Yellowstone National Park is one of the most popular natural parks in the United States and the first ever national park in the world. It covers the territory of three states (Wyoming, Montana and Idaho) and welcomes millions of tourists every year. One of the best ways to explore its natural beauty is to stay in a campground. Not only is it economical, but it’s also the closest accommodation option to nature.
How many campgrounds are there in Yellowstone?
There are 12 official campgrounds within the park, offering a total of more than 2,000 tent and RV sites.
Among them:
- Madison Campground – popular because of its proximity to major attractions, including Old Faithful Geyser.
- Canyon Campground – located near Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon.
- Grant Village Campground – convenient to Yellowstone Lake.
- Fishing Bridge RV Park – the only campground in the park that exclusively allows motorhomes (RVs) with a full drainage system.
Some campgrounds are operated directly by the National Park Service (NPS), while others are operated through a private contractor, Yellowstone National Park Lodges.
Reservations
In 2021, Yellowstone completely abandoned the first-come, first-served system – reservations are now required for all official campgrounds. You can do so online through Recreation.gov (for NPS campgrounds) or on the Yellowstone Lodges website.
The summer months (June-August) are the highest season and sites at popular campgrounds are sold out months in advance. It is recommended to book 3-6 months in advance.
Facilities and amenities
Most campgrounds in Yellowstone have:
- restrooms with running water,
- sinks,
- campfire sites,
- picnic tables.
Some campgrounds (such as Grant Village) offer showers, laundry facilities, and stores. There is no electricity at the sites, with the exception of Fishing Bridge RV Park.
Keep in mind that cell phone service is limited in the park, and Wi-Fi is only available in select areas, most often in hotels.
Bears and safety
Yellowstone is brown and black bear territory, so there are strict food storage rules:
- All food, utensils, trash and scented items must be stored in autos or special “bear-proof” containers.
- Never leave food unattended.
- Bear spray should be used and distance should be maintained (do not approach animals closer than 100 yards to bears and 25 yards to elk and bison).
When is the best time to go
Camping is possible from about May through September, depending on the particular campground. Some campgrounds open later or close earlier due to weather conditions. Temperatures can drop to 0°C at night, even in summer, so you should take a warm sleeping bag and thermal underwear.
Alternatives: wild camping
Wild camping is prohibited inside Yellowstone outside of designated areas. However, backcountry camping is allowed with a Backcountry Permit. Such routes require additional planning and registration with the visitor center.
Yellowstone is a unique combination of wildlife, geothermal wonders, and atmospheric scenery. Camping in this park allows you to immerse yourself in its atmosphere as deeply as possible. The main thing is to plan ahead, follow safety rules and respect the environment.