The best camping in Yellowstone National Park, WY

Yellowstone camping fees vary depending on the campground and the type of site you choose. Most campgrounds within Yellowstone National Park charge between $15 and $47 per night for a basic tent site or RV site. Some campgrounds also offer group sites, which can cost up to $60 per night. Additionally, there are a few campgrounds outside of the park that may have different pricing structures. You can explore various camping options in and around Yellowstone at Hipcamp.

It can be challenging to get a campsite in Yellowstone National Park, especially during the peak season (June through September). The park has 12 campgrounds, and seven of them accept reservations. The other five campgrounds are first-come, first-served, which can fill up quickly during peak times. To increase your chances of securing a campsite, consider the following tips:

• Make a reservation as early as possible for campgrounds that accept reservations. You can make reservations through Yellowstone National Park Lodges.
• For first-come, first-served campgrounds, arrive early in the morning to increase your chances of getting a site.
• Consider camping during the shoulder seasons (May and October), when the park is less crowded and campsites are easier to find.
• Explore camping options outside of the park, such as in nearby national forests or private campgrounds. Some options include Montana Glamping at Yellowstone Park and Idaho Yellowstone Wander Camp.

No, you cannot camp anywhere in Yellowstone National Park. Camping is only allowed in designated campgrounds and backcountry campsites. There are 12 campgrounds within the park, including Mammoth Hot Springs Campground and Grant Village Campground. Some campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while others require reservations. For those seeking a more remote experience, Yellowstone has a system of backcountry campsites that require a permit. You must obtain a backcountry permit before camping in these designated sites. Keep in mind that backcountry camping in Yellowstone requires proper planning, knowledge of park regulations, and adherence to Leave No Trace principles. For more information on camping options in Yellowstone, visit the Yellowstone National Park camping page.

The best months to camp in Yellowstone National Park are from June to September, when the weather is mild and most park facilities and campgrounds are open. July and August are the peak months for visiting the park, with pleasant daytime temperatures averaging 70-80°F (21-27°C). However, these months also see the highest influx of visitors, which can result in crowded campgrounds and attractions. For a less crowded experience, consider visiting in June or September, but be prepared for cooler temperatures, especially at night. Keep in mind that some campgrounds and facilities may close after Labor Day in September.

Securing a Yellowstone National Park campsite reservation is usually a challenge due to the park's popularity. Camping trips typically need to be planned months in advance and even then, available campsites can book up within minutes. The good news is that you have other options for last-minute Yellowstone National Park campsite reservations. Try snagging one by setting up a free Hipcamp alert for any Yellowstone campground. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.

Most Yellowstone National Park campsite reservations open up months in advance. However, it's notoriously difficult to secure a Yellowstone reservation even if you plan ahead, as campsites are often booked up within minutes. To increase your chances of snagging a campsite, set up a free Hipcamp alert for any Yellowstone campground. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.