Lewis Lake Campground is an 85-site campground located in the southern portion of Yellowstone National Park. It is the closest campground to the southern entrance.
Here are my top finds for Canyon & Grant Areas of Yellowstone NP
🏨Lodges: Canyon Lodge, Grant Village, Lake Yellowstone Hotel
📍Tours: Yellowstone Lake Morning Kayak Tour with Lunch, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Loop Hike with Lunch
🐻 Save time! Buy your National Park Pass before your trip
Lewis Lake Campground - Yellowstone National Park
Lewis Lake is named after Meriweather Lewis, the commander of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The Lewis Lake Campground Yellowstone is just steps away from the southeast shore of Lewis Lake, the third-largest of Yellowstone's fresh water high elevation lakes and only 10 miles south of Lake Yellowstone. other natural features include Lewis Falls It is no surprise that the lake is popular for fishing and has Brown Trout, Brook Trout and Lake Trout. People can bring non-motorized boats, motorized boats, a canoe, and/or a kayak to enjoy the lake. Just remember that all vessels must first get an aquatic invasive species inspection performed by park staff before launching into the water. Call (307)344-2107 for general information. Nearby attractions include Moose Falls, Lewis Falls, and the West Thumb Geyser Basin. You can also visit The Upper Geyser Basin, Old Faithful, and Yellowstone Lake.
Lewis Lake Campground Map
Lewis Lake Camping Fees
Make sure to check with the park for the most updated camping fees. Interagency Access Pass (Disability) and Senior Pass (formerly known as the Golden Age or Golden Access Pass) holders receive a 50% discount. Rates do not include taxes or utility fees and are subject to change.
Lewis Lake Campground Reservations
80% of sites are reservable six months in advance, while the remaining 20% of sites are available two weeks in advance.
Are Campground Reservations Available? Yes, Lewis Lake Campground is typically open from June through mid-October
Phone Number: (877) 444-6777
On-line Reservations: Click here to make a reservation at Lewis Lake Campground.
How far ahead can you make a reservation? Individual sites at Lewis Lake Campground operate on a six-month rolling basis.
Campground Information
Season: The campground is only open in summer and fall June 15 - November 1, 2020
Number of Sites: 85
Campground Address:
GPS N 44.2822056 W 110.6279873
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
Latitude/Longitude: N: 44 16.93236 W: 110 37.67922
Elevation: 7,800 ft (2377 m)
Accessible Sites: There are no Accessible sites at Lewis Lake Campground. The bathrooms and Ranger Station at Lewis Lake Campground are accessible. Campsite C30 has features that provide better accessibility than others. Location in the park: Eight miles from the South Entrance
Lewis Lake Campground Amenities
Flush Toilets: No, vault toilets are available
Hot Showers: No
Laundry: No
Payphone: No
Is WIFI available? No
Is Cellular Phone Service Available? No
Is a camp host available on-site? Yes
Is firewood available for purchase? No
Bear Box/ food storage locker in site/area? Yes, Bear boxes are available for most tent sites.
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, don't forget to bring a water jug to bring water to your campsite.
RV Camping at Lewis Lake Campground
RV Max Length: The total length limit is 25 feet (7.6 m).
Generators: No generators are allowed in the campground
Dump Station: No
Hookups: There are no sites available with electric hookups, water hookups, or sewer hookups.
How to get to Lewis Lake Campground
Located on the main road between the South Entrance and West Thumb.
Lewis Lake 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). All wheeled vehicles including trailers and motorcycles, must stay on established roadways or parking areas.
Check-in Time: Check-in any time of day that there is an unoccupied site. Checkout time: 10 AM.
Quiet Hours: Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 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: Pets must be physically controlled at all times: they must be in a car, in a crate, or on a leash no more than six feet long. They are not allowed on trails or boardwalks, in the backcountry, or in thermal areas. You will want to be aware of the park pet policy
Best Yellowstone National Park Tours & Activities
Yellowstone Lake Morning Kayak Tour with Lunch
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars (206+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 4 hours | 🛶🌋 Check Rates and Availability
This morning kayak tour is one of the most unique ways to experience Yellowstone, Guests will paddle on Yellowstone Lake for approximately 6 miles along the shore of the West Thumb. Geysers and hot springs visible only from the water are a highlight, along with frequent wildlife sightings including elk, waterfowl, bears, and bald eagles along the shoreline. A full brown bag lunch with sandwich, fruit, chips, and snacks is included, along with hot coffee or tea, a kayak, paddle, life vest, paddle jacket, and dry bag. Suitable for first-time kayakers and experienced paddlers alike.
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Rim and Loop Hike with Lunch
⭐️ Rating: 4.8 out of 5 Stars (407+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 6 hours | 🥾🏔️ Check Rates and Availability
This guided loop hike is one of the most spectacular half-day experiences in the park and a favorite that many visitors call the highlight of their entire trip. Unlike the Lamar Valley hike, this one focuses on Yellowstone's dramatic canyon country, hugging the rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River with jaw-dropping views of the Upper and Lower Falls before looping through forest trails to hidden lakes, mud pots, and steam vents that most visitors never find on their own. A packed lunch is included, along with bear spray and binoculars.
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Yellowstone and Grand Teton
⭐️ Rating: 4.7 out of 5 Stars (67+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 hours to 1 day (self-paced) | 🚗 Check Rates and Availability
This GPS-triggered audio driving tour covers both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks in a single purchase, making it one of the best values available for road trippers exploring the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem. Powered by GuideAlong, the narration fires automatically as you reach each stop, covering Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, Lamar Valley, Mammoth Hot Springs, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Jenny Lake, Mormon Row, and more, with 550-plus points of interest across both parks. Works fully offline once downloaded, so no cell service is needed anywhere in the park. One purchase covers everyone in the vehicle with no expiry, and you can start, stop, and resume any time across multiple days. Reviewers consistently say they would have missed major sights without it.
Click here to find more great Yellowstone National Park Tours.
Things to do When Camping at Lewis Lake Campground
🚣 Launch a kayak, canoe, or motorboat from the adjacent boat ramp and paddle the beautiful, calm waters of Lewis Lake
🎣 Fish Lewis Lake for lake and brown trout, including some of the largest brown trout caught anywhere in Yellowstone
🥾 Paddle or hike the Lewis River Channel connecting Lewis Lake to Shoshone Lake, the largest backcountry lake in the lower 48 states
🌊 Explore Shoshone Lake, an extraordinary and remote wilderness lake accessible only by non-motorized watercraft or hiking trail
🦬 Watch for bison, grizzly bears, moose, and river otters along the Lewis River corridor and surrounding forest
🌅 Watch sunsets over Lewis Lake from the shoreline, with the water reflecting the evening sky in extraordinary colors
📸 Photograph the lake's mirror-calm surface at dawn, when the surrounding forest and ridges reflect perfectly in the still water
🏛️ Drive north to West Thumb Geyser Basin, about 10 miles away, for the park's most unusually situated thermal features on the shore of Yellowstone Lake
🚗 Drive south through the South Entrance to Grand Teton National Park, just 22 miles away, for a full two-park day trip
🌿 Explore the Lewis Falls pullout just south of the campground, where the Lewis River drops over a beautiful basalt ledge
🌌 Stargaze under extraordinarily dark skies in one of the least light-polluted corners of the park, with the lake's surface reflecting the stars overhead
Lodging Options in the Canyon and Grant Area
⭐️ 3.9 of 5 Stars - Canyon Lodge and Cabins - Click here for Rates and Availability.
Yellowstone's largest in-park lodge with over 500 rooms and cabins, sitting just half a mile from the breathtaking Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and its thundering Upper and Lower Falls!
Choose from modern lodge rooms and suites in the Cascade and Dunraven Lodges featuring mini-fridges, coffee makers, hair dryers, and elevator access, or Western and Frontier Cabins with private bathrooms and shared front porches. The Canyon Lodge Eatery food hall features multiple dining stations including Grab and Go, Slow Fast Food, and Fresh Wok, plus the Falls Cafe, Washburn Lookout snack bar, and an Ice Creamery. Pet friendly cabins available. Open mid-May through late October!
⭐️ 4.2 of 5 Stars - Lake Yellowstone Hotel and Cabins - Click here for Rates and Availability.
The oldest operating hotel in Yellowstone National Park and a National Historic Landmark, a stunning 1891 colonial masterpiece sitting directly on the shores of Yellowstone Lake with sweeping water views!
The iconic Sunroom with its floor-to-ceiling windows and live string quartet is the most celebrated gathering place in the park, perfect for afternoon cocktails while watching bison wander the lakeshore. Choose from elegant hotel rooms and suites in the main historic building, Sandpiper Lodge rooms, or rustic lakeside cabins with private baths. The full-service Lake Hotel Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with reservations required, while a deli and gift shop round out the amenities. Free parking and porter service included. No WiFi, TVs, or air conditioning, keeping the 1920s ambiance gloriously intact. Open mid-May through early October, book well in advance!
⭐️ 3.9 of 5 Stars - Lake Lodge Cabins - Click here for Rates and Availability.
The most relaxed and affordable way to stay on Yellowstone Lake, with a classic log main lodge featuring a wide front porch lined with rocking chairs and unobstructed lake views that rival anything in the park!
The 186 cabins come in three styles ranging from the basic rustic Pioneer cabins to the spacious and renovated Western cabins, all with private bathrooms, heat, coffee makers, and fans. Wylie's Canteen serves casual American comfort food with lake views, the Map Room Bar is perfect for post-hike drinks, and a gift shop and coin-operated laundry are on site. No WiFi, TVs, or air conditioning. Pet friendly in select cabins, free parking. Open early June through early October!
⭐️ 3.8 of 5 Stars - Grant Village Lodge - Click here for Rates and Availability.
The most modern and family-friendly lodging option near Yellowstone Lake, sitting on the southwest shore just 2 miles from the spectacular West Thumb Geyser Basin where hydrothermal features bubble and steam directly into the lake!
The 300 motel-style rooms are spread across six lodge buildings featuring private bathrooms, heating, fans, and coffee makers, with pet friendly rooms available. On-site amenities include two restaurants, a bar and lounge, gift shop, general store, coin-operated laundry, and the closest lodging to the South Entrance for visitors arriving from Grand Teton National Park. Free parking and open late May through late September!
Click this link or the map below for a complete list of hotels and vacation rentals in the Gardiner, Montana Area.
https://www.stay22.com/embed/668d9fc09193e822c63b0a1b
Yellowstone National Park Entrance Fee
New in 2026: Each Non-US Resident aged 16 and older visiting Yellowstone National Park must pay a $100 nonresident fee (in addition to the standard entrance fee), unless admitted with an annual or America the Beautiful Pass. This includes nonresidents entering as part of a commercial tour group, commercial use authorization (CUA) group, or concessioner tour group.
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 - $30.00 Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Park Entrance Pass - Snowmobile - $30.00 Entry for one driver and one passenger (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 Group (16+ persons)
$20.00 for Commercial Sedan with 1-6 seats and non-commercial groups (16+ persons) ($25.00 plus $20.00 per person)
$125.00 for Commercial Van with 7-15 seats
$200.00 for Commercial Mini-Bus with 16-25 seats
$300.00 for 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 free entrance days the National Park Service offers for US citizens and residents.
Additional Yellowstone National Park Information
- 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.
- Ultimate Yellowstone National Park Lodging Guide - This complete guide to all of Yellowstone National Park's Lodges and cabins
- Ultimate Yellowstone Camping Guide - This complete guide to camping in Yellowstone includes all front country campgrounds
Yellowstone Geyser Basin Areas
- Upper Geyser Basin, including 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.
Additional Montana National Parks
- Complete Guide to Grand Teton National Park - Your complete guide to go explore Grand Teton National Park before or after you visit Yellowstone!
- Epic Guide to Glacier National Park - Complete guide to exploring Glacier National Park
- 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 Montana National Parks along with neighboring National Parks in Wyoming, National Parks in South Dakota, North Dakota National Parks, and Idaho National Parks.
Make sure to follow Park Ranger John on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok
Lewis Lake Campground Photos
The 1st loop is hiker-biker sites. There is an outhouse in the loop. The B-loop can have some road noise. The A-loop sites are really close together.
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