12 Best Yellowstone Campgrounds: Ranked and Reviewed

Planning a camping trip to Yellowstone National Park and not sure where to start? With 12 campgrounds inside the park, it can be tricky to decide which one is right for your trip, especially if you’re trying to balance location, amenities, and overall atmosphere. After exploring Yellowstone’s campgrounds firsthand, I’ve put together this guide to help you choose the best one for your upcoming visit.

Whether you’re looking for full RV hookups, a peaceful spot by the lake, or a campground near popular trails, this guide covers all the bases. Plus, I’ve ranked each campground based on my personal experience to make your decision easier.

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Overview of Camping in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone has 12 campgrounds spread throughout the park, all require reservations. These campgrounds tend to fill up fast, especially during peak summer months, so I recommend booking as early as possible.

The campgrounds are managed by two separate entities, and it’s important to know where to make reservations depending on where you’d like to stay:

• Yellowstone National Park Lodges manages the larger campgrounds like Bridge Bay, Canyon, Fishing Bridge RV Park, Grant Village, and Madison. You can make reservations up to 13 months in advance through the Yellowstone Lodges website.
• National Park Service handles the smaller, more rustic campgrounds like Indian Creek, Lewis Lake, Mammoth, Norris, Pebble Creek, Slough Creek, and Tower Fall. These can be reserved up to 6 months in advance on Recreation.gov.

Here’s a quick look at the 12 campgrounds inside Yellowstone, so you can get a sense of the options before diving into the details.

Campground	Area	Season	Sites	Amenities
Bridge Bay	Yellowstone Lake	May – Aug	431	Flush Toilets, Dump Station, Generators Allowed, Accessible Sites
Canyon	Canyon Village	Jun-Sep	272	Flush Toilets, Showers, Dump Station, Laundry, Generators Allowed, Accessible Sites
Fishing Bridge	Yellowstone Lake	May-Oct	310	Flush Toilets, Showers, Dump Station, Laundry, RV Hookups, Generators Allowed, Accessible Sites
Grant Village	Grant Village	Jun-Sep	429	Flush Toilets, Showers, Dump Station, Laundry, Generators Allowed, Accessible Sites
Madison	Madison	May-Oct	276	Flush Toilets, Dump Station, Generators Allowed, Accessible Sites
Indian Creek	Mammoth	Jun-Sep	70	Pit Toilets, Accessible Sites
Lewis Lake	Grant Village	Jun-Oct	84	Pit Toilets
Mammoth	Mammoth	All Year	82	Flush Toilets, Generators Allowed, Accessible Sites
Norris	Norris	May-Sep	111	Flush Toilets, Generators Allowed, Accessible Sites
Pebble Creek	Lamar Valley	Jun-Sep	27	Pit Toilets, Accessible Sites
Slough Creek	Lamar Valley	Jun-Oct	16	Pit Toilets, Accessible Sites
Tower Fall	Tower-Roosevelt	May-Sep	31	Pit Toilets

Best Campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park (Ranked!)

Choosing the right campground can make or break your Yellowstone experience, and with 12 options to choose from, it can feel overwhelming. To help you find the best fit, I’ve ranked each campground based on my own personal experience, using the following criteria:

Let’s dive into the rankings to find the best campground for your trip.

1. Canyon Campground

Canyon is my top pick because of its unbeatable central location, allowing easy access to both northern and southern Yellowstone. It’s perfect for families or first-timers who want to cover a lot of ground without too much driving.

The excellent amenities, like showers and laundry, add comfort, but its size means it can feel busy. But for its location and convenience, it’s hard to beat.

• Location: Central, near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
• Open Dates: May 31 to September 14
• Campsites: 272 tent and RV sites (max 40’ length)
• Amenities: Flush Toilets, Showers, Laundry, Dump Station, Fire Pits, Picnic Tables

2. Norris Campground

Norris Campground has one of the best locations for exploring the geyser basins, with easy access to both Old Faithful and Mammoth Hot Springs. Its central location makes it a great base for seeing the entire park. The campground is quiet, with good wildlife viewing opportunities, but since it’s a bit more rustic, it’s not as popular for those seeking extra amenities like showers.

• Location: Central, near Norris Geyser Basin
• Open Dates: TBD
• Campsites: 111 tent and RV sites (max 50’ length)
• Amenities: Flush Toilets, Fire Pits, Picnic Tables

3. Fishing Bridge RV Park

Fishing Bridge is the best choice for RVers who want comfort with full hookups, including electricity, water, and sewer. While it’s not as scenic or private as other campgrounds, it has the conveniences RV travelers need. Its proximity to Yellowstone Lake makes it great for those planning on fishing or boating.

However, if you prefer a more traditional, rustic camping feel, you may want to explore other options like Bridge Bay.

• Location: Southeast, near Yellowstone Lake
• Open Dates: May 10 to October 12
• Campsites: 310 RV sites (no tent sites, max 95’ length)
• Amenities: Full hookups (electricity, water, sewer), Flush Toilets, Showers, Laundry, Dump Station, Fire Pits, Picnic Tables

4. Bridge Bay Campground

Bridge Bay is perfect for families looking to enjoy the water, with easy access to Yellowstone Lake and its marina. It’s also a great spot for RV campers who don’t need full hookups. However, the campground’s size means it can feel less private than others. While it doesn’t have showers or laundry on-site, it still offers good basic amenities.

• Location: Southeast, near Yellowstone Lake
• Open Dates: May 17 to September 1
• Campsites: 431 tent and RV sites (max 60’ length)
• Amenities: Flush Toilets, Dump Station, Fire Pits, Picnic Tables

5. Madison Campground

Madison is ideal for first-time visitors or those with short stays who want easy access to Old Faithful and the park’s geyser basins. Its proximity to the West Yellowstone entrance makes it a great base for exploring Old Faithful and other western attractions. The downside is that the campsites are closer together, offering less privacy.

• Location: West, near West Yellowstone entrance
• Open Dates: May 3 to October 19
• Campsites: 276 tent and RV sites (max 60’ length)
• Amenities: Flush Toilets, Dump Station, Fire Pits, Picnic Tables

6. Mammoth Campground

Mammoth Campground is the only campground open year-round, making it perfect for off-season visitors or those who want to spend more time at Mammoth Hot Springs. Elk often wander through the area, adding to the ambiance, but the campground’s proximity to the main road means less seclusion.

• Location: North, near Mammoth Hot Springs
• Open Dates: Year-Round
• Campsites: 82 tent and RV sites (max 30’ length)
• Amenities: Flush Toilets, Fire Pits, Picnic Tables

7. Grant Village Campground

Grant Village is an excellent base for exploring southern Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park. It offers more amenities than many other campgrounds, including showers and laundry, which can make your camping experience more comfortable.

However, the location is less central, and it lacks the scenic views you’ll find at some of the other campgrounds. Still, for those planning to explore the southern part of the park, it’s a good option.

• Location: South, near West Thumb Geyser Basin
• Open Dates: June 7 to September 7
• Campsites: 429 tent and RV sites (max 50’ length)
• Amenities: Flush Toilets, Showers, Laundry, Dump Station, Fire Pits, Picnic Tables

8. Slough Creek Campground

Slough Creek Campground is a dream for wildlife enthusiasts, but I only recommend it for return visitors. Located near Lamar Valley, it’s one of the best places in the park to spot wolves and bison. The campground is small and rustic, with limited amenities, making it best for campers who don’t mind the trade-off of fewer comforts for more seclusion.

• Location: Northeast, near Lamar Valley
• Open Dates: June 15 to October 14
• Campsites: 16 tent and RV sites (max 30’ length)
• Amenities: Pit Toilets, Fire Pits, Picnic Tables

9. Indian Creek Campground

Indian Creek is a quiet, off-the-beaten-path option that’s perfect for tent campers looking for a peaceful, more primitive experience. While it lacks some amenities, its seclusion makes it great for stargazing and spotting wildlife. If privacy is a priority, Indian Creek provides a more intimate camping experience.

Just note that you’ll need to drive a bit farther to reach the main attractions.

• Location: Northwest, near Mammoth Hot Springs
• Open Dates: June 10 to September 8
• Campsites: 70 tent and RV sites (max 35’ length)
• Amenities: Pit Toilets, Fire Pits, Picnic Tables

10. Pebble Creek Campground

Pebble Creek is a hidden gem for those wanting to escape the crowds. Its location near Lamar Valley makes it a great base for wildlife viewing, but its isolation and limited amenities mean it’s better suited for tent campers or those seeking a quiet, off-the-grid experience.

This campground is further from most attractions in Yellowstone, so I don’t recommend it for first time visitors.

• Location: Northeast, near Lamar Valley
• Open Dates: TBD
• Campsites: 27 tent and RV sites (max 30’ length)
• Amenities: Pit Toilets, Fire Pits, Picnic Tables

11. Tower Fall Campground

Tower Fall is a small, scenic campground near the northeastern part of the park, ideal for hikers and those exploring Tower-Roosevelt. It’s less convenient for visiting the park’s main attractions but offers great views and wildlife watching opportunities. It’s a bit more primitive, so it’s better for visitors who don’t mind roughing it.

• Location: Northeast, near Tower Fall
• Open Dates: TBD
• Campsites: 31 tent and RV sites (max 30’ length)
• Amenities: Pit Toilets, Fire Pits, Picnic Tables

12. Lewis Lake Campground

• Location: South, near the South Entrance
• Open Dates: June 15 to October 14
• Campsites: 84 tent and RV sites (max 25’ length)
• Amenities: Pit Toilets, Fire Pits, Picnic Tables

Lewis Lake is perfect for those looking for a quiet, scenic spot to unwind. Its proximity to Yellowstone’s South Entrance makes it a good stop for visitors heading to or from Grand Teton. While it’s great for water activities like kayaking, it lacks basic amenities like flush toilets, so it’s better for campers who are comfortable with a more primitive setup.

Tips for Camping in Yellowstone National Park

Here are my top tips to help you make the most of your trip:

• Practice Wildlife Safety: This is bear country! Always store food, toiletries, and scented items in bear-proof containers provided at the campsite. Never leave food unattended, even for a short time, and always have bear spray on hand, especially if you plan to hike.
• Seniors Can Save on Camping Fees: If you’re over 62 and a US resident, you can get a lifetime Senior National Park Pass for just $80, which covers entry to all national parks, including Yellowstone. Plus, you’ll get discounts on camping fees at most Yellowstone campgrounds (excluding Fishing Bridge RV Park).
• RV Campgrounds are Limited: For those traveling by RV, campsites can fill up fast, especially at Fishing Bridge RV Park, the only campground in the park with full hookups. Make sure to check the restrictions on RV size and amenities at each campground. I recommend booking as early as possible—Fishing Bridge can accommodate RVs up to 95 feet!
• Expect Fire Restrictions: During the summer months, from July through September, the park may enforce fire restrictions due to dry conditions. These rules often limit wood and charcoal fires, even in campgrounds. To avoid disruption, I suggest packing a propane stove for cooking during your trip. Always check for current fire regulations before heading out.
• Pets are Allowed in Campgrounds Not Trails: While pets are allowed in the campgrounds, they are not permitted on hiking trails or boardwalks and cannot be left unattended. Therefore, if you plan to bring a pet, you will need to plan for someone to stay with them at the campsite during the day if you plan to hike. Read more about pets in Yellowstone National Park.
• Cell Service is Limited: Don’t rely on cell service during your stay in Yellowstone. Coverage is extremely limited, especially in remote areas. Before you leave, download your campground details or take screenshots to avoid issues finding your way or accessing important information once you’re in the park.

Frequently Asked Questions About Camping in Yellowstone

Final Thoughts on the Best Campgrounds in Yellowstone

After reviewing the 12 best campgrounds in Yellowstone, you now have a better idea of which sites offer the most convenient locations, the best amenities, and the perfect ambiance. Whether you’re looking for full RV hookups, a quiet tent site, or a more remote and peaceful camping experience, there’s a perfect spot for you in Yellowstone. 

Make sure to reserve early, plan for the amenities you need, and enjoy your time in one of America’s most stunning national parks.

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