Canyon Campground is a 273-site campground in the Canyon Area of Yellowstone National Park. It is shady and lies in the middle of a lodgepole pine forest.
Canyon Campground
The Canyon Campground is centrally located in the Canyon Area, giving guests access to most of the park's amenities, including a general store, gas station, post office, restaurants, lodging, and more.
The area is home to one of Yellowstone's star attractions, The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. This is the primary geologic feature in the canyon area and is showcased with the North Rim Drive and South Rim Drive, which include spectacular views at Upper Falls Viewpoint and the famous Lower Falls viewpoint at Artist's Point.
Visitors can also take a short drive to Hayden Valley, one of the park's most scenic areas and a great place to see wildlife! You can also spend the day driving over Mt Washburn and explore Lamar Valley or explore Lake Yellowstone.
Reservations are accepted for the campground starting May 1st of the year before you are planning to camp.
During the early season, the park may still experience snow and heavy rain, so you will want to be prepared for multiple weather conditions.
Yellowstone National Park Entrance Fee
Park entrance fees are separate from camping and lodging fees.
Park Entrance Pass - $35.00 Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle/snowmobile - $30.00 Per motorcycle/snowmobile (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Per-Person Entrance Pass - $20.00 Visitors 16 years or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.
Annual Park Entrance Pass - $70.00, Admits pass holder and all passengers in a non-commercial vehicle. Valid for one year from the month of purchase.
$20.00 for non-commercial groups (16+ persons)
$20.00 for a Commercial Sedan with 1-6 seats. The cost is $25.00 + $20.00 per person.
$125 for a Commercial Van with 7-15 seats
$200.00 for a Commercial Mini-bus with 16-25 seats
$300.00 for a Commercial Motor Coach with 26+ seats
Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.
$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.
Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.
National Park Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.
Canyon Campground Map
Canyon Campground Camping Fees
Make sure to check with the park for the most updated camping fees.
Rates do not include taxes or utility fees and are subject to change.
Interagency Access Pass (Disability) and Senior Pass (formerly known as the Golden Age or Golden Access Pass) holders receive a 50% discount. Use PROMO CODE PASS when booking your reservation online.
Canyon Campground Reservations
Are Campground Reservations Available? Canyon Campground is typically open from early June to mid-September.
Yellowstone National Park Lodges provides reservations for this campground.
Phone Number: (307)344-7311 or (307-344-5395 for TDD service)
Online Reservations: Click here to make your reservation at Canyon Campground.
You can request a specific site but you are not guaranteed that you will get that site. Sites depend on what is available for the number of nights you are staying in the campground.
Campground Information
Season: The campground is only open during summer, typically around the first of June through mid-September.
Number of Sites: 273
Campground Address: 27 Andesite Ln, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
Latitude/Longitude: N 44 44.118 W110 29 17
Elevation: 7,900 feet (2408 m)
Campground Physical Address:
GPS Coordinates N 44 44.118 W110 29 17
Yellowstone National Park, WY. 82190
Accessible Sites: Three accessible sites in Loop L, with an extended picnic table and a raised fire grate.
Accessible restrooms are located near the accessible sites. (The camper services building is not accessible.)
Location in the park: Located off the Grand Loop Road near Canyon Village and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.
The campground is close to a visitor center, the Canyon Lodge, which has multiple dining options.
Canyon Campground Amenities
There are pay showers and laundry facilities located in Canyon Campground Camper Services. Your camping fee includes 2 showers per night.
There are 5 public restrooms with flush toilets and faucets with cold running water.
Each campsite includes a table and a fire ring.
Flush Toilets: Yes, seasonal
Hot Showers: Yes, seasonal
Laundry: Yes, seasonal
Payphone: Yes
Is WIFI available? No
Is Cellular Phone Service Available? There is a cell phone tower near Canyon Village: check with your provider to verify coverage.
We had intermittent service with T-Mobile.
Is a camp host available on-site? Yes
Is firewood available for purchase? Yes, firewood is for sale in Canyon Village
Bear Box in site/area? Yes, Bear boxes are available for most tent sites.
Campground Amphitheater: Yes, seasonal
Amenities at each campsite:
Is there a fire ring/fire pit available in the site? Yes
Is there a Picnic Table available in the site? Yes
Is potable Water available? Yes
There was ice available near the front entrance to the campground
RV Camping at Canyon Campground
When calling to make a reservation, be prepared to give the size of your tent (in feet) or the combined length of your RV and any other vehicles or towed vehicles.
Sites that accommodate RVs at Canyon, Bridge Bay, Grant Village, and Madison campgrounds are either pull-through or back-in with limited width for slide-outs and MAY NOT BE LEVEL.
RV Length: Campground sites that will accommodate a maximum combined length of 40 feet or more are limited. Most campsites in Yellowstone will not accommodate oversized units.
Generators: Generators can be used from 8 am - 8 pm.
Dump Station: Yes, near the front entrance to the campground
Hookups:
There are no sites available with electric hookups, water hookups, or sewer hookups.
How to get to Canyon Campground
The campground is located off of the Grand Loop Road.
Canyon Campground Regulations
The maximum number of people in a campsite: Maximum 6 persons per site
The number of cars per campsite: Tent sites allow for up to two tents and two vehicles. RV sites allow for one RV (tow included) only. (For reference, 2 motorcycles = 1 vehicle)
Check-in Time: Check in any time of day when there is an unoccupied site.
Checkout time: 11 AM.
Quiet Hours: Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
Maximum Stay: Camping is limited to 14 days from July 1 through Labor Day, and 30 days for the rest of the year. There is no stay limit at the Fishing Bridge RV Park.
Pets Allowed: Yes, You will want to be aware of the park pet policy
Don't forget to pack
Don't forget to pack
Insect repellent is always a great idea outdoors, especially around any body of water.
We use Permethrin Spray on our clothes before our park trips. Please read my article on preventing biting insects while enjoying the outdoors.
Sunscreen - I buy environmentally friendly sunscreen whenever possible because you inevitably pull it out at the beach.
Bring your water bottle and plenty of water with you. Plastic water bottles are not sold in the park.
Sunglasses - I always bring sunglasses with me. I personally love Goodr sunglasses because they are lightweight, durable, and have awesome National Park Designs from several National Parks like Joshua Tree, Yellowstone, Hawaii Volcanoes, Acadia, Denali, and more!
Click here to get your National Parks Edition of Goodr Sunglasses!
Binoculars/Spotting Scope - These will help spot birds and wildlife and make them easier to identify. We tend to see waterfowl in the distance, and they are always just a bit too far to identify them without binoculars.
Lodging Options
Lodging options outside the park include several options in Gardiner, Montana, and West Yellowstone, Montana
Lodging options inside the park near the Canyon Campground include:
Canyon Lodge and Cabins - This beautiful lodge has breakfast available, a restaurant, a laundry, free self-parking, horseback riding/rentals, a grocery/convenience store, an elevator, a nice fireplace in the hotel lodge, and several room-type options.
Click here to book your stay at Canyon Lodge and Cabins.
Lake Lodge Cabins - These cabins are located on the Northern end of Lake Yellowstone and have breakfast available, a bar, a restaurant, free self-parking, shopping, a gift shop/newsstand, a fireplace in the lobby, and several room types available.
Click here to book your stay at Lake Lodge Cabins.
Grant Village Lodge - is located near the West Thumb Geyser Basin lies Grant Village and makes the ideal spot for those who wish to explore both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. This lodge has 300 guest rooms spread across six two story hotel rooms and the dining room has EPIC VIEWS of Lake Yellowstone! Don't forget to make dinner reservations ahead of time. Click here to book your stay at Grant Village Lodge.
Roosevelt Lodge and Cabins - The closest lodge in the park to Lamar Valley and Tower Fall Campground. They have breakfast available, a bar, a restaurant, free self-parking, horseback riding/rentals, a stagecoach adventure, and an Old West Dinner Cookout! This is the perfect place to turn off your phone and relax, after all, there is no WIFI here and nature/wildlife is the star attraction.
Click here to book your stay at Roosevelt Lodge and Cabins.
Canyon Campground Photos
Nearby hikes include Cascade Lake, Mount Washburn, and the Canyon Rim trails.
A- Loop Campsites (1-30)
B - Loop campsites (31-50), Tent only with lots of tree cover
C - Loop Campsites (51-71), Tent only, Campsite #63 is a large campsite
D - Loop Campsites (72-89), Tent Only
E - Loop Campsites (90-103), Tent Only
F - Loop Campsites (104-140)
H/I - Loop Campsites (150-186)
J - Loop Campsites (187-210)
K - Loop Campsites (220-247)
L - Loop Campsites (248-276), Mixed RV and Tent sites.
Fun Yellowstone National Park Tours and Activities
4-Hour Morning Kayak on Yellowstone Lake with Lunch- Admire the tree-fringed banks, beaches, and thermal pools of Yellowstone Lake from the water on this morning tour.
After a kayak lesson and time to familiarize yourself with your kayak, set out to explore the West Thumb with your guide. You will paddle for approximately two miles along the West Thumb Geyser Basin as you look for elk and bear along the lakeshore and marvel at the steaming geysers in this incredible area of the park!
Click here to book your tour for the 4-hour Morning Kayak on Yellowstone Lake with Lunch!
Lamar Valley Safari Hiking Tour with Lunch - the lush riverside plains of the Lamar Valley are a wildlife watching hotspot within Yellowstone National Park. With this guided hike, you get to explore the natural landscapes as you venture off-road and seek out little-known spots, increasing your chances of seeing wildlife. Look out for buffalo, wolves, eagles, and other animals along the way and watch them from a safe distance in their natural habitat. Tour includes lunch, bear spray, binoculars, trekking pole, backpack(if necessary), coffee and/or tea.
Click here to book your tour for the Lamar Valley Safari Hiking Tour with Lunch.
Yellowstone National Park Private Wildlife Tour - Book your private tour with Yellowstone Exposures to ensure a truly unforgettable day with a local expert. Have your day designed and mapped for you by a local professional so that you can utilize it to the fullest.
With snacks, High-quality spotting scopes and binos. Your guide will take photos and video throughout the day. Included a full picnic lunch, snacks, and refreshments.
Click here to book your tour for the Yellowstone National Park Private Wildlife Tour.
Additional Yellowstone National Park Resources
Yellowstone National Park Guide - Your complete guide to exploring the world's first National Park!
Things to do in Yellowstone - These are the top things to do that you don't want to miss, including exploring the Mammoth Hot Springs, the Museum of the National Park Ranger, Yellowstone Waterfalls, Kayaking in Yellowstone, fishing in Yellowstone, Fairy Falls Trail, and more!
Yellowstone National Park Facts - Learn more about our 1st National Park and fun facts about the wildlife in the park.
Yellowstone Wildlife Guide- Complete Guide to seeing wildlife in Yellowstone National Park, including the most popular wildlife viewing areas, including Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley.
Yellowstone Geyser Basin Areas
Upper Geyser Basin, including Geyser Hill, Biscuit Basin, Black Sand Basin, and Old Faithful Geyser.
Midway Geyser Basin, including Grand Prismatic Spring and Firehole Lake Drive.
Lower Geyser Basin, including Fountain Paint Pot Trail and Firehole Canyon Drive
Norris Geyser Basin—This basin is known for having some of the hottest water and springs in the park. It is actually two basins: Porcelain Basin and Black Basin, with famous geysers, including Ledge Geyser, Cistern Geyser, and Steamboat Geyser.
West Thumb Geyser Basin - Beautiful boardwalk trail with hydrothermal features right next to Lake Yellowstone!
Mud Volcano - The Mud Volcano area is Located south of Canyon Village and North of Lake Yellowstone. It has several hydrothermal features, including a mud volcano and Dragon's Mouth Spring.
Yellowstone Campgrounds
Ultimate Yellowstone Camping Guide - This complete guide to camping in Yellowstone includes all front country campgrounds including: Bridge Bay Campground, Canyon Campground, Fishing Bridge RV Park, Grant Village Campground, Indian Creek Campground, Lewis Lake Campground, Madison Campground, Mammoth Campground, Norris Campground, Pebble Creek Campground, Slough Creek Campground, and Tower Fall Campground.
Yellowstone Lodging Resources
Ultimate Yellowstone National Park Lodging Guide - This complete guide to all of Yellowstone National Park's Lodges and cabins, including Canyon Lodge, Canyon Lodge Cabins, Grant Village Lodge, Lake Hotel, Lake Lodge Cabins, Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel Cabins, Old Faithful Inn, Old Faithful Lodge (Cabin Accommodations), Old Faithful Snow Lodge, and Roosevelt Lodge (cabin accommodations)
Parks near Yellowstone National Park
Grand Teron National Park
Complete Guide to Grand Teton National Park - Your complete guide to go explore Grand Teton National Park before or after you visit Yellowstone!
Grand Teton Camping Guide - Complete Guide to all of Grand Teton National Parks campgrounds.
Grand Teton Lodging Guide - Complete Guide to all of Grand Teton's Lodges.
Glacier National Park
Epic Guide to Glacier National Park - Complete guide to exploring Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park Camping Guide - Complete Guide to all of Glacier National Park front country campgrounds
Glacier National Park Lodging Guide - Complete Guide to Glacier National Park Lodges
Additional Montana National Parks
Little Bighorn Battlefield - Also known as Custer's Last Stand, a place where the Plains Tribes fought their last major battle and won.
Big Hole National Battlefield - site of the pivotal battle in the Nez Perce War of 1877 between Colonel Gibbon's troops and five bands of the Nez Perce Indians led by the famous Native American Leader, Cheif Joseph.
Grant Kohr's Ranch National Historic Site - See what ranch life was like in the 1800s in Montana
Check out all of the National Parks in Wyoming along with neighboring National Parks in Colorado, National Parks in Idaho, Montana National Parks, Nebraska National Parks, South Dakota National Parks, and Utah National Parks
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