Here are my top finds for Yellowstone National Park:
🏨Hotels: Old Faithful Inn, Mammoth Hot Springs Inn, Lake Yellowstone Hotel
📍Tours: Yellowstone & Grand Teton Self-Guided Audio Tour, Lamar Valley Safari Hiking Tour w/lunch, Yellowstone Lake Morning Kayak Tour w/lunch
🐻 Save time! Buy your National Park Pass before your trip
Yellowstone Camping Guide
There are over 2,100 campsites within 12 campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park! We are excited to share this ultimate Yellowstone Camping Guide to help you plan an epic trip to the park.
Below we break down each of the Yellowstone Campgrounds to make it easier for you to plan your trip.
This Yellowstone Camping Guide breaks down all of the front country campsites. If you plan on backcountry camping you will want to check on current park conditions.
Camping is limited to 14 days from July 1 through Labor Day (first Monday in September) and to 30 days the rest of the year; no limit at Fishing Bridge.
Camping is only available in designated campgrounds within the park. There is no camping in parking lots or on the side of the road.
Each Yellowstone Campground is described below. For additional information including site photos for specific campgrounds, you can click on the campground name and visit detailed posts on that campground.
Campground locations are found in almost all areas of the park.
Yellowstone Camping Reservations
11of the 12 campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park take reservations. The twelvth campground is closed with no forseeable future as to when it will reopen.
Campground reservations are available on recreation.gov
For Canyon Campground, Bridge Bay Campground, Fishing Bridge RV Park, Grant Campground, and Madison Campground, Reservations can be for sites through the 2026 camping season at:
Online Reservations:
- Through 2026: Click here to make your reservation.
- Beginning with the 2027 camping season, Reservations will be available on recreation.gov
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.
Be prepared to wait if you call in on May 1st! It can be extremely busy trying to get through on the phone. The line opens early morning at 8 am.
Yellowstone RV Camping
Dump stations are available in Yellowstone at Canyon Campground, Fishing Bridge RV Park, Bridge Bay Campground, Grant Village Campground, Madison Campground.
There are also dump stations in West Yellowstone and at Yellowstone RV Park in Gardiner.
Fishing Bridge RV Park is the only campground offering water, sewer, and electrical hookups (50 amp service): it is for hard-sided vehicles only (no tents or tent-trailers).
Reservable Campgrounds in Yellowstone
Bridge Bay Campground
Location: Near Yellowstone Lake, Located on the Grand Loop Road just a few miles southwest of Lake Village and next to the Bridge Bay Marina.
Elevation: 7,800 feet (2377 m)
Open: The campground is only open during summer.
Number of sites: 432
Accessible Sites: Three accessible campsites. Accessible restrooms are located in Loop A of the campground and in the picnic area along the entrance road to Bridge Bay Marina.
Online Reservations:
- Through 2026: Click here to make your reservation at Bridge Bay Campground.
- Beginning with the 2027 camping season, Reservations will be available on recreation.gov
Campground Amenities: Flush toilets, running water, fire pits, picnic tables. Close to a ton of park attractions. Lots of wildlife including elk, bison, and bears
RVs allowed?: Yes, Campground sites that will accommodate a maximum combined length of 40-feet or more are limited.
For more information and photos check out our post on Bridge Bay Campground
Canyon Campground
Location: Located off the Grand Loop Road near Canyon Village
Elevation: 7,900 feet (2408 m)
Open: The campground is only open during summer.
Opens: May
Closes: September
Number of sites: 273
Online Reservations:
- Through 2026: Click here to make your reservation at Canyon Campground.
- Beginning with the 2027 camping season, Reservations will be available on recreation.gov
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.)
Campground amenities: Close to Canyon Village, pay showers, launderette, flush toilets, forested.
RVs allowed?: Yes,
For more information and photos check out our post on Canyon Campground
Fishing Bridge RV Campground
Fishing Bridge RV Park is for completely hard-sided units only---no tents or tent campers are allowed.
Location: reached by the Grand Loop Road and is near the intersection of Lake and the East Entrance road.
Elevation: 7,800 feet (2377 m)
Open: Early May through Mid-October
Number of sites: 310
Online Reservations:
- Through 2026: Click here to make your reservation at Fishing Bridge RV Campground.
- Beginning with the 2027 camping season, Reservations will be available on recreation.gov
Accessible Sites: No accessible campsites.
Reservations?: Yellowstone National Park Lodges provides reservations for in this campground. Call 307-344-7311 (307-344-5395 for TDD service) or visit www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com.
Campground amenities: The only campground in Yellowstone to offer water, sewer, and electrical hookups for RVs.
RVs allowed?: Yes,
Grant Village Campground
Location: Located in Grant Village, just off the Grand Loop Road at the south end of Yellowstone Lake.
Elevation: 7,800 feet (2377 m)
Open: The campground is only open during summer.
Number of sites: 430
Online Reservations:
- Through 2026: Click here to make your reservation at Grant Village Campground.
- Beginning with the 2027 camping season, Reservations will be available on recreation.gov
Accessible Sites: Three accessible sites, with an extended picnic table and a raised fire grate. Accessible restrooms are located near the accessible sites. Accessible shower in Camper Services Building.
Campground amenities: This campground has coin-operated laundry and showers, flush toilets, easy access to the park.
RVs allowed?: Yes, Campground sites that will accommodate a maximum combined length of 40-feet or more are limited.
For more information and photos check out our post on Grant Village campground
Madison Campground
Location:
Elevation: 6,800 feet (2073 m)
Open: The campground is only open late spring through fall.
Number of sites: 278
Accessible Sites:
Online Reservations:
- Through 2026: Click here to make your reservation at Madison Campground.
- Beginning with the 2027 camping season, Reservations will be available on recreation.gov
Campground amenities: 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).
RVs allowed?: Total vehicle length can not exceed 30'.
For more information and photos check out our post on the Madison Campground
Indian Creek Campground
Location: 8 miles south of Mammoth Hot Springs
Elevation: 7,300 feet (2225 m)
Open: The campground is only open during summer.
Number of sites: 70
Accessible Sites: One accessible campsite; accessible vault toilet.
Reservations?: Yes, Reservations can be made at Recreation.gov
Campground amenities: vault toilets, fire ring, picnic tables.
RVs allowed?: 10 sites at 35 feet (10.7 m), 35 sites at 30 feet (9.1 m). Sites may not be level.
For more information and photos check out our post on Indian Creek campground
Lewis Lake Campground
Location: Eight miles from the South Entrance
Elevation: 7,800 ft (2377 m)
Open: The campground is only open in summer and fall.
Number of sites: 85
Accessible Sites: No accessible campsites. Bathrooms and ranger station are accessible.
Reservations?: Yes, Reservations can be made at Recreation.gov
Campground amenities: fire rings, picnic tables, food storage, camp host on-site, potable water.
RVs allowed?: Total length limit is 25 feet (7.6 m).
For more information and photos check out our post on the Lewis Lake Campground with site photos.
Mammoth Campground
Location: Near the north entrance to the park and Gardiner, Montana
Elevation: 6,200 feet (1890 m)
Open: Open year-round
Number of sites: 85
Accessible Sites: Five accessible campsites, accessible routes along the paved roadway, ramp to the amphitheater.
Reservations?: Yes, reservations can be made at Recreation.gov
Campground Amenities: Flush toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, easy access to Mammoth Hot Springs and Fort Yellowstone.
RVs allowed?: Campground sites that will accommodate a maximum combined length of 40 feet (12.2 m) or more are limited.
During winter (November through April), the total vehicle length limit is 30 feet (9.1 m).
For more information and photos check out our post on Mammoth Campground
Slough Creek Campground
Location: Lamar Valley
Elevation: 6,250 feet (1905 m)
Open: The campground is only open during summer and early fall.
Number of sites: 16
Accessible Sites: There is one accessible campsite at Slough Creek Campground.
Reservations?: Yes, at Recreation.gov
Campground amenities: fire rings, picnic tables, quiet off a dirt road.
RVs allowed?: 14 sites at 30 feet (9.1 m). Sites may not be level.
For more information and photos check out our post on Slough Creek Campground
Tower Fall Campground
Location: The campground is 2.5 miles east of Tower Junction on the north side of the park.
Elevation: 6,600 feet (2012 m)
Open: The campground is only open during summer.
Number of sites: 31
Accessible Sites: No accessible campsites or facilities.
Reservations?: Yes, at Recreation.gov
Campground amenities:
RVs allowed?: All sites at 30' (9.1 m) or less. Sites may not be level. Loop has a hairpin curve.
For more information and photos check out our post on the Tower Fall Campground including site photos.
Closed Campgrounds
Pebble Creek Campground
Park Alert: Pebble Creek Campground Closure
- Pebble Creek Campground is currently closed indefinately and shut for the foreseeable future due to the 1000 Year flood that occured in June 2022.
Location: Northeast corner of the park
Elevation: 6,900 feet (2103 m)
Open: The campground is only open during summer.
Number of sites: 27
Accessible Sites: There is one accessible campsite at the Pebble Creek Campground.
Reservations?: Pebble Creek is Currently Closed Indefinately
Campground amenities: multiple creekside sites, fire rings, picnic tables, off of the main route of the park. Quieter.
RVs allowed?: Yes
For more information and photos check out our post on Pebble Creek Campground
Norris Campground
Park Alert: Norris Campground Closure
- Norris Campground is currently closed indefinately and shut for the foreseeable future. It is closed due to Infrastructure Issues as the site faces challenges with water systems, power, and maintenance needs.
- The National Park Service has removed the campsite from its main website and active reservation systems
Location: .8 miles from the Norris Junction
Elevation: 7,500 feet (2286 m)
Open: Summer season
Number of sites: 111
Accessible Sites: Two accessible campsites; accessible restroom with flush toilets at the campground entrance.
Reservations?: Norris Campground is closed Indefinately
Campground amenities: Flush toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, ice machine, firewood for sale.
RVs allowed?: Two signed sites at 50 feet (15.2 m) and five sites at 30 feet (9.1 m).
For more information and photos check out our post on Norris Campground
Best Yellowstone National Park Tours & Activities
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks
⭐️ Rating: 4.7 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.
Lamar Valley Safari Hiking Tour with Lunch
⭐️ Rating: 4.8 out of 5 Stars (208+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 6 hours | 🥾🦬 Check Rates and Availability
Take a guided small-group hike into the Lamar Valley is the wildlife-watching experience that serious Yellowstone visitors come back for year after year. Often called America's Serengeti, Lamar Valley is the best place in the park to spot bison herds, pronghorn, coyotes, badgers, wolves, and grizzly bears, and having an expert guide from Yellowstone Hiking Guides on your side dramatically increases what you see and understand. Guides consistentaly earn extraordinary reviews for their knowledge of animal behavior, their ability to navigate around bison safely, and their genuine passion for the park. A packed lunch including sandwich, fruit, nuts, and snacks is provided, along with bear spray, binoculars, and trekking poles.
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.
Click here to find more great Yellowstone National Park Tours.
Lodging Options in Yellowstone National Park
⭐️ 4.2 of 5 Stars - Old Faithful Inn - Click here for Rates and Availability.
The most iconic hotel in the American national park system, a National Historic Landmark and the largest log structure in the world, sitting just steps from Old Faithful geyser!
Built in 1903 from local rhyolite stone and lodge pole pine, the soaring 7-story lobby with its massive stone fireplace and hand-crafted copper and wrought iron clock is one of the most breathtaking interior spaces in any hotel anywhere. Choose from historic Old House rooms, some with shared bathrooms straight out of the early 1900s, to modern Deluxe rooms, Junior Suites, and Geyser Basin View Suites. Live music fills the lobby each evening, and the elegant Old Faithful Inn Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with dinner reservations required. Also on site are the Bear Pit Lounge, Bear Paw Deli and Coffee Bar, & gift shop. No TVs, WiFi, or air conditioning keeps the historic magic intact. Open early May through mid-October, book up to 13 months in advance as this is the most requested lodging in Yellowstone!
⭐️ 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!
⭐️ 4.3 of 5 Stars - Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins - Click here for Rates and Availability.
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.
Lodging Options Near Yellowstone
⭐️ 4.9 of 5 Stars - 1892 Inn - Click here for Rates and Availability.
West Yellowstone's most refined boutique hotel, a gorgeous adults-only mountain lodge just 1 mile from the West Entrance to Yellowstone National Park, named after the year America's first national park was established!
The 18 rooms feature gas fireplaces, premium bedding, bathrobes and slippers, dual towel warmers, flat-screen satellite TVs, mini-fridges, and walk-in showers, all wrapped in rustic-chic Montana style with cowhide chairs and western throws. A complimentary continental breakfast is served each morning, and the cozy lobby lounge with a stone fireplace is perfect for unwinding after a long day in the park. Sauna, fitness center, business center, free WiFi, and free parking included. Open year-round!
⭐️ 4.9 of 5 Stars - Dreamcatcher Tipi Hotel - Click here for Rates and Availability.
One of the most unique places to sleep near any national park in America, a luxury glamping resort featuring 20 individually decorated tipis tucked in the Montana mountains just minutes from Yellowstone's North Entrance!
Each tipi features memory foam beds with down comforters, premium bedding, rainfall showerheads in the private-use bathrooms, eco-friendly toiletries, free WiFi, and a furnished private patio with mountain views. Every evening guests gather around a communal campfire for s'mores, wine, and beer under some of the darkest skies in Montana, and a free continental breakfast with grab-and-go hiking options is served each morning. Additional amenities include BBQ grills, a garden, gift shop, EV charging, concierge services, and free parking. Steps from Gallatin National Forest, the Yellowstone River, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and fly fishing. Pet friendly and open seasonally!
Click this link or the map below for a complete list of hotels and vacation rentals in the West Yellowstone, Montana Area.
https://www.stay22.com/embed/61f07ec196333b001540b97aYellowstone 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
- Ultimate Yellowstone Camping Guide - This complete guide to camping in Yellowstone includes all front country campgrounds
- 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
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.
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