Yellowstone National Park is one of the most popular and iconic national parks in the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year. As a national park touring enthusiast, you may be wondering if you need to make reservations to visit Yellowstone. The answer is a bit complex, as there are different reservation requirements for various activities and accommodations within the park.
Entrance Reservations
The good news is that no reservations are required to enter Yellowstone National Park. You can simply show up at the park entrance and pay the entrance fee to gain access to the park.
Accommodation Reservations
However, when it comes to accommodations within the park, reservations are highly recommended, if not required, to ensure availability.
Lodge Reservations
Yellowstone National Park has several lodges and hotels located within the park boundaries. These lodges can be booked up to 13 months in advance, with the reservation booking window opening on the 5th of each month for stays up to 13 months ahead.
Campground Reservations
Most campsites within Yellowstone National Park are reservation-only, with some available up to a year in advance and others up to 6 months in advance. However, there are still some first-come, first-served campsites available, so it’s important to plan ahead and make reservations as early as possible, especially during peak visitation seasons.
Other Reservations
In addition to accommodations, there are a few other activities and services within Yellowstone that may require reservations.
Dining Reservations
Some of the restaurants and dining establishments within the park require reservations, especially during peak seasons. Priority is given to guests staying at the park’s hotels, but visitors can also make reservations up to 60 days in advance.
Horseback Rides
If you’re interested in taking a horseback ride during your visit to Yellowstone, it’s recommended to make reservations in advance to ensure availability.
Contact Information
If you need to make any reservations or have questions about the reservation process, you can contact the Yellowstone National Park Lodges reservation office:
- Toll-free within the U.S.: 866-GEYSERLAND (866-439-7375)
- Outside the U.S.: 307-344-7311
- For same-day reservations or to reach a lodge guest: 307-344-7901
The reservation office is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Mountain Time, except for holidays.
Fees and Passes
To enter Yellowstone National Park, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee. The minimum fee is $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. Alternatively, you can purchase an America the Beautiful Pass for $80, which provides unlimited entry to Yellowstone and other national parks for one year.
Special Use Permits
In addition to the standard entrance and accommodation reservations, Yellowstone National Park also requires special use permits for certain activities, such as commercial filming, photography, and audio recording, as well as for weddings and other ceremonies.
In summary, while Yellowstone National Park does not require reservations to enter the park, it is highly recommended to make reservations for accommodations, dining, and certain activities to ensure availability and a smooth visit. By planning ahead and making the necessary reservations, you can maximize your enjoyment and experience as a national park touring enthusiast in Yellowstone.
References:
- https://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/stay/plan/reservations/
- https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/fees.htm
- https://wereintherockies.com/yellowstone-reservations/
- https://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/advanced-reservation-window/
- https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.htm