Camping in Yellowstone National Park is an unforgettable experience - and a wonderful way to dedicate more of your time exploring the park and connecting with the natural wonders around you. But whether you’re tent camping or coming with an RV in tow, even finding a campsite during the busy summer season can be a challenge. It’s always a good idea to plan ahead!
Fortunately, Gardiner, Montana, is located just minutes outside the park's North Entrance. We're thriled to offer travelers a wide variety of services and activities to help make the most of a Yellowstone National Park camping trip - including this handy list of helpful information on camping inside Yellowstone National Park.
Campgrounds Operated by Yellowstone National Park Lodges
Ideal for those who like to plan ahead, Yellowstone National Park Lodges operates 5 reservation-only campgrounds (1,700+ sites) at Madison, Fishing Bridge RV Park, Bridge Bay, Canyon, and Grant Village. You can make reservations online or by calling the numbers listed below.
To make reservations:
Toll Free - 866-439-7375
TDD - 307-344-5395
Same-day reservations – 307-344-7311
Madison - Accessible campsites centrally located. Flush toilets, dump station, generators allowed between 8am and 8pm. Open April 28 - October 15. Cost: $24.25
Grant - Located on Yellowstone Lake near West Thumb Geyser Basin. Flush toilets, paid shower/laundry facilities, dump station, generators allowed between 8am and 8pm. Open June 7 - September 17. Cost: $29
Bridge Bay - Located on Yellowstone Lake near Lake Hotel and Bridge Bay Marina. Flush toilets, dump station, generators allowed between 8am and 8pm. Open: May 19 - September 11. Cost: $24.25
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 are allowed). Open: May 5 - September 17. Cost: $47.75
Canyon - The closest campground to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Flush toilets, paid shower/laundry facilities, dump station, generators allowed between 8am and 8pm. Cost: $29
Operated by the National Park Service
Yellowstone National Park Service operates 7 first-come, first-served campgrounds (450+ sites) including Mammoth, Norris, Tower Fall, Indian Creek, Pebble Creek, Slough Creek, and Lewis Lake. Campgrounds usually fill by early morning; plan ahead to obtain a site!
Listed in order of what most commonly fills up first
Slough Creek - Scenic campground on the Northern Range popular with fly-fishermen. Vault toilets available. Open: June 15 - October 7. Cost: $15
Tower: Located near Tower Falls. Vault toilets available. Open: May 26 - Cost: $15
Norris - Located near Norris Geyser Basin. Flush toilets, generators allowed between 8am and 8pm. Open: May 19 - September 25. Cost: $20
Pebble Creek - Northern Range campground near the Northeast Entrance. Vault toilets. Open: June 15 - September 25. Cost: $15
Indian Creek -Located near Norris Geyser Basin. Vault toilets. Open: June 9 - September 11. Cost: $15
Mammoth - Located between Gardiner, Montana, and Mammoth Hot Springs. Flush toilets, generators allowed between 8am and 8pm. Open year-round. Cost: $20
Lewis Lake - A forested campground located near Lewis Lake and the South Entrance. Vault toilets. Open: June 15 - November 5. Cost: $15
Additional Camping Tips and Information:
1. Be sure to check for opening and closing dates for facilities inside the park.
2. Make your reservations early!
3. Overnight camping of any type (tent, vehicle, or RV) outside designated campgrounds is not permitted.
4. Campsite occupancy is limited to 6 people per site.
5. 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.
6. Drinking water is normally available in all campgrounds with occasional exceptions.
7. Campfires, including those in portable wood or propane fire pits, are prohibited in the Fishing Bridge RV Park. Wood and charcoal fires are permitted in all other campground locations, though special fire restrictions are occasionally put in place when the danger of wildland fires is great. If you plan to light a fire in the park, be sure to ask about current fire restrictions at the entrance station when you arrive or email our Visitor Services Office immediately prior to your visit. Propane grills and stoves are normally not restricted.
8. Pack the camera and enjoy your outdoor adventure!
Other sources:
Camping outside the park near Gardiner, Montana
Staying Safe in Bear Country
Where to Purchase Camping Supplies
More Camping Information from the Yellowstone NPS website
Backcountry Camping in Yellowstone
All photos courtesy of Yellowstone National Park.
