Ultimate Yellowstone Camping Guide 2025: Campgrounds, Reservations & Insider Tips

Camping in Yellowstone National Park offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in America's first national park, falling asleep to the sounds of wildlife and waking up to sunrise over pristine wilderness. With 12 campgrounds featuring over 2,000 individual campsites, Yellowstone provides camping experiences ranging from basic tent sites to full-hookup RV accommodations, each offering unique access to the park's incredible geothermal features and diverse ecosystems.

Complete 2025 Campground Directory

Bridge Bay Campground - The Lakefront Experience

Bridge Bay stands as Yellowstone's largest campground with 431 sites nestled along the shores of Yellowstone Lake. This popular destination offers excellent fishing opportunities, boat launch access, and stunning sunrise views over the lake. The campground serves as an ideal base for exploring the park's southeastern attractions while providing convenient access to both the Lower and Upper Loop roads.

Canyon Campground - The Waterfall Gateway

Canyon Campground ranks as a visitor favorite due to its wooded setting and relatively central location within Yellowstone. Located near the spectacular Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, this campground provides quick access to the park's most photographed waterfall while maintaining a forested atmosphere that offers privacy and natural beauty.

Grant Village Campground - The Full-Service Hub

Grant Village offers the most comprehensive amenities of any Yellowstone campground, making it an excellent choice for families and those seeking comfort during their park adventure. Located in the southern section of the park, this campground provides convenient access to both Yellowstone's attractions and Grand Teton National Park for extended regional exploration.

Madison Campground - The Geyser Gateway

Madison Campground provides unbeatable access to Yellowstone's world-famous geyser basins, including Old Faithful and the numerous thermal features of the Firehole River area. The campground's location along the Madison River also offers excellent fishing opportunities and serves as a perfect base for exploring the park's geothermal wonders.

Fishing Bridge RV Park - The Premium RV Experience

Fishing Bridge RV Park caters specifically to recreational vehicles, offering the only full hookup facilities within Yellowstone National Park. Located near Yellowstone Lake's outlet, this facility provides convenient access to fishing opportunities while maintaining the comfort and convenience that RV travelers expect.

Smaller Campgrounds: Hidden Gems and Specialized Experiences

Mammoth Hot Springs Campground: The only year-round campground, offering 85 sites near the park's northern entrance. Best for winter camping and exploring the terraced limestone formations. Operating year-round with first-come, first-served sites in winter months.

Norris Campground: Small and intimate with 111 sites, perfect for those seeking quieter camping experiences. Located near the hottest thermal area in the park with convenient access to Museum of the National Park Ranger. Operating June 1 - September 22, 2025.

Indian Creek Campground: Primitive camping experience with 70 sites offering solitude and natural beauty. Ideal for tent campers seeking an authentic wilderness experience away from park crowds. Operating June 15 - September 8, 2025.

Lewis Lake Campground: Remote location with 85 sites providing excellent fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities. Perfect for those seeking solitude and pristine natural settings. Operating June 15 - October 13, 2025.

Slough Creek Campground: Premium fishing location with 16 sites along one of Yellowstone's most famous trout streams. Extremely popular with fly fishing enthusiasts and requires advance reservations. Operating June 15 - October 13, 2025.

Tower Fall Campground: Small campground with 31 sites offering easy access to Tower Fall and the Lamar Valley. Excellent for wildlife viewing and photography. Operating May 23 - September 8, 2025.

2025 Reservation System Mastery

Understanding the Two Reservation Systems

Yellowstone operates under two separate reservation systems, each with different booking windows and strategies for success. Understanding these systems is crucial for securing your preferred camping dates.

Pro Booking Strategies from Experienced Campers

The Early Bird Advantage: Set calendar reminders for exactly 13 months (Xanterra) or 6 months (Recreation.gov) before your desired arrival date. Create accounts ahead of time with payment information saved for quick booking when reservations open.

Flexibility Pays Off: Popular summer weekends fill within minutes, but weekday stays and shoulder season dates (May, September) often remain available longer. Consider Tuesday-Thursday stays for better availability and rates.

Multiple Campground Strategy: Apply for reservations at several campgrounds simultaneously to increase your chances. Some campgrounds like Bridge Bay have better availability due to their larger size.

Seasonal Camping Considerations

Spring Camping (May-June): Wildlife and Weather Surprises

Spring camping in Yellowstone offers incredible wildlife viewing opportunities as animals emerge from winter with new offspring, but weather conditions can be highly unpredictable. Snow, rain, and sunshine often occur within the same day, requiring careful preparation and flexible expectations.

Summer Peak Season (July-August): Crowds and Comfort

Summer provides the most predictable weather and full access to all park roads and attractions, but also brings peak crowds and premium prices. Advanced planning becomes essential, and early morning or late evening activities help avoid the busiest periods.

Fall Camping (September-October): Colors and Solitude

Fall offers some of Yellowstone's most spectacular camping conditions with brilliant aspen colors, active wildlife preparing for winter, and significantly reduced crowds. Weather remains generally pleasant through September but can change quickly in October.

Camping Safety and Wildlife Protocol

Bear Safety: Essential Knowledge for Every Camper

Yellowstone is home to both black bears and grizzly bears, making proper food storage and campsite management critical for both human safety and wildlife protection. All campgrounds provide bear-proof storage boxes, and their use is mandatory for all food, toiletries, and scented items.

Campfire Regulations and Fire Safety

Campfire regulations in Yellowstone vary by season and weather conditions, with restrictions often implemented during dry periods to prevent wildfires. Always check current fire restrictions upon arrival and follow Leave No Trace principles for responsible fire management.

Campground Amenities and Facility Details

Restroom and Shower Facilities

Flush Toilets Available: Bridge Bay, Canyon, Grant Village, Madison, Fishing Bridge, Mammoth, Norris Vault Toilets Only: Indian Creek, Lewis Lake, Slough Creek, Tower Fall Shower Facilities: Grant Village, Canyon (limited availability), Fishing Bridge

Laundry and Supply Services

Grant Village offers the most comprehensive services including laundry facilities, camp store, and dining options. Bridge Bay and Canyon provide limited store services, while more remote campgrounds require bringing all necessary supplies.

Dump Stations and Utilities

RV dump stations are available at Bridge Bay, Canyon, Grant Village, Madison, and Fishing Bridge. Only Fishing Bridge offers full hookups (water, sewer, electric), while other campgrounds provide water spigots and electrical hookups at select sites.

Gateway Town Alternatives

When Park Campgrounds Are Full

When Yellowstone's campgrounds reach capacity, several gateway communities offer excellent alternative camping options with easy park access and additional amenities not available inside the park boundaries.

West Yellowstone, Montana: Largest selection of RV parks and campgrounds with full services, restaurants, and outfitters. Many facilities offer shuttle services to park entrances and extended-stay options for longer visits.

Gardiner, Montana: Northern gateway community with private campgrounds offering stunning views of the Yellowstone River valley. Less crowded than West Yellowstone with authentic western atmosphere.

Cody, Wyoming: Eastern gateway providing access via the scenic Beartooth Highway. Offers western culture, museums, and rodeos along with quality camping facilities.

Jackson, Wyoming: Southern gateway near Grand Teton National Park, offering luxury camping options and easy access to both parks for comprehensive regional exploration.

Special Camping Programs and Group Options

Group Camping Opportunities

Several Yellowstone campgrounds offer group sites accommodating 10-75 people, perfect for family reunions, scout groups, or other organized gatherings. Group sites require special reservations and advance planning but provide excellent value for larger parties.

Accessible Camping Options

All major campgrounds provide ADA-accessible sites with paved surfaces, accessible restrooms, and modified picnic tables. These sites require special reservations through the respective booking systems and fill quickly due to limited availability.

Ready to book your Yellowstone camping adventure? Secure your 2025 reservations early through Recreation.gov or Yellowstone National Park Lodges, and prepare for an unforgettable experience in America's first national park!