Yellowstone National Park is a natural wonder that offers stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and endless opportunities for adventure. And what better way to experience this iconic destination than by camping?
Where to Camp: Location
Yellowstone National Park covers a vast space larger than Rhode Island and Deleware combined. It can take hours to drive from one section of the park to another, and that is WITHOUT any of its famous “bison-jams!”
We strongly suggest that you take some time to review what landmarks, hikes, and attractions you have on your Yellowstone priority list. Next, you will want to identify the part of the park that is best suited for your agenda.
For example, I often suggest that guests consider staying in two or more sections of the park in order to have more time to explore and less time sitting in the car.
You will want to be especially cognizant of drive times if you have anyone in your party who gets car sick or just gets “drangry” (driving angry.) Also consider how far you are driving to enjoy this exceptional national park.
In our family, we often drive up from Texas, suffering through enjoying over twenty-five hours of road time before we arrive. The kids are often sick of the car. They want to roll out and stay out, so we prioritize minimizing our in-park commutes.
For a detailed map and explanation of the areas and attractions in Yellowstone, view my video here:
For help with your itinerary and my suggested family touring plan, visit THIS post. If you want to learn more about park exhibits and what to enjoy at each visitor center, visit THIS post. If you’re desperate to view those elusive wolves and bears, read THIS.
Now, let’s explore the campgrounds…
Family-friendly campgrounds in the park:
The following campgrounds are run by Xanterra, the park concessionaire. The booking window begins thirteen months, on the fifth of the month, in advance of your stay. Book HERE.
- Madison Campground: Located just minutes from the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park, Madison Campground is a great option for families. With over 100 sites, flush toilets, and hot showers, this campground offers plenty of amenities to make your camping experience comfortable. The campground is also close to fishing and hiking opportunities, making it a great choice for families.
- Grant Village Campground: Located near the south entrance of Yellowstone National Park, Grant Village Campground is a great choice for families who want to be close to the park and enjoy the scenic beauty of the area. With over 430 sites, flush toilets, and hot showers, this campground offers plenty of amenities to make your camping experience comfortable.
- Canyon Campground: Located near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Canyon Campground is a great choice for families who want to be close to the park and experience its natural wonders. With over 140 sites, flush toilets, and hot showers, this campground offers plenty of amenities to make your camping experience comfortable.
- Bay Bridge Campground: This Lake Yellowstone-area campground offers some lake view sites. It accommodates RVs & trailers up to combined length of 40′. Amenities include a camp store; however, there are no showers.
- Fishing Bridge RV Park: Located near the north entrance of Yellowstone National Park, this is the only campground inside Yellowstone that offers RV hook-ups. Fishing Bridge RV Park is a great choice for families who want to be close to the park and experience its natural wonders. With over 330 sites, flush toilets, and hot showers, this RV park offers plenty of amenities to make your camping experience comfortable.
The National Park Service also offers NPS-run campgrounds, often with more limited amenities, but lovely locations. Bookings open six months in advance HERE.
- Roosevelt Lodge Area Campgrounds: Tower Falls and Slough Creek
- Northeast Entrance Campground: Pebble Creek
- Norris Campground
- Mammoth Campground
- Campground between Norris and Mammoth: Indian Creek
- South Entrance: Lewis Lake
For additional information on amenities, costs, and alternative in-park accommodations, see THIS post wherein I have all options in chart format.
While camping within the park is a popular option, some families prefer to stay at a privately operated campground outside the park.
The closest and most family-friendly privately operated campgrounds near Yellowstone National Park:
- Yellowstone Valley Inn & RV Park Located just 15 minutes from the park, Yellowstone Valley Inn & RV Park is a popular choice for families looking for a convenient and comfortable camping experience. The campground offers full hook-up sites for RVs, as well as tent camping sites. There is also a heated pool and hot tub for guests to enjoy, as well as a small convenience store on site.
- Buffalo Crossing RV Park & Campground Buffalo Crossing RV Park & Campground is located just 20 minutes from the park, making it a great option for families who want to be close to the action. The campground offers full hook-up sites for RVs, as well as tent camping sites. There is also a playground for kids and a fire pit for making s’mores.
- Ponderosa Campground Ponderosa Campground is located just 40 minutes from the park and is a great option for families who want to be close to nature. The campground offers tent camping sites, as well as RV sites with full hook-ups. There is also a playground for kids, as well as fire pits for campfires.
- Sun Outdoors Yellowstone Sun Outdoors Yellowstone is in Gardiner, MT, right outside of Yellowstone’s north entrance. Gardiner may be our favorite gateway town in the region. It is quiet, beautiful, and has some great dining options!
- West Yellowstone KOA This is one of two KOA campgrounds in the area, the other being in Cody, WY. West Yellowstone is a nice gateway for families, and the park’s west entrance is arguably the best jumping off point for the majority of Yellowstone’s attractions.
Camping in and around Yellowstone National Park is a great way to experience the beauty and adventure of the area. Whether you’re looking for a full-service resort or a more rustic camping experience, there is a campground near Yellowstone National Park that will suit your needs.
So grab your family and get ready for an unforgettable camping trip in or around Yellowstone National Park!
