Are you looking for the best campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park? Here’s the complete list with essential information to plan a family tour.
Madison Campground, Norris Campground, Grant Village Campground, Mammoth Hot Springs Campground, and Canyon Campground are the most popular campgrounds in the park.
Yellowstone National Park is the USA’s first national park, famous for its unique landscapes and hydrothermal features like geysers, hot springs, and fumaroles. So, camping is the best way to explore the park’s beauty and wonders.
Check the list of campgrounds below and select the most suitable place for you.
1. Campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park: Madison Campground
The Madison Campground is located near the West Entrance to Yellowstone National Park. You’ll be able to spot bison and elk at the nearby Madison River. The campground also offers pull-through sites for larger RVs, tents, and trailers.
There are more than 270 non-electric campsites in Madison Campground. These campsites are well-spaced and have a dump station, fire pits, picnic tables, and restroom facilities equipped with running water. So, this campground is a famous overnight spot.
It’s only 16 miles from Old Faithful and 25 miles from the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. To ensure a comfortable stay in the park, you should consider arriving early in the morning or late in the evening.
Madison Campground is situated near the Madison River and is the closest campground to the Midway Geyser Basin, Upper Geyser Basin, and Lower Geyser Basin.
There are 14 public restrooms, each equipped with flush toilets and faucets with cold running water. Madison Campground accepts reservations up to a year in advance.
Madison River, located near the campground, is a great place for fishing and other outdoor activities, especially during spring and fall. Fly-fishing is one of the favorite activities to do on the Madison River.
You’ll need to make reservations if you plan a trip to Yellowstone National Park. The parks’ campgrounds fill up fast, especially during peak season.
But if you’re flexible with your dates, you might be able to secure a spot three to six months in advance. Alternatively, you can check the availability of campsites on the weekdays.
Be aware that reservations for Yellowstone campgrounds are assigned to specific campsites, so you should know what to expect at check-in.
Address: Yellowstone National Park, 30 Madison Campground Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, United States Phone: +1 307-344-7311
2. Campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park: Norris Campground
Norris Campground in Yellowstone National Park is a great spot to stay if you plan a camping trip.
There are 100 non-electric campsites for tents, small trailers, and several RVs (up to 50 ft). And these campsites are on a first-come, first-served basis. These campsites feature a fire-ring, food-storage boxes, picnic tables, flushing toilets, and potable water.
Surrounded by lodgepole pine, this campground is famous for evening campfire programs during summer. Park rangers organize fun campfire programs, and you can join them.
Norris Campground is located near Norris Geyser Basin (only a one-mile hiking trail) and Norris Lake and is a short walk to the park’s most popular attractions. The park is home to over 300 species of birds and native bison, making it an excellent place to watch wildlife.
Depending on the season, you may want to book in advance to avoid waiting in line, especially during summer.
Norris Campground is close to Norris Geyser Basin, a popular spot to view Bison. It’s also near the town of Mammoth Hot Springs. This campground is located in Central Yellowstone, so it’s ideal for wildlife watching.
Be sure to request a boat permit and aquatic invasive species inspection before you leave the park. Although this is a popular site, it doesn’t have many pull-through sites and has a small number of loops.
Address: Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, United States Phone: +1 307-344-7381
3. Campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park: Grant Village Campground
If you’re looking for a comfortable place to camp in Yellowstone National Park, look no further than Grant Village Campground.
Grant Village Campground is situated on the west shore of Yellowstone Lake, at an elevation of 7,800 feet (2377 m). It’s part of a larger community, Grantville, which includes a gas station, restaurant, and visitor center.
Located on the shores of Yellowstone Lake, the campground is only 40 minutes from Old Faithful. Grant Village Campground is also close to the West Thumb Geyser Basin, where geysers and thermal features are located.
You can book guided hikes to West Thumb Geyser Basin hosted by the park rangers, especially during the summer.
In addition to geysers, Grant Village Campground is home to elks, which often wander around the area.
Being one of the most popular campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park, Grant Village Campground has over 430 sites. And these sites accommodate tents, trailers, and several RVs (40 feet).
This park offers an array of amenities for your convenience. In addition to full hookups, these sites have cell phone reception, a full-served restaurant, trash and recycling collection, and ice for purchase.
There are also showers and laundry facilities close to the campsites, which are both pay-to-use. Potable water is also available.
Aside from that, there are picnic tables, fire rings, and flushing toilets.
You’ll find dozens of places to camp in Yellowstone, but you’ll need to make sure to get a park permit if you plan to stay at a campground.
Also, remember that the temperature in Yellowstone varies widely from day to night. Even in summer, temperatures can drop into the 30s, so be sure to dress warmly. If you’re tenting, be sure to pack a warm sleeping bag.
Make sure you plan for this because park regulations limit cell phone reception, and some campgrounds do not allow portable generators. Bring solar panels or battery packs to provide power when needed.
Address: 159 Grant Campground Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, United States Phone: 307-344-7311
4. Canyon Campground
There are hundreds of different backcountry campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park. Some of them are less than a mile from the park road, while others are a bit further away.
No matter your preference, you can find a campsite that suits your needs. Read on to learn more about Canyon Campground in Yellowstone National Park. There are plenty of things to do and see around Canyon Campground in Yellowstone National Park.
The Canyon Campground in Yellowstone is located in a beautiful valley in central Yellowstone. It is a great place to bring your family and enjoy the scenic vistas surrounding the area.
While camping here, you can also enjoy the lodge at the Canyon Visitor Education Center. If you want to cook, you can use the grills provided by the park.
Canyon Campground features 270 non-electric sites suitable for only 40-foot RVs. Campers are offered fire pits, picnic tables, flushing toilets, and quick access to potable water.
For more adventure, you can hike to the top of the Yellowstone Geyser or go swimming at the nearby Lamar Valley.
Canyon Campground is a popular camping spot in the park. Elks frequently pass through this campground, so be careful.
There are also showers and laundry facilities near the campground. The South Entrance is just a few miles away, and you can easily access the campground. And also, the scenic Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is close to this campground.
Address: Yellowstone National Park, 27 Andesite Ln, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, United States Phone: +1 307-344-7311
5. Mammoth Hot Springs Campground
The Mammoth Hot Springs Campground in the Yellowstone National Park is located in the northernmost area of the park.
Mammoth Hot Springs Campground is an ideal location to view wildlife. You’ll be able to spot elk and bison rutting in mid-August, and they can be aggressive.
This campground features 85 non-electric campsites operated by the National Park Service. These first-come, first-served basis campsites are suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs. Facilities include flushing toilets and potable water.
Mammoth is also one of the few areas of Yellowstone that remains open during the winter, so you can hike to many popular attractions and view wildlife.
The Upper Terraces are some of the most stunning scenery in Yellowstone. Two boardwalks take you up to a vantage point of the landscape.
Aside from the stunning Mammoth Hot Springs, this campground is close to Gardner River (Boiling River), which offers you a chance to soak near a hydrothermal feature.
While you’re here, you can swim in the warm springs and relax in the outdoor hot tub. You can also visit the nearby historic town of West Yellowstone (Mammoth Hot Springs Historic District).
The Albright Visitor Center & Museum is a must-see for those who love history. It tells the story of Yellowstone’s beginnings, including Native Americans before the 18th century, early exploration, and the National Park Service.
Address: N Entrance Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, United States Phone: +1 307-344-7381
6. Slough Creek Campground
If you are in the mood for a camping trip, Slough Creek Campground in Yellowstone National park is a great choice.
This generator-free campground is located just 5.5 miles east of Tower-Roosevelt Junction and is just two miles down a dirt road.
It is available for camping all year long but has set quiet hours. Listed below are some of the best features of this campground.
Its 23 non-electric campsites fill up quickly during summer. These campsites can accommodate tents and trailers.
And each one has potable water, basic restroom facilities, a picnic table, and a fire ring.
Slough Creek Campground is located at the end of a two-mile dirt road in the Lamar Valley.
You can spend the night by the river stargazing or participating in various hiking activities. Slough Creek Trailhead is located at the entrance of the campground.
And also, you can spot plenty of wildlife and fish with your family. On the other hand, Fishing enthusiasts are always welcome to Slough Creek.
This campground is situated on the park’s northern range, near the Lamar River. You can observe wildlife at its best at this campground, which is near one of the park’s biggest elk and bison grazing grounds.
Bears and wolves are also regularly sighted here; therefore, you should always be aware of your surroundings. You might even spot a wolf den nearby. The campground offers many opportunities to watch wildlife, and you can hear wolves and grizzly bears howling at night.
Address: Slough Creek Campground Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, United States Phone: +1 307-344-7381
7. Tower Fall Campground
When looking for a place to camp in Yellowstone National Park, one great option is the Tower Fall Campground.
Tower Fall Campground is located in the northern region of Yellowstone on a scenic hill overlooking Tower Creek.
It features first-come, first-served basis 31 campsites, each with its own amenities and features (a picnic table, fire ring, potable water, and basic restroom facilities).
The campground is a popular destination for those who want to enjoy the outdoors without a huge price tag. You’ll find this campground on the road between Tower Fall and Canyon. This campground is about 3.5 miles south of Tower-Roosevelt Junction.
During the day, it’s quiet, but at night, law enforcement rangers patrol the park.
Tower Fall Campground in Yellowstone National Park is located a quarter-mile off the main road and is homey and rustic. While the campsites aren’t level, they are close to some of Yellowstone’s most famous attractions, including Tower Falls, Lamar Valley, and the Black Canyon of the Yellowstone.
Also, the campground is close to Canyon Hot Springs and Lamar Valley. Despite its rustic appearance, it offers vault toilets and drinking water. This is a popular camping spot in Yellowstone National Park.
Another campground in Yellowstone National Park is the Lewis Lake campground, located near the famous Mammoth Hot Springs. This campground is very popular with visitors and offers electrical hookups.
The sites are quiet and shady in the summer and offer beautiful views of Yellowstone. The campground is popular, but it does not allow tents. If you’re traveling on a budget, it’s probably best to stay in one of the other campgrounds in the park.
Address: Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, United States Phone: +1 307-344-7381
8. Bridge Bay Campground
The Bridge Bay Campground in Yellowstone National Park is the perfect spot for those traveling with family or friends. (in the park’s southeast region)
This campground is located near the beautiful Yellowstone Lake, so you’ll have lake views. It is also close to cell coverage, which means you can stay in touch even if you’re away from the park.
Bridge Bay Campground is a bit more open than other Yellowstone National Park campgrounds, making it ideal for anglers, boaters, and RV travelers.
There are more than 432 campsites for tents, trailers, and RVs in this non-electric campground. Portable water, flushing toilets, and dishwashing stations. Especially if you are planning to camp overnight, please book your site one year in advance.
Evening ranger programs are also there for your whole family.
The campground features a marina (Bridge Bay Marina), where you can rent boats and take tours of the lake. This campground provides an excellent view of the Absaroka Mountains and a rare reverse sunset, where the mountains cast shadows on the lake when the sun sets.
Bridge Bay Campground allows for charcoal and wood fires, although you should never forget that there are fire restrictions. Propane appliances aren’t affected by fire restrictions.
The Bridge Bay Campground is near the Bridge Bay Marina, offering easy access to the park’s main loop road. The campground features open meadows and wooded areas.
Many sites have limited views of the lake. Boaters and fishing enthusiasts will find this campground very convenient, close to the Bridge Bay Marina. The campground is well maintained, and the campground staff is very friendly.
If you’re looking for a campsite near the park’s best attractions, make sure you make your reservations in advance. These campgrounds book up quickly, so make sure you book early.
Reserve a campsite for the most popular dates at least a year in advance. While the park’s campgrounds are generally full, you may be able to find a camp with less notice on weekdays. Make sure to check the campground map to avoid missing any important information.
Address: Yellowstone National Park, Bridge Bay Campground, 260, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, United States Phone: +1 307-344-7381
9. Lewis Lake Campground
For a peaceful stay in Yellowstone, try Lewis Lake Campground. It’s located between the southeast shore of Lewis Lake and Shoshone Lake, only eight miles north of the South Entrance.
The campground features 85 non-electric sites on a first-come, first-served basis. Some are large enough for RVs that measures 25 feet long combined. Also, it can accommodate tents and trailers.
Sites include pull-throughs and back-ins. Slide-outs may be a problem here because the sites are not level. The campground also has two showers, potable water, and vault toilets.
Lewis Lake is a popular spot for boaters, and it’s the gateway to Shoshone Lake, which is only accessible by kayaks or canoes. You can start from the Lewis Lake boat launch. For those who are looking for boating or fishing permits, the ranger station will help you with that.
Although the campground lacks amenities like pit toilets or generators, it’s a good place for a relaxing stay.
The campground also has a boat launch, so boaters will find plenty to do. Nearby attractions include Grand Teton National Park and the Grand Teton National Park.
It’s also further from the park’s attractions, so it tends to fill up a bit later. Although some sites are available for larger RVs, most are back-ins or pull-throughs, and not all sites are level. There are no hookups or generators, and some sites may not be level.
Address: S Entrance Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, United States Phone: +1 307-344-7381
10. Campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park: Indian Creek Campground
For those looking for a more laid-back Yellowstone National Park camping experience, look no further than Indian Creek Campground.
Located just 13 miles south of the town of Gardiner, this campground offers secluded camping amongst scenic lodgepole pines and meadows. It is also close to Mammoth Hot Springs and Norris Geyser Basin.
And also, several campsites in Indian Creek Campground offer incredible views of Electric Peak.
Despite the smaller size of this campground, you’ll find that it offers a tranquil setting and a wide variety of amenities. There are 70 non-electric sites for RVs and tents. You have to reserve the sites at least six months in advance.
This campground offers spacious sites separated from each other by trees, so it’s easy to set up your own camp. Make sure you take down your hammock at night if you’re not sleeping in it; otherwise, wildlife may get caught in the straps or the bark.
Also, bear activity is common in this area, so keep your campsite clean, especially when you’re leaving scented items out.
If you’re traveling with a large group, keep in mind that this Yellowstone campground can only accommodate six people per site, so you’ll need to reserve two campsites or look for double or group sites.
Also, be aware that bears live in the park, so bear boxes are a must for keeping your food and other supplies out of reach of wildlife.
This campground offers full hookups, but it’s a hard-sided RV-only campground, and pop-up trailers are not permitted. There are two showers on site but no picnic tables. There’s no fire pit, and grizzly bears frequent this area.
However, the campground is close to Cave Falls, Bechler Ranger Station, and the East Entrance.
Address: Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, United States Phone: +1 307-344-7381
11. Campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park: Pebble Creek Campground
The Pebble Creek Campground in Yellowstone National Park is located close to the park’s Northeast entrance.
It is a popular campground located near the Yellowstone River tributary. There are 27 sites for tents and RVs.
And these sites are reservable between June 15th and September 25th. But hurry up and make your reservations six months in advance. This area provides picnic tables and fire grates and is historically significant.
Also, this campground also has a dump station and group sites. The campground is usually packed during the summer, so plan your stay accordingly.
Pebble Creek Campground is located near the Northeast entrance, but it is still far enough away to be completely secluded. You will have access to the creek, an excellent fishing spot.
This campground is also convenient to nearby trailheads. Camping at Pebble Creek offers an excellent view of the Absaroka Mountains and is close to the wildlife mecca, the Lamar Valley. Nonetheless, the drive to the rest of the park is long and scenic.
The location of Pebble Creek Campground is perfect for tents and small RVs. It is located in a small, mountainous park area, approximately 9 miles west of the northeast entrance.
The campground is close to the creek, so you won’t have to worry about walking down steep slopes to get to your site. The campground has vault toilets and drinking water for its campers.
There are three types of campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park. There are drive-up campgrounds run by the National Park Service, privately-run campgrounds run by park staff, and backcountry campgrounds, which are walk-in and require special equipment.
These campsites are rustic and do not have flush toilets or showers. You may want to make your reservation well in advance because most of them are fully booked.
Address: Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, United States Phone: +1 307-344-7381
12. Campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park: Fishing Bridge RV Park
If you’re looking for a campground in Yellowstone National Park that offers full hookups and comfortable comfort stations, Fishing Bridge RV Park is the right place. And this is the only RV-exclusive campground in the park.
This Park is located at the northern end of Yellowstone Lake, near the mouth of the Yellowstone River. Nearby attractions include Canyon Village, the West Thumb Geyser Basin, and Lake Village.
Over 300 sites are available here. There are all the facilities on these sites. So, it has a huge demand. Try to reserve your spot six months in advance, especially for the summer.
The campground offers four loops: one near the entrance, which has long sites with paved roads; the other two are on gravel roads with some rough spots. Back-in sites are available for all types of RVs, including travel trailers, and they alternate so there is room between two vehicles.
There’s no shortage of things to do while staying at Fishing Bridge RV Park. The park is conveniently located near a service station with propane, gas, and a general store.
It’s also near the Fishing Bridge Visitor Center, which offers a great collection of information about the area and the National Park Service. You can even pick up a Junior Ranger booklet here and learn about the park’s birds.
There’s a boat launch for those who want to take a boat ride out onto Yellowstone Lake. While fishing is not allowed from the bridge, it’s still worth a trip if you want to view the spectacular sunset over the lake.
If you’re staying for more than a few days, you can try booking reservations ahead of time.
Address: Yellowstone National Park, 22 Fishing Bridge RV Park Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, United States
Campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park
- Madison Campground
- Norris Campground
- Grant Village Campground
- Canyon Campground
- Mammoth Hot Springs Campground
- Slough Creek Campground
- Tower Fall Campground
- Bridge Bay Campground
- Lewis Lake Campground
- Indian Creek Campground
- Pebble Creek Campground
- Fishing Bridge RV Park
Campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park
