Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park proudly stands as the nation’s first national park. What attracted so much attention in the late 1800s still draws international crowds today.
Driving more than two hours from the south to the north entrance can be an overwhelming experience, with many hydrothermal features, canyon walls, and general stores to check out along the way. The key to a satisfying Yellowstone adventure is staying more than one night, and thanks to the park’s many campgrounds, plenty of lodging options await your arrival. Split between concessionaire and national park-operated campgrounds, and stretching from Grant Village in the south to Mammoth Hot Springs in the north, each campground in Yellowstone provides access to the unique features that define the Yellowstone landscape.
Read also: Where to stay near Yellowstone National Park
1 Norris Campground
Located in downtown Yellowstone, Norris is a national park campground with 100 non-electric campgrounds on a first come, first served basis. Many of the campgrounds near Norris are tucked neatly into the wooded area, and in addition to a fire ring and picnic table, each campground shares access to food storage boxes, flushing toilets, and drinking water. Evening campfire programs are hosted by park rangers throughout the summer and connected by a one-mile trail, the Norris Geyser Basin , which is easy to explore from the campground. Most of the campgrounds near Norris are best suited for tents and small trailers, while a few campgrounds can accommodate RVs up to 50 feet long. Also located within the campground, the Park Ranger Museumcan make a quick and fun trip.
Official Site: https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/norrishscg.htm
2 Madison Campground
With more than 270 non-electric campgrounds that can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs, Madison, a concessionaire, is a popular overnight stop for several reasons. Fly-fishing enthusiasts can’t get enough of the campground’s nearby namesake, the Madison River , and for those interested in Yellowstone’s hydrothermal wonders, Madison Campground is the closest to the Lower, Upper, and Midway Geyser Basins . Madison Campground is easily accessible from Yellowstone’s West Entrance and West Yellowstone Recreation Area, making it easy to enter or leave the park. All overnight users of Madison Campground share access to restrooms with running water, and each campground has a fire pit and picnic table. Reservations are available online or by phone and are highly recommended for the summer season.
Official Site: https://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/lodgings/campground/madison-campground/
3 Grant Village Campground
With over 400 sites available to make room for tents, trailers, and RVs, the Grant Village Campground is one of the largest campgrounds in Yellowstone. If you ask a concessionaire at the campground what makes Grant Village the best in the area, they’ll tell you it’s the campground with the closest shower facilities, but others would appreciate the lodgepole pine setting and quick access to other attractions . . A short drive from the campground, popular sights to check out include the West Thumb Geyser Basin , Yellowstone Lake, and the many amenities of Grant Village.
Grant Village Campground is non-electric and each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and fire ring and close access to flushing toilets and drinking water. Grant Village is a very popular campground, with all 430 sites filling up frequently throughout the season . While not all sites are suitable for RVs, the maximum length allowed for those that do is 40 feet. Located less than a mile from the campground, Grant Village offers a full-service restaurant, gas station, post office, and a grocery and souvenir shop.
Official Site: https://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/lodgings/campground/grant-village-campground/
4 Mammoth Hot Springs Campground
As the northernmost campground in Yellowstone, the Mammoth Hot Springs Campground can provide you with an unforgettable introduction or conclusion to your visit. Hosted by the National Park Service, Mammoth offers 85 non-electric campgrounds on a first come, first served basis and can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs. Mammoth Hot Springs Campground provides quick access to the dynamic area for which it is named, including the Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces active area and the nearby Gardner River hot spot known as the Boiling River. All campgrounds at Mammoth Hot Springs provide access to flushing toilets and drinking water, as well as potential wildlife sightings, including moose and wisents. Located not far from the sagebrush steppe that defines the campground, the Mammoth Hot Springs Historic District offers numerous modern facilities, including the Mammoth Terrace Grill, General Store, and Albright Visitor Center .
5 Canyon Campground
There are many avenues to adventure from the Canyon Campground, located in the center of Yellowstone. featuring 270 sites that ranges from hiker/cyclist to 40-foot RV-accessible, Canyon Campground is concessionaire-run and completely non-electric. The entire campground is found within an aromatic pine environment , and each campground has a fire pit and picnic table, and quick access to potable water and restrooms. Near Canyon VillageVisitors can find laundry and shower facilities, a well-equipped shop and an interesting visitor education center. However, Canyon Campground’s real appeal comes from its central location, and within a short drive in any direction are the best hiking trails in Yellowstone National Park, including the breathtaking trails around the Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon .
Official Site: https://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/lodgings/campground/canyon-campground/
6 Slough Creek Campground
Operated by the National Park Service, the Slough Creek Campground is located in the extreme northeast corner of Yellowstone and offers the perfect sites for wolf lovers, avid fishermen, and a wide variety of wildlife. Despite being a bit off the beaten path, and a fair distance from Yellowstone’s central attractions, the 23 non-electric campgrounds at Slough Creek Campground tend to fill up quickly during the season.
All of the campgrounds at Slough Creek cater best for tents and small trailers, and each offers a picnic table and fire ring, as well as access to potable water and basic restrooms. While it may be a long drive to Old Faithful from the Slough Creek Campground, the adjacent Lamar Valley offers much to explore, including often less crowded conditions. Fishing rods can be found along the coast of Slough Creek and through the surrounding meadows, and for a great day hike or overnight adventure, the Slough Creek Trailhead can be found at the entrance to the campground.
7 Bridge Bay Campground
Bordering Yellowstone Lake and the Bridge Bay Marina in the southeastern region of the park, Bridge Bay Campground offers more than 400 campgrounds with close proximity to the water. While anglers and boaters , Bridge Bay Campground is often a popular overnight stop for anyone who appreciates the scenic surroundings. Split between shaded and exposed sites, Bridge Bay is a non-electric campground that can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs. Overnight visitors share access to restrooms with flushing equipment and facilities with dishwashing stations and drinking water, as well as evening Ranger Programs at the amphitheatre . Just outside the gates of the site, the Bridge Bay Marina is a central hub forboat rentals, tours and fishing gear .
Official Site: https://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/lodgings/campground/bridge-bay-campground/
8 Tower Fall Campground
Located in the northern Yellowstone region, the Tower Fall Campground sits on a hill overlooking Tower Creek and offers quick access to surrounding attractions, including the Lamar Valley and the Black Canyon of the Yellowstone . Tower Fall Campground is operated by the National Park Service and offers 32 non-electric campgrounds on a first come, first served basis and is best suited for tent campers. All Tower Fall overnight users share access to potable water and basic restrooms, and each campground is equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. With close proximity to the Tower General Storeacross the street, at night, users can purchase camping supplies, fresh food, and souvenirs they may want to take home.
9 Lewis Lake Campground
Centrally located between Lewis and Shoshone Lake in southern Yellowstone, the Lewis Lake Campground is operated by the National Park Service and features 85 non-electric sites available on a first come, first served basis. Located eight miles from the park’s south entrance, Lewis Lake Campground is not only a gateway to Yellowstone, but also provides quick access to some of the best hiking trails in Grand Teton National Park. The wooded campgrounds accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs up to 25 feet in length, and overnight users share access to potable water and vault restrooms. With close proximity to the Lewis Lake boat launch, the campsite makes it easy to explore the nearby water. For those requiring a boating or fishing license, a ranger station is conveniently located at the entrance to the campground.
Official Site: https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/lewislakecg.htm
Where to stay near Yellowstone National Park
When the weather isn’t cooperating for camping, or you just want a night under the covers of a comfortable bed, you’ll find many hotel options around Yellowstone. The more affordable options on Yellowstone can be found right outside the park in surrounding towns such as West Yellowstone and Gardiner.
- Mid-Range Hotels: If you’re looking for lodging options that go beyond the ordinary, the Kelly Inn West Yellowstone offers comfortable king-size beds, well-appointed rooms, and breakfast included with every stay. Just down the street, the Holiday Inn West Yellowstone is equipped with large rooms, an indoor pool and an adjacent restaurant where kids eat free. Also located in West Yellowstone, the Best Western Weston Inn offers well-maintained facilities, friendly staff and high-speed wireless internet.
- Budget Hotels: For the best intersection between value and services, hotels like the Super 8 West Yellowstone have a rustic feel in addition to clean rooms and spacious lobby. West Yellowstone’s City Center Motel is located in West Yellowstone, near many of the city’s amenities, as well as large rooms and a helpful staff. Also in West Yellowstone, the Stage Coach Inn is a historic hotel with an elegant lobby and affordable rates for their well-maintained rooms. To the north, the town of Gardiner also offers affordable lodging options, including the Super 8 Gardiner/Yellowstone, which features clean rooms, an inviting indoor pool, and easy access to Yellowstone’s North Entrance.
Other Outdoor Adventures near Yellowstone
For even more camping options in Wyoming, our Best Campgrounds in Grand Teton National Park and Best Campgrounds in Wyoming articles point out other great places to pitch a tent. To fill your days with adventure, our articles on the best hiking trails in Yellowstone, the best hiking trails in Grand Teton, and the top-rated hiking trails in Jackson Hole can provide you with a nice trail. For even more exciting things to do, our 10 Top-Rated Fly Fishing Destinations in Wyoming and 12 Top-Rated Wyoming Tourist Attractions can add even more destinations to your Wyoming itinerary.
Read also:
Top Attractions in Yellowstone National Park
