Top 12 Yellowstone National Park Campgrounds
When it
comes to national parks, Yellowstone National Park tops the charts.
Yellowstone is unique in many different ways. Many people are
not aware that it is the first national park ever founded in the
United States.
The park was first established on March 1,
1872. Another interesting fact was that it was one of the
favored camping spots of former President Theodore Roosevelt.
The Yellowstone National Park campgrounds are renowned for their
economical benefits and the unspoiled atmosphere that they reside
in.
There are a
total of 12 Yellowstone National Park campgrounds, seven of which
are maintained by the park organization.
Therefore, the
check-in and check-out times, as well as the rules are similar for
most of the campgrounds in the park. For those who are
die-hard fans of simple living, the only way to stay at the park is
to camp. It is also much more affordable to take advantage of
the outdoor spots rather than hotels.
Keep in
mind that there are no overflow camping spots in the park, so it is
best to make reservations ahead of time. If you do go to the
park on a spontaneous whim and the campgrounds are all full, there
are campgrounds located outside of the park close by.
You
should also be aware that the park strictly prohibits camping in
your car, in picnic areas, or any other location that is not
designated as a campground.
The top 12
Yellowstone National Park campgrounds include:
1. Fishing
Bridge RV Park
This
campground is located right along the Yellowstone Lake, with full RV
hook-ups. Fishing Bridge is also one of the only Yellowstone
National Park campgrounds where there are no limitations to how many
days you can stay. This is an RV campground only, meaning that
hard-sided campers are the only styles accepted.
2. Madison
Campground
Madison
Campground is a much more simple style of camping. There are
no utility hookups or showers, but there are some located nearby for
guests. However, there is a sanitary dump station available
for all guests.
3. Canyon
Campground
Located
close to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone National Park, the
Canyon Campground is a favorite for those who love the natural
landmark. There are also no utility hook-ups at this location,
but there are pay showers, coin laundry, a campground store,
restaurant, and a sanitary dump station.
4. Bridge
Bay Campground
If you have
a boat, then you will want to stay at the Bridge Bay Campground.
It is conveniently located to the Bridge Bay Marina and boat launch,
therefore, you will not have to travel far. Bridge Bay
Campground is also situated 30 miles from the East entrance into
Yellowstone.
5. Grant
Village Campground
This is a
woodsy campground that is located on the southwestern edge of
Yellowstone Lake, approximately 22 miles north of the South
entrance. Group sites are available, and within a half mile
from the campground you will find coin laundry, pay showers, and
sanitary dump stations.
6. Mammoth
Campground
Mammoth is
located on a hill right below Mammoth Hot Springs Village.
This is also near Park employee housing. The campground is not
very wooded, but you will still feel immersed in the wilderness.
There is no laundry or dump station, but there are toilets.
7. Norris
Campground
Norris
Campground is within walking distance of Norris Geyser Basin.
It is a wooded campground that overlooks a meadow which is visited
often by bison and elk. Therefore, you are sure to have a true
wilderness experience. The campground is open from late May
until late September, and there are a total of 116 camping sites.
8. Indian
Creek Campground
There are
special restrictions on this campground due to bear activity, so you
will have to check with the ranger before making reservations.
There are 75 sites, and there are no dump stations, laundry, or
showers on the premises.
9. Lewis
Lake Campground
Located in
the southernmost area of Yellowstone, between Grant Village and the
South entrance of the park. The campground is also located on
Lewis Lake, which is one of Yellowstone’s larger lakes. Lewis
Lake Campground is open from mid-June to early November, with a
total of 85 camping sites.
10. Pebble
Creek Campground
This is a
small primitive accommodation, which is a true favorite of hikers
and fishermen. The campground is located on the western end of
Lamar Valley, and it is open from early June until late September.
11. Slough
Creek Campground
Located in
the Lamar Valley, this small campground is great for watching wolves
and taking part in hiking or fishing. The campground is open
from late May until October, with 29 camping sites.
12. Tower
Fall Campground
This campground is located directly across the road from the
Tower General Store, as well as 2.5 miles north of Roosevelt
Junction. There are great views of the Grand Canyon of the
Yellowstone nearby, and the campground is open from late May until
late September. As with the other smaller campgrounds, Tower Fall
also does not have any utility hook-ups, showers, or dump stations.
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