The 10 Best Campgrounds Near Yellowstone
If you’re planning a camping adventure at America’s first national park, you won’t be disappointed. Yellowstone National Park has 12 campgrounds, with more than 2,000 car-accessible sites. Each offers unique experiences and access to the park’s breathtaking landscapes, fascinating geothermal features, and abundant wildlife. Whether you prefer rustic tent camping or the convenience of RV facilities, there’s a perfect spot for every type of camper in this awe-inspiring wonderland.
For those planning to bring their furry companions along for the journey, note that Yellowstone’s campgrounds are pet-friendly, with some basic rules to ensure the safety of your pets and the park’s wildlife. Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet and not allowed on trails, boardwalks, or in the backcountry.
Plan ahead and make your reservations early, as campsites tend to fill up quickly during peak season. So gear up, pack your tent, and get ready to discover the best camping destinations Yellowstone offers.
Bridge Bay Campground
Price: From $33 per night
Bridge Bay Campground, nestled near the shores of the magnificent Yellowstone Lake, offers a serene and captivating camping experience within the iconic Yellowstone National Park. Renowned for its breathtaking views and unparalleled access to pristine nature, the campground allows visitors to immerse themselves in the park’s vibrant ecosystem. With over 400 campsites available, Bridge Bay accommodates a diverse range of campers, from families to solo adventurers. The area boasts abundant activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and boating at the nearby Bridge Bay Marina, as well as amenities, including fire pits, picnic tables, and restrooms. Campers can unwind under the expansive sky as they enjoy the soothing sounds of the lake’s gentle waves, creating an exceptional connection with the natural beauty of Yellowstone.
Canyon Campground
Price: From $39 per night
Yellowstone’s Canyon Campground is a picturesque and highly sought-after camping destination within Yellowstone National Park. Nestled between the towering trees of the park’s northern range, the campground offers a serene and peaceful setting. It features over 270 campsites, including tent and RV sites, with amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restrooms and showers. The campground is open from late May through mid-September, and reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season. The location also provides easy access to the Yellowstone River and many popular hiking trails, including the famous Uncle Tom’s Trail, which offers a stunning view of the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River.
Fishing Bridge RV Park
Price: From $89 per night
Fishing Bridge RV Park offers a unique and comfortable camping experience for RV enthusiasts seeking to explore Yellowstone’s wonders. Conveniently situated near the historic Fishing Bridge and the mesmerizing Yellowstone Lake, this well-equipped RV park has more than 300 sites. It provides visitors various modern amenities, including full hookups, laundry facilities, and a general store. Despite its name, Fishing Bridge no longer permits fishing, but it remains an excellent spot for wildlife observation, particularly for those keen on watching cutthroat trout or grizzly bears. The area also offers access to an extensive network of hiking trails. It is an ideal base camp for adventurers eager to discover the geothermal features, lush forests, and diverse wildlife that call Yellowstone home.
Grant Village Campground
Price: From $30 per night
One of the larger campgrounds in the park, Grant Village is a beautiful and peaceful camping destination set in the park’s southwestern region. It offers more than 400 campsites for tents and RVs, with amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restrooms and showers. The campground is open from mid-June through late September. The location provides easy access to many popular attractions in the park, including the beautiful Yellowstone Lake and the nearby West Thumb Geyser Basin.
Madison Campground
Price: From $33 per night
Madison Campground is a popular and picturesque camping destination located in the western region of Yellowstone National Park. Ideally positioned at the confluence of the Madison and Firehole rivers, this scenic campground provides a tranquil setting for outdoor lovers, with over 270 campsites that cater to both tent and RV campers. Open from early May through mid-October, Madison serves as an excellent base for visiting some of the park’s most iconic attractions, including Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and the terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs. The surrounding area also boasts an extensive network of hiking trails and loads of fly-fishing opportunities.
Mammoth Campground
Price: From $25 per night
Mammoth Campground, set on a peaceful plateau near the park’s northern entrance of Yellowstone National Park, is the only campground in the park that’s open year-round, making it suitable for a wide array of campers. With 85 sites available, Mammoth is close to the historic Mammoth Hot Springs area, allowing campers to explore the park’s otherworldly travertine terraces easily. Meanwhile, the nearby Albright Visitor Center offers valuable insight into the park’s history, wildlife, and geology—and free Wi-Fi.
Slough Creek Campground
Price: From $20 per night
Slough Creek Campground is a hidden gem tucked away in the northeastern corner of Yellowstone National Park. With just 16 campsites available, this rustic and remote campground provides an intimate and serene atmosphere for those looking to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the surrounding wilderness. Renowned for its world-class fly fishing opportunities along the pristine waters of Slough Creek, the area attracts anglers eager to cast their lines for native cutthroat trout and serves as an excellent base for wildlife enthusiasts, as it is situated in the heart of the famed Lamar Valley, known as the “Serengeti of North America” due to its incredible wildlife diversity, including wolves, bison, elk, and bears.
Tower Fall Campground
Price: From $20 per night
Named after the nearby Tower Fall, a stunning 132-foot waterfall plunging into the rugged Yellowstone River, this intimate campground features 31 campsites, accommodating both tent and RV campers, albeit no hook-ups. The area provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking trails that lead to panoramic views of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and the verdant Lamar Valley. Wildlife enthusiasts can frequently spot bears, bison, and various bird species.
West Yellowstone KOA
Price: From $49 per night
Set 6 miles from the park’s west entrance, West Yellowstone KOA offers a comfortable and family-friendly camping experience with a variety of amenities and accommodations to suit every traveler’s needs. This well-maintained campground boasts a range of camping options, including tent sites, RV sites with full hookups, and cozy cabins. Campers can also enjoy the vast facilities, which include a heated indoor pool, a playground, mini-golf, and a well-stocked general store. The campground’s prime location provides easy access to Yellowstone, while the town of West Yellowstone has many dining and shopping options and the informative Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center.
Indian Creek Campground
Price: From $20 per night
Indian Creek Campground, a secluded haven in the park’s northern region, has 70 campsites, accommodating tents and smaller RV campers in a picturesque, forested setting away from a main road. The campground is near the striking Obsidian Cliff and the captivating Norris Geyser Basin. It is surrounded by a variety of hiking trails, leading campers through dense forests, open meadows, and along babbling creeks. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in spotting bison, elk, and plenty of birds in the area.
Source: https://outdoors.com/campgrounds-near-yellowstone/
