Yellowstone National Park Camping: Wildlife and Outdoor Bliss

Yellowstone National Park offers unparalleled natural beauty, and the best way to experience this wilderness is by camping in the heart of it. This park offers unique, must-see sites, from vibrant geothermal features to diverse wildlife. Whether you prefer the tranquility of remote campsites or the convenience of more accessible locations, Yellowstone provides options for every type of adventurer. 

Keep reading to learn how to camp in the park, the best sites to stay at, what to pack, and expert tips for a fantastic trip in Yellowstone. 

Can I Camp Anywhere in Yellowstone National Park?

Camping in Yellowstone is only permitted in designated campgrounds or at backcountry sites. To protect the wildlife and ecosystem, dispersed camping is not allowed. To camp here, you’ll need to reserve a spot at one of the established campsites or obtain a permit for backcountry camping. Come to Yellowstone with friends and family or alone for a solo camping trip. 

Which Campground Is Best in Yellowstone?

Mammoth Campground

This campsite is located just five miles from the park’s North Entrance, making it the most accessible option for visitors coming from Gardiner, Montana. Open year-round, it offers tent and RV camping, though no hookups are available. This is the only campsite available for winter camping in Yellowstone. The campground is close enough to Mammoth Hot Springs for early morning visits. Despite its convenient location, keep an eye out for wildlife like bison and elk. 

• Convenience: Just five miles from Gardiner, Montana, you’re close to shops and restaurants if needed.
• Amenities: Flush toilets, potable water pumps, fire pits, and picnic tables.
• Activities: Ranger-led educational and entertaining programs in the amphitheater from June through September.

Madison Campground

Madison Campground is conveniently located near the junction of West Entrance Road and U.S. Highway 20, making it easily accessible for visitors entering the park from the west. It’s situated near the Madison River, which provides an opportunity for angling and wildlife viewing. Tent or RV camp at one of the 270 locations and use an EcoFlow RIVER 3 Solar Generator (PV45W) for renewable power during your stay. This solar generator quickly converts sunlight into usable electricity. So, no power hookups? No problem. At Madison, you’ll have easy access to several of Yellowstone’s geothermal features, like Old Faithful and Geyser Basins. 

• Facilities: Flush toilets, dump stations, fire rings, and bear-resistant food storage boxes. 
• Safety: Bears are common here, so follow all bear safety guidelines for food storage and waste disposal. 
• Central Location: Located in the middle of the park, which provides easy access to Grand Loop Road. 

Grant Village Campground

This campground is nestled in the southern part of the park on the shores of Yellowstone Lake. If you are summer camping here, prepare for warmer temperatures due to the lake’s presence. Grant Village is the most convenient site for visitors coming from Grand Teton National Park. Expect to see stunning lake views and mountainscapes. Fish for cutthroat trout at the lake or rent boats and canoes to go out on the water. In the summer months, this is the warmest campground. This part of the park is popular for its proximity to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Hayden Valley, West Thumb Geyser basin, and Historic Grant Village. 

• Cultural Importance: Near Fort Yellowstone, once used for military purposes when the park opened. 
• Access: Developed amenities like a visitor center, general store, and restaurants make this campground convenient. 
• Warmest: Its proximity to the lake leads to warmer summer temperatures than other locations. Stay cool with an EcoFlow WAVE 2 Portable Air Conditioner. 

Canyon Campground

Find this campsite located near the junction of the North and South Loop roads, making it a great base spot to explore multiple park areas. It’s only a short drive from the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, which features Lower Falls and Upper Falls of the Yellowstone River. Canyon Campground is near geothermal sites like Norris Geyser Basin and Hayden Valley. Reservations are recommended here, as this location is only open from late June to late September. Take a hike on the North and South Rim Trails for breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone River. Keep your phone charged on the trails with a lightweight, magnetic power bank like the EcoFlow RAPID Power Bank, which seamlessly connects to the back of your cell phone.

• Facilities: Showers, flush toilets, bear-resistant food lockers, fire rings, and picnic tables
• Abundant Wildlife: Hayden Valley is a prime spot for wildlife. Look for elk, bison, grizzly bears, and wolves.
• Scenic Views: Unique views of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, perfect for pictures. 

Slough Creek Campground

Slough Creek Campground is in the northern part of the park, near Lamar Valley. It has only 16 sites with limited amenities. The wildlife viewing here is spectacular. Lamar Valley is home to large populations of bison, elk, pronghorn, wolves, grizzly bears, and black bears. Near Slough Creek, this site offers a picturesque setting of the winding creek, lush meadows, and rugged mountains. It’s less crowded than other sites, making it a great option if you’re seeking a more peaceful experience. Look forward to hiking, fishing, and photography at this off-the-beaten-path campsite in Yellowstone. 

• Facilities: Only pit toilets, no running water or showers. 
• Wildlife: View extensive wildlife, including eagles, osprey, and several waterfowl species. It’s best known for wolf viewing. 
• Road access: The road is gravel, making it rough to transverse in some places, and snow may make it inaccessible for spring camping. 

What Should I Pack for a Yellowstone National Park Camping Trip?

• Bear spray and bear-proof food storage containers 
• Binoculars 
• GPS and topographic maps as cell service is limited
• EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus for conveniently charging mobile devices
• Sunscreen and SPF
• Weather-appropriate layers for staying warm 
• First-aid kit with wilderness-specific supplies

6 Yellowstone National Park Camping Tips

1. Prepare for rapid weather changes. The weather in Yellowstone can shift drastically in a short amount of time, from cold mornings to warm afternoons and sudden rainstorms. 
2. Use a water filter or purification tablet. Nearly every site offers water sources, but not all are potable. 
3. Use binoculars for wildlife viewing. Have them on hand to observe bison, wolves, and bears from a distance without disturbing them. 
4. Bring a bear canister or use the provided food lockers. Yellowstone is bear country, so proper food storage is essential. 
5. Check for road closures and campground availability. Construction, weather, or wildlife activity can affect Yellowstone’s road network. Make campground reservations early during busy months. 
6. Pack-in and pack-out. This National Park is a pristine natural area, and the park practices Leave No Trace rules. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Camping in Yellowstone National Park offers stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a variety of camping experiences. Visit the park year-round at Mammoth Campground. Stay at Madison for easy access to geothermal features and the Canyon for views of the Grandy Canyon of Yellowstone. Grant Village offers amenities like a visitor center and a general store. On the other hand, Slough Creek is secluded and closest to primitive camping. Pack enough gear and supplies to stay safe, warm, and comfortable. With no power hookups at many sites, the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Series Portable Power Station is essential for reliable electricity during your trip.