Where To Camp Around Yellowstone?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  • Baker’s Hole Campground : 3 miles.
  • Rainbow Point Campground : 10 miles.
  • Lonesomehurst Campground : 12 miles.
  • Cherry Creek Campground : 14 miles.
  • Spring Creek Campground : 18 miles.
  • Cabin Creek Campground : 22 miles.
  • Beaver Creek Campground : 24 miles.

Can you camp outside of a campground in Yellowstone?

What many people don’t know is that

there are amazing campgrounds just outside Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks

. These incredibly scenic spots won’t add much driving time to your vacation and are often significantly less crowded.

Where can you camp if Yellowstone is full?

  • Bridge Bay Campground.
  • Canyon Campground.
  • Fishing Bridge RV Park.
  • Grant Village Campground.
  • Indian Creek Campground.
  • Lewis Lake Campground.
  • Madison Campground.
  • Mammoth Campground.

Can you free camp at Yellowstone?


There is free camping located inside of the national park, the north entrance, east entrance, south entrance, west entrance

. The only location without free camping is the northeast entrance. There is a few spots but they are all around an hour and a halfway from the gate, which makes it pointless to camp there.

Is tent camping in Yellowstone safe?


Thousands of people camp in tents every year in Yellowstone and have a wonderful and safe experience

. However, if your apprehension of sleeping in a tent is so severe that you won’t be able to relax and enjoy yourself then you might do better staying in a cabin in the park.

Is there BLM land near Yellowstone?


The Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone flows through the Shoshone National Forest through the awesome Clarks Fork Canyon into BLM-administered public lands, located just inside the mouth of the canyon

. The unparalleled landscape and recreational opportunities create an unforgettable experience.

Is RV Boondocking allowed in Yellowstone?


Yes, boondocking is allowed in Yellowstone National Park

. However, boondocking is limited to just tent camping only, and only in specific areas of the park. Yellowstone also requires campers to obtain permits. These boondocking permits require advance reservations.

How strict is Yellowstone on tent size?

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.

Can you sleep in your car in Yellowstone?

Can I sleep in my car in Yellowstone?

No, but paid campsites will allow you to sleep in your car if you insist

. Yellowstone does not allow overnight parking in attraction parking lots, trailheads, or on the roadside. Only visitors who have reserved rooms one of the many lodging options can park their cars overnight.

How many days do you need in Yellowstone?

You should plan to spend at least

2 to 3 days

in Yellowstone National Park. Two days gives you enough time to see the most popular destinations. Adding a third day gives you time to explore some less visited and off-the-beaten-path attractions.

How far in advance can you book Yellowstone camping?

Reservations open up

6 months in advance of the exact date you want to begin camping

. Create an account and pick a site in advance so that you can be ready to hit reserve as soon as they open up at 8 a.m. MST.

Can you go in hot springs in Yellowstone?

Yellowstone National Park

The first area you can swim in Yellowstone is at Boiling River near Mammoth.

There’s a section of the Gardiner River where hot springs well up

, and by adjusting the rocks you can mix the hot and cold water for a pleasant soak.

Is it better to stay in Yellowstone or outside?

Because Yellowstone has five different entrances into the park, it’s easy to stay close to the park without actually being in the park.

I recommend staying outside of Yellowstone if you want nicer amenities, cheaper prices, or more dining and activity options

.

How common are bear attacks in Yellowstone?

The park reports there is

an average of one bear attack at Yellowstone each year

. The most gruesome attacks at the park occurred in 2011 and 2015, where three people were killed by bears.

Can you drink alcohol in Yellowstone National Park?

Thanks to lax rules on public drinking in Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho—the three states that Yellowstone straddles—

drinking (within reason) is allowed in most places in Yellowstone National Park

.

How do you get a first come first serve campsite at Yellowstone?

The “first-come, first-served” jargon is really park service code for “

arrive early in the morning to ensure your spot for the night

.” During the height of the summer season, don’t expect to show up at a campground at 5 p.m. and get a campsite. They will all be taken.

Can you camp at Yellowstone right now?

First-Come, First-Served Campgrounds in Yellowstone.


As of 2022 all camping is Yellowstone National Park is reserveable

. However, it may still be possible to get last-minute, first-come, first-served campsites in Yellowstone National Park.

Can you swim in the Yellowstone Lake?


Swimming is permitted in Yellowstone, but only in some locations, such as the Boiling River and Firehole River Swim Areas

. The park spans 3,468 square miles and is home to canyons, rivers, streams, and mountain ranges. It’s easy to be tempted to swim in areas where it’s illegal, so now the rules before you go or try.

Are reservations required for Yellowstone?

While

Yellowstone does require camping and lodging reservations

, there’s no need to pre-book for entry. But the park still has an alert on its site: “Keep in mind summer is busy, so be prepared for crowds at popular areas and lines at the entrance gates, in construction areas, and at roadside wildlife sightings.

Can you drive an RV through Yellowstone?


RVs are welcome at all campgrounds within Yellowstone

(size restrictions may apply). Five campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park require reservations. They include Bridge Bay, Canyon, Fishing Bridge, Grant, and Madison.

Are there public showers in Yellowstone?

In Yellowstone Park,

public showers can be found at Grant Village Campground and Canyon Campground

(Fishing Bridge RV Campground also has public showers but they are closed all of 2019 summer season for renovation).

Can you camp overnight in Yellowstone?

5. Yellowstone 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.

How much is RV camping at Yellowstone?

How much will it cost to camp in Yellowstone? Campsites cost as little as at

$15 per night, per site

. Most campgrounds with more amenities such as flush toilets and nearby laundry facilities range from $20 to $31 per night.

Is Baker’s Hole campground open?

The campground

typically opens in early May through September 30

. The largest parking spur is 30′ X 40′. Maximum stay is 16 days.

Can you backpack in Yellowstone?

Yellowstone Backpacking Permits


To hike and camp in Yellowstone’s backcountry, you are required to have permits

. The permits are issued based on nights in campsites. Individual campsites have different capacities.

Do any campgrounds in Yellowstone have electricity?

Highway 191 – Yellowstone West Entrance

Rainbow Point Campground – Reservations and electricity are available at this 26 site campground 10 miles from the park. Lonesomehurst Campground – Reservations available, and

5 of the 27 campsites have electricity

. 12 miles from Yellowstone National Park.

How often does Old Faithful erupt?

The world’s most famous geyser, Old Faithful in Yellowstone, currently erupts

around 20 times a day

. These eruptions are predicted with a 90 percent confidence rate, within a 10 minute variation, based on the duration and height of the previous eruption.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.