Review: Canyon Campground of Yellowstone.

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At Canyon Campground entrance sign surrounded by trees.

Photo provided by National Park Service

Table of Contents

  • Introduction

  • Canyon Campground Location

  • Amenities of Canyon Campground

  • Best Time to Visit Canyon Campground

  • Activities in and Around the Campground

  • Canyon Campground's Proximity to Yellowstone's Attractions

  • Wildlife Safety Tips

  • Packing List for Camping at Canyon Campground

  • How to Get to Canyon Campground

  • Nearby Services and Supplies

  • How to Make a Reservation

  • Guide Along - Your In-Car Tour Guide

  • Conclusion

Canyon Campground: The Heart of Yellowstone's Attractions.

Canyon Campground in Yellowstone National Park is centrally located in the heart of one of Yellowstone's best attractions and features. Located off the Grand Loop near Canyon Village, the campground is easily accessible from both the North and South Loops of Yellowstone. You can access the campground from either the North Entrance or the East Entrance.

Canyon Campground's location is near waterfalls, hikes, the Yellowstone River, and all the major sites. The campground is adjacent to Canyon Village, a friendly hub of shops, restaurants, and internet access.

The breathtaking view from Artist Point overlooking the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone on a rainy day.

The breathtaking view from Artist Point overlooking the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone on a rainy day.

Amenities of Canyon Campground.

The campground has a lot of great amenities and services that will make your camping experience great, especially for families.

  • 273 Sites Available: Plenty of space for campers.

  • Bathrooms and Sinks: All campsites have access to bathrooms with running water.

  • Laundry Service: Convenient for longer stays.

  • Hot Showers: Two per night are included in the rate per site.

  • Fire Pit: Firewood for sale at the office.

  • Ice for Sale: Available on-site.

  • Picnic Tables: Provided at each campsite.

Best Time to Visit Canyon Campground.

The best time to visit Canyon Campground is during the summer months, from late June to early September. During this period, the weather is more favorable, and most of the park's facilities and roads are open. However, be prepared for cooler nights, even in summer. The fall season, in September and October, also offers beautiful scenery with fewer crowds, but be aware that some facilities may close in mid-September.

Activities in and Around the Campground.

Enjoy the 20 miles of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone with hikes below and above the canyon. At the Canyon Visitor Center, you can shop and enjoy huckleberry ice cream.

  • Hiking Trails: Cascade Lake, Mount Washburn, and the Canyon Rim Trails, including Brink of the Lower Falls Trail, Seven Mile Hole Trail, and Point Sublime Trail.

  • Canyon Visitor Center: Features ice cream, a sit-down burger restaurant, restrooms, and a water bottle filling station.

  • Canyon General Store: Offers supplies and huckleberry ice cream.

Hiking the Brink of the Lower Falls Trail in Yellowstone.

Canyon Campground's Proximity to Yellowstone's Attractions.

Canyon Campground's location is near some of Yellowstone's most fantastic attractions. You are at the corner top of the East Upper Loop and East Lower Loop. The Upper Loop is a whopping 142 miles, and the Lower is 96 miles. The Lower Loop is the most famous attraction in Yellowstone, home to Old Faithful.

Bison grazing in Hayden Valley with mountains in the background.

Wildlife Safety Tips.

Camping in Yellowstone means being in bear country. Follow these safety tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip:

Food storage sign from Yellowstone National Park

Food storage sign from Yellowstone National Park

  • Store Food Properly: Use bear-proof food storage containers or hang your food high in a tree.

  • Keep a Clean Camp: Dispose garbage properly and clean your campsite to avoid attracting wildlife.

  • Stay Alert: Be aware of your surroundings and make noise while hiking to avoid surprising animals.

Packing List for Camping at Canyon Campground.

For a successful camping experience at Canyon Campground, consider bringing the following items:

  • Tent and Sleeping Gear: Tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad.

  • Cooking Supplies: Portable stove, cookware, and utensils.

  • Food and Water: Enough food and a way to purify water.

  • Clothing: Layers to accommodate varying temperatures.

  • Safety Gear: Bear spray, first aid kit, and a map of the area.

  • Lighting: Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries.

Please check out our blogs on the best camping gear, including tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cook sets, attachable cook stems, cook stem fuel, and camping tips for beginner campers.

How to Get to Canyon Campground.

Canyon Campground is accessible via the North or East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Follow the Grand Loop Road and take North Canyon Road near Canyon Village. The campground is well-signposted and easy to find.

How to Make a Reservation?

Most campgrounds in Yellowstone require reservations. The park allows you to make them as far out as 13 months. These campgrounds book up fast. In 2021, 4.86 million people visited Yellowstone. Some people make their reservations a year in advance. This is a very popular campground because of its location.

Be ready to give your tent sizes when you call to reserve. Reservations can be made through Yellowstone National Park Lodges for Canyon Campground.

In conclusion

Canyon Campground is an excellent choice. You are right at the heart of one of the best features in the park. You can spend a whole day in this one area. And you have showers. Not all campgrounds have showers as part of your fee.

You can't go wrong if you stay at one of the campgrounds affiliated with Yellowstone National Park Lodges. The other managed set is more off the grid. It also depends on what attractions you want to see and if more authentic camping is what you seek.

And please, please keep your distance from the wildlife. It is for your safety.

Guide Along is a Tour Guide in Your Car.

Guide Along is a location-based tour guide in your vehicle. The guide gives you the park's history, sites, and hidden gems. His voice is great. We would have missed a lot of great information and sites we enjoyed if we did not have this. Click the banner below to purchase Yellowstone. You won’t regret it.

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Your Guide to Grant Village Campground in Yellowstone.

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