops the list. Weather in Yellowstone can be unpredictable, and a good tent offers shelter against the elements. A sturdy pair of hiking boots, layered clothing, a reliable map and compass, adequate water and food supplies, a first-aid kit, and bear-resistant food containers are other essentials that should find a place in your camping gear.

Safety, of course, is paramount. Familiarize yourself with safety guidelines – know how to respond in case of wildlife encounters, always stick to the designated trails, and be aware of weather changes. And of course, the cardinal rule of camping: never leave a fire unattended.

In essence, preparation is key to not just surviving, but truly thriving in the Yellowstone wilderness. It fosters a harmonious relationship with nature, ensuring we can continue to enjoy these beautiful landscapes for generations to come. So, gear up, stay informed, and let the adventures begin!

Our 12 Best Camping Spots in Yellowstone

Roll up your sleeping bags, fasten your backpacks, and put on your adventure caps, as we embark on a thrilling journey through the 12 best camping spots in Yellowstone National Park. Whether you’re an avid camper or a first-timer, these spots offer experiences that transcend the ordinary. Ready to unearth these hidden gems? Let’s dive in!

Slough Creek Campground: A Hidden Gem in Yellowstone

Slough Creek Campground is the perfect hideaway for those seeking an escape from the crowds and a ticket to the heart of Lamar Valley. Managed by the National Park Service, this idyllic retreat is among the few reservable campgrounds, providing a guarantee for your adventure plans.

Slough Creek isn’t your average campground; it’s a haven where nature’s raw beauty takes the front seat. Tucked away from the road, its remoteness promises an unrivaled tranquil mountain getaway. Here, the night comes alive under a spectacular blanket of stars, making stargazing an unforgettable experience.

The campground offers 16 well-spaced sites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire pit to make your camping experience comfortable. Although there are no hookups, you’ll have access to drinking water and vault toilets. Showers and a dump station are not available.

Accessing this hidden gem requires a bit of an adventurous spirit. The journey, especially for larger RVs, can be a tad challenging, as the campground lies at the end of a two-mile dirt road. This makes it an ideal spot for tent campers and those with Class B RVs, offering a unique camping experience cloaked in solitude.

Despite its seclusion, the Slough Creek Campground isn’t devoid of natural attractions. The Lamar Valley and Slough Creek Trail are in close proximity, offering a rich tapestry of scenic views and wildlife encounters. Here, you’re more than likely to spot magnificent creatures such as bison and elk gracing the landscape.

Slough Creek is not just a campground but a front-row seat to nature’s spectacular theater. Whether it’s the bison majestically roaming the landscape or the elk making their stately appearances, every moment here is a brush with the wild.

Settle into the lap of nature at Slough Creek Campground, where the songs of wilderness play an uninterrupted melody, and every moment is an adventure waiting to unfold.

Pebble Creek Campground: A Serene Wilderness Retreat

Pebble Creek Campground, managed by the National Park Service, is your ticket to an enchanting journey into the heart of Yellowstone. This sanctuary, balancing both reserved and first-come, first-served sites, is the ideal choice for those seeking to witness the primal dance of Lamar Valley’s wildlife from a peaceful, secluded basecamp.

Distanced from the hustle and bustle of Yellowstone’s main attractions, Pebble Creek is a hidden treasure. Here, the tranquil soundtrack of nature is only interrupted by wolves’ hauntingly beautiful serenades and the mesmerizing lullaby of the babbling creek. This slow-paced, quiet haven, nestled near the Northeast Entrance, is where wilderness whispers and adventure calls.

The campground comprises 27 rustic, unspoiled sites, perfect for tent campers and those traveling in smaller Class B vans. While hookups are missing, basic comforts like picnic tables, fire pits, potable water, and vault toilets are present to cater to your wilderness needs.

Pebble Creek’s unique location is a boon for wildlife enthusiasts, but it’s a bit removed from Yellowstone’s main buzz. Thus, it promises a stay enriched by serenity and graced by nature’s untouched beauty.

The spellbinding Lamar Valley and the angler’s paradise, Soda Butte Creek, are just a stone’s throw away. For hiking enthusiasts, the Pebble Creek Trail is a must, offering a captivating exploration through undulating landscapes, canopied forests, and tranquil meadows, accompanied by the chorus of local birdlife.

Let the primal call of the wild at Pebble Creek Campground beckon you. Here, in the hallowed silence, every rustle whispers a tale, every distant howl narrates an age-old saga, and every dawn brings forth an exciting new adventure. Pebble Creek doesn’t just offer a campground; it provides a wild, enchanting symphony, a vivid canvas where nature paints its most inspiring masterpieces. Experience it, live it, love it!

Tower Fall Campground: The Thrill-Seeker’s Basecamp

Conveniently located along the Grand Loop Road, near the Tower-Roosevelt junction, Tower Fall Campground offers an irresistible blend of accessibility and untamed wilderness. Managed by the National Park Service, it boasts a first-come, first-served policy, and with 31 sites on offer, it’s a favorite among tent campers craving proximity to Yellowstone’s main attractions.

Unlike the more remote campgrounds in the Lamar Valley, Tower Fall strikes a balance between primitive charm and accessibility. It is the ideal basecamp for those wishing to explore the nearby Lamar Valley or ascend the heights of Dunraven Pass.

The campground is well-suited for tent campers and Class B RVs, with a size limitation of 30 feet. Each site is furnished with a fire pit and picnic table, ensuring your camping experience is cozy and convenient. In addition, drinking water and vault toilets are readily available, ensuring basic comforts in this rugged landscape.

Beyond the confines of the campground, adventure beckons. The thrilling horseback rides at Roosevelt Lodge, the stunning vistas from Mount Washburn, and the engaging wildlife along the Blacktail Plateau Drive are just a short journey away. And of course, the enchanting Tower Fall is a sight you won’t want to miss!

Adventure is always around the corner at Tower Fall Campground. With the impressive Lamar Valley and the mesmerizing Grand Canyon of Yellowstone just a half-hour drive away, expect your days to be filled with thrilling wildlife encounters and breathtaking natural beauty. At Tower Fall, every dawn brings a new exploration, and every dusk narrates a new tale. Will you answer the call?

Mammoth Campground: The Year-Round Yellowstone Haven

Mammoth Campground is Yellowstone’s only campground open throughout the year, offering an inviting blend of accessibility, abundant wildlife, and close proximity to the park’s northern entrance. Managed by the National Park Service, Mammoth Campground’s 85 sites become a bustling hub of activity during the summer season, while winter brings a tranquil charm only a handful of explorers get to experience.

Nestled amidst a landscape that thrives in every season, Mammoth Campground’s lower elevation makes it a winter haven. The campground is an excellent spot for wildlife enthusiasts, offering unforgettable encounters with elk and bison, especially during the fall elk rut.

Campsites at Mammoth Campground can accommodate everything from a humble tent to a majestic 40-foot RV, with some limitations during winter. Each site features a fire pit and picnic table, and all campers have access to flush toilets and drinking water.

From exploring the captivating Mammoth Hot Springs and Albright Visitor Center to relaxing in the soothing waters of Boiling River, there’s no shortage of adventure within a stone’s throw of your campsite. And when the hunger strikes after a day of exploration, a selection of restaurants in Mammoth are just a short walk away.

Whether it’s the thrill of witnessing an elk rut in the fall or the surreal beauty of Yellowstone blanketed in snow, Mammoth Campground offers unparalleled opportunities for adventure all year round. With flexible reservation options accommodating both summer adventurers and winter wanderers, Mammoth Campground promises an unforgettable Yellowstone experience regardless of the season.

Norris Campground: Your Gateway to Geysers and Wildlife

Tucked within a comfortable walk from the largest geyser basin in Yellowstone, Norris Campground is a central hub offering convenient access to many park attractions. Managed by the National Park Service, this campground boasts 112 sites and is particularly famous for its bountiful wildlife and geothermal wonders.

Strategically located along the Grand Loop Road, Norris Campground is only a leisurely stroll away from the magnificent Norris Geyser Basin. It’s also nestled near a large meadow, offering plenty of opportunities for close encounters with Yellowstone’s fascinating wildlife, including majestic bison.

While limited in accommodating larger RVs (only 7 out of the 112 sites can host vehicles over 30 feet), Norris Campground offers a fire pit and picnic table at each site, ensuring a delightful outdoor dining experience. Additionally, campers will have access to drinking water and flush toilets.

With proximity to attractions such as Artist’s Paintpots, Gibbon Falls, and the Museum of the National Park Ranger, Norris Campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the heart of Yellowstone.

If witnessing geysers erupt or bison graze at their leisurely pace excites you, Norris Campground is the ideal spot for you. With the recent transition to a reservation-only system, planning your adventure has never been easier or more convenient. Get ready for unforgettable memories at Norris Campground – your gateway to geysers and wildlife.

Madison Campground: Central Hub for Fishing and Exploration

Situated halfway between West Yellowstone and Old Faithful, Madison Campground offers a strategic spot for explorers keen on immersing themselves in Yellowstone’s abundant natural splendors. Managed by Yellowstone National Park Lodges, the campground is home to 278 sites, with 62 exclusively reserved for tents.

The proximity of Madison River renders the campground a coveted location for spotting bison and elk. Moreover, its riverside setting makes Madison a hot favorite among fishing enthusiasts.

Though the campsites at Madison Campground may feel a bit snug for large RVs, they can still comfortably accommodate vehicles up to 40 feet. Each site comes equipped with a fire pit and a picnic table. Access to flush toilets and drinking water adds to the conveniences offered. While shower facilities aren’t available, campers can revel in the proximity of the campground to the refreshing Firehole River Swimming Area.

The campground is a stone’s throw away from spectacular sights like the Grand Prismatic Spring and the Midway Geyser Basin. Additionally, its closeness to West Yellowstone presents plentiful dining options just a short drive away.

If you’re an angler at heart or a wildlife enthusiast, Madison Campground’s riverside location offers unparalleled opportunities for fly fishing and wildlife viewing. With an ideal location and outstanding natural charm, Madison Campground serves as your perfect gateway to Yellowstone’s heart.

Grant Village Campground: An Idyllic Retreat with Outstanding Amenities

Ensconced within the lush lodgepole pine forest, Grant Village Campground emerges as the second-largest campground in Yellowstone, with a massive 430 sites to its name. Managed by Yellowstone National Park Lodges, it’s the go-to destination for campers yearning for a well-rounded experience, blending access to top-notch amenities and proximity to both Yellowstone and Grand Teton.

Grant Village Campground’s unique draw is its picturesque setting along Yellowstone Lake, inviting guests into a tranquil sanctuary. The campground’s location in the park’s southern region offers convenient access to several of Yellowstone’s iconic attractions, including West Thumb Geyser Basin and Old Faithful.

The campground can comfortably accommodate everything from the humblest tent to a hefty 40-foot RV. Each site is equipped with a fire pit and picnic table, while campers also benefit from flush toilets, drinking water, and a dump station. As a delightful bonus, two free showers are included in the nightly rate!

The campground is nestled within Grant Village, affording campers easy access to a myriad of amenities, including restaurants, a gas station, stores, and a visitor center.

Immersed in nature, Grant Village Campground provides ample opportunities for wildlife spotting and outdoor exploration. Its lakeside location offers not only scenic beauty but also opens up exciting opportunities for fishing, hiking, and boating.

Bridge Bay Campground: A Lakeside Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts

A jewel in Yellowstone’s crown, Bridge Bay Campground is the largest campground in the park with a whopping 432 sites. Managed by Yellowstone National Park Lodges, it’s situated along the magnificent Yellowstone Lake, neighboring the Fishing Bridge RV Park. Offering a cost-effective alternative to the latter, it’s a perfect choice for those who don’t require hookups but wish to stay close to the lake’s aquatic adventures.

The campground’s appeal lies in its superb lake views and the distant Absaroka Range, which are sure to leave you spellbound. Its proximity to Bridge Bay Marina makes it a favorite amongst avid anglers and boaters, offering unmatched accessibility to the lake’s waters.

Each campsite at Bridge Bay is outfitted with a fire ring and a picnic table. Additionally, guests can avail themselves of flush toilets, a dump station, and drinking water.

A short few miles from the campground is Lake Village, a hub of amenities including restaurants, general stores, and shops. Moreover, guests can rent boats or opt for a guided tour from the neighboring marina, adding a touch of adventure to their stay.

Being near Yellowstone Lake, the campground offers excellent opportunities for water-based activities. The chance to spot a variety of wildlife, coupled with the awe-inspiring landscape, makes it a nature lover’s dream come true.

Fishing Bridge RV Park: An RV Paradise with Full Amenities

Fishing Bridge RV Park stands out as the only campground in Yellowstone providing electrical, water, and sewer hookups, making it an RV camper’s paradise. Managed by Yellowstone National Park Lodges, it houses 310 sites, offering reservations 13 months out. 

Due to frequent grizzly bear activity, this campground is exclusive to RV campers—sorry, no tents allowed. Fishing Bridge underwent a significant renovation in 2022, adding larger sites, additional parking, an updated dump station, and more shower and laundry facilities. This means enhanced comfort and convenience for campers!

Along with full hookups, campers have access to flush toilets and a dump station. Plus, guests can enjoy two complimentary showers included in the nightly campground rate, a nice perk after a day of exploring!

Just minutes away from the Lake Village and the iconic Lake Yellowstone Hotel, guests can find an array of restaurants and shops for a change of pace from the great outdoors. This proximity to amenities ensures you have everything you need at your fingertips.

Fishing Bridge RV Park is a nature lover’s haven, set amidst the grandeur of Yellowstone Lake. The frequent grizzly bear sightings add a sense of thrill to the experience.

Canyon Campground: A Hiker’s Haven in the Heart of Yellowstone

Nestled amidst a lodgepole pine forest, Canyon Campground offers a wonderfully secluded yet accessible camping experience. Managed by Yellowstone National Park Lodges, the campground houses 273 sites, welcoming tent campers as well as RVs up to 40 feet. 

The beauty of Canyon Campground is in its seclusion. Its placement within a lodgepole pine forest lends an intimate feel to the campsites, creating an atmosphere of solitude despite being one of Yellowstone’s most popular campgrounds.

The campsites are outfitted with a fire pit and picnic table, and campers have easy access to drinking water and flush toilets. What’s more, campers can enjoy two complimentary showers, included in their nightly campground rate. Despite its forested setting, the campground does not offer hookups.

Apart from its proximity to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, campers can take a short walk to explore the amenities at Canyon Village, including stores, restaurants, and a visitor center. This unique combination of natural beauty and nearby conveniences makes Canyon Campground a coveted spot for many Yellowstone visitors.

Given its location near Hayden Valley, the campground is a fantastic spot for wildlife watching. It’s also a dream come true for hikers, with several trails beginning nearby, leading campers to experience Yellowstone’s wild and scenic landscapes firsthand.

Indian Creek Campground, Yellowstone National Park

Nestled on the Grand Loop Road between Mammoth and Norris, the Indian Creek Campground is the perfect retreat for tent campers seeking peace and tranquility away from the bustling crowd of Yellowstone’s more popular spots. Its secluded location and the stunning vistas of the Gallatin Mountains and Electric Peak make it the ideal camping location.

Operating from June 9 to September 10, 2023, this National Park Service managed campground provides 70 cozy and picturesque sites, nestled amongst nature, with roughly half of the sites able to accommodate an RV of up to 30 feet.

Although more primitive compared to other Yellowstone campgrounds, it delivers an authentic and rustic camping experience. There are no hookups here and no showers or dump stations. The focus is on simplicity and being close to nature. Each site provides a fire pit and a picnic table for those quintessential camping moments, and more primitive vault toilets serve sanitation needs. Fresh drinking water is also readily available.

While Indian Creek Campground offers a remote retreat, it is only a short drive from the amenities offered in Mammoth Hot Springs Historic District. Not to mention, it’s near attractions like the Norris Geyser Basin and Osprey Falls, ensuring that you have access to explore some of Yellowstone’s marvels.

Lewis Lake Campground, Yellowstone National Park

Lewis Lake Campground is a serene, first-come, first-served campground stationed on the shores of the splendid Lewis Lake. Tucked away in the southernmost part of Yellowstone National Park, this campground offers an idyllic retreat for those desiring a base between Yellowstone and Grand Teton.

With an operating schedule from June 15 to October 14, 2023, this campground managed by the National Park Service boasts 85 sites. Nestled amidst the park’s captivating natural beauty, these sites can comfortably host smaller RVs as well as provide a stunning spot for walk-in tent camping.

In tune with Yellowstone’s rustic charm, Lewis Lake Campground is more primitive, presenting a genuinely authentic camping experience. There are no hookups or shower facilities here, but you’ll find access to vault toilets. Fresh drinking water is readily available, ensuring campers are well-hydrated during their adventure. Each site also comes equipped with a fire pit and a picnic table to enjoy meals under the open sky.

The campground’s unique feature is its boat ramp, inviting guests to paddle their canoes, launch their kayaks, or steer their motorboats on the glistening waters of Lewis Lake. Additionally, it’s ideally located only 8 miles from the South Entrance, making it a superb option for explorers planning to divide their time between Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park.

From Lewis Lake Campground, attractions like Yellowstone Lake, Grant Village, Lewis Falls, and West Thumb Geyser Basin are just a stone’s throw away. In essence, Lewis Lake Campground is the quintessential campsite for those seeking a tranquil yet adventurous experience in Yellowstone. 

Enhancing the Yellowstone Camping Experience: A Practical Guide 

Seasonal insights for optimal camping.

Every season presents a unique way to experience the grandeur of Yellowstone. Summer, from June through August, is the peak camping season, boasting pleasant weather, accessibility to most areas, and abundant wildlife viewing. 

Fall (September to November) paints the park in stunning hues, with fewer crowds and a chance to witness the elk rutting season. 

Although winter camping requires more preparation due to snow and cold, it provides a serene, less crowded park experience. Plan your camping trip according to your preferred activities and comfort with varying weather conditions.

Wildlife Spotting, Fishing, Hiking, and More

Engage with Yellowstone’s diverse ecosystem through wildlife spotting. Dawn and dusk are the best times to see animals like elk, bison, and possibly wolves or bears. Always maintain a safe distance. 

Fishing enthusiasts should explore Yellowstone’s renowned streams and lakes, but remember to obtain a Yellowstone National Park fishing permit. 

Hiking trails abound, catering to all skill levels. Always stay on designated trails to preserve the park and your safety.

Understanding Park Rules and Sustainable Camping

Observing park rules enhances your experience and helps preserve Yellowstone for future generations. Keep your food secured to avoid attracting wildlife to your campsite.

 Follow the ‘Leave No Trace’ principles, including properly disposing of all waste and respecting wildlife. Campfires are permitted only in established fire rings. Remember, you are a guest in the park and your actions have an impact.

Yellowstone’s splendor unfolds to those who approach it with preparedness, respect, and a sense of adventure. This guidance should help optimize your camping experience, offering unforgettable encounters with nature’s raw beauty.

Conclusion 

A camping journey in Yellowstone National Park is truly a transformative experience. It immerses you in the heart of nature, offers opportunities to witness majestic wildlife, explore diverse landscapes, and connect with the untamed spirit of the great outdoors.

 Whether you’re navigating the hiking trails, casting a line into pristine lakes, or simply soaking in the panoramic views, every moment in Yellowstone enriches your understanding and appreciation of the natural world. 

Remember, the key to enhancing your camping experience lies in respecting the park’s rules, adapting to its seasons, and embracing the spirit of adventure that thrives within its borders.

About The Author

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15 Best Campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park (With Full Hookups)

Explore the 15 best campgrounds in Yellowstone with full hookups for an unforgettable camping experience. Find your perfect spot in America's first national park.

Yellowstone National Park is arguably the most well-known National Park on the North American Continent. Yellowstone was the first National Park in the National Park System and remains a premier destination for millions of visitors. Camping and backpacking are two of the most popular ways to visit the park and enjoy the wonders of this unique geologic region.

Yellowstone National Park Camping Destinations

We have included on this list the improved front-country camping destinations as well as our pick of the top back-country campsites that warrant a visit. For more information about each of the campsites on this list, you should start at the Yellowstone National Park website  at this link.

1. Bridge Bay Campground

If your destination is Yellowstone Lake inside Yellowstone National Park, then you want to make Bridge Bay Campground your base of operations. Yellowstone Lake is the largest high-elevation freshwater lake in North America. Here you can enjoy a variety of water sports including paddling, fishing, and swimming.

• Seasonal Camp Store selling ice, souvenirs, firewood, and a few camping supplies
• Park staff on-site during camping season
• An RV dump station centrally located in the campground
• Potable water at some campsites
• Trash pickup on a regular basis
• Bear proof food storage lockers for tent campers
• Flush toilets are open during the summer camping season

Seasonal Campground Dates

Bridge Bay Campground normally opens in mid-May and remains open until mid-September. Opening and closing dates may vary due to weather and park conditions. Check with the Bridge Bay Campground website for more exact dates for the opening and closing of the campground by  clicking here .

Reservations

To make your reservations at Bridge Bay Campground, access the National Park Reservation system  using this link . Reservations may be made up to 6 months in advance of your planned trip. Be aware that Yellowstone is one of the most popular destinations in the US and campgrounds fill up quickly.

2. Canyon Campground

Credit:  Yellowstone National Park Lodges

Located high in the mountains and set in the midst of a lodge pole pine forest, Canyon Campground makes a memorable location to stay during your park visit. The Yellowstone River is nearby and has created what many call the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. You can hike to Cascade Lake, to the summit of Mount Washburn, and along one of the many canyon rim trails.

• During season, the lodge and restaurant are open to visitors and provide some support for campers
• A dump station inside the campground is available for RV campers
• Potable water is available at most campsites
• Bear proof food storage lockers at each campsite for safety during the season
• A laundry is available for camper use but may require loose change
• Flush toilets are available in the campground during the camping season
• Hot showers are open during the camping season in the campground.

Canyon Campground is only open during the summer months. Typically, the campground opens mid to late May and closes in mid-September. Opening and closing dates may be affected by weather and other park conditions. Check with the park office or the campground website for more information  at this link .

Reservations for this campground are almost a must. This is a popular destination, and the campsites are usually full. You can reserve your campsite by  clicking here . If you are bringing your RV or travel trailer, your RV or trailer and tow vehicle must be less than 40 feet in length. There are usually no campsites available on a same-day basis.

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3. Fishing Bridge RV Park

For those of you in the RV and travel trailer crowd, Fishing Bridge RV Park offers you all the advantages not normally found in National Park Campgrounds. This campground is an RV-only campground. Each campsite features water, electrical, and sewer connections. The frequent visits by grizzly bears to the area prevent any sort of tent to popup tent campers from using this facility.

• This is a hard-sided RV and travel trailer campground featuring full hook-ups at each of the 310 campsites in the campground.
• A camp store and seasonal staff provide ice, some groceries, souvenirs and information about the park and activities around the campground.
• A laundry facility is on-site in the campground.
• Toilet facilities offer flush toilets and sinks during camping season.
• There are no showers at this campground.
• No campfires are permitted on the campground. This includes portable propane-fired campfires or fire pits.
• Cell phone service may be limited in the campground.

Fishing Bridge RV Campground is open from late May to early October each summer season. Opening and closing dates may vary. More specific information is available at the campground website by  clicking here .

Even though this campground has over 300 RV sites, we recommend that you make reservations as early as possible for your visit. You can make reservations up to 6 months in advance of your stay using the National Park Reservation system  at this link . Be prepared to give the overall length of your RV setup. The park is limited to RVs and towed vehicles less than 40 feet in length.

4. Grant Village Campground

Located just outside Grant Village this campground is easily accessible from Grand Lodge Road. This large campground is situated near the south end of Yellowstone Lake and offers easy access to the lake for all sorts of activities. Fishing, boating, paddling, bike riding, and hiking are just a few of the opportunities at Grant Village Campground.

• A camp store where you can find groceries, firewood, charcoal, souvenirs, and other services.
• Food storage lockers are provided during camping season at each campsite to prevent bears from pilfering your food.
• A dump station is conveniently located within the campground for RVs and travel trailers. There are no hookups at the campsites.
• Potable water is available at many locations in the campground.
• A laundry facility is located within the campground.
• Toilet facilities with flush toilets and sinks are open during the camping season
• Generator use is permitted during restricted hours from 8 AM to 8 PM.

Grant Village Campground usually opens the first week in June and remains operational through the middle of September. Weather conditions may change these dates so check on the current conditions before you travel.

Yellowstone National Park Lodges maintain and manage the reservations for Grant Village Campground. You can make your reservations up to 6 months in advance at their website using  this link . Reservations should be made as early as possible to ensure that you can have a campsite during your visit.

5. Madison Campground

Situated at an elevation of 6,800 feet above sea level, Madison Campground is 14 miles east of West Yellowstone and 16 miles north of Old Faithful. This campground puts you in the heart of some of the most spectacular attractions in Yellowstone National Park. Nearby you can hike the trails to the Gibbon and Firehole Rivers and see the junction where these two rivers meet to form the Madison River.

• As is customary in all areas where bears may be encountered, food storage lockers are provided at each campsite for your safety.
• Don’t expect to use your cell phone or connect to the internet at this campground.
• There is no camp store at this campground.
• A small park office is usually staffed during the summer months where you can get information and purchase limited products such as ice and firewood.
• A dump station is located at this campground and potable water is available during camping season.
• Toilet facilities have flush toilets and sinks for your convenience
• There are no shower facilities at this campground

Madison campground typically opens near the first of May and remains open until mid-October. Dates may fluctuate due to weather or other park conditions. Check on the campground website for my detailed information about opening and closing using  this link .

You can use the Yellowstone Lodge reservation system to make your campsite reservations at Madison Campground. Reservations are available 6 months in advance of your arrival date. We suggest you make reservations as early as possible as this campground is usually full during camping season. You can access the reservation system by  clicking here .

6. Indian Creek Campground

Credit:  Yellowstone National Park / Flickr

If exquisite mountain vistas are your thing, a visit to Indian Creek Campground should please you. Located at the base of the Gallatin Mountains just eight miles south of Mammoth Hot Springs, this campground is known for its beautiful views and pristine setting.

• There is usually a camp host on-site to help with any questions or problems.
• Potable water is available at the campground during the summer camping season.
• Bear safe food lockers are available during camping season at each campsite.
• Wood fires and charcoal fires are permitted provided there are no burn restrictions in effect for the park.
• Vault toilets are available in the campground and are open during the camping season
• Some campsites are available for RVs and travel trailers. Check the reservation system to find out if your RV meets the requirements  using this link .
• Two campsites are ADA compliant and are wheelchair accessible.

Indian Creek Campground typically opens in Mid-June for the summer camping season. Closing dates usually occur during the second week of September. Temporary closures may occur due to weather or other conditions within the park. Check with the park office or on the park website  at this link  for more information

Reservations may be made using the National Park System reservation website  by clicking here.   Reservations may be made 6 months in advance of your planned arrival. Don’t expect to get a campsite in Yellowstone on a walk-up basis. The park is very popular, and campsites are usually reserved well in advance.

7. Lewis Lake Campground

Another great lake experience awaits you at Lewis Lake Campground. Located about eight miles from the South Entrance to Yellowstone National Park this campground is a short walk from the lake and is fully developed. You can bring your own boat or rent a canoe or kayak from the camp store.

• Campground hosts are on-site during the camping season and can answer questions and help with camping-related problems.
• The campground has potable water available but there is no dump station for RVs or travel trailers.
• If you are tent camping, food storage lockers are provided during camping season at each campsite to ensure bear safety.
• Fire restrictions may be in place to prevent open burning or campfires. Check with the camp host for the most up-to-date information.
• Vault toilets at the campground are open during the camping season.
• There are no showers available at Lewis Lake Campground
• Bathrooms are ADA compliant and are wheelchair accessible.

Typically, Lewis Lake Campground is open from mid-June until Mid-October. Unusual weather or park conditions may lead to unexpected campground closures. Please check with the park office or online  at this link  to get the most current campground status.

Because of its proximity to Lake Lewis, Lake Lewis Campground is a popular destination. We suggest that you make advanced reservations as far out from your arrival date as possible. Reservations can be made by  clicking here .

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8. Mammoth Campground

If you are interested in winter camping in Yellowstone National Park, Mammoth Campground is your only real opportunity. This is the only campground open year-round in Yellowstone. The relative low altitude of this campground and its location only five miles from the north park entrance make this campground a popular attraction year-round.

• There is no camp store in this campground, but a park host is onsite during the summer camping season.
• Bearproof food storage lockers are available at each campsite during the summer camping season.
• Potable water is available at several locations around the campground
• Cell phone service is available but may be limited.
• The campground has a toilet facility with flush toilets and sinks.
• This campground does allow campfires and open fire cooking with wood or charcoal. However, current conditions may require fire restrictions during at some times. Check with the camp host or at the Visitors Service Office for more current information
• There are five ADA-accessible campsites in this campground. The roads and trails are usually hard-surfaced, and trails are gravel.

Mammoth Campground is open for camping year-round. However, reservations can only be made for times during the summer camping season. Only a portion of the campground is available for use during the winter season. The summer season usually runs from mid-April through mid-October. Exceptional weather events or park situations may close the campground at any time.

Reservations for a campsite and to learn more about RV restrictions can be found on the National Park Service reservation site. Mammoth Campground has several camping loops. You can find reservation information by  clicking here .

9. Norris Campground

Norris Campground is close to some of the most beautiful scenery in Yellowstone National Park. In addition to the vistas and wildlife opportunities, you are within walking distance of the Museum of the National Park Ranger, the Norris Geyser Basin Museum, and the Norris Geyser Basin. This area is one of the most geologically active areas of the park.

• Food storage lockers are available during the summer camping seasons to prevent problems with wandering bears.
• A camp host is onsite during to assist you while you are in the campground.
• Firewood for campfires may be available for sale from the camp host.
• Potable water is available in the campground
• A comfort station with flush toilets and sinks is open during the summer months.
• Open fires are permitted in designated areas with fire rings if there are no burn bans in effect. Propane stoves and grills are usually exempt from the burn ban.
• RVs and travel trailers are welcome at the campsites but there are no hookups or dump stations located at this campground.

The Norris Campground is closed during 2022 but should reopen for the 2023 season. For more information about the closure and the 2023 opening dates, visit the Yellowstone National Park website by  clicking here .

When the campground reopens, reservations can be made through the National Park Service reservation system  at this link . Reservations are normally available 6th months prior to your planned visit.

10. Pebble Creek Campground

Credit:  Mike Goad / Flickr

If you want a bit more isolation that some of the other campgrounds can offer, Pebble Creek Campground is a great choice. This campground is near the Northeast entrance to Yellowstone National Park and only has 27 campsites. This campground is not as busy or as noisy as the larger campgrounds in the park.

Staying at Pebble Creek Campground gets you in the midst of the Lamar Valley were day

• During the summer season, potable water is available in the campground.
• Vault toilets are located convenient to the camping sites and are cleaned and maintained regularly.
• A camp host is located in this campground to ensure your stay is as enjoyable and safe as possible.
• If you are tent camping, food storage lockers are located at each campsite to thwart roving bears attempts to steal your groceries.
• RVs and travel trailers are welcome at Pebble Creek Campground. Several of the campsites feature pull-through access.
• The paths and roads in this campground are gravel or hard surface for wheelchair accessibility. Only one campsite is rated as ADA accessible.

Pebble Creek Campground is normally open during the summer months. However, this campground has been closed for the 2022 season due to exceptional weather events. The campground is scheduled to open in 2023. Check the Yellowstone National Park website  at this link  for up-to-date information.

Reservations for Pebble Creek Campground are generally needed to ensure that you have a spot. Campsites are limited at this location. Reservations can normally be made 6th months in advance of your planned arrival. You can make reservations for a campsite  at this link .

11. Slough Creek Campground

Another rather isolated areas Slough Creek Campground. This campground is situated at the end of a two-mile dirt road. Only smaller RVs and travel trailers should attempt to reach this area. However, if you do make the trek, you will be greeted with some of the best hiking and fishing Yellowstone National Park has to offer.

• There are 15 improved campsites in the Slough Creek Campground, so space is limited but you won’t have to contend with a horde of noisy neighbors.
• Food storage lockers are provided at each campsite since this is a known bear active location.
• Typically, there is a camp host assigned to this campground
• Potable water is available in the campground but there are no dump stations for RVs.
• Vault toilets are provided and are maintained regularly.
• Wood and charcoal fires may be allowed depending on the current fire risk. Propane stoves and grills are usually allowed despite any burn ban.

Slough Creek Campground is usually open during the summer and early fall months. However, at this time recent flooding has closed the campground because the road access has been compromised. The campground is expected to open for the 2023 season. Check the Yellowstone National Park website for current information by  clicking here .

Despite its relatively isolated location, Slough Creek Campground is usually full, and reservations are needed to ensure a campsite. The National Park Service operated the reservation system which can be accessed  at this link .

12. Tower Falls Campground

Credit:  Eva Vincent / Flickr

You may have a bit of a difficult time getting to Tower Falls Campground. The campground is located at the north side of the park and requires navigating the steep and winding road to Dunraven Pass. Nearby you will find the Tower General Store and Tower Fall.

• An amphitheater near the campground features events and activities during the camping season.
• Potable water is available at several locations in the campground.
• Camp hosts are assigned to the campground to oversee the operation and assist campers as necessary.
• For your safety and protection, food storage lockers are located at each campsite during camping season.
• The campground has vault toilets available in season.
• This campground has 31 improved campsites.

Seasonal Camping Dates

Tower Falls is currently closed and is expected to remain closed for the balance of the 2022 camping season. Exceptional rainfall and flooding necessitated this closure. The campground is expected to reopen for the 2023 season in late spring. Check the National Park Reservation system for more current information by  clicking here .

Reservations for Tower Falls Campground can usually be made up to 6 months in advance of your arrival date. The campground is currently closed but when decisions are made on the reopening, reservations will again be available at  Reservations.gov .

Back Country Camping

If primitive camping is more your style. Yellowstone offers some of the greatest trails and camping opportunities of any park in the system. You can find simple and easy walks to a campsite, or you can challenge your skill and endurance by attempting the more arduous trips in the park.

13. Site 4D3 – The Shores of Ice Lake

For anyone who wants to experience a great adventure in wilderness camping but has issues with long or arduous hikes, Campsite 4D3 is a great choice. This campsite is accessible for those with mobility issues or special needs. The campsite is only one-half mile from the trailhead, can be reached by wheelchair with some assistance, and has a pit toilet that is easily accessible.

Related Read:   15 Best Waterfalls in Yellowstone National Park

14. Site 4P1 – Observation Peak

For the more adventurous we suggest a trek to Observation Peak. This is a moderate to difficult hike up a 3-mile trail that gains about 1,400 feet in elevation from the trail head to the campsite. Once there you will be thrilled with views of three states. This is not considered a novice hike, but you won’t find a more spectacular place to watch the sunrise and sunset from a mountain top.

15. Site 9D4 – The Continental Divide

Imagine sleeping with half your body on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains and your other half on the eastern slope. When you camp on the continental divide, you can stand with your feet on either side of the dividing line. This campsite is accessible on a moderate trail and offers some superb views of both sides of the mountain range. There are pit toilets at this campsite but no other facilities.

The Yellowstone Experience

Anyone who has been to Yellowstone and spent any time at all usually tells of awe-inspiring experiences. Yellowstone is a one-of-a-kind experience in a geological marvel that can be found nowhere else on earth. Camping is one of the greatest ways to get close to the beauty and splendor of this magical location. Make your reservations today.

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Learn essential Dutch phrases for a smooth trip to the Netherlands. Perfect for travelers looking to connect with locals and enrich their experience.

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The 6 Best Yellowstone National Park Campgrounds for a Night in the Great Outdoors

There’s a reason why Yellowstone camping tops many a nature lover’s travel wish list.

The pleasures of camping — pristine air, nighttime skies dotted with millions of stars, and a soothing cacophony of nature sounds — have never sounded more alluring. With all that, plus lakes, streams, active geysers, and fragrant conifer trees all spread out in a vast wilderness many miles from civilization, it's easy to see why Yellowstone National Park is one of the world's best places to camp .

Yellowstone camping is a must-do for outdoorsy types and adventure lovers, but deciding between 12 different campgrounds , which comprise more than 2,000 campsites scattered throughout the national park, can be a task in itself — and that's not even counting the 300-plus backcountry options located along the nearly 1,000 miles of trails.

Yellowstone National Park Lodges takes reservations for five of the campgrounds (Canyon, Bridge Bay, Fishing Bridge RV Park, Grant Village, and Madison), while the other seven (Indian Creek, Lewis Lake, Mammoth, Norris, Pebble Creek, Slough Creek, and Tower Fall) can be booked through Recreation.gov . Nightly prices vary, as do the services available at each campground, depending on size — some of the larger options, for example, have an amphitheater that hosts evening ranger programs.

With that in mind, here are our top picks for the best places to go camping in Yellowstone National Park so you can plan a trip that's right for you. Need a quicker cure for cabin fever? Tune in to the Yellowstone National Park webcams for a taste of the great outdoors, no travel planning required.

George Frey / Getty Images

Mammoth Campground

Located to the north of Mammoth Hot Springs at an elevation of 6,200 feet, Mammoth Campground is the only Yellowstone camping option that's open year-round (all the others open and close seasonally). Since it's only about five miles south of the park's north entrance in Gardiner, Montana, its 85 sites are relatively easy to access. Due to extensive flood damage in June 2022 , the campground is currently closed. Other features in the Mammoth area, like the nearby lodge and hotel , have begun reopening, though, so the campground may soon follow.

Campers love to visit the high sagebrush steppe habitat, complete with juniper and Douglas fir trees, and take advantage of the campground's proximity to fishing, hiking, hot springs, and cell phone reception. It's also not uncommon to spot wildlife, including elk and bison, roaming nearby.

Madison Campground

Due to its central location, nearby rivers, and long season (typically from early May to mid-October), Madison Campground is one of Yellowstone's most popular reservable campgrounds. Situated at an elevation of 6,800 feet, it's located around 16 miles north of Old Faithful and 14 miles east of West Yellowstone. Campers here love the chance to spot grazing bison and meadows blooming with wildflowers in the spring and summer, as well as bull elk bugling in the fall.

The Madison Campground is home to 276 total sites, and seasonal amenities include potable water, flush toilets, firewood and ice for sale, an on-site staff member or volunteer host, food storage lockers, and trash and recycling collection services, among other features. Showers, cell service, and Wi-Fi, however, are unavailable, so you should expect to have a fully immersive Yellowstone camping experience.

Lewis Lake Campground

While there are very few amenities available at Lewis Lake Campground , if you want to get off the beaten path and enjoy a sojourn to remote lakeside bliss, this is the ideal Yellowstone camping spot for you.

The campground is perched at an elevation of 7,800 feet, just a short walk from the southeast shore of Lewis Lake and about eight miles from Yellowstone's south entrance. There are 84 total sites at Lewis Lake Campground and access is reservable, typically between mid-June and mid-October through Recreation.gov.

Grant Village Campground

With 430 total sites, Grant Village Campground is one of the largest and most populous places to camp in Yellowstone National Park. It's located within Grant Village, at 7,800 feet, offering campers access to nearby stores as well as a restaurant, gas station, visitor center, and boat ramp.

While there is no internet connectivity available, there are seasonal amenities such as an amphitheater, laundry facilities, hot showers, flush toilets, and on-site staff members. It's also situated near the southern shore of Yellowstone Lake, and open from early June to mid-September.

Fishing Bridge RV Park

Because grizzly bears are frequent visitors to the area — which, in this case, is near Yellowstone River — Fishing Bridge RV Park is an RV-only campground; there's no soft-sided tent camping allowed. As such, it's also the only Yellowstone camping spot to offer water, sewer, and electrical hookups for RVs, and has a lot of amenities available, including a seasonal camp store, laundry facilities, and hot showers. Its season typically runs from mid-May to early October.

Baker's Hole Campground

You don't necessarily have to sleep within the national park's confines to enjoy Yellowstone camping. Take Baker's Hole Campground , for instance, located along the Madison River, about three miles from the park's west entrance.

While there is no reservation system in place, the campground is usually open from early May to late September. You'll find 73 first-come, first-served seasonal campsites, as well as amenities like toilets, water, tables, fire grates, and a fishing platform. Come to enjoy scenic views and fishing in the river — best of all, you won't have to battle the usual Yellowstone camping crowds.

Make Your Reservation

Book your adventure.

• Location: Select Accommodation
• Nights: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
• Adults: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
• Kids: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
• Promo Code:

*Do not check this box if you have an Annual Pass.

Interagency Access Pass

Advance reservations for Lodging, Campground, and Tour/Activities available online or please call 307-344-7311.

Camping in Yellowstone National Park

Pitch a tent or park an RV on your next getaway to Yellowstone National Park. What better way to get in touch with the natural beauty of Yellowstone than to camp out surrounded by exceptional wildlife, inspiring mountain ranges and sprawling meadows.

• Reservations
• Check-In/Check-Out
• Access and Senior Pass
• Pets at Campgrounds
• Showers & Laundry

When calling to make a reservation be prepared to give the dimensions of your tent (in feet) and/or dimensions of your RV and any other vehicles or towed vehicles. (e.g the length of your truck in addition to the length of your trailer when fully open.)

Due to the popularity of our campgrounds, we strive to ensure the sites are used for guest camping. Therefore, we prohibit reserving extra campsites to be used for parking only.

• Campsites are assigned at check-in. We are not able to provide specific campsite numbers in advance of arrival.
• Campground rates are per night, for up to six people or one family (parents with dependent children) and do not include taxes and utility fee.
• Campground sites that will accommodate a maximum combined length of 40-feet or more are limited.
• The delivery or pick-up of out-of-park RVs or other camper unit rentals is prohibited.
• Car/vehicle camping is prohibited in tent-only sites.

Most campsites in Yellowstone will not accommodate oversize units. Please note: If you arrive at the campground/RV Park with equipment different than that for which you have reserved, we will not be able to accommodate you. Also, please note that all rates are subject to change without notice.

Camping Check-in/out Time

Check-in time: 1:00 pm Check-out time: 11:00 am

Late Arrivals

For guests who may arrive outside of our usual business hours, your reserved site information will be available via a posted envelope on the Registration Building window. The next morning, please stop by the Registration Building again to complete the check-in process.

If you are a holder of an Access Pass or Senior Pass (formerly known as Golden Access or Golden Age passes) you can receive a 50% discount off of established standard rates at Bridge Bay, Canyon, Grant and Madison Campgrounds. The offer is not valid for Fishing Bridge RV Park. If booking online, you can obtain the special rate by providing the Promo Code “Pass” when you begin the booking process or click here to book now. However, you must show your pass at check-in to receive the discount on your site only. Otherwise you will be charged the prevailing standard rate.

This offer is not valid with the Interagency Annual Pass.

For more information about passes, please  visit this page on the NPS website .

Things to remember with pets at campsites:

• They must be physically restrained at all times with either a leash/tie out or in a crate
• When the pet is outside the guest needs to be outside with them
• When the pet is outside they can have food and water outside for the pet but when the pet goes inside or away the food and water must be taken care of
• Guest must clean up after their pets
• Pets may be left at the site in a motorhome/5th-wheel/travel trailer as long as the pet is quiet; pets may not be left at the site in a tent

For more information on bringing pets to Yellowstone, check out our blog post .

Showers and laundry facilities are located at Fishing Bridge RV Park, Canyon Campground, and Grant Campground.

More detailed information on showers and laundry facilities, including hours and pricing, can be found here .

Tent Only Camp Sites

Small Tent-Only Site

Maximum of one small tent, 8 ft. x 8 ft. or smaller. One car, maximum length 20 feet.

Car/vehicle camping is prohibited in tent-only sites

• Bridge Bay Campground
• Canyon Campground
• Grant Village Campground
• Madison Campground

Large Tent-Only Site

Maximum of one small tent, 12 ft. x 12 ft. or smaller or two small tents, each 8 ft. x 8 ft. or smaller. One car, maximum length 20 feet.

Extra-Large Tent-Only Site

One extra-large tent, 18 ft. x 18 ft. or smaller or two small tents, each 8 ft. x 8 ft. or smaller. One car, maximum length 20 feet.

RV-Only Camp Sites (No Tents)

RV or Vehicle-20 ft. or Less

RV/Vehicle of 20 ft. total length or less

RV or Vehicle-30 ft. or Less

RV/Vehicle combination of 30 ft. or less

Sites for RV’s and/or Tent Camping (No Hookups)

Small tent and/or rv or vehicle 20 ft. or less.

RV or Vehicle of 20 ft. total length or less and one small tent, 8 ft. x 8 ft. or smaller

Large Tent and/or RV or Vehicle 20 ft. or Less

RV or Vehicle of 20 ft. total length or less and one large tent, 12 ft. x 12 ft. or smaller or two small tents, each 8 ft. x 8 ft. or smaller.

Small Tent and/or RV+Vehicle 30 ft. or Less

RV/Vehicle combination of 30 ft. total length or less and one small tent, 8 ft. x 8 ft. or smaller

Large Tent and/or RV+Vehicle 30 ft. or Less

RV/Vehicle combination of 30 ft. total length or less and one large tent, 12 ft. x 12 ft. or smaller or two small tents, each 8 ft. x 8 ft. or smaller

Small Tent and/or RV+Vehicle 40 ft. or Less

RV/Vehicle combination of 40 ft. total length or less and one small tent, 8 ft. x 8 ft. or smaller

Large Tent and/or RV+Vehicle 40 ft. or Less

RV/Vehicle combination of 40 ft. total length or less and one large tent, 12 ft. x 12 ft. or smaller or two small tents, each 8 ft. x 8 ft. or smaller

Sites for Hard-Sided RV’s Only (No Tents)

Hard-sided RV Site 30-40 ft.

These sites can hold one RV (plus towed/additional vehicles), or one trailer plus tow vehicle, up to a maximum combined length of 40 feet.

• Fishing Bridge RV Park

Hard-sided RV Site 50-65 ft.

These sites can hold one RV (plus towed/additional vehicles), or one trailer plus tow vehicle, up to a maximum combined length of 65 feet.

Hard-sided RV Site 70-95 ft.

These sites can hold one RV (plus towed/additional vehicles), or one trailer plus tow vehicle, up to a maximum combined length of 95 feet.

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Yellowstone Camping: Your Complete Guide To A Perfect Spot

N ow-a-days camping means a lot of things. If you ask my dad, it means canvas tent and cooking over the campfire. For others it means the plush comforts of an RV. Yellowstone National Park camping is no different. Whether you are looking for backcountry camping in the woods or a nice RV park, you can find it all both in Yellowstone and just outside it.

There are 12 campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park. That’s a mix of RV and tent accessible sites as well as campgrounds you can make reservations for vs. first come first serve. I know that can be key when planning a vacation.

Outside the park there are quite a few more choices, but I would definitely recommend staying inside the park boundaries. We’ve stayed in Yellowstone and couldn’t imagine having to drive into the park every day to explore.

It’s a HUGE park and that drive in, while it is a beautiful drive, is also time that could be spent out on a hiking trail or soaking in some of that sweet sulfur smell. It’s definitely a different experience when you stay in the park. Heck, one time my in-laws had bear prints all over their car one early morning!

Also, be sure to check out all the great product recommendations below for your Yellowstone camping trip!

Yellowstone National Park Camping Map

Here’s an interactive map of Yellowstone campground locations.

Reservable Campgrounds

Let’s break this down into places you can reserve and places you can’t. Most likely you’re planning an upcoming vacation, more than likely in peak season, and don’t want to waltz into Yellowstone after driving across the country hoping they have a campsite for you because if they don’t, you’ll be driving several hours to find something. Let’s not go National Lampoons here, ok.

The following are the campgrounds that can be reserved online:

Fishing Bridge RV Park

Grant Village

More information on each of these below.

Best RV Campground

• Open: It was closed for remodel work but is planned to be opened September, 2021
• Cost: $79 a night

This is the only designated “RV Park” in Yellowstone. The reason is that Grizzly Bears like to hang out in this area, so tents are not allowed, only hard-sided trailers or motorhomes.

This campground is on the eastern part of the park as well, not far from Lake Area and Bridge Bay campground. There is also a decent sized store in Fishing Bridge Village as well as a Visitor Center and gas station.

This side of the park is definitely quieter than the western side of the park where people come in drove to see Old Faithful. Take my advice and try to stay over here instead!

Information on Fishing Bridge Campground:

Fishing Bridge has the following:

• 310 Full hookup sites
• 0 tent sites
• Full hookups
• Accessible sites available
• Pay showers/laundry onsite
• Two showers included each night
• Flush toilets
• Dump station (may close when temperatures are below freezing)
• Generators allowed from 8 am to 8pm (60db limit)

Fishing Bridge does not have:

• Group site available (reservation required)
• Limited number of campsites set aside for bicyclists and hikers; check availability at campground
• Campfires are prohibited – including portable fire pits

Fishing Bridge is located at 7800 feet elevation. Which means it can be cold – even in the summer.

If you are planning for Yellowstone RV camping please know that Fishing Bridge, Bridge Bay, Canyon and Grant can take rigs up to 40 feet but spots are limited. So reserve ahead of time.

Largest Campground In Yellowstone

• Open 6/17-9/7 – reservations highly recommended
• $27 a night

Bridge Bay is on the eastern end of the park and near Yellowstone Lake. It is one of the largest campgrounds in the park with over 430 campsites available. You can make reservations at this campground.

Near this campground there is the Bridge Bay Marina where you can rent a boat or take a tour out on Lake Yellowstone. There is also a fantastic view of the Absoraka Mountains towards the east where you’ll be able to see a “reverse sunset”. That’s when you see the shadows fall over the mountains while the sun sets behind you. It’s spectacular!

Bridge Bay has the following:

• 432 sites – RV (a limited amount up to 40 feet) or Tent
• Showers Not Included
• Unless posted otherwise, wood and charcoal fires are permitted. Propane grills and stoves are usually unaffected by fire restrictions.

Bridge Bay does not have:

• Electric hookups

Bridge Bay is at 7800 feet. In a tent any time of year it can be cold!

• Open: 6/19-9/20 – reservations highly recommended
• Cost: $32 a night

The Canyon campground lies pretty central to the park, so it may make for a nice base camp. There is also Canyon Village right there, so you have access to a Visitor Center, store and restaurant.

You’ll have everything you need at Canyon, including a reservable campground. Nearby you’ll be able to explore the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Artist Point and if you’re really feeling up to it, hike the 6-mile round trip up Mount Washburn. The views are fantastic!

Canyon has the following:

• 273 sites – RV (a limited amount up to 40 feet) or Tent
• 2 showers included each night
• Unless posted otherwise, wood and charcoal fires are permitted in all campgrounds except the Fishing Bridge RV Park. Propane grills and stoves are usually unaffected by fire restrictions.

Canyon does not have:

Canyon is at 7900 feet. In a tent any time of year it can be cold!

• Open: 6/17 – 9/13 (reservations recommended)
• Elevation: 7800 feet

Grant Village is in the southern part of the park. You are still on Yellowstone Lake and this would make a perfect location to take a day trip to the Grand Tetons just outside of Yellowstone National Park.

There is also a General Store in Grant Village as well as other amenities. There are no hookups for RV’s at the campground, so be prepared.

Grant has the following:

• 430 sites – RV (a limited amount up to 40 feet) or Tent

Grant Village does not have:

Most Popular Campground

• Open: 6/15 – 10/11 (reservations recommended)
• Elevation: 6800 feet

Madison Campgrounds is on the western end of the park with easy access to West Yellowstone, Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic.

The campground has very nice amenities including picnic tables and firepits at each site as well as flush toilets in the restrooms. It’s the little things in life.

You’re also close to the intersection of the Gibbon and Firehole rivers which offer some of the best fly fishing in the world.

We also had a great time taking a dip in the Firehole swimmin’ hole which can be found in our 10 Unique Adventures in Yellowstone Guide !

Madison has the following:

• 278 sites – Tent or RV sites – Total vehicle length can not exceed 30′. Sites that accommodate RVs are either pull-through or back-in with limited width for slide-outs and MAY NOT BE LEVEL; please plan accordingly.
• Unless posted otherwise, wood and charcoal fires are permitted in all campgrounds. Propane grills and stoves are usually unaffected by fire restrictions.

Madison does not have:

First Come First Serve Campgrounds

If you’re the more adventurous type or if you just haven’t had enough Yellowstone camping, this may be the route for you. You have 7 campgrounds to choose from here. There are definitely more restrictions when it comes to RV sites with these campgrounds, so make sure to pay attention to that and call if you have any questions.

All of these sites are first come first served basis which means you can not make an advanced reservation. This means you usually need to get there pretty early in the morning to get a site.

* – Rate does not include tax or utility pass-through

** – Sizes are for total length of vehicle and towed equipment

A – Accessible sites available

F – Flush toilets

H – Full hookups

V – Vault toilet

S/L – Pay showers/laundry onsite

NS – Showers not included

2S – Two showers included each night

DS – Dump station (may close when temperatures are below freezing)

G – Generators OK 8 am to 8pm (60db limit)

Indian Creek

This quiet campground just south of Mammoth Hot Springs is a great place to stay in Yellowstone National Park an avoid the hustle and bustle of the villages since it is a bit off the main road. RV’s are also welcome, that is if you are under 35′. Out of the 70 sites, 10 allow RV’s up to 35′ and 35 sites can fit an RV up to 30′. This is total length if you are towing anything.

Lewis Lake is at the southern tip of the park being just a few miles north of the south entrance. This campground offers a good spot to get out on Yellowstone Lake.

While being one of the most popular villages in Yellowstone, Mammoth Hot Springs also has an 85 site campground. Interestingly, it is still first-come first-served. The campground is within walking distance of the village where you can stop at the Visitor Center, Hot Springs, and even venture north towards Gardiner and stop at one of our 10 Unique Adventures in Yellowstone !

Camping in Mammoth means there are longer RV sites available. There are several pull-through sites, some even up to 75′ in max length. That’s a lot of space! On the downside, there aren’t any hookups here, but generators are allowed 8am until 8pm.

Norris is another great place to set up a base camp since it is also very central to the park. If you think of the roads in Yellowstone as a figure 8, Madison and Canyon are right in the midsection of the 8 with Madison being further west and Canyon further east.

This campground has 100 sites, which are mostly for tents (only 7 RV sites in total). It also offers some great information on the park with campfire talks with a Ranger during the summer, Ranger-led walks and a small museum near the basin.

Pebble Creek

Near the northeast entrance of the park, you’ll find the Pebble Creek Campground. With the beautiful Absaroka Mountains as the backdrop, you’ll find beauty and peace at this camp. Suitable for tents and even some larger RV’s or trailers.

Excellent hiking is accessible from the campground along with some of the best wildlife viewing in the nearby Lamar Valley. You may even be able to spot some wolves in this area!

Slough Creek

Slough Creek is a small campground on the northwest end of the park. It’s close to Lamar Valley, so another excellent chance to go wildlife spotting.

This campground is best for tents and maybe small RV’s. They provide picnic tables and fire pits at each site as well as community food storage boxes to keep the bears at bay.

From Slough Creek, you can make a great day trip to the Beartooth mountains out of the northeast entrance. That’s a beautiful scenic drive!

Tower Fall campground is again on the northeastern end of the park, just a bit south of Roosevelt Lodge.

This is another campground that accommodates only small setups. If you’re planning on bringing an RV or trailer up this way, I suggest doing a bit of research to be sure you’re aware of the road to get there. Coming from the south, you have to go through Dunraven Pass which has steep and winding roads. Even the campground itself has a very tight turn which may be difficult to navigate with a larger RV or trailer.

Backcountry Camping

Of course you could go totally off the beaten path and go back country camping! I only recommend this if you have camped before and have a general familiarness with Yellowstone and wilderness in general. Also you should have been a Boy Scout, yeah definitely that. This is no joke people. There have been people who have gotten lost in the wild, I’m looking at you Reese Witherspoon.

Now, I have never backcountry camped, so I can’t really speak to what it is like from firsthand experience. However, my brother-in-law has. He worked in Yellowstone for a full season and helped close Lake Hotel a second season.

He went out with a group of very experienced backcountry campers for a weekend long trip. They hiked almost 30 miles total for the trip and even had a close encounter with a grizzly bear! Luckily my brother-in-law had his bear spray on him, but none of the others did. After asking them why, they all said they were standing right behind Jake (my brother-in-law) since he had it under control! The biggest of the group said he planned on punching the grizzly square in the nose if it decided to rush them.

Despite that close encounter, he said back country camping in Yellowstone was an amazing experience.

There are over 300 designated campgrounds or campsites for backcountry camping around the park and you do need a permit to camp at them. It requires a small fee, but I think it’s more so the rangers know who is out in the backcountry and when to expect them back.

For more information on backcountry camping in Yellowstone, check out the National Park Service site: https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/backcountryhiking.htm .

Yellowstone Camping Rules

For the most part, Yellowstone camping is pretty laid back. You’re in probably the most famous National Park in the country, if not the world, so most people are very respectful of the park and its surroundings.

However, there are a few rules that are in place, firstly for the safety of you and your family and secondly to keep the park beautiful and the wildlife safe as well.

Hard Sided Vehicles and Food Storage Boxes

Fishing Bridge RV Park is the only campground in Yellowstone that requires a hard sided vehicle to camp. This means an RV, trailer, van or car. No tents are allowed.

Also, most campgrounds will have food storage boxes available. This is to store food while you are away from your campsite or at night when you are sleeping.

Bears can smell food from miles away and will come rummaging around for it. If they find some, they are most likely to come back for more and when they don’t find more, things can turn ugly. This is why food storage boxes are so important. You definitely don’t want any food in or around your tent or camper for your safety and you don’t want bears to get too keen on human food as it’s not good for their safety either. Use the food storage boxes, they’re there for a reason.

As most campgrounds in Yellowstone offer no kinds of hookups, electricity can be a problem. Whether you need to charge your camera battery, phone or want to have some lights, you have to be very frugal when it comes to energy usage.

7 parks allow the use of generators from 8am until 8pm. There is a noise limit of 60 decibels, which if you think your generator is too loud, it most likely is.

Here are the campgrounds that allow generator usage.

Fishing Bridge

The rule on pets applies to the entire park and not just the campgrounds, but I wanted to add it here because if you are coming to camp in Yellowstone, you may be wondering if you can bring your pet with.

Pets are allowed in the park, but there are some pretty strict rules about what they can and can’t do.

Pets are allowed within 100 feet of any developed area of the park. This includes roads, parking areas and campgrounds. Your pet must be on a leash at all times and the leash cannot be longer than 6 feet.

Pets are not allowed on trails, boardwalks, anywhere in the back country or near thermal areas.

You cannot leave pets alone or tied to something like a tree or bike rack.

Pets can be left in the car, but the sun in Yellowstone can get extremely hot, so vehicles will heat up fast! That’s very dangerous for a pet in the car.

Pets cannot be left alone in a tent if you plan to take a day trip or hike while camping and since most campgrounds do not have electricity hookups, pets left in an RV face the same dangers as pets left in a car.

So Yellowstone may not be the best place to plan on bringing your dog when you go camping, it may be safer and more comfortable for your pet to find someone to take care of them back at home.

Yellowstone Camping Gear

To make sure you have a comfortable and enjoyable camping trip to Yellowstone, check out the products below.

• 5 Gallon Water Jug:  http://amzn.to/2qTeFSF
• Battery Operated Fan:  http://amzn.to/2qegUg6
• Extendable Battery Pack:  http://amzn.to/2rxLENn
• Bear Spray:  http://amzn.to/2qhpslK
• Camping Pillows: http://amzn.to/2rNMvGI
• Dry Sack:  http://amzn.to/2qTTP3x
• Rain Fly:  http://amzn.to/2rNK6f4

Also be sure to check out these other  things to pack for Yellowstone !

If you are an outdoor enthusiast, there is no better place than Yellowstone National Park and no better experience than Yellowstone camping! Hopefully this will give you the information you need to plan your next Yellowstone visit!

If camping isn’t your thing check out the Yellowstone National Park lodges.

The post Yellowstone Camping: Your Complete Guide To A Perfect Spot appeared first on Crazy Family Adventure .

Tin Can Tourists

The Original Vintage Trailer and Camper Club

Yellowstone

Built 1945-1990

Yellowstone’s Slogan – “Good on the go and great when you get there”

In 1945, Elmer Weaver organized the Yellowstone Coach Co. in Wakarusa. The Yellowstone travel trailer was built and sold in  Wakarusa Indiana.  Yellowstone trailers were well built and the travel trailer of choice for carnival employees.

Manufacturer Information

Yellowstone was one of the very few companies that didn’t venture into the larger type mobile homes. Here is their 1955 23-footer with 1-bedroom with complete bathroom and kitchen.

Here is the 19′ model that was one of the regular units of 1955. The plan was interesting in that the bathroom was across from the bed in the rear creating a larger living area up front. Attached is the very same (model) trailer but the 1958 model…..hadn’t changed any.

By 1960 the original 23-footer gained a foot and was the 24-footer. An additional larger model, the 27-footer was also added to their line. None of the Yellowstone trailers were painted but maintained the popular ‘silver’ aluminum look.

In 1963 the Yellowstone Coach Co., Wakarusa, IN, came out with a 13 footer that that was only 6’6“ wide yet could sleep 4-8 “comfortably” and yet could be towed by one of the new foreign compact cars. Can you imagine going on a vacation with your wife and six kids in this trailer?

Years built

Yellowstone had 4 basic size the smalllest 16 foot, 19 foot, 24 foot, 27 foot.

1963 13′ 16′, & 19′ Specifications

• Model 13G: three burner range with oven.
• Model 13C: ice box, 12 volt light.
• 16C: Water tank and pump, ice box standard, optional: gas wall heater, gas refrigerator, pressure water system.
• 16S: & 16R: 3 cu ft gas refrigerator, 15 gallon septic holding tank, gas wall heater, pressure water system.
• 16R: Opional shower and gas water heater.
• Gas/Electric refrigerator optional.
• 19B Hitch wt. 225 lbs, apt. size range
• 19BF Hitch wt. 475 lbs, built in range

All birch wood interior

. Fiberglass insulation . Double floor insulated with fiberglass . Completey undercoated . Self-contained water tank with pump . Gas light . Gas heater . Gas stove/oven . Choice of either a electric or gas refrigerator . All alum. exterior and everything was nailed, no screws . Choice of a double bed . Electric brakes

Photos/Videos

Yellowstone RV was a local Elkhart manufacturer, and were made after WW2 until the early 1990’s. Why top of the line? Because it had birch interior, giving it a lighter, airier feeling. It used household type appliances, i.e. a full range stove and a refrigerator. A little heavier to tow, but more comfortable to live in. We review the exterior and interior. It came into the collection at the RV/MH Hall of Fame at the demise of Yellowstone RV. It was not a useable product, but used for show purposes.

This is our vintage camper (Glamper) restoration project…we purchased this 1963 Yellowstone pull-behind vintage camper from a hunting club a few months ago. It was in pretty bad shape, but with lots of TLC, we are slowing bringing it back to life!

Tour of a 1963 Yellowstone vintage trailer

1968 Yellowstone 18′ Vintage Travel Trailer

Vintage Yellowstone Camper Restoration Project PT2- Homestead Project

A little walk through of our vintage Yellowstone Sunset camper

Kehoe’s 1962 Yellowstone

Kehoe’s 1964 Yellowstone

1963 Yellowstone – Cutest Vintage Camper On Earth!

OK, that title might be just a wee bit of an exaggeration. I’m a bit partial. I actually did have a guy at the Ohio toll booth argue with co-worker saying that he thought it was ugly! Shocking isn’t it?!

You know you have a bad case of Aluminitis when you see the cutest trailer on earth and you instantly try and figure out where you can park it in the driveway. When I spotted this vintage Yellowstone I was instantly smitten! Can you blame me? I had to do some serious sweet talking in order to talk the Mr. into this one and I’m happy to say this cutie came home with me! However, with that said I am going to have to put up the sweet  Hi-Lo for sale in the spring . I’ll be sad to see Chiclet go. I put a lot of hard work into her but in reality this trailer is a bit more practical for us as it sleeps more.

This is a 1963 Yellowstone that is 11 feet.

All of the photos below are “BEFORE” photos since I have yet to add décor and such to this trailer.

Feel free to pin this image below if you do Pinterest.

Picking it up was an adventure. We ended up driving in 5 states in just under 4 hours. That has to be a record or something right? No speeding was involved 🙂 We drove in MI, OH, IN, IL and finally WI. We met with the seller who was a nice gentleman who gave us the grand tour and after thoroughly checking everything out I promptly handed him payment. He handed me the keys and title, we hooking up, checked the lights, double checking that the hitch was secure and off we went. It was starting to get dark about 1/2 hour into our drive when we stopped for gas.

First photos! Isn’t it CUTE!?

I had made reservations at Jelly Stone campground in Portage, IN. and that is where we pulled in for the night. Let me just say that it wasn’t what I was expecting at all. It was more like a trailer park than a campground. Not that there is anything wrong with trailer parks but I just wasn’t expecting that we’d be sandwiched between park model mobile homes. All in all it wasn’t a pleasant experience staying there. The train is really close and LOUD all through the night. Also the folks in the park model across from us had this beater car that was super LOUD that kept coming in/out of the park throughout the night.  Maybe they were making beer runs?? Needless to say I won’t be staying there again. Lesson learned that just because a campground has a well known name attached to it, doesn’t mean it’s the same as the others.

Can you see us?

We decided to spend a couple nights in Shipshewana, IN and we had a great time there! Such great food, shopping and we stayed at the Shipshewana campground – South  http://www.rvcamping.com/  Very nice campground. We had a nice shady spot in the rear. I really enjoyed staying here. They do not have fire pits at the sites so if I were to point out one draw back that would be the only one. That didn’t bother us though and they do have a community fire pit you can use or you can use a grille if you bring one for roasting marsh mellows.

There are several of us Mid-Michigan folks thinking of having a rally at this campground next year in June. If interested get with me and I’ll get you the info as it becomes available.

Funny story…I had some folks stop by and ask if they could peek inside. Of course I let them and I chatted with them for awhile. During the conversation I swear they must of asked me 4 times if I wanted to sell it. All 4 times I politely told them not at this time. They were nice folks.

The Shipshewana campground South Park has nice, clean sites and these were my favorite in the back where there are shade trees.

As far as the condition of the exterior, it does have flaws. Don’t we all?! The skin on the sides is in very nice condition but the lower front has some dings and such and the roof has been coated with some grey goop. Take note of  the photos I took. Notice you can hardly see any damage to the lower front?? Those of you looking to buy campers be aware that pictures in ads may not show damage! I wasn’t trying to not show it here but it’s just how my photos turned out. Probably the sun reflecting, etc., Anyway, back to the roof….I’m not sure what has been painted on up there until I get up there and take a close look. If it’s beyond removal, I may just replace the entire roof with a one-piece panel of aluminum. I know I’ll definitely replace the lower front panel. It’s completely camp-able as it is but those are my goals. I’m not in a hurry so will take my time.

OK, I know you all are probably like “Hurry up and show us the interior already!”. I won’t keep you waiting any longer! Here it is. This is the dinette and you can see the overhead bunk area. I love the birch in this trailer. It’s really in amazing condition. The only exception that I can see is around the front window in the upper bunk so I will have to replace that panel at some point.  The cushions will be recovered and the curtains replaced.

The kitchen area. Notice that vent? I can honestly say I have no idea how to open/close that thing. It’s the strangest thing. There is some sort of raised vent cover on the roof as well. This thing has me stumped. In any case, it won’t matter as I plan on replacing the entire roof with a one piece section of aluminum. I’m amazed at how well preserved the wood is in this trailer. Oh and see those little lights on the wall in the kitchen? Those are battery operated and you can take them out of their holders in case you need to use one as a flashlight. They are handy little gadgets. I’ll probably leave them for that reason.

The counter and table have new boomerang formica.

Ceiling and vent. Love this wood!

Here is the rear. The gaucho pulls out to make a double bed.

The floor is just a plain grey- blue speckled patterned vinyl that the previous owner added. Eventually I’ll probably change it as they put a seam {duct tape} in it near the door.

Itty bitty floor to ceiling closet. There is enough room in here to store a luggable loo and hang clothing.

Another view of the kitchen.

The overhead bunk. Those two little grey things you see on the ceiling to the right and left of that light are tracks for a curtain rod. Not sure the kind yet but hope to figure that out so I can get a rod for it and make a cute curtain for the bunk. The wood up here is also in great shape except for that front panel surrounding the front window. There is also a ladder that you can’t see laying up there.

The End. I hope you enjoyed the tour. Please feel free to send me name suggestions. For now she {or I guess possibly he} is nameless.

Some Owners

1947 18′ Yellowstone – working on fixing some water damage to the back floor. Otherwise in wonderful condition. Original appliances, stove and refrigerator, still work. Western KY

1957 Yellowstone 16′ “all options: gas/elec fridge, pressurized water, elec and gas lights, etc” new to me/but old to some, just starting plans for how far to restore, 11/2/2010 digrant @ verizon. net in Maryland (will post pics sometime soon)

1958 Yellowstone, Restored with Hardwood, Berber carpet, granite counter, rest all original, love it!

1958 Yellowstone 16 ft completely gutted. Re-wooded & re-skinned. Need all sorts of help, manuals, etc. Greg at gp001 @ cableone.net. Picts later! 10/11/2014

1951? Yellowstone 19 ft. under construction right now- 5/18/07 Rick Branson. [email protected]

16′ 1963 Yellowstone Trailer Model 16S – John Case – JohnCase3 at aol dot com – 3rd owner (at least) In use every year 1995 – present.

1959 Yellowstone Trailer 16 foot all alum. Very nice polished up! Owner- Alex Logan New Hudson, Michigan!

19′ 1963 Yellowstone Trailer Model-19BF Gipsygman – [email protected] – at least 3rd owner, originally from Niagra,NY area – under renovation

1979 27′ Yellowstone Country Club Needs some TLC, but still sturdy. 2nd owner, Sheri, Western NY

1959? 24B Yellowstone. Got it free, working on sealing it up and repairing some water damage, any tips on polishing exterior? [email protected]

1964 13′ Yellowstone. Getting close to end of restoration. Is there a Yellowstone club or rally anywhere? Missouri/Kansas? [email protected]

1959 14′ Yellowstone Trailer Just bought it need to know where to find parts. If anyone can help contact me at [email protected] Jim and Amy Lee Owners Shelby, Indiana

1961 16′ Yellowstone. BeeBee (my Yellowstone’s nick-name) resides in Woodstock, IL – [email protected]. Can see pics at:  http://1958-yellowstone.blogspot.com/

1963 13Ft Yellowstone. 13G Model. Bought on 06/10/2009 from friend. In the Process of fixing it up. When I had bought it the interior was and is in its original state, no leaks except for the back window had rotted out, someone left the window open for the past five years. I bought it for 150.00. Everything works except on light cover was burned out because of the wrong bulb. Everything is like new. I will be posting pictures soon.I am also so proud to have one. Its is my first travel trailer, and wont be the last one. I am also in the process of starting a club and forum for vintage travel trailers here in Columbus, Georgia, with most of the attention on Yellowstone’s, If you are interested email me. [email protected].

1964 16′ Yellowstone. WA State owned by dennilane at gmail dot com. I Bought, I mean rescued it from potential disaster from a lady in the summer of 2008. I have begun, and I’m in the middle of restoration. I believe mine is the 16S  http://www.vintage-yellowstone.com/PDF/1963%20Yellowstone%20Brochure.pdf/  but unfortunately due to dry rot, and my personal preferences, it will change just a little bit, specifically the main cabinet and closet. The Dinette/Bed, Kitchen and Gaucho will stay right where they are at. I’m pretty much doing a full restoration though. I started the Flickr group listed below in the ‘Clubs’ where you can view mine, others and add pics your own Vintage Yellowstone. Please join!!! My goal is to take a 2 week long trip and hit Yellowstone National Park along with Mt Rushmore with the Kids (along with other fun sites) just like my husband and I did in his S10 truck on our Honeymoon in 1996. Why? because you have to take your Yellowstone to Yellowstone, that’s why!

Robert and Beth Haeske 1963 13 ft. “Mellow Yellow” [email protected] Milan, MI

Clubs/Links

Yellowstone facebook group

Vintage-Yellowstone.com

Andrew Gunneson’s Vintage Travel Trailers  – Two Yellowstones, one came with a packet of original literature including an owners manual. Literature is being typed up and added.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/YellowstoneCoachCompany/  – Open Yahoo Group Site dedicated to the exchange of pictures, communication and information involving Vintage Yellowstone Travel Trailers.

http://www.flickr.com/groups/yellowstonetraveltrailer/  – Open Flickr Picture Group for Vintage Yellowstone Travel Trailer pictures only

[email protected] We recently purchased a 1964 Yellowstone Travel Trailer and we are looking for anyone who has a copy of the Owners Manual. We would like a copy. Please contact us at the noted e-mail address. Posted 28Sept2010. Thank you. George Chamberlain

Yellowstone restoration videos:  http://rvvideosondemand.com/?p=624

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Which Entrance to Yellowstone National Park Should I Take?

Planning a vacation to yellowstone involves many details, one of which is deciding how you will enter the park..

With 2.2 million acres ⎯ larger than the size of Rhode Island ⎯ the park is enormous, which is why it’s a good idea to figure out what you want to see and know which entrance is closest to those sights. There are five Yellowstone entrances ⎯ North Entrance, Northeast Entrance, South Entrance, East Entrance and West Entrance . Here are the details on each to help you plan your adventure to the country’s oldest national park.

• North Entrance, open year-round, brings you to Mammoth Hot Springs
• Northeast Entrance puts you at doorstep of park’s wildlife
• East Entrance brings you to Yellowstone Lake
• South Entrance allows you to tackle two national parks in one day
• West Entrance brings you to geyser paradise

1. North Entrance Brings You to Mammoth Hot Springs

Want to experience some of the West’s most spectacular scenery in a town that can feel like a cross between Northern Exposure and Animal Planet, given its wild neighbors living up the street in Yellowstone?

Head to Gardiner, Mont., just five miles from Yellowstone’s steaming terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs, one of the park’s many natural wonders. Sitting at the only year-round entrance to the world’s first national park, pretty much everything in Gardiner is colorful from the scenery and people to the names of dishes on menus, adding a poetic slant to your visit.

If you’re coming from the Pacific Northwest or even Missoula, Mont., the North Entrance, along US 89, may be the one for you. Situated in Gardiner, Mont. , a lively small western town, the North Entrance is open year round and is the only way to reach the park’s northeastern border in the winter.

Be Wowed by Mammoth Hot Springs

From the North Entrance, you are well-situated to see the park’s incredible wildlife, as well as the famed Mammoth Hot Springs and the historic hotel and dining room located near the hot springs. You also pass the Boiling River turnoff on the stretch of road from Gardiner to Mammoth. In the Boiling River , one of two sanctioned swimming areas in the park, you can swim in an area where warm hot springs water enters the Yellowstone River.

Explore Lamar Valley

From Mammoth, you can head east on the northern most road in the park to get to the expansive Lamar Valley , referred to as the Serengeti of the United States, because of the extraordinary diversity of mammals living there. It is the Lamar Valley that the first wolves were reintroduced to the park in 1995-97. It is also home to grizzly bears, black bears, bison and elk, among many others. Bring your binoculars!

2. Northeast Entrance Puts You at Doorstep of Park’s Wildlife

Closest to Cooke City, Mont. , and its sister village Silver Gate, this entrance gives you the best access to Yellowstone’s legendary Lamar Valley where grizzlies, black bears, bison and wolves roam. The tiny outpost of Cooke City (year-round population is 100) has a downtown that spans only a few blocks but offers good dining and lodging options

Closed in the winter time, the Northeast Entrance makes sense to enter if you are coming from the northeast side of Montana like Billings or Red Lodge, Mont. From Billings, you can take I-90 west to US 212 west and from Red Lodge, Mont., take US 212 west. Driving US 212 west is arguably the most dramatic route to enter the park.

Be Amazed By Beartooth Pass

With its sweeping alpine vistas, Beartooth Highway , along US 212, is the closest you may get to feeling as if you are on top of the world. Every corner of the road presents a more incredible view than the previous. Head south over Beartooth Pass, before dropping into Cooke City and Silver Gate, the closest towns to the Northeast Entrance.

Fuel Up in Cooke City

Cooke City itself is a tiny town but offers a number of services from lodging to restaurants and gas. From it, you can drive to the Northeast Entrance is a matter of minutes. Once you go through the entrance gate, the Lamar Valley unfolds before your eyes. Home to bison, grizzly bears, black bears, wolves and elk , plan to spend some time along the roadside pull-offs, viewing the animals from a safe distance . You’ll find the Lamar Valley will give you an overwhelming sense of what the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem looked like before white pioneers settled there more than 150 years ago.

3. East Entrance Brings You to Yellowstone Lake

The East Entrance brings you right to the Yellowstone Lake , the largest mountain lake at such a high elevation of 7,733 feet. It stretches 20 miles long and 14 miles across and its shorelines are dotted with geothermal features . From there, the West Thumb Geyser Basic and Old Faithful lie to the southeast and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone to the north.

To get to the park’s East Entrance, you will pass through Cody, Wyo. , founded by Buffalo Bill Cody himself. While Cody is 53 miles from the East Entrance, it is the closest town to the entrance.

Have an Authentic Western Experience

Cody is an Old Western town that celebrates its rich history through daily summer rodeos and incredible museums that make up the Buffalo Bill Center of the West . With its historic downtown and numerous family friendly activities, including the Cody trolley tour where you can learn more about Cody’s history, it is well worth a stop for a day or two. Admission to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West is good for two days, so take your time exploring.

Buy a cowboy hat downtown at the third-generation-owned Wayne’s Boots or Boot Barn up the hill and head to two of Cody’s family friendly venues that offer cowboy music during the evenings. The Cody Cattle Company has a really casual atmosphere where kids can run around the establishment’s wooden picnic tables. Dan Miller’s Cowboy Music Revue is a more upscale  show that has moved next to the Irma Hotel in downtown Cody. The show starts at 8 p.m. Monday-Saturday throughout the summer.

Stop at Buffalo Bill Dam

From Cody to the entrance, you will take the Yellowstone Highway, also known as US 16-20-14, past the enormous Buffalo Bill Dam six miles from town. Completed in 1910, it was the tallest dam in the world then. Today, it supplies water to 93,000 acres of farmland in the Bighorn Basin, bringing to life alfalfa, sugar beets, oats, barley and beans. The dam’s visitor center is open daily May 1-Sept. 30. From there, you will continue through the valley, eventually, reaching Sylvan Pass, which is RV-friendly and tops off at 8,350 feet.

4. South Entrance Allows You To Tackle Two National Parks in One Day

If you are looking to tackle two national parks in one day, the South Entrance is for you. From Jackson, Wyo. , you can stop at the awe-inspiring Grand Teton National Park along your 57-mile drive north on the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Highway up to Yellowstone. Plus, if you are staying in Jackson, Wyo., the South Entrance is the easiest entrance to access Yellowstone.

Jackson itself is an incredible mountain town that attracts skiers to its steep slopes in the winter and throngs of tourists in the summer. Blending the Old West with upscale boutiques, Jackson is the ritziest of all Wyoming towns. But it has a full range of hotels and eateries, catering to every type of traveler.

Once you enter through the South Entrance, you will drive along a stretch of the park’s road without any turnoffs for more than 20 miles. But once you hit the West Thumb Geyser Basin, you can stretch your legs and explore some of the park’s amazing geothermal features. From there, head west to view Old Faithful or continue north along the shores of Yellowstone Lake and on up as far as the Lamar Valley, which stretches to the Montana border and is known for its abundance of large mammals, including wolves, bison and bears.

5. West Entrance Brings You to Geyser Paradise

If geysers are on the top of your Yellowstone hit list, you may want to enter the park via US 20 and the West Entrance, as it puts you in the heart of the park’s geyser country.

This entrance is the park’s busiest, so it’s no wonder that West Yellowstone, Mont., is a bustling gateway with dining, shopping and attractions for travelers. Located just across the Wyoming border in Montana, West Yellowstone is a convenient entrance town for those coming from Idaho or western Montana, especially Missoula. Visitors will find Wild West flavor, plenty of lodging and a mix of cultural and outdoor activities.

Welcome to Geyserville

When you enter the park through the West Entrance, you will drive 14 miles until you reach Madison, a jumping off point for geyser basins to the north and south. Head south and you will see the largest geyser basin in Yellowstone called the Lower Geyser Basin, which includes Fountain Paint Pot, Firehole Lake Drive area and the Great Fountain Geyser. You’ll want to stop at the Midway Geyser Basin, slightly south, which is home to the dazzling Grand Prismatic Spring , which has resident bacteria that creates rainbow-like rings in the spring.

Further south is the Upper Geyser Basin, which is home to Old Faithful , Biscuit Basin and others. At least 150 geysers exist in 1 square mile here.

Up north you’ll find Norris Geyser Basin , the park’s oldest and hottest thermal area with two walkable zones. It’s home to the Steamboat Geyser, which is the world’s tallest geyser at 300-plus feet. If you drive farther north, up to the park’s northern border with Montana, you can explore the boardwalks of Mammoth Hot Springs, a two-tier travertine wonder.

West Yellowstone Attractions

There’s also a lot to do when you are ready to take a break from sightseeing in the park. Minutes from the West Entrance sits West Yellowstone, Mont. , home the Grizzly &Wolf Discovery Center , as well as lodging and dining.

Catch a show at the Playmill Theatre or study up for your park trip at Yellowstone Giant Screen Theatre, which shows IMAX movies about Yellowstone and beyond.  It also is home to a number of well-equipped RV parks, which make it a fantastic place to park your RV and launch your tours of the park via your car.

Getting a park map is key to understanding where all of Yellowstone’s scenic attractions are located, as well as their proximity to the park’s entrances. You’ll get a free map when you go through an entrance station, but if you want to plan in advance, purchase a Trails Illustrated map of Yellowstone from REI.com .

Pssst. Want to download an insider’s guide to Yellowstone, where to stay and what to do? Order our free stunning Yellowstone Trip Planner filled with an inspiring itinerary, gorgeous photographs and everything you need to plan your dream vacation.

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