Yellowstone National Park - Camping

Yellowstone National Park by US-Parks

Campsite Reservations

Xanterra Parks Resorts operates campgrounds at Bridge Bay, Canyon, Fishing Bridge RV Park, Grant Village, and Madison. Same-day reservations can be made by calling: 307-344-7901. Future reservations can be made by calling: 307-344-7311, or by writing: Yellowstone National Park Lodges, PO Box 165, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190. Fishing Bridge RV Park is the only campground offering water, sewer, and electrical hookups, and it is for hard-sided vehicles only (no tents or tent-trailers are allowed).

Please make your reservations early and/or plan to secure your campsite as early in the day as possible. Campgrounds may fill by early morning, especially during peak season (early July - late August).

It is recommended that recreational vehicles over 30' make reservation since there are limited number of campsites over 30' available in Yellowstone. Large RV sites are located at Flag Ranch, Fishing Bridge RV Park and West Yellowstone.

First Come, First Served Campsites

There are 12 campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park. Seven of these campgrounds are operated by the National Park Service at Indian Creek, Lewis Lake, Mammoth, Norris, Pebble Creek, Slough Creek, and Tower Fall. Sites at these campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Campfires

Wood and charcoal fires are permitted only in locations with fire grates. Special fire restrictions are occasionally put in place when the danger of wildland fires is great. If you plan to light a fire in the park, please ask about current fire restrictions at the entrance station when you arrive or email our Visitor Services Office immediately prior to your visit. Click on a campground name to view a map of its location.

Biker / Hiker Campsites

Camping for bicyclists is limited to the developed campgrounds located throughout the park. Campsites are available by reservation (through Xanterra Parks and Resorts) and on a first come, first served basis.

The distances separating campgrounds and the fact that the campgrounds typically fill early each day during the peak visitation season will pose logistical problems for the bicycle camper in Yellowstone. A limited number of campsites are reserved for hikers and bicyclists at all campgrounds with the exception of Slough Creek. Camping is not available at Old Faithful . If you are traveling with a group of bicyclists, call Xanterra Parks and Resorts prior to your arrival to check on group campsite availability; not all campgrounds can accommodate groups. If you have access to a vehicle, use it to find a campsite in your destination campground early each day.

Bicyclists camping without a vehicle can use designated hiker/biker sites for $ 4.00 per individual per night. All other vehicle campsites range from $ 10 to $ 16 per night depending on the campground. Opening and closing dates vary considerably for each campground.

Camping Rules

Camping or overnight vehicle parking in pullouts, picnic areas, picnic grounds, or any place other than a designated campground are not permitted and there are no overflow camping facilities. However, camping is often available in neighboring communities and forests outside the park.

Camping is limited to 14 days between June 15 and September 15 and to 30 days the rest of the year. There is no limit at Fishing Bridge RV Park. Check-out time for all campgrounds is 10:00 AM.

Quiet Hours

Camping in Yellowstone is a special experience. Each visitor deserves the opportunity to hear the birds, wildlife, and streams in this beautiful environment. Respect the rights of other campers and comply with the law by adhering to quiet hours, 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM (10:00 PM to 7:00 AM at Fishing Bridge RV Park). No generators, or other noise disturbances will be allowed during this time. Generators are only permitted in six campgrounds and the Fishing Bridge RV Park.

Golden Age / Golden Access Discounts

Holders of Golden Age and Golden Access permits will be given approximately 50% discounts on camping fees. This does not apply at Fishing Bridge RV Park.

Group Camping

Group camping areas are available at Madison, Grant, and Bridge Bay campgrounds from late May through the closing date for large organized groups with a designated leader such as youth groups or educational groups. The fees range from $45-$75 per night, depending on the size of the group. Advance reservations are required and can be made by writing:

Yellowstone National Park Lodges

PO Box 165

Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190

or by calling: 307-344-7311.

Since food and odors attract bears, items such as cooking stoves, utensils, coolers, trash bags, food, and toiletries may not be left outside or in tents or tent trailers, unless they are in immediate use!

Campgrounds you can reserve online

Basin Station Cabin Campground

Mileage:8 mi

Description: The Basin Station Cabin is located about 9 miles west of West Yellowstone, Montana. West Yellowstone is the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park. The cabin is a rustic drive-to cabin located immediately adjacent to a heavily traveled county road. It has one double bed and one set of bunks with no mattresses or pads, wood stove, dishes, pots and pans, ax, shovel, broom, mop, table and chairs. Maximum party size for the cabin is 4 people. Visitors should bring their own equipment, including a camp stove, lanterns (please no candles), toilet paper, bedding/padding/pillow, drinking water, and garbage bags. An outhouse is located just north of the cabin. Firewood provided for wood stove only. Recreation opportunities in the area include lake fishing and boating (Hebgen Lake), biking, hiking, hunting. A developed campground and public boat launch are located about 2 miles north of the cabin. Winter access is by cross-country skiing/snowshoeing or snowmobiling 2 miles from Highway 20. Stock and stock trailers must be kept outside the fenced yard. Hay and feed brought in must be Montana weed-free certified. For a list of Montana certified producers, visit or contact the Hebgen Lake Ranger District during regular business hours, M-F (406) 823-6961. For local events please visit : www.westyellowstonechamber.com
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Big Springs Warming Hut Campground

Mileage:16 mi

Description: None
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Flat Rock (idaho) Campground

Mileage:16 mi

Description: Flat Rock Campground is located 22 miles south of West Yellowstone, Montana. The campground is adjacent to the Snake River, and Highway 20 is 100 yards from the campground entrance. There is a campground host on site. Most of the sites in the campground are shaded. Amenities include restrooms and accessible flush toilets in Loop B. The Island Park Rodeo is the first Saturday in August and is a popular event.
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Cabin Creek Cabin Campground

Mileage:17 mi

Description: Cabin Creek Cabin was built in the 1930's by the Civil Conservation Corp. The cabin is located in a high elevation, alpine forest. Cabin Creek Cabin has rustic accommodations, including a wood stove and vault toilet. The maximum party size for the cabin is 4 people. The cabin has one room with a set of bunks and 3 fold-out cots, wood (heat) stove, dishes, pots and pans, ax, shovel, broom, mop, table and chairs. There is no electricity or water. Visitors should bring their own equipment, including a camp stove, lanters (please no candles), toilet paper, bedding/padding, and pillow. NO FIREWOOD PROVIDED. During the winter months, renters should haul firewood as there is very limited firewood available to gather. Summer access is approximately 6 miles by hiking, horseback or OHV. Winter access it about 12 miles over snow. WITHIN FACILITY: Broom & Dust Pan Dishes & Tableware Outhouse Pots & Pans Stove Table & Chairs AREA AMENITIES: Cabin Rental Hiking Trail Hitching Rails Horse Trail Horseback Riding Hunting Mountain Biking Scenery Skiing Snowshoeing Wildlife Viewing
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Upper Coffee Pot Campground

Mileage:18 mi

Description: Campground stretches along a floatable section of Henry's Fork of the Snake River. All campsites have view of river and some are adjacent to the river. Nature walks are held on Saturday; check bulletin board for location, time and subject. Boat rentals, showers, laundry, supplies are available at intersection of Big Springs Ave. and US 20. Island Park Rodeo is 1st weekend in August.
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Mccrea Bridge Campground

Mileage:20 mi

Description: Located twenty-seven miles south of West Yellowstone, Montana, at the backwaters of Island Park Reservoir. The area is slightly shaded. Restrooms and power boat launch are provided. Popular activities include bridge fishing, trout fishing, power boating and water skiing. There are some sites on a first come, first serve (no reservation) basis. No horses. Maximum eight people per site. There is no reservoir access from here in August due to low water. Maximum of two vehicles per site.
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Buffalo (idaho) Campground

Mileage:21 mi

Description: Park Reservable May 24, 2007 to Sept 15, 2007 Located 26 miles south of West Yellowstone, Montana, on the Buffalo River. Pine and aspen trees provide some shade. There is a lodge and grocery store nearby. Restrooms are provided. Loop B has accessible flush restrooms, and the fishing dock is barrier-free. Popular activities include trout fishing and canoeing. The Island Park Rodeo is the first Saturday in August. There is a campground host on site.
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Beaver Creek Cabin Campground

Mileage:22 mi

Description: The Beaver Creek Cabin is located 26 miles northwest of West Yellowstone, MT. The cabin is a rustic cabin located up a narrow road in a wooded canyon. The maximum party size for the cabin is 4 people. The Beaver Creek Cabin has one set of bunks, a small loft, wood stove, dishes, pots, pans, table and chairs, ax, shovel, broom and mop. There is no electricity or water. Visitors should bring their own equipment, including a camp stove, lanterns (please no candles), toilet paper, bedding/padding, pillow. An outhouse is located just west of the cabin. Firewood is provided for wood stove only. Recreation opportunities in the area include nearby access to the Lee Metcalf Wilderness. There are many trailheads in the vicinity to access the wilderness and also the Gallatin National Forest. Winter access is by cross-country skiing or snowmobiling 3.5 miles from Highway 287.Nearby Attractions:Hegben Lake, Quake Lake and Madison River and the Visitor's Center are all within 10 miles of the facility.
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Buttermilk Campground

Mileage:23 mi

Description: This Campground is on Island park Reservoir and most sites have some shade. Nearby there is a power boat ramp and a small grocery store. On site there are 2 campground hosts. In the group area of the campground there are shore trout fishing, volleyball area, and horseshoe pits. Each single site is allowed 1 RV, and each double site is allowed 2 RV's A fee of $6 per extra vehicle will be collected at the campground. No All Terrain Vehicles or Off-Road Vehicles allowed in the park.
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Wapiti Cabin Campground

Mileage:28 mi

Description: The Wapiti Cabin is located 13 miles south of Big Sky, MT. The cabin is a rustic cabin located on a hill top meadow lined with trees Contains one room with 4 cots, wood (heat) stove, and a outhouse outside. There is no electricity or water. Visitors should bring their own equipment, including a camp stove, lanterns (please no candles), toilet paper, bedding/padding/pillow, drinking water, and garbage bags. Firewood is provided for the wood stove only. Recreation opportunities in the area include several trailheads. Access to the Big Sky Snowmobile trail is next to the cabin. Hay and feed brought in must be Montana weed-free certified. For a list of Montana certified producers, visit, or contact the Hebgen Lake Ranger District during regular business hours, M-F (406) 823-6961. The maximum party size is 4 people.
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Note: All mileage numbers are "as the crow flies"