Madison Campground - Yellowstone National Park

Located near the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park the Madison Campground is extremely popular.

This campground has great amenities and is located in a wonderful part of the park. Right off of the main loop road you can easily visit the Old Faithful area, the town of West Yellowstone, Grand Prismatic Spring, Firehole Lake Drive, geyser basins, and more

Madison Campground is one of the five campgrounds in Yellowstone that takes reservations. 

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Madison Campground

Check out our ultimate Yellowstone Camping guide to learn about each campground within the park. Madison Campground is centrally located on the west side of Yellowstone NP. The campground is set close to many of the highlights of Yellowstone including Grand Prismatic Spring, Firehole Lake Drive, Madison River, and Norris Geyser Basin. 

It is a nice campground to start a trip to Yellowstone and get a feel for the park. 

Season: May - October

Number of Sites:  278

Location in the park: 14 miles east of the town of West Yellowstone and 16 miles north of Old Faithful.

Campsite cost: Make sure to check with the park for the most up-to-date camping fees

Interagency Access and Senior Pass holders receive a 50% discount.

Reservations: Yes, see below for more details 

Latitude/Longitude: N 44 38.725 W 110 51.687

Elevation: 6,800 feet (2073 m)

Accessible Sites: Three accessible campsites (reservable), with an extended picnic table and a raised fire grate.

The closest accessible shower is at Old Faithful Inn (16 mi. south).

Pets Allowed: Yes, You will want to be aware of the park pet policy

Madison Campground Reservations

Are campground Reservations Available? Yes

Yellowstone Campground reservations open on May 1 for the next year.

Example May 1, 2025 = Summer 2026 reservations

May 1, 2026 = Summer 2027 reservations

Reservations are done through the lodging reservation site or by calling Reservations Office

Open Daily
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. MDT
Call Direct at +1-307-344-7311

You will need to know the dimensions of your tent (in feet) and/or the combined dimension of your RV and any other vehicles or towed vehicles. (e.g the length of your truck in addition to the length of your trailer when fully open.)

You want to make sure that if there is a chance your tent or RV may change you reserve a site for the largest one. If you arrive in the campground with a larger RV or tent then you made a reservation for you may not have a spot you fit in.

Specific sites can be requested but are not guaranteed. Site allocation depends on reservations, sizes requested, and the number of nights. The campsites are handled similarly to hotel rooms and designated on the day of use. 

Madison Campground Amenities

Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring. The campground frequently has ranger programs, especially during the busy summer months. 

Flush Toilets: Yes

Showers: No

Payphone: Yes

Is wifi available? No 

Is cellular Phone Service Available? No

Is camp host available on site? Yes

Is firewood available for purchase? Yes

Amenities at each campsite:

Firepit in the site? Yes

Picnic Table in the site? Yes

Bear Box in site/area? Yes, Bear boxes are available for most tent sites.

Potable Water? Yes

RV Camping at Madison 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.

RV Length:  Total vehicle length can not exceed 30'

Sites that accommodate RVs are either pull-through or back-in with limited width for slide-outs and MAY NOT BE LEVEL

Dump Station: Yes, seasonally open

Generators: Generators can be used from 8 am - 8 pm.

Hookups: No

How to get to Madison Campground

This campground is reached by the Grand Loop Road and is near the intersection of the road that leads to the West Entrance. It is 14 miles east of the West Entrance and 16 miles north of Old Faithful.

Yellowstone National Park Tours and Activities

Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks
⭐️ Rating: 4.6 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 hours to 1 day | 🔊Check Rates and Availability

See the highlights of Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park without worrying about going with a tour group. This audio tour lets you navigate the way to see what you are intrested in the most, or you can use a planned out itinerary. Plus, this audio tour works even if your smartphone doesen't have service or WIFI.

Full-Day Guided Yellowstone Day Tour
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 11-12 hours |  🚌Check Rates and Availability

Leave the planning of a Yellowstone Adventure up to us and we'll have a spectacular day to savor in the world's first national park while you relax and take in the views. This tour focuses on Yellowstone's Lower Loop, including Hayden Valley, Grand Prismatic Spring, Old Faithful, and Gibbon Falls. Pick-up and drop-off are at your hotel with a provided lunch.

6-Mile Geyser Hiking Tour in Yellowstone with Lunch
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 6 hours |  🥾Check Rates and Availability

Marvel at the geothermal landscapes of Yellowstone National Park on this guided 6-mile (9.7km) hike. While most visitors stop at Old Faithful, this hike reveals even more of the park's natural wonders, passing hissing geysers and steam vents, and steamy hot springs. This hike is approximately six hours long from the Daisy Geyser Trailhead along the Firehole River as you look out for wildlife and refuel with a hearty picnic lunch along the way.

Full Day Private Fly Fishing in Yellowstone
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 hours |  🎣 Check Rates and Availability

The local guides know the ins and outs of the river system within Yellowstone National Park. Not only are we equipped with the equipment, knowledge, and permits to provide you with some additional or new understanding of fly fishing and they come with a zest and love for the ecosystem in which we are bringing you into. We will strive to make sure this is an adventure you will never forget.

Click here to find more great Yellowstone National Park Tours.

Madison 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 that 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.

Don't forget to pack these camping essentials

• Camping Chairs
• First Aid Kit
• Collapsible Dish Tub
• Camping Dishes
• Camping Tarp
• Lantern
• Camping Games

Madison Campground Photos

Additional Yellowstone National Park Information & Resources

National Park Lodges available in Yellowstone National Park

There are nine National Park Lodges with over 2,000 rooms available in Yellowstone National Park. We suggest staying at a couple different lodges in different areas to provide easy access to different portions of the park.

Two lodges are open year-round including:

Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins
🏨Ready to Book the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel -> Click Here

The Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel has hotel rooms and cabin accommodations. (Cabins are seasonal) and steps away from Mammoth Hot Springs and a great option for exploring Lamar Valley and wildlife viewing.

The Old Faithful Snow Lodge
🏨Ready to Book the Old Faithful Snow Lodge -> Click Here

The Old Faithful Snow Lodge is a newer lodge in Yellowstone with several upgraded ammenities and just steps from Old Faithful, Geyser Hill, and the lower Geyser Basin!

Lodges that are open from late spring through fall include:

Canyon Lodge and Cabins: 
🏨Ready to Book the Canyon Lodge and Cabins -> Click Here

This is a modern lodge that is located in Canyon Village with several dining options, a visitor center, gift shop, and close to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Yellowstone Falls, Hayden Valley, and Norris Geyser Basin. Canyon Lodge has 400+ guest rooms spread across 5 hotel-style lodges, with 100+ cabins being more rustic accommodations.

Grant Village Lodge
🏨Ready to Book the Grant Village Lodge -> Click Here

 You will love the EPIC views of Lake Yellowstone from the Lodge's two restaurants (make sure to get advance reservations for dinner) as the sunset is pretty epic and registered guests to the Grant Village Lodge can make reservations before anyone else! THe lodge is also in close proximity to Lake Yellowstone, West Thumb Geyser Basin, Lower Geyser Basin and Old Faithful, and Hayden Valley! Grant Village Lodge features 300 guest rooms spread across 6 two-story, hotel-style lodges.

Lake Yellowstone Hotel and Cabins
🏨Ready to Book the Lake Yellowstone Hotel -> Click Here

I like to describe the Lake Yellowstone Hotel as understated luxury with amazing views of the lake. It is also close to Hayden Valley, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and Yellowstone Falls. lodge that has hotel room-style and cabin accommodations.

Lake Lodge Cabins: 
🏨Ready to Book the Lake Lodge Cabins -> Click Here

I love staying in these cabins because everytime I have stayed here, it seems like there is wildlife everywhere, especially elk and bison! Thre is186 very cozy cabins located near Lake Yellowstone lodge.

Old Faithful Inn
🏨Ready to Book The Old Faithful Inn -> Click Here

The Old Faithful Inn is arguably the pinnacle of all National Park Lodges! It is a right-of-passage to stay here, especially for fans of the parks, especially fans of the lodges and the National Park Rustic "Parkitecture" design. If you can't get a room here, make sure to at least stop in and check out the lobby and perhaps have lunch in the dining room.

Old Faithful Lodge
🏨Ready to Book The Old Faithful Lodge -> Click Here

These Cabin accommodations are located about as close as you can get to Old Faithful itself! You can also walk right out and take the Geyser Hill Trail, a must for any first time visitor to Yellowstone.

Roosevelt Lodge and Cabins
🏨Ready to Book The Roosevelt Lodge -> Click Here

 These Cabin accommodations is the closest lodging in the park you can get to Lamar Valley! Caution, these rooms are hard to get as they are very popular. They also have an Old West Dinner Cookout, offer horseback rides, and Stagecoach Adventures.

Lodging near Yellowstone NP

Lodging options in West Yellowstone, Montana

Gray Wolf Inn & Suites islocated close to the park's West Entrance, and provides a firepit, laundry facilities, and a 24-hour gym. They also offer a hot tub, free WIFI and a business center.

Stage Coach Inn has a free continental breakfast, laundry facilities, and a fireplace in the lobby. They also have a sauna, free WIFI, a gym, and a 24-hour business center.

Yellowstone Westgate Hotel offers a free continental breakfast, laundry facilities, and a fireplace in the lobby. They also have a hot tub, free WIFI, and a business center.

Brandin' Iron Inn is located close to the park's West Entrance, provides free full breakfast, laundry facilities, and a fireplace in the lobby and free WIFI.

Kelly Inn West Yellowstone - free continental breakfast, a free roundtrip airport shuttle, and a firepit. They also have a hot tub. free WIFI, laundry facilities and a business center.

Lodging options in Gardiner, Montana

Dreamcatcher Tipi Hotel this campground has coffee/tea and a microwave in a common area. Free continental breakfast, free Wi-Fi in public areas are also provided. Additionally, concierge services, a garden, and barbecue grills are onsite. All 17 accommodations boast heated floor (bathroom) and offer Wi-Fi and 8 bathrooms. Other amenities available to guests include memory foam beds, premium bedding, and rainfall showerheads. Private bathrooms are not ensuite.

Super 8 by Wyndham Gardiner provides dry cleaning/laundry services and more. Guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.

Click on the maps below to see additional hotels and vacation rentals near Yellowstone NP.

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 - $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 five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.

Additional Yellowstone National Park Resources 

Things to do in Yellowstone - These are the top things to do that you don't want to miss during your trip!

Yellowstone Lodging  -Check out all of the lodges you can stay in while visiting Yellowstone NP.

Yellowstone Camping  - Check out all of the campgrounds available within the park including Bridge Bay, Canyon, Grant and more. 

Yellowstone Waterfalls - Epic waterfalls you can see in the park. 

Yellowstone National Park Facts - Learn more about our 1st National Park and fun facts about the wildlife in the park.

Jackson Lake Lodge - Find out what it is like to stay in this gorgeous Grand Teton NP Lodge. 

Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel - Find out what it is like to stay in this great Yellowstone lodge. 

Lake Yellowstone Hotel - Room photo and videos, what to expect when staying at the Lake Yellowstone Hotel

Camping Tips from a Park Ranger - These are the tips I learned from managing a campground for years. 

Make sure to follow Park Ranger John on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok