Yellowstone National Park is a vast and breathtaking wilderness, offering visitors a chance to explore some of the most stunning natural wonders in the world. As you embark on your journey through this iconic park, it’s essential to be aware of the various rest areas and picnic sites available to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the key details and locations of Yellowstone’s rest areas, helping you plan your trip with ease.
Picnic Areas in Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park boasts an impressive 52 picnic areas scattered throughout the park. Each of these areas is equipped with tables, and most feature vault toilets (no running water). The only picnic area with potable water is the Madison Picnic Area.
Major Hubs for Yellowstone Visitors
Yellowstone National Park has six major hubs that serve as central gathering points for visitors. These hubs include:
- Old Faithful
- Mammoth Hot Springs
- Grant Village
- Lake Village Area (Fishing Bridge & Bay Bridge)
- Canyon Village
- Tower-Roosevelt
These major hubs offer a wide range of amenities, including public access restrooms, Yellowstone General Stores, Visitor Centers, Dining Facilities, Service Stations, and Hotels/Inns/Lodges.
Roadside Restrooms in Yellowstone National Park
In addition to the picnic areas and major hubs, Yellowstone National Park also features multiple roadside restroom locations along the 14 road sections within the park. These restrooms can be found at the following locations:
| Location | Amenities |
|---|---|
| Madison River Picnic Area | Restrooms |
| Madison Campground | Restrooms |
| Firehole Swimming Area | Restrooms |
| Firehole Picnic Area | Restrooms |
| Nez Perce Picnic Area | Restrooms |
| Whisky Flats Picnic Area | Restrooms |
| Midway Geyser Basin (parking lot) | Restrooms |
| Lone Star Geyser Trailhead | Restrooms |
| Spring Creek Picnic Area | Restrooms |
| DeLacy Creek Picnic Area | Restrooms |
| East Divide Picnic Area | Restrooms |
| Grant Village | Restrooms |
| Grant Village Picnic Area | Restrooms |
| Grant Village Campground | Restrooms |
| Heart Lake Trailhead | Restrooms |
| Lewis Channel Dogshead Trailhead | Restrooms |
| Lewis Lake Campground | Restrooms |
| Lewis Lake Picnic Area | Restrooms |
| Snake River Picnic Area | Restrooms |
| Tuff Cliff Picnic Area | Restrooms |
| Gibbon Picnic Area | Restrooms |
| Iron Springs Picnic Area | Restrooms |
| Caldera Rim Picnic Area | Restrooms |
| Artists Paintpots | Restrooms |
| Gibbon Meadows Picnic Area | Restrooms |
| Norris Geyser Basin (parking lot) | Restrooms |
| Norris Campground | Restrooms |
| Beaver Lake Picnic Area | Restrooms |
| Apollinaris Spring Picnic Area & Spring | Restrooms |
| Roadside Restroom | Restrooms |
| Indian Creek Campground Entrance Road (small picnic area with restroom) | Restrooms |
| Indian Creek Campground | Restrooms |
| Sheepeater Cliff & Picnic Area | Restrooms |
| Upper Terrace Drive Parking Lot | Restrooms |
| Roadside Restroom (near horse corral and military graveyard entrance) | Restrooms |
| Public Restroom (next to parking lot for lower) | Restrooms |
| Indian Pond-Storm Point Trailhead | Restrooms |
| Pelican Valley Trailhead | Restrooms |
| Steamboat Point Picnic Area (roadside restroom) | Restrooms |
| Sedge Bay Picnic Area | Restrooms |
| Lake Butte Overlook | Restrooms |
| Sylvan Lake Picnic Area | Restrooms |
| Roadside Restroom (1/2 distance between Corkscrew Bridge Viewpoint and East Entrance) | Restrooms |
| Roadside Restroom (100 yards from the East Entrance) | Restrooms |
Additional Considerations for Yellowstone Park Rest Areas
It’s important to note that open fires are not allowed at any of the picnic areas in Yellowstone National Park. However, cooking is permitted on grills or campstoves. Visitors should also be prepared with hand sanitizer, as not all restrooms provide it or may run out.