The best camping near West Yellowstone with wildlife watching

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Looking for the perfect camping experience near West Yellowstone, Montana? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 700 options specifically tailored for wildlife watching, you'll be sure to find the ideal spot to immerse yourself in nature. Whether you're a seasoned wildlife enthusiast or just looking to catch a glimpse of some local creatures, we've got you covered. From the popular Aspen Grove Inn at Heise Bridge (252 reviews) to the scenic Gallatin River Getaway (159 reviews) and the cozy VanGoBoon Campground (135 reviews), we have the top campsites that will satisfy your wildlife cravings. Plus, with amenities like pets allowed, potable water, and trash services, we've got all the essentials covered. So pack your binoculars and get ready to explore the great outdoors with Hipcamp!

96% (455)

Top-rated campgrounds

Camp Steelhead

1. Camp Steelhead

96%
(204)
19mi from West Yellowstone · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Island Park, ID
CLOSE TO YELLOWSTONE NP! This is a great spot with easy access to all the outdoor recreation that Island Park offers. A convenient 30-minute drive to the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park. A quick 10-minute drive to enjoy the beautiful day hikes of Harriman State Park. You can also hike directly from Camp Steelhead on the old historic rail grade and enjoy the views of the majestic Buffalo River. Enjoy a quiet camping area with the convenience of power hookups for your RV (30 amp) or just plug in your phone to the 110 outlets if you are tent camping. Close proximity to Highway 20 and easy access to services and dining. One RV/Trailer per campsite. Camp Steelhead is located within the beautiful Yellowstone Ecosystem. While we have not had any problems with wildlife. We ask that campers store food properly to avoid any issues. Yellowstone does not have a fence around it. Animals wander all through the area.
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
from 
$88
 / night
Angell Creek Camp

2. Angell Creek Campground

96%
(100)
21mi from West Yellowstone · 6 sites · RVs · Island Park, ID
Angell Creek Campground is located in beautiful Island Park Idaho. It has been in our family for over 50 years. We are surrounded by pine trees, and it is a quiet place to escape the noise of the world. It is a place to recharge and enjoy the outdoors. Our campsite is close to West Yellowstone and only 30 mi. from Yellowstone National Park. Island Park has a lot to offer including: boating, waterskiing, fishing, canoeing, swimming, hiking, trail riding and much more. All of these activities are within a few minutes away. We are in close proximity to highway 20 and easy access to services and dining. We have a very large parking area where you can park trailers and vehicles. We have about 3 acres and have 5 RV spots. We have a central sheltered picnic area and a big fire pit on each RV spot. Each pad is rented at $40 a night with provided 50 and 20 amp service with an adapter provided for 30 amp service. No water or sewer is provided. There is a porta potty on location from mid May until end of October. Must pack out all of your trash or be a accessed a cleaning fee per lot. Although wanting to keep this campground in a primitive state, we will be adding a few updates in coming years. Pets allowed on a leash only.
Electrical Hookup
Pets
from 
$40
 / night
Yellowstone Dreamin Camp

6. Yellowstone Dreamin Camp

100%
(60)
47mi from West Yellowstone · 12 sites · Lodging · South Glastonbury, MT
Our property is located in Paradise Valley less than 30 miles from the North entrance to Yellowstone National Park. The views are amazing and our tents amenities make you feel like you are in a hotel.We are a Glamping Camp built to let people experience the great Big Sky Country of Montana staying in Paradise Valley. We are located less than 30 miles from Yellowstone National Park.When you visit our camp Adventure is in store for you.  With hiking, rafting, biking, sightseeing, and more located very close by your biggest problem will be deciding how to spend your time.  The Camp is remote and you will be able to take in all that comes with nature in Montana including amazing stars and serene views in all directions.  Nearby restaurants and a hot springs are just a few must visits that guests have boasted about in the past.We have a flush toilet, potable water, pets are allowed, and there are hot showers and laundry services allowed as well!Our guests love us too! "We loved our stay! The tent was great, very nicely decorated, and super comfortable beds. The views were incredible, and the friendly horses were our girls’ favorite part of the day! Thank you for the wonderful accommodations and the tasty breakfast!"
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$229
 / night
She walked by 20yrds from camp mid morning.

8. Peaceful Pines

82%
(25)
21mi from West Yellowstone · 1 site · RV · Island Park, ID
This is a beautiful peaceful place where I like to go to spend time away from the noise of the world and recharge and enjoy all the things of nature, float and fish the river and lakes walk through the trees and wild flowers. It is close to West Yellowstone and Yellowstone National Park. This land has been in my family for nearly 50 years and my parents wanted to keep it in a primitive state but we will be adding a few updates in the coming yearsLearn more about this land:(#1)From Ashton Idaho follow Highway 20 about 30 miles to Yale-Kilgore Rd,(#2)From W.Yellowstone it is about 26 miles to Elk Creek #1 take a left turn and #2 a right turn follow this road until you cross McRae bridge then continue to a right turn onto Yale Creek Road then left at the split in the road onto Hotel Creek then right on S. Beaver Springs Rd. then a right on Glen tree Road continue along Glen tree and take a left on Wooded Ln, up this lane approximately 2 to 3 blocks the property is on the right marked with orange fence posts, it is a primitive camp site horse shoe around a fire pit. Please don’t burn garbage or cut down any trees. The road is very bumpy please take it slow. 4166 Wooded Ln.
Pets
from 
$40
 / night
Homestead@LittleTrailCreekCabins

9. Homestead@LittleTrailCreekCabins

100%
(8)
33mi from West Yellowstone · 1 site · Lodging · Gardiner, MT
We purchased the property in 2016 to share with travelers. There are three other rentals on the property. Learn more about this land: Shawn has been a nurse for 20+ years and understands the importance of a clean environment.  Take a step back in time. Imagine yourself as an original Homesteader in this early 1900's cabin. But with modern convinces. 5 minutes from Gardiner, Montana - The North Entrance to Yellowstone & Yellowstone Hot Springs. We provide delicious well water! Little Trail Creek runs thru the property. There are two rooms in the cabin. Dining table, kitchen supply hutch & wood stove in the main room.Two queen beds, a small cot in the bedroom. There is one chandelier and 1 outlet in each room. There is one extra cabin with one queen bed available for an additional fee. It is 4 feet from the homestead. It is only available for use by guests of the homestead cabin, so it is private. There is a gorgeous new shower house built in 2023. It provides a large walk in shower, vanity and sink, outlet and standard flush toilet.   Candles, oil lanterns, propane for the BBQ grill, campfire ring, camp chairs, wood stove, towels, hot springs & river towels, bedding, pots, pans, utensils, basic camp supplies are all included! There is a separate shack with an electrical outlet, toaster oven, electric coffee pot, percolator, a single electric burner for the cooking supplies. There are 3 other rentals on this property. Each cabin has 1 - 1.5 acres of private use and are generously spaced out.The Homestead cabin is bordered by Little Trail Creek and the house pasture. There are 5 horses on site.  Absorkee Wilderness is in the back yard with thousands of miles of hiking trails. This is a Glamping experience. There my be wildlife - including bears, elk, deer, bugs or field mice at anytime. We have tried to preserve the Homestead cabin as much as possible to its original state. There are elk, deer, birds and other native wildlife on the property daily.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$245
 / night
Targhee National Forest

10. Targhee National Forest

85%
(17)
469 sites · Wyoming
You’ll want to allow yourself plenty of time to take advantage of all that Targhee National Forest has to offer. On several million acres, waterfalls cascade down volcanic cliffs, and crystal clear pools provide some of the best cutthroat trout fishing in the world. Rafters and tubers frolic in the shadows of the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone, and the smell of campfires makes you feel like an Oregon Trailer. Ancient rock formations sprout wildflowers, providing a scenic spot to boulder or rock climb, and Big Spring & Palisades Reservoir boasts over 70 miles of shoreline to bask in the sun after a long day of hiking. Two of the trails here access the high-altitute Alaska Basin, as well as trails in Grand Teton National Park. You’ll also be right next to the city of Idaho Falls, perfect for stocking up on the essentials before a full day of exploring grizzly bear habitats and karst limestone formations, all under the watchful eye of the snow-peaked Tetons!
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
Caribou National Forest

11. Caribou National Forest

79%
(7)
270 sites · Idaho
The smaller of the two parks in Caribou-Targhee National Forests, Caribou is a welterweight not to be underestimated. Just south of its older brother, this land spans Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho, and is a crucial spot for supporting caribou populations. None of the animals here are bashful: bison, moose, deer, mountain lions, falcons, elk, and even black bears abound! Beautiful to snap shot from a distance. Just south of the forest, Bear Lake is a fun spot to take a dip after you hike one of Caribou’s dozens of peaks (Mead Peak and Hawks Peak have gorgeous views, as does Big Elk Mountain at the northern tip of the park). At the south end, you’ll find campgrounds, fast flowing creeks, and the Minnetonka Cave at St. Charles Canyon. This is a site to see, but it stays 40 degrees down there all year so be sure to pack a coat, even if you’re sweating above ground. When you’re done, stop in the charming small town of Montpelier, surrounded by rolling hills and full of retro grocers and kitschy eateries. Yum!
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
Arcadia Hangout: Cabin by Reservoir

14. Arcadia Hangout: Cabin by Reservoir

100%
(3)
43mi from West Yellowstone · 1 site · Lodging · Ashton, ID
Learn more about this land: Four-season rustic cabin that can sleep up to 6 adults and up to 10 total.  Access by vehicle (summer) or snowmobile (winter).  Separate indoor kitchen/eating areas vs sleeping area (inside sturdy vinyl Army tent).  Wood stove inside the tent will keep you warm all night.  Bring your own sleeping bags, food, and water.  Primitive outhouse near the yurt.  So much to do - so much to see (moose and deer are commonplace). SUMMER: Access to private lake: swimming and fishing and boating (no gas engines allowed). Private sand dune area for ATVs, with access to hundreds of miles of public land trails. St Anthony Sand Dunes, Civil Defense Caves, Ice Caves and Island Park Reservoir are all accessible on an ATV day trip.  Yellowstone National Park is an 80 minute drive, though accessing the property requires a 6.5 mile drive on a dirt road, a total of 25 minutes from Ashton.  Two campfire rings on the property to choose from for your evening gatherings.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$79
 / night
Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park and Cabins

15. Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park and Cabins

0.5mi from West Yellowstone · 124 sites · West Yellowstone, MT
Experience the charm of Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park in West Yellowstone, Montana, where our welcoming staff is dedicated to making your stay unforgettable. What sets us apart is our prime location—just four blocks from the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park, allowing you easy access to breathtaking natural wonders, dining options, shopping, and local attractions all within a short stroll. Nearby, you can explore the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center, catch a thrilling film at the IMAX Theatre, or delve into history at the Museum and Historic Center. For the adventurous, the aerial ropes course offers an exciting challenge just a couple of blocks away. West Yellowstone serves as an ideal base for discovering the stunning landscapes of Yellowstone National Park and the nearby Gallatin National Forest. The area is renowned for its exceptional fly fishing in the numerous lakes, streams, and rivers. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of activities, including horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, float trips, and guided tours of Yellowstone Park. We invite you to visit us and unwind in our beautiful RV Park and cozy cabins!

Looking for the perfect camping experience near West Yellowstone, Montana? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 700 options specifically tailored for wildlife watching, you'll be sure to find the ideal spot to immerse yourself in nature. Whether you're a seasoned wildlife enthusiast or just looking to catch a glimpse of some local creatures, we've got you covered. From the popular Aspen Grove Inn at Heise Bridge (252 reviews) to the scenic Gallatin River Getaway (159 reviews) and the cozy VanGoBoon Campground (135 reviews), we have the top campsites that will satisfy your wildlife cravings. Plus, with amenities like pets allowed, potable water, and trash services, we've got all the essentials covered. So pack your binoculars and get ready to explore the great outdoors with Hipcamp!

96% (455)

Top-rated campgrounds

Camp Steelhead

1. Camp Steelhead

96%
(204)
19mi from West Yellowstone · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Island Park, ID
CLOSE TO YELLOWSTONE NP! This is a great spot with easy access to all the outdoor recreation that Island Park offers. A convenient 30-minute drive to the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park. A quick 10-minute drive to enjoy the beautiful day hikes of Harriman State Park. You can also hike directly from Camp Steelhead on the old historic rail grade and enjoy the views of the majestic Buffalo River. Enjoy a quiet camping area with the convenience of power hookups for your RV (30 amp) or just plug in your phone to the 110 outlets if you are tent camping. Close proximity to Highway 20 and easy access to services and dining. One RV/Trailer per campsite. Camp Steelhead is located within the beautiful Yellowstone Ecosystem. While we have not had any problems with wildlife. We ask that campers store food properly to avoid any issues. Yellowstone does not have a fence around it. Animals wander all through the area.
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
from 
$88
 / night
Angell Creek Camp

2. Angell Creek Campground

96%
(100)
21mi from West Yellowstone · 6 sites · RVs · Island Park, ID
Angell Creek Campground is located in beautiful Island Park Idaho. It has been in our family for over 50 years. We are surrounded by pine trees, and it is a quiet place to escape the noise of the world. It is a place to recharge and enjoy the outdoors. Our campsite is close to West Yellowstone and only 30 mi. from Yellowstone National Park. Island Park has a lot to offer including: boating, waterskiing, fishing, canoeing, swimming, hiking, trail riding and much more. All of these activities are within a few minutes away. We are in close proximity to highway 20 and easy access to services and dining. We have a very large parking area where you can park trailers and vehicles. We have about 3 acres and have 5 RV spots. We have a central sheltered picnic area and a big fire pit on each RV spot. Each pad is rented at $40 a night with provided 50 and 20 amp service with an adapter provided for 30 amp service. No water or sewer is provided. There is a porta potty on location from mid May until end of October. Must pack out all of your trash or be a accessed a cleaning fee per lot. Although wanting to keep this campground in a primitive state, we will be adding a few updates in coming years. Pets allowed on a leash only.
Electrical Hookup
Pets
from 
$40
 / night
Yellowstone Dreamin Camp

6. Yellowstone Dreamin Camp

100%
(60)
47mi from West Yellowstone · 12 sites · Lodging · South Glastonbury, MT
Our property is located in Paradise Valley less than 30 miles from the North entrance to Yellowstone National Park. The views are amazing and our tents amenities make you feel like you are in a hotel.We are a Glamping Camp built to let people experience the great Big Sky Country of Montana staying in Paradise Valley. We are located less than 30 miles from Yellowstone National Park.When you visit our camp Adventure is in store for you.  With hiking, rafting, biking, sightseeing, and more located very close by your biggest problem will be deciding how to spend your time.  The Camp is remote and you will be able to take in all that comes with nature in Montana including amazing stars and serene views in all directions.  Nearby restaurants and a hot springs are just a few must visits that guests have boasted about in the past.We have a flush toilet, potable water, pets are allowed, and there are hot showers and laundry services allowed as well!Our guests love us too! "We loved our stay! The tent was great, very nicely decorated, and super comfortable beds. The views were incredible, and the friendly horses were our girls’ favorite part of the day! Thank you for the wonderful accommodations and the tasty breakfast!"
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$229
 / night
She walked by 20yrds from camp mid morning.

8. Peaceful Pines

82%
(25)
21mi from West Yellowstone · 1 site · RV · Island Park, ID
This is a beautiful peaceful place where I like to go to spend time away from the noise of the world and recharge and enjoy all the things of nature, float and fish the river and lakes walk through the trees and wild flowers. It is close to West Yellowstone and Yellowstone National Park. This land has been in my family for nearly 50 years and my parents wanted to keep it in a primitive state but we will be adding a few updates in the coming yearsLearn more about this land:(#1)From Ashton Idaho follow Highway 20 about 30 miles to Yale-Kilgore Rd,(#2)From W.Yellowstone it is about 26 miles to Elk Creek #1 take a left turn and #2 a right turn follow this road until you cross McRae bridge then continue to a right turn onto Yale Creek Road then left at the split in the road onto Hotel Creek then right on S. Beaver Springs Rd. then a right on Glen tree Road continue along Glen tree and take a left on Wooded Ln, up this lane approximately 2 to 3 blocks the property is on the right marked with orange fence posts, it is a primitive camp site horse shoe around a fire pit. Please don’t burn garbage or cut down any trees. The road is very bumpy please take it slow. 4166 Wooded Ln.
Pets
from 
$40
 / night
Homestead@LittleTrailCreekCabins

9. Homestead@LittleTrailCreekCabins

100%
(8)
33mi from West Yellowstone · 1 site · Lodging · Gardiner, MT
We purchased the property in 2016 to share with travelers. There are three other rentals on the property. Learn more about this land: Shawn has been a nurse for 20+ years and understands the importance of a clean environment.  Take a step back in time. Imagine yourself as an original Homesteader in this early 1900's cabin. But with modern convinces. 5 minutes from Gardiner, Montana - The North Entrance to Yellowstone & Yellowstone Hot Springs. We provide delicious well water! Little Trail Creek runs thru the property. There are two rooms in the cabin. Dining table, kitchen supply hutch & wood stove in the main room.Two queen beds, a small cot in the bedroom. There is one chandelier and 1 outlet in each room. There is one extra cabin with one queen bed available for an additional fee. It is 4 feet from the homestead. It is only available for use by guests of the homestead cabin, so it is private. There is a gorgeous new shower house built in 2023. It provides a large walk in shower, vanity and sink, outlet and standard flush toilet.   Candles, oil lanterns, propane for the BBQ grill, campfire ring, camp chairs, wood stove, towels, hot springs & river towels, bedding, pots, pans, utensils, basic camp supplies are all included! There is a separate shack with an electrical outlet, toaster oven, electric coffee pot, percolator, a single electric burner for the cooking supplies. There are 3 other rentals on this property. Each cabin has 1 - 1.5 acres of private use and are generously spaced out.The Homestead cabin is bordered by Little Trail Creek and the house pasture. There are 5 horses on site.  Absorkee Wilderness is in the back yard with thousands of miles of hiking trails. This is a Glamping experience. There my be wildlife - including bears, elk, deer, bugs or field mice at anytime. We have tried to preserve the Homestead cabin as much as possible to its original state. There are elk, deer, birds and other native wildlife on the property daily.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$245
 / night
Targhee National Forest

10. Targhee National Forest

85%
(17)
469 sites · Wyoming
You’ll want to allow yourself plenty of time to take advantage of all that Targhee National Forest has to offer. On several million acres, waterfalls cascade down volcanic cliffs, and crystal clear pools provide some of the best cutthroat trout fishing in the world. Rafters and tubers frolic in the shadows of the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone, and the smell of campfires makes you feel like an Oregon Trailer. Ancient rock formations sprout wildflowers, providing a scenic spot to boulder or rock climb, and Big Spring & Palisades Reservoir boasts over 70 miles of shoreline to bask in the sun after a long day of hiking. Two of the trails here access the high-altitute Alaska Basin, as well as trails in Grand Teton National Park. You’ll also be right next to the city of Idaho Falls, perfect for stocking up on the essentials before a full day of exploring grizzly bear habitats and karst limestone formations, all under the watchful eye of the snow-peaked Tetons!
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
Caribou National Forest

11. Caribou National Forest

79%
(7)
270 sites · Idaho
The smaller of the two parks in Caribou-Targhee National Forests, Caribou is a welterweight not to be underestimated. Just south of its older brother, this land spans Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho, and is a crucial spot for supporting caribou populations. None of the animals here are bashful: bison, moose, deer, mountain lions, falcons, elk, and even black bears abound! Beautiful to snap shot from a distance. Just south of the forest, Bear Lake is a fun spot to take a dip after you hike one of Caribou’s dozens of peaks (Mead Peak and Hawks Peak have gorgeous views, as does Big Elk Mountain at the northern tip of the park). At the south end, you’ll find campgrounds, fast flowing creeks, and the Minnetonka Cave at St. Charles Canyon. This is a site to see, but it stays 40 degrees down there all year so be sure to pack a coat, even if you’re sweating above ground. When you’re done, stop in the charming small town of Montpelier, surrounded by rolling hills and full of retro grocers and kitschy eateries. Yum!
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
Arcadia Hangout: Cabin by Reservoir

14. Arcadia Hangout: Cabin by Reservoir

100%
(3)
43mi from West Yellowstone · 1 site · Lodging · Ashton, ID
Learn more about this land: Four-season rustic cabin that can sleep up to 6 adults and up to 10 total.  Access by vehicle (summer) or snowmobile (winter).  Separate indoor kitchen/eating areas vs sleeping area (inside sturdy vinyl Army tent).  Wood stove inside the tent will keep you warm all night.  Bring your own sleeping bags, food, and water.  Primitive outhouse near the yurt.  So much to do - so much to see (moose and deer are commonplace). SUMMER: Access to private lake: swimming and fishing and boating (no gas engines allowed). Private sand dune area for ATVs, with access to hundreds of miles of public land trails. St Anthony Sand Dunes, Civil Defense Caves, Ice Caves and Island Park Reservoir are all accessible on an ATV day trip.  Yellowstone National Park is an 80 minute drive, though accessing the property requires a 6.5 mile drive on a dirt road, a total of 25 minutes from Ashton.  Two campfire rings on the property to choose from for your evening gatherings.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$79
 / night
Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park and Cabins

15. Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park and Cabins

0.5mi from West Yellowstone · 124 sites · West Yellowstone, MT
Experience the charm of Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park in West Yellowstone, Montana, where our welcoming staff is dedicated to making your stay unforgettable. What sets us apart is our prime location—just four blocks from the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park, allowing you easy access to breathtaking natural wonders, dining options, shopping, and local attractions all within a short stroll. Nearby, you can explore the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center, catch a thrilling film at the IMAX Theatre, or delve into history at the Museum and Historic Center. For the adventurous, the aerial ropes course offers an exciting challenge just a couple of blocks away. West Yellowstone serves as an ideal base for discovering the stunning landscapes of Yellowstone National Park and the nearby Gallatin National Forest. The area is renowned for its exceptional fly fishing in the numerous lakes, streams, and rivers. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of activities, including horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, float trips, and guided tours of Yellowstone Park. We invite you to visit us and unwind in our beautiful RV Park and cozy cabins!

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field