Yellowstone National Park offers a variety of RV camping options, both within the park and in surrounding areas. This comprehensive guide will help you plan your RV camping trip to Yellowstone and make the most of your national park experience.
Campgrounds Inside Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park has several RV-friendly campgrounds located throughout the park. Here’s a detailed overview of each campground:
| Campground | Sites | Toilets | Showers | Dump Station | Generators |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridge Bay | 432 | Flush | No | Yes | Permitted |
| Canyon | 273 | Flush | Yes | Yes | Permitted |
| Fishing Bridge RV Park | 310 | Flush | Yes | Yes | Permitted |
| Grant Village | 430 | Flush | Yes | Yes | Permitted |
| Madison | 278 | Flush | No | Yes | Permitted |
| Mammoth | 85 | Flush | No | No | Permitted |
| Norris | 111 | Flush | No | No | Permitted |
| Indian Creek | 70 | Vault | No | No | Not Permitted |
| Lewis Lake | 84 | Vault | No | No | Not Permitted |
| Pebble Creek | 27 | Vault | No | No | Not Permitted |
| Slough Creek | 16 | Vault | No | No | Not Permitted |
| Tower Fall | 31 | Vault | No | No | Not Permitted |
Reservations and Availability
Reservations for the most popular campgrounds (Bridge Bay, Canyon, Fishing Bridge RV Park, Grant Village, and Madison) can be made through Yellowstone National Park Lodges. The remaining campgrounds can be booked through recreation.gov. All campsites must be reserved in advance, except for Mammoth Campground, which offers first-come, first-served sites from October 15 to April 1.
Campgrounds Near Yellowstone National Park
If you’re unable to secure a campsite within Yellowstone, there are several RV-friendly campgrounds located near the park’s entrances:
- Ponderosa Campground: Located in Cody, WY, about one hour from the park’s east entrance station.
- Snake River Cabins & RV Village: Located in Jackson, WY, about 1.5 hours from the park’s south entrance station.
- Fox Den RV Campground: Located in West Yellowstone, MT, about five minutes from the park’s west entrance station.
- Yellowstone’s Edge RV Park: Located in Livingston, MT, about an hour from the park’s north entrance station.
Tips and Regulations
When planning your RV camping trip to Yellowstone, keep the following tips and regulations in mind:
- RV Size: Ensure your RV and any towed vehicles can fit within the campsite’s dimensions.
- Food Storage: Store all food-related items in a hard-sided vehicle or the campground’s shared food storage box to avoid attracting bears.
- Campfires: Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings, but there may be seasonal fire bans during dry summers.
- Drinking Water: Fresh mountain water is available at all campgrounds and is safe to drink.
- Group Size: The maximum group size per campsite is six people.
- Leveling: Some campgrounds have limited width for slide-outs and may not be level.
Additional Activities and Tips
While RV camping in Yellowstone, consider exploring these additional activities:
- Horseback Riding: Guided and private horseback riding trips are available, and some outfitters offer day trips and overnight backcountry trips.
- Boating: Explore Yellowstone’s lakes and rivers by canoe, kayak, or motorized boat with a permit and inspection.
- Stargazing: Spend time stargazing at night, away from your campsite or lodge.
- Pack for All Seasons: Bring layers as the days can be hot, and the nights can get chilly, even in the middle of summer.
By following this Yellowstone Park RV Camping Guide, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy your national park adventure in your RV. Remember to make reservations early, follow park regulations, and take advantage of the many outdoor activities Yellowstone has to offer.
References
- https://www.yellowstonepark.com/where-to-stay-camp-eat/camping-rv-parks/where-should-i-camp-in-yellowstone/
- https://happiestoutdoors.ca/camping-in-yellowstone/
- https://www.yellowstonepark.com/where-to-stay-camp-eat/camping-rv-parks/rv-tips/
- https://blog.campingworld.com/campgrounds-travel/camping-worlds-guide-to-rving-yellowstone-national-park/
- https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm