Yellowstone, a jewel of American tourism, is renowned not only for its magnificent geothermal landscapes and abundant wildlife but also as a paradise for camping enthusiasts. What could be better than immersing yourself in the wilderness, waking up to birdsong, and enjoying the fresh air of one of the world’s first national parks? A camping trip near Yellowstone is more than just a vacation; it’s a memorable adventure, a chance to connect deeply with nature, and create priceless family memories.
Why Camping Near Yellowstone is an Amazing Experience?
Camping near Yellowstone offers countless benefits, making your trip more special and memorable than ever:
- Immerse yourself in nature: Instead of staying in confined hotels, camping allows you to truly live amidst nature. You’ll be surrounded by lush green forests, listening to the murmuring streams, and gazing at the starry night sky.
- Save costs: Compared to staying in hotels, camping is a much more economical option, especially if you are traveling with family or a group of friends. The cost for a night of camping is usually significantly lower than the price of a hotel room.
- Unique experience: Camping offers experiences you can’t get in a hotel. You can freely cook outdoors, build a campfire, tell stories, and sing together under the stars.
- Convenient for exploring Yellowstone: Many campgrounds are located near park entrances or inside the park, making it easy to access famous Yellowstone attractions like Mammoth Hot Springs, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, or Yellowstone Lake.
- Closer to family and friends: Camping is a great opportunity to strengthen bonds between family members or groups of friends. Setting up tents together, cooking, and exploring nature will create precious shared memories.
- Wildlife viewing opportunities: Yellowstone is home to countless wildlife species such as bison, elk, bears, wolves, and more. Camping gives you the chance to observe them in their natural habitat, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
A family camping in Yellowstone National Park, USA.
Types of Camping Near Yellowstone
There are various types of camping to choose from, depending on your preferences and conditions:
- Tent Camping: This is the most popular form of camping, using tents as shelter. Suitable for those who want to experience nature up close and have a budget-friendly trip.
- RV Camping: For those who want more comfort and convenience. RV (Recreational Vehicle) is a type of mobile home equipped with full amenities such as beds, kitchens, and toilets.
- Cabin Camping: A combination of comfort and nature experience. Cabins are usually simple small wooden houses, with beds and some basic amenities, but still offer a feeling of being close to nature.
- Backcountry Camping: For adventurous individuals who want to explore the most pristine areas of Yellowstone. Backcountry camping requires careful preparation and experience, as you will have to be self-sufficient and hike long distances to reach campsites.
Top Best Campgrounds Near Yellowstone
Here are some highly-rated campgrounds near Yellowstone, suitable for various camping types and preferences:
Madison Campground (Inside the Park)
Located right inside Yellowstone National Park, Madison Campground is a great option for exploring the famous geyser basins.
- Pros:
- Prime location, close to attractions like Midway Geyser Basin and Old Faithful.
- Full amenities including restrooms, drinking water, and trash disposal.
- Fresh and quiet atmosphere.
- Easy access to park activities.
- Cons:
- Requires booking far in advance, especially during peak season.
- Prices may be higher compared to campgrounds outside the park.
- Can be crowded in the summer.
- Camping type: Tent, RV.
- Amenities: Flush toilets, drinking water, dump station, picnic tables, fire rings.
Fishing Bridge RV Park (Inside the Park – RV Only)
Fishing Bridge RV Park is the only campground inside Yellowstone exclusively for RVs, providing maximum convenience for travelers using mobile homes.
- Pros:
- Exclusively for RVs, ensuring spacious and comfortable sites.
- Electrical, water, and sewer hookups at each site.
- Close to Yellowstone Lake and Yellowstone River, convenient for fishing and water activities.
- High-end amenities including a store, dump station, and laundry facilities.
- Cons:
- RVs only, not suitable for tent camping.
- Higher prices compared to other campgrounds.
- Requires booking very early.
- Camping type: RV.
- Amenities: Electrical, water, and sewer hookups, flush toilets, hot showers, dump station, store, laundry facilities.
Baker’s Hole Campground (Near West Yellowstone)
Located outside the West Entrance of Yellowstone, Baker’s Hole Campground is a popular choice with a convenient location and affordable prices.
- Pros:
- Close to the town of West Yellowstone, easy access to services and amenities.
- More affordable prices compared to campgrounds inside the park.
- Beautiful location on the banks of the Madison River, with fishing and hiking opportunities.
- Quiet and airy space.
- Cons:
- More basic amenities compared to campgrounds inside the park.
- Requires driving to enter Yellowstone.
- Can be crowded in the summer.
- Camping type: Tent, RV.
- Amenities: Vault toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, fire rings.
Henrys Lake State Park (Near West Yellowstone)
Not far from West Yellowstone, Henrys Lake State Park is a beautiful state park with a clear blue lake and spacious campgrounds.
- Pros:
- Stunning natural scenery with Henrys Lake and majestic mountains.
- Excellent fishing on Henrys Lake, famous for cutthroat trout.
- Spacious campgrounds, many sites with shade.
- Good amenities including hot showers and flush toilets.
- Cons:
- Requires driving about 30 minutes to reach the West Entrance of Yellowstone.
- Can be windy due to its lakeside location.
- State park entrance fee.
- Camping type: Tent, RV, cabin.
- Amenities: Flush toilets, hot showers, drinking water, dump station, picnic tables, fire rings, playground.
Colter Bay Campground (Near Grand Teton National Park)
If you want to combine exploring Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park, Colter Bay Campground is an ideal option, located south of Yellowstone and near the entrance to Grand Teton.
- Pros:
- Excellent location near both Yellowstone and Grand Teton.
- Picturesque Jackson Lake scenery, with swimming, kayaking opportunities.
- Many recreational activities such as hiking, boat tours.
- Full and modern amenities.
- Cons:
- Prices may be higher compared to other campgrounds.
- Requires driving further to reach northern Yellowstone attractions.
- Very popular, requires booking early.
- Camping type: Tent, RV, cabin.
- Amenities: Flush toilets, hot showers, drinking water, dump station, store, laundry facilities, beach, marina.
Scenic view of Yellowstone National Park landscape on day 2 of a trip.
Tips for Camping Near Yellowstone
To have a complete and safe camping trip near Yellowstone, keep the following tips in mind:
- Book in advance: Campgrounds near Yellowstone, especially inside the park, are very popular and often fill up quickly, especially in the summer. Book as early as possible, possibly months before your trip.
- Prepare all necessary gear: Make a list of essential items for your camping trip, including tents, sleeping bags, stoves, flashlights, food, water, medicine, sunscreen, insect repellent, etc.
- Choose the right time: Summer (June to August) is the best time to camp in Yellowstone, with warm and pleasant weather. However, this is also peak season, crowded with tourists and prices may be higher. Spring and autumn are also good options, but the weather may be cooler and rainy.
- Be aware of wildlife: Yellowstone is home to many wildlife species, some of which can be dangerous. Follow safety rules, do not feed wildlife, keep a safe distance, and store food properly to avoid attracting them to the campsite.
- Comply with park regulations: Learn and comply with Yellowstone National Park regulations regarding camping, campfires, trash disposal, environmental protection, etc.
- Check the weather: Mountain weather can change unpredictably. Check the weather forecast before you go and be prepared for all situations.
- Bring a map and navigation device: Yellowstone is a vast park, bring a detailed map and GPS navigation device or offline map app to avoid getting lost, especially if you are backcountry camping or hiking.
- Maintain hygiene and protect the environment: Keep the campsite clean, collect and dispose of trash properly, do not pollute water sources, and protect the wilderness.
Preparing for a Yellowstone Camping Trip
A successful camping trip requires careful preparation. Here is a list of essential items you should bring:
- Camping gear:
- Tent (suitable for the number of people and weather conditions)
- Tent footprint
- Sleeping bag (suitable for temperature)
- Sleeping pad or air mattress
- Camping tables and chairs (optional)
- Rain and sun tarp
- Ropes, tent stakes
- Hammer for tent stakes
- Cooking gear:
- Stove and fuel (mini gas stove, alcohol stove, charcoal stove, etc.)
- Pots, pans, knives, cutting boards, plates, bowls, utensils
- Water bottles, cups
- Water container
- Food containers
- Multi-tool knife, lighter, matches
- Aluminum foil, parchment paper, plastic bags
- Dish soap, dishcloth
- Food and drinks:
- Dry food, canned food, fresh food (enough for the number of camping days)
- Spices, cooking oil
- Drinking water (enough or bring a water filter)
- Snacks, fruit
- Personal items:
- Clothing (suitable for the weather, warm at night)
- Comfortable shoes, hiking shoes
- Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, etc.)
- Towels, facecloths
- Personal medications, first aid kit
- Sunscreen, hats, sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Flashlight, headlamp
- Power bank, portable charger
- Camera, phone
- Map, compass or GPS
- Trash bags
- Cash (for camping fees, shopping, etc.)
- Identification documents
- Other items:
- Sleeping bag liner (for extra warmth)
- Pillow or travel pillow
- Blanket (for cold nights)
- Notebook, pen (journaling, drawing, etc.)
- Books, entertainment games
- Folding camping chair (optional)
- Hammock (optional)
- Portable power strip (if you need to charge electronic devices)
Camping near Yellowstone is a wonderful travel experience, offering the opportunity to explore magnificent nature, enjoy fresh air, and create unforgettable memories. With careful preparation and choosing the right campground, you will have an unforgettable camping trip in this magical Yellowstone land. Plan your trip today and start your wilderness adventure!